Hunza Happenings

Gilgit-Baltistan first EC takes oath

2009-10-20T21:39:00.000-07:00

GILGIT: Rahim Nawaz Khan Durrani Tuesday took oath as first chief election commissioner of Gilgit-Baltistan administered by Chief Justice of Gilgit-Baltistan, Mohammad Nawaz Abassi.

There are at least 280 candidates left in field for the GB Legislature.

According to the final list issued by the first CEC of Gilgit-Baltistan, the most candidates are participating from LA-14, Ustur-2; only two candidates are taking part from LA-12, Skardu6, which is the least number of participants from a constituency.

MQM and PPP are running in close competition against each other.

A total of 370 nominations were received for 24 seats of Gilgit-Baltistan legislative assembly out of which 80 candidates have withdrawn.

Team HunzaHappenings

Students protest Gilgit-Baltistan package

2009-10-20T21:32:00.000-07:00

ABBOTTABAD: The Karakoram Students Organisation (KSO) staged protest demonstration against the government’s so-called Gilgit-Baltistan package, outside the press club on Sunday.

The protesters were led by Kashif Ali Bonji, Mujahid Ali, Mehr Baz, Manzoor Ahmad, Asmatullah, Akramullah and Tassawar Mehdi.They said before the Gilgit-Baltistan package, the political parties and the Kashmiri leadership was not taken on board. They added that 1.5 million residents of the region were ignored in the announced package.

They said that all the powers were vested in the president while a non-elected person was made chairman in the area. They said the Gilgit-Baltistan legislative council could neither elect chief minister nor governor. They demanded complete autonomy for the area.

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Slain commando laid to rest

2009-10-14T04:39:00.000-07:00

GILGIT: Naik Muhammad Ayub Shaheed of the SSG, who embraced Shahadat in the operation to rescue hostages from the GHQ, was laid to rest in Hunza on Tuesday. He has left behind a widow and an infant daughter. General Officer Commanding Maj-Gen Muzammil Hussain, chief secretary Gilgit-Baltistan, the IGP and a large number of civil and military officers and citizens attended the funeral.

HunzaHappenings

Self-Rule for the People of Northern Areas (by kalid khokar)

2009-10-05T04:41:00.000-07:00

The declaration of “Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self-Governance Order 2009” has not only fulfilled the longstanding demand of the people of Northern Areas for self-rule on the lines of AJK type of governance, it will also frustrate the nefarious designs of Indian external strike in Northern Areas. It is beyond doubt that the Northern Areas of Pakistan lag behind the rest of the provinces of the country. Sectarianism, poverty, Indian connection, weak judicial system, burgeoning of small arms, and separatist forces like Balawaristan National Front (BNF), Karakoram National Movement (KNM), are some of the major concerns that had alarmed the NA Administration. Some of the demands put across by the people of Pakistan's mountainous Northern Areas were: (1) Self-governance like that of AJK or as a province. (2) Fully autonomous Legislative Assembly with Chief Minister. (3) Set up an independent High Court and Supreme Court. (4) The reforms in education set-up, e.g., affairs of Karakoram International University to be straightened, quota for Gilgit Baltistan be separated from FATA, setting-up of Medical College and Engineering College. (5) The Land allotment to non-locals, NGOs and foreign Govts should be banned. (6) Economic Developmental Package for the uplift of common people. (7) Control over the sectarianism.

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani announced full internal autonomy for the Northern Areas which will heretofore be called Gilgit-Baltistan. Some of the salient of the constitutional package are: The Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self Governance Order 2009, replaces the Northern Areas Legal Framework Order of 1994. Under the order, Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly will formulate its own Rules of Procedures, while legislation on 61 subjects will be done by a council and an assembly in their respective jurisdictions. The region will not be regarded as a province, as the self-rule has been granted on the pattern of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The self-governance to Gilgit-Baltistan will have no impact on the future of Kashmir. The Legislative Assembly will elect its own Chief Minister, however, the Legislative Assembly of Gilgit-Baltistan would have no control over defence and treasury. The elections in the areas would be held in October this year. Out of 36 assembly members, 24 would be elected directly whereas seven seats each would be reserved for the technocrats. Your browser may not support display of this image.

