Leading members of the Aawami Action Committee in the Pakistan-administered region of Gilgit Baltistan have been arrested. They are being held in appalling conditions, on trumped-up charges. Their crime? Standing up for working people and resisting the plunder of their lands! The Revolutionary Communist International is running a global campaign to secure the comrades’ release – and we need your help!
RCI comrades and supporters have been protesting outside of Pakistani embassies, high commissions and consulates; and collecting signatures from prominent political figures, including politicians, famous activists and leading trade unionists. Watch the video below to get up to speed on the progress of the campaign so far…
This campaign must escalate! We will not rest until all of our unjustly imprisoned comrades have been safely returned! But for this campaign to succeed, we require the maximum possible solidarity and pressure.
We therefore invite our readers to take the following steps to help secure our comrades’ release:
- GET IN TOUCH with your nearest RCI group and join our protests outside of Pakistani embassies, consulates and high commissions!
- WRITE to politicians, individual trade union/student union leaders, activists and public figures, and ask them to support our campaign! There is a list of prominent supporters here. Please let us know of any responses at aacgb-solidarity@marxist.com.
- CONTACT your Pakistani embassy/consulate/high commission, either individually or on behalf of a trade union/student union/political organisation. Please let us know of any responses at aacgb-solidarity@marxist.com. You can find a model letter here.
- PASS A MOTION in your trade union/student union and let us know at aacgb-solidarity@marxist.com. You can find a model motion text here.
The situation so far
Gilgit-Baltistan is an administrative region of Pakistan. Corruption, exploitation and theft have left it in an extreme state of poverty and underdevelopment, although the territory is abundant in natural resources, particularly mineral wealth and water.
The administrative regime continually loots Gilgit-Baltistan on behalf of its masters in Islamabad. Locals are deprived of their livelihoods and lands, and the vibrant local ecosystem has been wrecked.
Eshan Ali (from the Inqalabi Communist Party) set up an Awami Action Committee (a form of community defence organisation) in Giglit Baltistan in 2014.
The AAC-GB has fought tirelessly on behalf of ordinary people for over a decade, campaigning for democratic rights, for the maintenance of subsidies on basic goods like wheat flour and for the provision of basic health and education facilities for the people of the region. The AAC-GB has also resisted the environmental destruction inflicted on the territory through intense capitalist exploitation.
Last year, after a successful mass movement concluded in February, the government of Gilgit-Baltistan, under the dictates of Islamabad, put Ali on the Fourth Schedule: an anti-terrorism measure that placed him under continuous surveillance by the authorities. But that didn’t stop his political activity.
In February 2024, tens of thousands mobilised from all across Gilgit Baltistan for a successful sit-in in Gilgit city, led by the Awami Action Committee under the leadership of Ehsan Ali. They presented demands for restoring a subsidy on wheat flour, along with demands for employment, healthcare and education.
Then, in April 2025, a movement erupted in Diamer District, in which thousands of people affected by the construction of a huge dam protested for compensation payments. Ehsan Ali was invited as the guest speaker at the protestors’ main rally. The government was later forced to partially accept the demands of the movement.
The last straw was a planned mass meeting called for 24-25 May, to continue the movement for rights promised but not delivered by the government, as well as against the land reforms bill presented in the Gilgit-Baltistan assembly, which would open the region to further looting.
On 15 May, a wave of arrests was launched targeting leaders of the AAC-GB with the intention of decapitating the organisation. In total, 11 have been taken into custody so far. All are being tried under anti-terror laws and have consequently been denied bail.
A number of other prominent members of the Awami Action Committee have not been taken into custody, but have been placed under surveillance and had their movements restricted.
The comrades face torture and abuse in prison. Eshan Ali, who is in his 60s, is in a very bad physical state. He was moved briefly to a hospital, but was then returned to jail after refusing to sign a statement proclaiming loyalty to Pakistan and condemning the other arrested leaders.
Our campaign presents the following demands:
- That all the demands of the AAC-GB be accepted immediately.
- The immediate release of Ehsan Ali and all members of AAC-GB.
- That the fabricated case brought against them be quashed.
- The immediate removal of Ehsan Ali’s name from the Fourth Schedule.
- That his right to free movement be immediately restored.
- An end to all restrictions on his political activities.
