Gilgit, May 25 -- Human rights activist Baba Jan has condemned the recent wave of repression in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan, warning that the region is witnessing an "unlawful and systematic" assault on civic rights, land ownership, and democratic process.

Baba Jan stated, "First of all, the incidents that have occurred here are deeply concerning. People who were advocating for civic rights, human rights, access to water and electricity, and better education have been arrested and subjected to torture."

He said that these acts were illegally recorded in Sikar, outside the jurisdiction of the local assembly, highlighting not only administrative overreach but also the disregard for legal boundaries in a region recognized even by st...