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.
- That these comrades have been groundlessly charged under anti-terror laws and accused of “inciting violence”, charges that seem to be politically motivated.
- The judge at Ehsan Ali’s hearing on 26 March even acknowledged that attending an iftar dinner does not constitute a “simple crime”, let alone an act of terrorism.
- Ehsan Ali is in poor health, having already contracted pneumonia while in custody. His life could be in danger if this situation continues.
- It has been alleged 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.”
- In 2025, Ehsan Ali was placed on Pakistan’s notorious “Fourth Schedule” – legislation originally designed for monitoring terrorists – severely restricting his freedom of movement.
- That same year, Ehsan Ali and 14 other leading members of the AAC-GB spent three months in jail after being charged under anti-terror laws. They were released on bail on 14 August, which suggests the charges were baseless.
- These previous arrests occurred as the AAC-GB planned a meeting to address the ownership of natural resources in Gilgit-Baltistan.
- The political persecution of the AAC-GB by the Pakistan state is thus well-established and longstanding.
- That the AAC-GB has successfully organised mass movements which have secured vital concessions on flour subsidies, electricity provision, healthcare, and education for communities living in extreme poverty.
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.
- 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 with the Pakistan Trade Union Solidarity Campaign and maintain ongoing support for democratic movements in Pakistan.