Prominent campaign supporters
Austria
- Selma Schacht, Chamber of Labour Councillor
- Nadir Aykut, Chamber of Labour Councillor
- Elisabeth Sahan, Chamber of Labour Councillor
- Sarah Ott, works council member at LOK
- Martin Gutlederer, Staff Representative – Ottakring Clinic; Delegate to the Younion State Conference
- Lisa Auer, Staff Representative – Ottakring Clinic; Delegate to the Younion State Conference
- Paul Höllhumer, Staff Representative – Ottakring Clinic
- Johannes Wölflingseder, Chairman of the Works Council – BHS Vienna; Chairman of Region 1 Vida Vienna
- Patrick Kaiser, Staff Representative – Floridsdorf Clinic; State Chairman of GLB Vienna
- Zenon Khayat, Works Council Member at Thalia Vienna
- Martin Zuba, Works Council Member at Gesundheit Österreich GmbH
- Markus Haunschmid, staff representative of the compulsory school sector in the Vienna West 4 departmental committee
- Kommunistische Gewerkschaftsinitiative (KOMintern)
- Kommunistische Jugend Österreich (KJÖ)
Belgium
- Roland Vanderbeke, ACOD Oostende
- Yves Brusseel, former chairperson of ACOD VDAB
- Abdellah, militant of Socialist Metal Workers Union
- Paulette Vermeersch, ACOD Council Workers Union of Antwerpen
- Hilde Willaert, chairperson, socialist teachers union Oost-Vlaanderen
- André Gonsalis, former chairman socialist public service union Veurne
Brazil
- Glauber Brauga, MP for PSOL
- Union of Municipal Employees of Joinville-SC
- Water and Sewage workers of Joinville
- Univille Students’ Union
Denmark
- Jan Hoby, Vice Chairman, National Association of Social Educators
France
- Secours Rouge
- Syndicat UNL
- Les Jeunes de l’APRÈS
Germany
- Ferat Koçak, Die Linke, MdB
Greece
- Konstantinos Papadakis, Lawyer; former Athens City Councillor; former Member of the Board of the Athens Bar Association; Civil Action Counsel in the Golden Dawn trial
- Eftyhia Papalouka, Deputy Mayor, Municipality of Nea Filadelfeia, Nea Chalkidona
- Grigoris Kalomoiris, President of the Panhellenic Union of Retired Educators
- Evangelos Kitsonis, President of the Panhellenic Union of ICAP Employees
- Ilias Stavrianos, President of the Panhellenic Union of Vantage Towers Employees
- Dimitrios Chatzistelios, Secretary of the Board of the Panhellenic Union of Vodafone, Panafon Employees
- Matthaios Velogiannis, Board Member of the Panhellenic Union of Research and Higher Education Employees (SERETE)
- Alexandros Sarantos, Deputy Secretary in the Board of the DEH Pensioners Association of Megalopolis; Board Member, Panhellenic Federation of DEH Pensioners (POS/DEI)
- Orestis Doulos, Board Member of Panhellenic Union of Vantage Towers Employees
- Anastasia Stavropoulou, Board Member of the Athens Bar Association (Alternative Intervention, Legal Overthrow)
- Giorgos Ortantzoglou, President of the Employees Union of the Municipality of Filadelfeia, Chalkidona
- Anastasia Matsouka, Board Member of the Athens Bar Association (Alternative Intervention, Legal Overthrow)
- Yannis Xydis, Member of the Political Secretariat of MeRA25
- Vasilis Kafantaris, Member of the General Council of OELMEK (Cyprus)
- Giorgos Lechouritis, Member of the Scientific Committee of the Union of Prevention Workers
- Thanasis Kampagiannis, Lawyer, former Member of the Board of the Athens Bar Association
- Giorgos Souvaliotis, Member of the Board of the Union of Salaried Engineers (Patras Branch)
- Yiannos Giannopoulos, Former Member of the Executive Committee of the Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE); Member of the Union of Salaried Engineers
- Dimitra Rompoti, Lawyer (Athens); Member of the Union of Salaried Lawyers; former Member of the Board of the Athens Labour Centre
- Dinos Palaistidis, Trade unionist from the Union of Book, Paper, Digital Media Employees of Attica (ΣΥΒΧΨΑ)
- Eugenia Kouniaki, Lawyer; former Member of the Board of the Athens Bar Association with the Alternative Intervention, Legal Uprising
- Angeliki Serafeim, Lawyer; former Member of the Board of the Athens Bar Association with the Alternative Intervention, Legal Uprising
