GILGIT: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has voiced concern over extensive power outages and internet disruption in Gilgit-Baltistan and demanded the recovery of a 13-year-old girl who was reportedly abducted recently.
In a press conference held here, HRCP co-chairperson Munizae Jahangir, alongside regional coordinator IsraruddinIsrar, political leader Baba Jan and women’s rights activist Yasmin Kareem, highlighted the violation of human rights in the region.
She said it was alarming that GB residents were facing over 22 hours of daily power outages and pointed out the severe repercussions of the electricity crisis on the daily lives of residents.She also brought attention to internet disruptions in the region, urging immediate action to resolve these critical issues.
Ms Jahangir also raised concern over the abduction of 13-year-old Falak Noor and questioned the effectiveness of the local police force. On Thursday, GB Chief Court Chief Justice Ali Baig directed the region’s police to produce the girl in court.
Ms Jahangir criticised the police for their alleged support of the accused and stressed the importance of a fair trial to determine the girl’s age. She called on the governments of Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to ensure justice for Falak Noor’s family.
The HRCP co-chairperson also highlighted the lack of a forensic lab in the region to investigate sensitive cases, mentioning the case of an 18-year-old girl found in the Gilgit River after missing for 24 days.
Meanwhile, Minister for food Gilgit Baltistan Ghulam Muhammad has said the government is taking policy-based steps to ensure the supply of quality food and all resources are being utilized in this regard.
Addressing the consultative session in Gilgit to devise a comprehensive strategy for better nutrition by the Planning and Development Department, he said strict disciplinary action is being taken on the delivery and sale of sub-standard food items in all districts of Gilgit Baltistan.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Planning and Development Raja Nasir Ali Khan said concrete steps will be taken to ensure the availability of food items to the consumers and the establishment of a food testing laboratory to ensure supply of quality food.
Special Assistant on Information Iman Shah said that the media and other stakeholders need to adopt a coordinated strategy to spread awareness for the promotion of better nutrition.
Furthermore, the National College of Arts (NCA) Gilgit Campus is an initiative to provide art, design, and architecture education in the region.According to NCA, this initiative will also mitigate the financial strain on prospective students and facilitate students with education at their doorstep.
The Gilgit campus has equipment for studios, laboratories, lecture theatres, and a library, said an official of NCA Gilgit Campus.The faculty comprises core permanent faculty, as well as visiting and contractual faculty, both national and international.
