AhlulBayt News Agency: The conference brought together scholars, political leaders, and citizens from all walks of life to honor the sacrifices of martyrs and express solidarity with oppressed people globally.
The event was attended by families of martyrs, community leaders, members of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and citizens from across the region.
Among the keynote speakers were Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas Jafri, head of MWM Pakistan; Allama Syed Rahat Hussain Al-Hussaini; Allama Syed Hasnain Kazmi; Sheikh Zahid Hussain Zahidi; Member of National Assembly Engineer Hamid Hussain; Syed Nasir Shirazi; Agha Syed Ali Rizvi; GB Assembly Opposition Leader Kazim Mesam; Sheikh Ahmad Ali Noori; and others.
“This Land Was Not Gifted, It Was Earned with Blood”: Senator Raja Nasir Abbas
In a passionate address, MWM Chief Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas stated that the soil of Gilgit-Baltistan bears witness to the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of its people, who liberated this region through sheer will and selfless struggle.
“This land was not handed to us on a silver platter — it was earned with the blood and sacrifices of our forefathers,” he declared.
“What law or justice allows the oppression of people who gave their lives for their country? The resources of this land belong to its people. When those are taken away, how can we stay silent?”
He asserted that resistance against oppression and injustice is ingrained in the identity of Gilgit-Baltistan and emphasized that the voice of this region will continue to echo from Skardu to Islamabad.
On political alliances, he reaffirmed his support for PTI founder Imran Khan, referencing a signed agreement between MWM and the former Prime Minister:
“Even if the whole world turns away, I will stand by my word. I can give my life for my promise, but I will never break it.”
Kazim Mesam: "We Will Die Before We Let Them Steal Our Resources"
Opposition Leader Kazim Mesam delivered a fiery speech, rejecting ongoing efforts to seize land and natural resources under the guise of legislation such as the Land Reforms Act.
“We will never allow our resources to be looted. We are not afraid. We will die protecting what is rightfully ours,” he said.
“This sham setup is unacceptable. We’ll throw this crippled system into the river.”
Mesam criticized selective implementation of the Land Reforms Act, questioning why it was not enforced in Diamer, a neighboring district.
“Our people are not terrorists for demanding their rights. If roads like Shagarthang Road are not constructed, we will protest, we will block roads,” he warned.
Religious Leaders Condemn "Bloody Tourism" and Exploitation of Mineral Wealth
Allama Rahat Hussain Al-Hussaini, President of Anjuman-e-Imamia Gilgit, also condemned government policies on mining and tourism:
“You’ve turned tourism into a bloody spectacle — accidents are claiming lives. We reject the Green Tourism and Mining & Minerals Acts,” he said.
He praised local leaders like Kazim Mesam, Sheikh Akbar Rajaei, and others for preserving the dignity of Gilgit-Baltistan and refusing to sell their conscience.
“Had courageous men like them been Chief Ministers, people would have known what real leadership looks like.”
Ministers Are Taking Our Minerals, While the Innocent Rot in Jail
Sheikh Zahid Hussain Zahidi, Vice President of Anjuman-e-Imamia Skardu, said:
“Remembering martyrs is an act of worship. But today, the ones who should be in parliament are in jail, and the ones who should be in jail are in power.”
He emphasized the increasing disconnect between people and governance, accusing ruling elites of exploiting natural resources while silencing dissent.
Final Message: Resistance Will Continue
The overarching message of the conference was clear: the people of Gilgit-Baltistan will not accept exploitation, injustice, or betrayal. They demand their rightful share in the region’s resources, respect for their sacrifices, and an end to laws imposed without consent.
The voices raised in Skardu aim to resonate far beyond, pressing for accountability, autonomy, and justice — from the mountains of Gilgit-Baltistan to the halls of Islamabad.
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