Federally Administered Northern Areas (FANAs) of Pakistan often described as “mountain desert” constitutes some extremely sensitive strategic landscape of Pakistan. With the partition of the Sub-continent in 1947, the Muslims dominated areas in North started revolt against Hindu Dogra rule, as some of its parts were under loose administrative control of Hindu Maharaja of Kashmir. The revolt, based on two-nation theory, culminated in success and the present territories now called Northern Areas (NAs) came into existence as a separate administrative entity. The Northern Areas have been divided into six districts: Gilgit, Skardu, Ghizer, Diamar, Gangchi, and Astore. The region comprises an area of 72,486 sq. km, with Chinese province of Xinjiang to the north, Indian-held-Kashmir (IHK) to the east, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) to the south and Afghanistan and Central Asia, through the Wakhan Corridor, to the west. According to the most recent census, the population is estimated at 2.0 million. The area has many ethnic groups � Baltees, Kashmiris, Pathans, and Ladakhis, speaking a multiplicity of languages, including Balti, Shina, Pushto and Urdu. Gilgit is 60% Shia, 40% Sunni; Hunza, Punial, Yasin, Ishkoman and Gupis are l00% Ismaili; Nagar 100% Shia; Chilas and Darel/ Tangir l00% Sunni; Astor 90% Sunni, 10% Shia; Baltistan 96% Shia, and 4% Sunni). The Federally Administered Northern Areas are governed through Northern Areas Legislative Council (NALC) and Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas (KANA).

A cursory look at the Wikipedia will provide the historical perspective of Northern Areas of Pakistan. The constitutional development in the Northern Areas has followed a markedly different route due to the peculiar characteristics of the area. The areas that today make up Northern areas were once part of British Empire serving as a bulwark against Russian expansionism in Central Asia. It proved difficult, however, for the colonial government to establish its writ in the tribal areas. Colonial administrators oversaw but never fully controlled the region through a combination of British-appointed agents and local tribal elders. Soon after Independence, Northern areas continue to be governed primarily through the Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR) of 1901. A political agent was initially given charge of the region. After a brief period under NWFP’s administrative control, Gilgit Agency, including Baltistan was placed under KANA in 1950. In 1952, the KANA joint secretary was given the responsibility of administering the Northern Areas as “political resident” based in the federal capital. He yielded extraordinary powers, heading the local administration, judiciary, financial and revenue. In 1969, a Northern Areas Advisory Council (NAAC) was created but it was devoid of decision-making powers. Under Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the agency system along with the FCR was abolished in 1974, and Gilgit and Baltistan were transformed into districts like those in Pakistan’s settled areas. The Northern Areas Council Legal Framework Order (LFO) of 1994, serves as their basic law, under which the KANA federal minister heads the executive branch responsible for policy, administration, development and law making in the Northern Areas. Under the LFO, the NAC became the Northern Areas Legislative Council (NALC). While the number of seats has been increased, and it is democratically elected, the NALC has only limited advisory functions. It lacks meaningful legislative powers and wields no control over the executive, which still consists of bureaucrats appointed by the KANA minister. Absent from decision-making forums in Islamabad, the Northern Areas also have no voice on the budget. In May 1999, the Supreme Court of Pakistan delivered a landmark judgment on the constitutional status of the Northern Areas in response to Constitutional Petition 17 of 1994. Declaring that Pakistan exercised de facto as well as de jure administrative control over the Northern Areas, the Supreme Court ruled that the people of the Northern Areas were “citizens of Pakistan, for all intents and purposes”. The Supreme Court decreed that the people of the region were not able to exercise their right to govern through their chosen representatives because the NALC could not be equated with provincial government. President General Pervez Musharraf has announced a historic package on October 23, 2007 by giving maximum financial and administrative autonomy for the people of Northern Areas as harbinger of new era of progress.

The PPP-led democratic Government has taken some concrete steps to provide meaningful autonomy to the Federally Administered Northern Areas extending civil and political rights to its people. The federal government’s effort to grant self-government is largely responsible for bringing peace in the region. The elected and representative government in Islamabad has ensured that political reforms are locally driven and not centrally dictated. The “Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self-Governance Order 2009” package coupled with economic development programme will frustrate anti-Pakistan elements, like Indian secret agencies, Abdul Hameed Khan, Chief of Balwaristan National Front (BNF), Emma Nicholson, the Vice Chairperson of the Committee of Foreign Affairs of the European Union and member of the European Parliament, etc. The Government has envisioned a bright future for the people of the NAs and extensive efforts are being made to ensure the realisation of their aspirations. It will go a long way to empower the people towards self-rule and self-governance.
SOURCE : Kashmir Watch

Team HunzaHappenings

Nomination papers being filed in Gilgit

2009-10-03T07:37:00.000-07:00

GILGIT: The filing of nomination papers began for the elections of Gilgit-Baltistan Legislature Assembly, Geo News reported Saturday.

The papers can be submitted for the elections being held on November 12 on 24 seats of Gilgit-Baltistan’s legislature.

The candidates are filing their nomination papers at the offices of Returning Officers in Gilgit, Skardu, Ganchhay, Diamir, Ghazar and Ustur.

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N), Pakistan Muslim League (PML-Q) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) are taking part in the elections.

It should be mentioned that at least 75 candidates including two women received the nomination papers on nine seats of two districts of Skardu and Ganchhay.

Wazir Wilayat Ali of PML-Q and PPP provincial President Syed Mehdi Shah are submitting papers from Skardu-1 constituency.

