Interior Minister, Rehman Malik on Wednesday said some hidden forces involved in the Gilgit-Baltistan clashes and were trying to disrupt peace and development in the area. The anti-state elements do not want progress in Gilgit-Baltistan, he said this while talking to reporters at the rear of his meeting with Ulema belonging to different schools of thought.
After the unfortunate incident in Kohistan last month, patrolling of police and Frontier Constabulary (FC) has been enhanced, while police have been further empowered, the minister said. Malik said that during his last month visit to Gilgit-Baltistan, the authority presented some demands, which have been fulfilled. The number of PIA flights to Gilgit has been increased, while compensation money for the victims of Kohistan incident was already given to the Gilgit authorities, he said.
He said the clashes have nothing to do with sectarianism rather hidden forces are involved and these would be identified soon, adding that the role of Ulema is very important for ensuring peace in the country and the Ministry of Interior would arrange a conference and Ulema from different schools of thought would be invited to attended it.
Malik said that police in Gilgit-Baltistan was being equipped with modern gadgets, while their number was also being increased. As per directives of President and the Prime Minister, those who lose their lives in Gilgit-Baltistan clashes would be compensated for which funds have been approved.
He said that the investigators have gathered evidences and people involved in the killing of innocent people would soon be arrested. "It is premature to say that who are involved in the clashes," he said. He appealed to the people and Ulema of Gilgit-Baltistan to play their role in normalising the situation in the area. Regarding US bounty on Hafiz Saeed, Rehman Malik said in this regard government of Pakistan was not taken on-board.
He said before announcing the bounty, the US authorities should have informed the government of Pakistan or at least Interpol, but "I categorically state that the US did not take Pakistan's authorities on board." He said Ministry of Foreign Affairs had been asked to confirm the reports. Rehman Malik also thanked Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Former Senator, Abbas Kumeli and MQM Chief Altaf Hussain for their role in normalising situation in Gilgit- Baltistan.
Ulema including Mufti Munibur Rehman, Mufti Nazir Farooqui, Qazi Niaz Hassan Naqvi and a number of others condemned the incidents in GB and said all the sects are living in Pakistan with peace and there is no atmosphere of sectarianism. All Ulema announced to hold Peace March in Gilgit-Baltistan.