This [Union/Student Union] notes with grave concern:
- The arrest and detention of leading members of the Awami Action Committee Gilgit-Baltistan (AAC-GB), including chairman Ehsan Ali, Nusrat Hussain, Mehboob Wali, Nafees Advocate and Mehar Ali on 10 March.
- These arrests have been condemned by human rights organisations Amnesty International and Genocide Watch.
- Amnesty writes that the AAC leaders have been “arbitrarily detained for over 45 days under Pakistan’s anti-terrorism law, solely for peacefully exercising their rights to assembly and expression. The charges stem from allegations that 13 AAC members made ‘anti-state’ speeches during an Iftar dinner on 8 March and made plans to arrange a protest, all rights guaranteed under international human rights law.”
- Ehsan Ali is in poor health, having already contracted pneumonia while in custody. As a result, Amnesty “has raised grave concerns regarding his right to life and due process.”
- Hundreds of trade unions, politicians, political parties and public figures have already called for the AAC leaders’ release, including former Greek Finance Minister Yannis Varoufakis, MP and ex-British Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell, philosopher Slavoj Žižek, the Democratic Socialists of America International Committee and the British Medical Association.
- Campaigners allege that Amara Sattar, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Danyor, Gilgit Circle, was informed about Ehsan Ali’s critical health condition, requiring hospitalisation, and responded: “Leave it, there are orders from above… let him die.”
This [Union/Student Union] believes:
- These arrests represent a clear attack on democratic rights and trade union organising.
- The criminalisation of peaceful political activity sets a dangerous precedent for workers’ movements globally.
- International solidarity is essential to defend the right to organise against exploitation and oppression.
- The struggle of workers in Gilgit-Baltistan against poverty and resource extraction is part of the broader international working-class movement.
This [Union/Student Union] resolves to:
- Condemn the politically motivated arrests and demand the immediate and unconditional release of all detained AAC-GB leaders and activists.
- Write to the Pakistani High Commissioners and Ambassadors in various Pakistani embassies demanding the release of all arrested comrades and an end to state repression in Gilgit-Baltistan.
- Call on members to sign the public petition calling for Ehsan Ali and the AAC members’ release
- Encourage members to participate in solidarity demonstrations and protests organised in support of the AAC-GB in front of Pakistani high commissions, embassies and consulates.
- Share information about this case through union/organisation communications, social media, and educational materials.
- Affiliate to future solidarity campaigns and maintain ongoing support for democratic movements in Pakistan.
This [Union/Student Union] commits to:
- Monitoring developments in this case and taking further action as required.
- Building links with international trade union organisations to coordinate solidarity efforts.
- Raising awareness of the broader struggle against imperialism and for workers’ rights in South Asia.
- Supporting similar movements facing state repression globally.
“An injury to one is an injury to all”
Proposed by: [Name]
Seconded by: [Name]
Date: [Date]