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Altaf condemns firing incident in Gilgit

2009-10-01T21:46:00.000-07:00

LONDON: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain Wednesday condemned the firing at a passenger van by the terrorists in Gilgit.

According to a statement issued from here, Altaf Hussain offered condolences to the bereaved families of the deceased in the incident.

He demanded the government to bring to task the culprits involved in the incident. He also urged the President, the PM and Gilgit-Baltistan’s governor Qamaruz Zaman Kaira to take up effective measures for the protection of people’s life and property.

Team HunzaHappenings

4 killed in firing on Gilgit passenger van

2009-10-01T10:01:00.000-07:00

GILGIT: Four people were killed and 10 others injured when unidentified persons opened fire on a passenger van on Wednesday.

Gilgit-Baltistan Inspector General Police Kursheed Alam Khan said four people, including a 13-year-old boy, were killed when unidentified persons opened fire on a van travelling from Basin to Gilgit.

He said the boy was killed on the spot while three injured men died in the hospital, adding that two of the injured were in critical condition.

Team HunzaHappenings

PM to visit Gilgit Baltistan today

2009-09-28T22:04:00.000-07:00

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani would pay two days visit to Gilgit Baltistan on Tuesday.

According to details the Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani would pay two days visit to Gilgit Baltistan today (Tuesday). After giving the constitutional autonomy package to Gilgit Baltistan this first visit is very important.

In this regard the PM met with federal minister for information and acting Governor Gilgit Baltistan Qamar uz Zaman Kaira at the parliament house. Federal minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Babar Awan and Minister for Water and Power Raja Pervez Ashraf were also present there.

According to sources all arrangements have been made to accord warm welcome to the Prime minister.

Financial announcements for Gilgit Baltistan are expected by the Prime Minister on this occasion.
Team HunzaHappenings

Ali Gohar House wins Asia-Pacific awards for culture heritage conversation

2009-09-27T22:04:00.000-07:00

Ali Gohar House, Hunza, Pakistan

The restoration of the Ali Gohar house has saved the former house of the village lord and retained its significance in the community by transforming it into a center showcasing the living heritage of the historic settlement of Ganish. As a multi-purpose space housing a tourist information center, a house museum, a center for artists and artisans, and a community meeting hall, the social vitality and economic sustainability of the house is ensured. The conservation works were undertaken as part of a larger village-wide upgrade of the historic buildings and infrastructure, thus integrating this historically important showpiece building into the larger urban landscape. Through a combination of international conservation protocols and local building technologies, the building has been thoroughly documented and stabilized, and modern facilities inserted with sensitivity. The use of indigenous materials and the careful reuse of original building parts provide a noteworthy example of the continued effectiveness of traditional technologies, countering the growing fashion for imported construction materials and often-inappropriate alien construction techniques. Spearheaded by the Ganish Khun Heritage Care and Social Welfare Society and undertaken with the active involvement of the villagers, the project has had a catalytic impact on the growing movement favouring community-led conservation of local heritage in northern Pakistan.

Team HunzaHappenings

Gilgit-Baltistan rightly belongs to India (by an indian Journalist)

2009-09-27T00:24:00.000-07:00

By JN Raina (Asian Tribune)

Pakistan has played another fraud and hoodwinked the people of Kashmir, by granting ‘political autonomy’ to Northern Areas, the erstwhile Gilgit Agency that formed an integral part of the undivided princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, which in too belongs to India. Pakistan has illegally occupied the Northern Areas since 1947.

Now after 62 years, it has approved the Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self-Governance Order, 2009, changing the official name of the region from the Northern Areas to Gilgit-Baltistan. It is fallacious.

India has formally lodged a protest, though belatedly; two weeks after Pakistan announced the autonomous package. This shows the magnitude of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government’s concern for an issue of epochal importance.

Several political outfits in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Kashmiri separatists, including Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chief Yasin Malik, have taken exception to Pakistan’s motives of diluting the ‘Kashmir cause.’ According to Kashmiri separatist leader exiled in Pakistan, Syed Salahuddin, any change in the state’s status-quo would impinge on its ‘territorial integrity’ and will have a negative impact on the Kashmir issue.

The Ministry of External Affairs has handed over two protest notes to Pakistan’s Deputy High Commissioner, one pertaining to the Gilgit-Baltistan (Empowerment and Self-Governance) Order of 2009, which seeks to implement package for the Northern Areas, and the other relates to the construction of the Bunji dam in PoK (which legally belongs to India) , with Chinese help. India, as its wont, has woken up late. Needless to say, Pakistan has dismissed India’s protests as of no consequence.

It may be recalled that the European Union (EU) nearly two years ago debunked Pakistan’s claim to Siachen Glacier as well as Northern Areas. It had also ruled out plebiscite for Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan has been claiming Siachen as part of the Northern Areas.

