On seeing the women, and children, with placards standing on the sides of the Karakoram Highway, in front of the scenic Rakaposhi mountain, the motorcade of the Chief Justice came to a halt. Justice Saqib Nisar inquired about the issues of the protesters, and Baba Jan’s brother handed over a letter to the Chief Justice, seeking his intervention for the release of Baba Jan and other progressive leaders and activists who have been given multiple life-sentences by an anti-terrorism court.

Justice Saqib Nisar took the letter and assured the family members that justice will be done.

The progressive leaders and workers were sentenced on charges of damaging public and government property during protests after a father and son were shot dead at point blank by Police in Hunza on August 11, 2010.

The incarcerated workers have denied the allegations of their involvement in the arson and violent protests, and maintain that they are being punished for vocally opposing Islamabad’s “misrule” in the region.

Pamir Times