Map of Kohistan

On 1 July 2012, local clerics in Kohistan delivered the final edict against non-governmental organisations operating in the district.

The clerics branded their activities as Haram, which means forbidden under Islam context.

In a meeting at Jamia Masjid Kamila, over 150 clerics from across the district stated that they will not offer funeral prayers for the people who continue to be beneficiaries of any NGO. Funeral prayers are important for Muslims. If someone dies, they cannot be buried until the funeral prayers are offered. The clerics also formed a 34-member committee for the purpose of making sure that NGOs pack up and leave the area. The committee will meet again on 14 July 2012 on the next actions if NGOs have not leave the district.

The threat against NGOs in the district has started since 4 May 2012 when former member of Pakistan National Assembly Mr Maulvi Abdul Haleem issued a verbal threat against women human rights defenders operating in the district.

For more information, please see the original urgent appeal dated 10 May 2012 (https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/node/18280) and the update on the case dated 26 June 2012 (https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/node/18742)

You can find additional information on the situation for human rights Defenders in Pakistan. HERE