British member of the European Parliament and Kashmir Rapportuer, Emma Harriet Nicholson observed that Gilgit and Baltistan region “are not and were never part of Jammu and Kashmir” Baroness Nicholson, author of the European Parliament’s report on Kashmir had blasted Pakistan for failing to fulfil its obligations to introduce ‘meaningful democratic structure’ on its side of Kashmir.

A similar report was published, almost simultaneously, by the Brussels-based Conflict Prevention Group---the International Crisis Group on Pakistan’s neglect of Northern Areas—thus flogging Pakistan. Nicholson had extensively quoted the leased agreement of 1935, according to which Gilgit and Baltistan were in the domain of the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir. It also formed part of the instrument of accession, signed by Maharaja Hari Singh on October 26, 1947.

British author Alastair Lamb, in his book “Incomplete Partition” has noted that the entire Gilgit Agency (or Northern Areas) was the product of a ‘Particular British strategic problem’. He has quoted then British Political Agent in Gilgit, G Loch as observing: “The present Agency was established in 1889, in order to prevent Russia establishing itself in a position from which she could offer a threat” to the British Indian empire”.

“As a matter of practical convenience, the Agency was attached at that time (1889 ) to the state of Jammu and Kashmir, though to all intents and purposes, it remained under direct British authority”, he says.

The Baroness had observed that she had “checked maps, treaties, historic documents and speeches, putting together with full extreme care a full and comprehensive picture from 1846 until today (2007)”. She has elaborated further: “All the evidence points to the fact that Gilgit and Baltistan regions were constituents of Jammu and Kashmir by 1877, under the sovereignty of Maharaja Gulab Singh, and remained in the domain of the independent princely state, up to and including the formation of India and Pakistan on August 15, 1947.”

The Northern Areas are sandwiched between the Hindu Kush and the Karakoram range of mountains in the North and western Himalayas in the South. The area comprises of five districts: Gilgit, Ghizar, Zhanchay, Baltistan and Diamir. Its area is 72,496 square km, with a population of nearly six lakh. It is scarcely populated. The Northern Areas touch Sinkiang and Afghan Pamirs in the North and touch 480 km long LoC in the South.

The region was ruled by the Buddhist kings from 3rd century to the 11th century. It came under the kingdom of Dardistan and thereafter under the influence of Islam. People are mostly blue-eyed and yellow-skinned. They are of Aryan descent.

The region has lost its status, following its annexation by Pakistan. The relationship between Pakistan and Northern Areas was governed by the 1949 Karachi Agreement, which was not signed by any representative from the region. As per the agreement, the affairs of Gilgit were handed over from the ‘Political Agent’ to the government of Pakistan.

In October 1990, three representatives from the Northern Areas filed a writ petition in the “Azad Kashmir” (PoK) High Court. They wanted to know the status of their ‘home-land’ under the “Azad Kashmir” interim constitution of 1974. In a lengthy judgment delivered in April 1993, the Court held that given the “political, legal and constitutional status of the Northern Areas, it was part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir”. The judgment had shaken the then Pakistan administration.

A year later in September 1994, the Supreme Court of Pakistan also held that “Areas did form part of Azad Kashmir, and that it should be treated as such.” Immediately, the “Azad Kashmir Assembly” adopted a resolution demanding the integration of the Northern Areas into “Azad Kashmir”.

According to Glasgow-based author Khalid Rahim, who hails from Mirpur (PoK), local sensitivities of the Northern Areas have been brushed aside by Pakistan, as a large number of people belonging to the Sunni Muslims from Punjab and Sindh, have been settled in Gilgit, the area largely dominated by the Shias.. Much of the business has gone into the hands of outsiders, who could settle effortlessly because of the non-existence of the state subject rules which are prevalent in Jammu and Kashmir since the Maharaja’s time. This changed the demographic character of not only PoK and Northern Areas.

In 1947, when Pakistan invaded Jammu and Kashmir, it was the ‘Political Agent’ who was in control of then ‘Gilgit Agency’, comprising the Gilgit sub-division, the states of Hunza and Nagar, the sub-agency of Chilas and the political districts of Punial, Koh-e-Ghizar, Yasin and Ishkoman. Gilgit Agency also included Astor district and Skardu, besides parts of Kargil, Ladakh and Gurez niabat, says Rehman.

In November 1947, Pakistan formally annexed the Northern Areas by appointing a Political Agent for Gilgit. A few months later, he was brought under the administrative control of the Political Resident for NWFP in 1950. Subsequently, the control of the region was transferred from NWFP’s Governor to the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs by Pakistan

ECP announces election schedule for Gilgit-Baltistan

2009-09-26T04:17:00.000-07:00

Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has announced election schedule for the formation of Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly.

According to the notification, the elections will be held on November 12, 2009 under the supervision of court. The officials results will be announced on November 14, 2009.

The ECP has fixed October 1, 2009 as the date for filing the nomination papers.

The objections will be filed with the returning officer on October 9. Final list of the candidates will be released on October 15 after scrutiny of nomination papers.

