Gilgit-Baltistan based AAC calls for shutdown, demands CPEC rollback

The Gilgit-Baltistan based Awami Action Committee (AAC) has called for an indefinite shutdown across the region, saying they will not be holding down their protest unless and until Pakistan withdraws its security forces and also rollbacks the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The people of Gilgit-Baltistan believe that CPEC will exploit its water resources which would only benefit Pakistan. Locals are worried about the increasing Chinese footprint in the region. As markets, shopping malls and medical stores remained closed, people in the two areas faced difficulty to get essential items.

The leadership of Gilgit-Baltistan has been objecting to the controversial corridor for months.

The AAC is also demanding a complete withdrawal of Pakistan forces from its soil.

The committee is also against the lack of share for Gilgit-Baltistan in CPEC.

The AAC leadership made this demand on Monday as Pakistani authorities moved to impose further restrictions in Gilgit.

The strike call comes days after a powerful senate committee, headed by Senator Taj Haider, visited the region to review CPEC projects.

Committee members that met several delegations during their three-day stay in Gilgit-Baltistan and confirmed that the region had no share in the CPEC.

The AAC is an alliance of around 23 religious, nationalist and political groups and was formed in 2014 with the single objective of lowering wheat prices.