- Giorgis Vlachos, Lawyer; former Member of the Board of the Athens Bar Association with the Alternative Intervention, Legal Uprising
- Theodoros Symeonidis, Lawyer; former Member of the Board of the Athens Bar Association with the Alternative Intervention, Legal Uprising
- Taxiarchis Sarantopoulos, Lawyer (Athens)
- Evangelos Trimponias, Lawyer (Athens)
- Vangelis K Giosmas, Lawyer (Athens)
- Patrikios Patrikounakos, Lawyer (Athens)
- Georgia Palaiologou, Lawyer (Athens)
- Sofia Chani, Lawyer (Athens)
- Kostas Mouchlianitis, Lawyer (Athens)
Italy
- Slavoj Zizek, philosopher and essayist
- Senator Stefano Patuanelli, leader of the Five Star Movement
- Franco Bavila, editor of the magazine Rivoluzione
- Mario Iavazzi, General Assembly of the National Confederation of Labour (CGIL)
- Paolo Brini, General Assembly of the National Confederation of Labour (FIOM CGIL)
- Domenico Loffredo, General Assembly of the National Confederation of Labour (FIOM CGIL)
- Antonio Forlano, General Assembly of the National Confederation of Labour (FILT CGIL)
- Paolo Grassi, General Assembly of Nidil CGIL National
- Gianplacido Ottaviano, Rsu Fiom CGIL Bonfiglioli BO
- Francesca Esposito, Atm Milan General Assembly of CGIL Milan
- Vincenzo Chianese, Rsu Fiom CGIL Prima Components Gricignano d’Aversa Caserta
- Tomaso Perani, Rsu State University General Assembly of FLC-CGIL Milan
- Angelo Raimondi, Rsu Filcams CGIL Esselunga Corbetta-Milan
- Jeisson Zuniga Rsa, Filt CGIL Transport & Warehouses Ups Milan Shipyard
- Pedro Calderon, Filt CGIL Idealpartner Ups Milan Shipyard
- Irene Forno Rsu, Flc CGIL Milan School
- Sergio Schneider, Rsu Flc-CGIL Milan School
- Elena Ricci, RSU FP-CGIL Redaelli Institute Milan
- Daniele Chiavelli, RSU Flc CGIL School Mantua
- Ferdinando De Marco, RSU Fiom CGIL Ersistemi Parma
- Filippo Agazzi, RSU Fiom CGIL Gpi Parma
- Nensi Castro, RSA Filcams CGIL Cna Reggio Emilia
- Matteo Parlati Ferrari Maranello, General Assembly Fiom-CGIL Modena
- Giuseppe Violante, RSA Maserati General Assembly FIOM-CGIL Modena
- Giuseppe Faillace, RSU Motovario General Assembly FIOM-CGIL Modena
- Simona Leri, RSU Coop Alleanza 30 General Assembly FILCAMS CGIL Modena
- Carletto Vezzali, RSU FLAI CGIL Global Carni Modena
- Raffaele Signoriello, RSU FIOM CGIL Otis Bologna
- Luca Lanzi, RSU Fiom CGIL Manitou Modena
- Concetta VentrellI, RSU Motovario General Assembly Fiom CGIL Modena
- Ilic Vezzosi, Flc CGIL Bologna
- Ivan Serra, RSU Fiom CGIL Rcm Bologna
- Salvatore Veltri, RSU Fp CGIL Rizzoli Institute Bologna
- Anna Venezia, RSU Fp CGIL Rizzoli Institute Bologna
- Antonio Maccariello, RSU FIOM CGIL Bonfiglioli Riduttori Bologna
- Serafino Pirillo, RSU FIOM CGIL Bonfiglioli Riduttori Bologna
- Valentino Paoloni, RSU FP CGIL Asc Insieme Bologna
- Domenico Minadeo, RSU FIOM CGIL Metaltarghe Bologna
- Davide Bacchelli, RSU FIOM Ima Bologna
- Ivan Serra, RSU Fiom CGIL RCM Bologna
- Fabio Pavone, RSU FP CGIL AOSP Sant’Orsola Malpighi
- Nico Maman General Secretary, FP CGIL Bologna
- Loredana Donnici, Committee of Members FP CGIL IOR Bologna
- Giuseppe Gomini, RSU Fiom CGIL Ducati Bologna
- Gemma Giusti, General Secretary FP CGIL Bologna
- Salvatore Mercogliano, Flc CGIL Pistoia
- Diego Sabelli, Rsu Fiom CGIL Elt Rome
- Arianna Mancini, Asl Rome 2 Fp CGIL Rome
- Gabriele D’angeli, Flc CGIL Rome South
- Marco Carletti, Rsa Fisac CGIL Bff Bank Rome
- Lorenzo Esposito, RSU Fisac CGIL Bank of Italy Milan
- Francesco Favalli, RSU Flc-CGIL School Cremona
- Franco Ferrara, Executive Committee of SPI CGIL Lega Bassa Valbisagno Genoa
- Fabio Guerrini, Student Association Marxist Study Group, University of Milan
- Kevin Marocchi, Student Association Alziamo la testa, Sapienza University of Rome
- Carolina Botnaru, Student Association Rosa Luxemburg, University of Trieste
- Raffaella Lanzaro Marxist Collective, University of Bologna
- Claudia Caiazzo Karl Marx Collective, University of Modena
- Noemi Giardiello National Youth Coordinator, PCR
