Amid recent protests in Gilgit-Baltistan against crackdown by the Pakistani security forces, Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms Ahsan Iqbal has said that those protesting against the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will be charged under anti-terrorism laws.
Quoting the Minister, Gilgit Baltistan National Congress Director Senge Hasnan Sering tweeted, “Those protesting in #GilgitBaltistan against China led #CPEC will be charged under anti-terrorism laws: Minister Dr Iqbal.”
The people of Gilgit-Baltistan believe that CPEC will exploit its water resources which would only benefit Pakistan. The locals are also worried about the increasing Chinese footprint in the region.