Election symbols will be allotted on October 17.

Status of Gilgit-Baltistan

2009-09-24T10:10:00.000-07:00

Thursday, September 24, 2009
Asif Ezdi is entitled to his views about the Gilgit-Baltistan (Empowerment and Self-Governance) Order 2009 and it may well be that his views generally reflect the thinking of the Foreign Office. However, the area did not ‘accede’ to Pakistan 62 years ago — rather, the administration of this area was handed over to Pakistan ‘temporarily’ via the Karachi Pact of 1949 which was signed by the government of Pakistan and the Azad Kashmir government.

Since then the people of the region have been trying for their political and constitutional rights. Though the AJK government has shown no interest the people at their level have tried for their inclusion in the AJK administration. In 1990 a writ petition was filed in the AJK High Court to have the area merged with the AJK administratively. This petition, No 61 of 1990, was decided on March 8, 1993, with the court directing the AJK government to take over the administration of Gilgit-Baltistan. Mr Ezdi should also know that this is a disputed area and is still to be decided under UN Security Council resolutions. He should also be, one would expect, in knowledge of UN Resolution No 47 (1948) of April 21, 1948, which lays down the procedure for a plebiscite and does not envisage any political change in the status of areas of Kashmir state.

The Birdman Of The Karakoram

2009-09-23T00:02:00.000-07:00

Birdman of the Karakoram has won the adventure film category at the St. Hilaire du Touvet - Lumbin flying festival in France [ed. Having seen the film I believe it'll be the first of many prizes]. Not yet available on DVD, editing of the film by Ray Saunders was only completed a few days before the festival started.

The film focuses on one of the worlds most respected high altitude paraglider pilots, John Silvester, who lives tucked away on the edge of Snowdonia National Park.

Filmed by prize winning local cameraman, Alun Hughes, the centre piece of the film is a dizzying journey through Himalayan skies on a tandem flight circumnavigating Shishpare Peak (7619m) - the first time this route has ever been flown by a paraglider. Crossing over a col to the Batura Glacier they find themselves totally committed and literally flying to survive above one of the world's longest glaciers outside of the polar regions.

Totally in the hands of John's skillful flying and without time to acclimatise, Al Hughes found himself going from 2000m in the Hunza Valley to just over 6000m in an hour - without supplementary oxygen. This meant contending with altitude sickness as well as motion sickness. Bob Drury, editor of Cross Country magazine, has described the film as: "Mind blowing! The most audacious flying film ever made."

The Welsh premiere of the film will be shown with an introduction by John Silvester at the Caban, Brynrefail on September 25th. Booking essential: 01286 685500. Food available from 6pm - 7.30pm. Film £2.50, Food(2 courses) £8.00.

You can pre-order the DVD at alhughes.tv which includes as extras, an hour-long interview with John about his motivations and early flying days in Wales plus John's original footage of his circumnavigation of Nanga Parbat in 2005 - the first of an 8000m giant. Here's a trailer for the film:

Team HunzaHappenings

Investors urged to tap Gilgit-Baltistan gems

2009-09-21T03:09:00.000-07:00

GILGIT: Gilgit-Baltistan Governor Qamar Zaman Kaira has said the area is rich in precious stones which will be tapped through introduction of modern technology and investment.

Talking to APP here on Saturday, he said a comprehensive plan was being prepared to bring investment in various sectors and develop the area to bring it at par with other regions in the country.

Mr Kaira said tourism, mining and hydel-power potential of Gilgit-Baltistan would change the fate of the region and local and foreign investors would be invited and offered incentives. He said the best way to solve problems of Gilgit-Baltistan was political empowerment of people and a democratic system of governance had been introduced to give rights to the people of the area and ensure their prosperity. Mr Kaira said that in the current financial year budget for the area had been enhanced and more than Rs10 billion had been allocated in PSDP for development of the social sector.

He said a committee comprising senior officers and technical people had been formed by President Asif Ali Zardari to plan uplift programmes which would forward its recommendations soon. He said that in the initial stage some officers would be transferred to Gilgit-Baltistan to run the administration and the National Institute of Public Administration would be asked to set up its campus in Gilgit to train local officers. The governor said the Gilgit-Baltistan Public Service Commission would be set up soon to create more job opportunities and train educated people of the area through NIPA.
‘The other thing we are planning is that GB officers will be sent to other provinces to get four to six months’ training. Also officers from other provinces will be sent to GB for training purpose,’ he said.

The governor said the judiciary was independent and the number of judges in the Chief Court had been increased from three to five to deal with pending cases. He said that elections would be held on Nov 12 and elected representatives could bring further improvement in the self-governance order. Mr Kaira said the government had decided not to change limits of constituencies of the Legislative Assembly which itself was manifestation of the fact that it was fully committed to free and fair elections. He said Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani would visit Gilgit-Baltistan after Eid and announce an economic package for the area. —APP

Team HunzaHappenings

Altit Student Association (ASA)

2009-09-19T22:52:00.000-07:00

An organization that will help and guide youth. Objective of ASA is drug free Altit and carrer development of youth.