- Alessio Bolt Youth Coordinator, PCR Naples
- Michele Ricco Youth Coordinator, PCR Varese
- Davide Gallerani Youth Coordinator, PCR Parma
- Massimiliano Vetró Youth Coordinator, PCR Turin
Ireland
- Paul Murphy, People Before Profit–Solidarity, Teachta Dála for Dublin South-West
- Madeleine Johansson, People Before Profit Councillor for Palmerstown-Fonthill LEA, South Dublin County Council
Pakistan
- Ikhlaq Ahmed, President Karachi Electric Workers’ Union
- Karachi Bar Association of Lawyers
- General Tyre Workers’ Union
- Malir Bar Association of Lawyers, Karachi
- Balochistan, Labour Federation (around 40 unions affiliated)
- Balochistan Grand Alliance of Unions
- Mining Workers’ Union of Balochistan
- United Workers’ Federation of Balochistan
- Awami Action Committee of Azad Kashmir
- Poonch District Bar Association of Lawyers in Azad Kashmir
South Africa
- Workers and Socialist Party and Socialist Youth Movement, South Africa
USA
- Chris Smalls, Amazon Labour Union
United Kingdom
- Fiona Lali, RCP Campaigns Coordinator, Parliamentary Candidate for Stratford and Bow
- Ian Hodson, National President BFAWU
Venezuela
- Miguel Angel Hernandez, leader of the Socialism and Liberty Party (PSL Venezuela)
Model letter for embassies/high commissions/consulates:
[Date]
His/Her Excellency [Name]
High Commissioner/Ambassador of Pakistan
[Address of Pakistani Mission]
[City, Country]
Your Excellency,
Re: Urgent Appeal for the Release of Detained Leaders of Awaami Action Committee Gilgit-Baltistan
We, on behalf of [your organisation], write to express our grave concern regarding the recent arrest and detention of prominent leaders of the Awaami Action Committee – Gilgit-Baltistan (AAC-GB) by Pakistani authorities.
Details of Concern
On 16 May, Pakistani police arrested several leading figures, including:
- Advocate Ehsan Ali, Chairman of AAC-GB and advocate.
- Waheed Hassan, Media Officer of AAC-GB.
- Mehboob Wali, Vice Chairman of AAC-GB.
- Asghar Shah, Chairman of AAC-GB Youth Wing.
- Masood Ur Rehman and other committee leaders.
These individuals have been charged with “disturbing public order” following peaceful protests against restrictions on their democratic right to organise and travel freely within Pakistan.
Background to These Arrests
The detained leaders were planning a legitimate political meeting scheduled for 24-25 May in Skardu to address issues of vital importance to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan, including:
- The proposed minerals bill affecting natural resource ownership.
- Access to basic necessities, including flour subsidies.
- Provision of electricity, healthcare, and education services.
Mr Ehsan Ali has been subjected to continuous harassment by state authorities, including placement on the so-called “Fourth Schedule” – legislation that severely restricts freedom of movement, which was originally designed for monitoring suspected terrorists. This represents a gross misuse of anti-terrorism legislation against legitimate political organisers.
Democratic Rights and International Standards
The AAC-GB has operated peacefully and successfully within democratic frameworks, achieving significant victories for the people of Gilgit-Baltistan:
- Securing flour subsidies for communities facing food insecurity.
- Negotiating improved access to electricity and essential services.
- Advocating for healthcare and educational provision in underserved areas.
These activities represent legitimate political organising and advocacy that should be protected under Pakistani law and international human rights standards, including:
- The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (to which Pakistan is a signatory).
- The Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
- Pakistan’s own constitutional guarantees of freedom of assembly and expression.
Campaign Demands
In light of the above, we supporters of the solidarity campaign for the AAC-GB respectfully demand:
- Immediate and unconditional release of all detained AAC-GB leaders and activists.
