Martial Law By Stealth: Pakistan Imposes Military Trials On Civilians In Gilgit-Baltistan | Exclusive

Last Updated:March 21, 2026, 22:51 IST

Top Indian intelligence sources suggest that this systemic disregard for human rights is turning Pakistan into a pariah state

In a move that signals a desperate escalation of state control, CNN-News18 has learnt that the Pakistani establishment has authorised the trial of civilians in military courts within the occupied territory of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). The Inspector General of Police (IGP) for the region has formally declared that any protesters challenging the presence or authority of the Pakistan Army will now face the jurisdiction of military tribunals. This directive effectively criminalises legitimate dissent, turning political protest into an “army crime" and sparking a wave of legal and international outrage.

The insecurity of the current administration has been laid bare by the targeting of high-profile local figures. Among those now facing the weight of this military-legal machinery is Ehsan Ali, a 70-year-old veteran lawyer and activist. Ali was arrested following a speech delivered during an Iftar gathering—a traditional religious and social event—proving that the state now views even community dialogue as a direct threat to its stability. By branding a septuagenarian lawyer a military-grade threat, Rawalpindi is effectively imposing a form of “martial law by stealth" on a territory that Pakistan itself technically classifies as disputed, yet governs with colonial-era rigidity.

This move serves as a direct affront to the international community. Only four months ago, in November 2024, the United Nations Human Rights Committee explicitly directed Pakistan to review its legislation on military courts and revoke their jurisdiction over civilians. By ignoring this mandate, Pakistan is in flagrant breach of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Top Indian intelligence sources suggest that this systemic disregard for human rights is turning Pakistan into a pariah state, likely to trigger a fresh wave of condemnations from the EU, the US, and various global human rights bodies.

The repercussions of this crackdown extend far beyond the legal sphere. Pakistan’s fragile economy remains heavily dependent on the European Union’s GSP+ status, which grants duty-free access to European markets for Pakistani textiles. This trade status is contingent upon the adherence to 27 international conventions, including those related to human rights. The escalating violations in Gilgit-Baltistan give the EU clear grounds to strip Pakistan of these benefits. Losing this lifeline would lead to immediate factory closures and mass unemployment, potentially pushing an already bankrupt economy into a terminal freefall.

Gilgit-Baltistan is the strategic heart of the $60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). By ordering military trials for local protesters—many of whom belong to the region’s Shia majority—Pakistan is deepening sectarian fault lines and inviting domestic chaos. Beijing has historically shown zero tolerance for instability surrounding its flagship Belt and Road projects. Continued unrest, road blockades, and the potential for attacks on Chinese infrastructure due to local resentment could see Pakistan face severe diplomatic and financial “punishment" from its most critical ally.

Ultimately, the IGP’s order reflects a state that has lost the ability to govern through civilian institutions. By utilising military courts to target protesters in a disputed territory, Pakistan is signalling to investors and international lenders that the rule of law has been entirely superseded by military dictate. This environment not only scares off potential investment but also blocks vital aid, making Pakistan even more dependent on high-interest loans it has no capacity to repay. As the sectarian and legal divide widens, the “military court" gambit may well prove to be the spark that ignites a much larger fire in the North.

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