Its members are all over pakistan in recognized institutions of Pakistan.

Team HunzaHappenings

AHAC rally in Nasirabad attracts hundreds, the movement is on..

2009-09-18T09:01:00.000-07:00

Hunza, September 18: A protest public rally called by the All Hunza Action Committee attracted hudnreds of people from the Shinaki belt, demanding additional constituency for Hunza valley in the Gilgit – Baltistan Legislative Assembly.Speakers highlighted the issues faced by people of Hunza valley due to under – representation in democratic bodies in the face of increased population. They demanded additional general seat for they valley, on urgent basis. Critics have termed the current announcement by the interim governor for two reserved seats as a delaying tactic.

Let’s remind the readers that Attiqa Ghazanfar held a reserved seat, during the previous government, apart from the general seat won by her husband, Ghanzafar Ali Khan. No major issue of the region was resolved during this period, despite of the increased representation. On this occasion leaders of the action committee announced that the next rally would be held in Karimabad, on September 25.

source: PAMIRTIMES

PM to announce Gilgit-Baltistan package after Eid

2009-09-18T07:43:00.000-07:00

SKARDU, Sep 18 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani will announce economic package for Gilgit-Baltistan after Eid-ul-Fitr.This was stated by Governor Gilgit-Baltistan Qamar Zaman Kaira while addressing a big gathering here after inaugurating the office of new Commissioner of Baltistan Division.He said that empowerment and self governance order, 2009 is a historic step taken by the present PPP government. He said that all administrative, financial, democratic, judicial and developmental powers are shifted to the people of the area according to their wishes.

“We have fulfilled the promises of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto,” he said.

Qamar Zaman Kaira said, there are potential of hydel generation, tourism, minerals and communication and “we will divert our attention towards these sectors.” He said, some 540 SAP schools would be handed over to NEF under an agreement. He added that unemployed and educated youth would be made skilled persons under BISP. He said that Police in these areas would be strengthened and new recruitment would be made to further maintain peace and tranquility in the area.

Kaira said this year rupees ten billion would be spent on PSDP schemes to bring speedy progress for the people of these areas. He urged the people to elect best people in the upcoming elections.Earlier, the Governor was given warm welcome upon his arrival. On the occasion, Syed Mehdi Shah President PPP Gilgit and Baltistan thanked the President, PM, Governor and Chief Secretary for granting new package for the people of GB

Wakhi Radio Programs duration being increased to 60 minutes

2009-09-17T22:11:00.000-07:00

Gilgit: September 17: A delegation of Wakhi speaking people led by President Wakhi Tajik Cultural Association (WTCA) held an important meeting with Mr Murtaza Solangi, Director General of the Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC), at Serena Hotel.

Disucssing the Wakhi Program, “Sado-e-Bom-e-Dunyo”, the delegation presented a three-points proposal to the DG for improving its reach and impact. It was suggested that duration of the program be increased to one hour, as the allocated thrity minutes are not enough to leave any substantial impact on development of the Wakhi language and community. Suggestion for hiring a Wakhi speaking professional producer, exclusively for Sado-e-Bom-e-Dunyo”, was also presented during the disucssion. Third suggestion was regarding initation of external programs in Wakhi language.

The director was told that despite of its decade long presence on air waves, the Wakhi language program needs a lot of improvement in terms of content quality and innovation. The positive inital role played by the radio program, regarding preservation and promotion of the Wakhi identity was also appreciated by the delegation.

Mr Solangi not only appreciated and agreed with these suggestion, he also promised that an FM radio station would be established in Gojal, Hunza. He further said that the program timings will be increased by thirty minutes, but the time slot will be 9:30-10:30, in the night. He also assured the team that he will visit Gojal valley after Eid holidays. He further advised the dekegation to recommend some strong persons with appropriate education and skills for the position of producer.

Mr Arshad Khan, MD Pakistan Television, was also present during the meeting and he appreciated the efforts of WTCA for its cultural activities, mainly arranging festivals. He also mentioned that PTV is starting a bureau office in Gilgit-Baltistan on the instruction of Governor.

The Wakhi delegation comprised of Abuzar Ali, Mohammad Aslam, Ahmed Raiz Ahmed, . Sultan Ahmed, Nawab Ali Khan, Asghar Khan, Mohammad Ali, Rehan Shah, Saif Udin Saif, Nisar Karim, Ali Ahmed and Yaqub Ali.

Source : PAMIRTIMES

Target Killing in Gilgit and Bus Robbery In Chilas

2009-09-15T01:19:00.000-07:00

At least three people have been killed in Gilgit city and two injured during the past few days, while a passenger bus was robbed and torched in Diamir district last week. No arrests have been made, so far, in these cases. The only action, as reported by a segment of the press, was suspension of some police constables over charges of ‘negligence’, in a firing incident near Ramzan hotel, that had injured two laborers belonging to Pukhtoonkhwa province.

