GILGIT: Governor of Gilgit-Baltistan Syed Mehdi Shah has strongly condemned the missile attacks launched by India on Pakistani cities including Bahawalpur, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad, terming them acts of terrorism, aggression, and a grave threat to regional peace.
Syed Mehdi Shah lauded the Pakistan Air Force for its timely and befitting response, which resulted in downing six Indian fighter jets. He also praised the Pakistan Army for destroying the Khaki Tekri post through artillery fire, paying tribute to their effective action.
He stated that such provocative acts by India are unacceptable and made it clear that the people and armed forces of Pakistan are fully prepared to give a strong and decisive response to any form of hostility. By targeting civilian areas, India has martyred innocent women and children, exposing the extremist mindset of Narendra Modi — the butcher of Gujarat.
Expressing deep concern over India’s targeting of Pakistani territories the Governor urged the international community to immediately take notice of India’s reckless and irresponsible behavior.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to peace, Governor Shah warned that any aggression will be met with full force. He declared that the armed forces of Pakistan will respond robustly to Indian attacks, and those who challenge the sovereignty and integrity of the motherland will be taught a harsh lesson.
Earlier, protest rallies and demonstrations against India continued on a second consecutive day across Gilgit-Baltistan, denouncing the announcement by the Modi government to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty.
The rallies organised by religious parties, civil society organisations, and political parties took place in various cities, including Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, Diamer, Ghizer, Astore, Ghanche, Shigar, Kharmang and Nagar.
Elected members of the GB Assembly, religious leaders, civil society members, and students participated in the rallies.
The marchers announced their unflinching support to Pakistan’s armed forces to defend the country from any misadventure from India. They also carried placards inscribed with slogans such as “GB will never allow illegal occupation of water”.
Tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan is suffering as tensions rise between India and Pakistan. Many foreign tourists have cancelled their trips, causing big losses for local tour operators. According to Ali Anwar Khan, General Secretary of the Gilgit-Baltistan Tour Operators Association, each operator has lost between $50,000 (Rs. 14.1 million) and $80,000 (Rs. 22.5 million) this year.
The main reason is fear of conflict after a deadly attack in India-occupied Kashmir in April. Many countries have issued travel warnings, and tourists from Europe, Thailand, and other places have cancelled their bookings.
Some tourists who are already in Gilgit-Baltistan want to leave early because they are worried about safety. The situation has also affected mountaineers who come to climb peaks like K2. Legal issues over permit fees have delayed the process, and hundreds of foreign climbers are waiting for clarity.
Last year, about 25,000 foreign tourists visited the region of Gilgit-Baltistan. This year, the number is much lower because of the current situation. Domestic tourism is still strong, with 1.5 million Pakistanis visiting last year, but the loss of foreign tourists is a big setback for the local economy.