- Dropping of all charges against the detained individuals, which appear to be politically motivated
- Removal of Ehsan Ali’s name from the Fourth Schedule and restoration of his full rights to freedom of movement and political activity.
- End to harassment and surveillance of AAC-GB members and supporters.
- Respect for democratic rights, including freedom of assembly, expression, and political organisation in Gilgit-Baltistan.
- Implementation of the fourteen-point charter of demands previously agreed to by the Gilgit-Baltistan government.
International Attention
We wish to inform you that this case has attracted (and is still attracting) significant international attention from:
- Trade union organisations across multiple countries.
- Student movements and civil society groups.
- Human rights organisations.
- Parliamentary representatives and elected officials.
- The continued detention of these leaders damages Pakistan’s international reputation and undermines its commitment to democratic governance and human rights.
Request for Action
We call upon you to:
- Convey these concerns urgently to the relevant authorities in Islamabad.
- Use your diplomatic influence to secure the immediate release of the detained individuals
- Provide us with an update on actions taken to address this situation.
- Facilitate dialogue between the Pakistani government and AAC-GB representatives.
In Short
The people of Gilgit-Baltistan deserve the same democratic rights and freedoms enjoyed by all Pakistani citizens. The criminalisation of peaceful political organising sets a dangerous precedent and undermines Pakistan’s democratic institutions.
We look forward to your urgent intervention in this matter and to receiving confirmation of steps taken to secure the release of these dedicated community leaders.
The international labour movement stands in solidarity with our comrades in Gilgit-Baltistan, and we will continue to monitor this situation closely.
Yours respectfully,
[Signature]
[Name and Title]
[Organisation]
[Contact Details]
CC:
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan (spokesperson.office1@mofa.gov.pk)
Minister of Interior, Pakistan (dslaw2@interior.gov.pk)
Chief Minister, Gilgit-Baltistan (info@gilgitbaltistan.gov.pk)
[Local MPs/Parliamentary Representatives]
contact@pakistansolidarity.org
Model Motion: Solidarity with Arrested Leaders of Awaami Action Committee Gilgit-Baltistan
This [Union/Student Union] notes with grave concern:
- The arrest and detention of leading members of the Awaami Action Committee – Gilgit-Baltistan (AAC-GB), including chairman Ehsan Ali, media officer Waheed Hassan, vice chairman Mehboob Wali, and youth wing chairman Asghar Shah.
- That these comrades have been charged with “disturbing public order” for peacefully protesting restrictions on their democratic right to organise.
- That Ehsan Ali has been placed on Pakistan’s notorious “Fourth Schedule” – legislation originally designed for monitoring terrorists – severely restricting his freedom of movement.
- That these arrests occurred as the AAC-GB planned a meeting to address the ownership of natural resources in Gilgit-Baltistan.
- That the AAC-GB has successfully organised mass movements which have secured vital concessions on flour subsidies, electricity provision, healthcare, and education for communities living in extreme poverty.
This [Union/Student Union] believes:
- These arrests represent a clear attack on democratic rights and trade union organising.
- The criminalisation of peaceful political activity sets a dangerous precedent for workers’ movements globally.
- International solidarity is essential to defend the right to organise against exploitation and oppression.
- The struggle of workers in Gilgit-Baltistan against poverty and resource extraction is part of the broader international working-class movement.
This [Union/Student Union] resolves to:
- Condemn the politically motivated arrests and demand the immediate and unconditional release of all detained AAC-GB leaders and activists.
- Call for the removal of Ehsan Ali’s name from the Fourth Schedule and the restoration of his full democratic rights.
- Write to the Pakistani High Commissioners and Ambassadors in various Pakistani embassies demanding the release of all arrested comrades and an end to state repression in Gilgit-Baltistan.
- Encourage members to participate in solidarity demonstrations and protests organised in support of the AAC-GB in front of Pakistani high commissions, embassies and consulates.
- Share information about this case through union/organisation communications, social media, and educational materials.
- Affiliate to future solidarity campaigns and maintain ongoing support for democratic movements in Pakistan.
This [Union/Student Union] commits to:
- Monitoring developments in this case and taking further action as required.
- Building links with international trade union organisations to coordinate solidarity efforts.
- Raising awareness of the broader struggle against imperialism and for workers’ rights in South Asia.
- Supporting similar movements facing state repression globally.
“An injury to one is an injury to all”
Proposed by: [Name]
Seconded by: [Name]
Date: [Date]