Jamat Ahl-e-Sunnat wal Jamat Islamia Protest in gilgit City

As if following a macabre pattern, mysterious forces jump into action each time there is some major political activity in the region. Currently the political atmosphere is charged in the post – package environment, with majority of the people rejecting the package as incomplete or deceptive. Such a reaction might have surprised those able men of letters who drafted the “autonomy package”, which virtually hands over the region to an unelected governor and a heavy weight council, instead of the elected assembly.

The movement for policital and administrative rights of Hunza is also in full swing and the action committee has announced a comprehensive plan of action, including a long march to Gilgit city and a protest demonstration in front of the chief secretary’s office. If these two steps fail, they plan to announce boycott of the elections and then, if their demands are not met still, they have threatened the government with a civil disobedience movement. Some people have even gone farther, by threatening a movement for restoration of the state of Hunza, if justice is not done.

Unexplained target killings, a robbery and torching of a bus, in this situation may lead to the assumption that some forces don’t want active participation of the citizens in affairs of their society in Gilgit – Baltistan. Random target killings or mysterious firing incidents have sparked fear and retaliation in the past, leading to major sectarian clashes. Such clashes have the power to freeze life in the city, while also completely diverting attention from other issues.

It is hoped that the government is vigilently observing elements who want destabiltiy in the region. Torching a bus belongning to a Balti in Chilas has the potential to fan suspicion and mistrust, on regional as well as sectarian lines, leading to violence. That the communities have acted sensibly is a welcome sign of changed realities. People seem to be more aware of the schemes that act to pit one sect against the other each time some degree of unanimity is visible on regional issues.

The leaders of Sunni and Shia communities deserve appreciation for leading their people wisely and keeping them calm and united. The bureaucracy, as a matter of duty, needs to bring the culpirts to the court of justice to finish mistrust and resentment among the local communities. That’s the only way forward.

Team HunzaHappenings

Strike in Aliabad Hunza : Residents demand one more seat in legislative assembly

2009-09-12T07:47:00.000-07:00

People of Hunza-Nagar observed complete strike and held a big rally at Aliabad here on Thursday for acceptance of their demand of another seat for Hunza in the Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly.

Civic and business life came to a grinding halt and transport remained off the road throughout Hunza, Nagar and Gojal. Thousands of protesters blocked Karakorum Highway (KKH) for about eight hours. The call for the shutter-down and wheel jam strike was given by the All-Parties Hunza Action Committee formed recently to spearhead the struggle for two seats in the legislative assembly.

Hunza, with a population of over 61,000 and an area of 10,100 square kilometres is the largest constituency in Gilgit-Baltistan which has one seat in the legislative assembly.

Addressing the rally, leaders of the political parties highlighted the geo-strategic importance of Hunza and said that the valley which is known for its beauty and considered the popular tourist destination in the world is the gateway to China and Central Asian states. The government is earning billions of rupees as revenue from this area.

The people of Hunza have played a leading role in the liberation war of Gilgit-Baltistan and other wars but successive governments have failed to acknowledge their sacrifices, and deprived the people of their basic rights, they said.

They said Hunza was given a single seat in the Advisory Council in 1974 after abolishing the princely state by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto while some tehsils in Gilgit-Baltistan with less than 30,000 population had been given two seats.

They also condemned Gen Ziaul Haq for abolishing the Additional District status which was given in 1974 by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

Ghulam Muhammad, senior leader of Pakistan People’s Party Gilgit-Baltistan expressed his confidence on the youth for their struggle. He, however, came down heavily on chief Executive and other elected representatives of Hunza for failing to resolve the longstanding issue of additional seat.

Atiqa Ghazanfar, member NALA urged Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani to visit Hunza to take stock of the grievances of the people.

Chief of Labour Party Boloristan Advocate Ehsan Ali said that all successive governments have ignored and done injustices to the people of Hunza. He said the share of people of Hunza in government departments and local administration is negligible. He said the youth were now united to fight against all injustices and violation of merit.

Mir Baz, another senior PPP leader, criticised the ruling elite of Hunza for their apathy towards the problems of the people and urged the people not to vote for those candidates and leaders who are responsible for this situation and elect educated and young leadership in the legislative assembly.

Sultan Madad of Boloristan Research Forum said the rulers have deprived the people of Gilgit-Baltistan of their democratic and constitutional rights.

Sheikh Abid urged the people to continue their struggle for the cause and said that the action committee would make future strategy to continue protests till the demand is met.

Sheikh Musa Karimi said that Hunza is a model educated and peaceful society thanks to the efforts of civil society organisations but the government has always discriminated against the region. He condemned the assertions of Kashmiri leaders over the Gilgit-Baltistan.

Baba Jan, chief organiser of Progressive Youth Front warned of the government of the consequences if the demand of the people of Hunza was not met.

Fida Karim, president of Hunza chapter of PPP, assured all out support to the action committee in their just struggle for the rights of the people. He said PPP would not compromise on principles and will also opt for the election boycott.

Noor Muhammad, general secretary of the action committee, said that the people of Hunza were facing discriminations in public sector jobs and projects.

Karim Sher, Former District Councillor condemned the role of some leaders of Pakistan Muslim League-N and Jamiat Ulema Islam-F for creating hurdles in creation of six new seats in legislative assembly.

Ali Qurban, Iman Shah, Haider Tai, Sher Khan, Ghulam Murtaza, Ikram Najmi, Irfan Karim and others also spoke the rally.

In the end, the participants marched from College Chowk to Aliabad Police Station and chanted slogan against the government and local administration for discrimination.

Hunza Flute

2009-09-10T08:08:00.001-07:00

President Asif Ali Zardari signed the Gilgit-Baltistan Order

2009-09-08T04:32:00.000-07:00

President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday signed the Gilgit-Baltistan (Empowerment and Self-Governance) Order 2009 aimed at introducing far-reaching administrative, political, financial and judicial reforms in the Northern Areas.

The President congratulated the people of Gilgit and Baltistan on the realization of yet another dream of emancipation. He recalled the reforms by the PPP in 1975 and again in 1994 and said he was pleased that the PPP government and reforms in Northern Areas were interlinked.

Explaining the salient features of the Order, signed today Spokesperson to the President former Senator Farhatullah Babar told the mediapersons that Gilgit-Baltistan will now have an elected Legislative Assembly which would elect the Chief Minister.

The Governor will be appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister. Till the election of the Legislative Assembly, the Minister of Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas would be the Acting Governor, he said.

The Chief Minister elected by the Legislative Assembly would be assisted by six Ministers and two Advisors. The Legislative Assembly would have twenty four(24) members who would be elected directly besides six women and three technocrats’ seats. It would have powers to make laws on sixty one subjects, he said.

Farhatullah Babar said that there would be a Gilgit-Baltistan Consolidated Fund and the annual budget would be presented to the Assembly and voted upon as was being done by the other provinces. It will also have its own Public Service Commission, a Chief Election Commissioner and an Auditor General, he said.

The Northern Areas of Pakistan would be called Gilgit-Baltistan.

About the Judicial reforms contained in the Order, he said that

the Chief Judge of the Supreme Appellate Court would be appointed by the Chairman of the Council on the advice of the Governor.

Other Judges shall be appointed by the Chairman on the advice of Governor after seeking views of the Chief Judge. The number of Judges would be increased from three to five.

It may be mentioned that the first major administrative, judicial and political reforms were introduced and feudal system was abolished in 1975 during the government of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

Further democratization of the area was effected during the government of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto through the Northern Areas Legal Framework Order 1994.

The third instalment of major reforms order was signed today by President Asif Ali Zardari, Farhatullah Babar said.

source : HUNZATIMES

Autonomy of Gilgit-Baltistan will not affect Kashmir Cause: Kaira

2009-09-05T23:13:00.000-07:00

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting Qamar-uz-Zaman Kaira has emphasized that autonomy of Gilgit-Baltistan will not affect Kashmir Cause.

Talking in a media program here Saturday, he informed that Kashmiri Leadership and representatives of Northern Areas have been taken into confidence regarding to give autonomy to Gilgit-Baltistan for constituting its internal and external security institutions and law enforcement agencies.

He also reiterated that All-Parties Conference has also approved the decision for autonomy of Gilgit-Baltistan, therefore the decision will not affect the Kashmir Cause.

PML-N Chief Mian Nawaz Sharif and some other leaders have intended to hold discussions over the autonomy decision in the Parliament, as all the issues can be discussed at the parliament’s forum constitutionally, Kaira said.

He further elucidated that India has forcefully occupied Kashmir, but Pakistan has given autonomous status to Azad Kashmir and Northern Areas and the Kashmir issue would be addressed according to the whims of the Kashmiris and according to the UN’s resolution; and not according to the directives of India or Pakistan.

Zong will be activating its services in Nasirabad and Murtazabad.

2009-09-05T14:27:00.000-07:00

AJK assembly supports Gilgit-Baltistan package

2009-09-02T20:06:00.000-07:00

MUZAFFARABAD: Elected representatives in Azad Kashmir voiced their all out support for maximum autonomy and constitutional rights to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan on the floor of the legislative assembly here on Wednesday but warned the federal government against any move which could change the complexion of Kashmir issue.

While discussing the ‘pros and cons’ of the ‘constitutional reforms package’ for Gilgit-Baltistan, recently announced by Islamabad, many said the area should be given an AJK-like setup instead of a provincial status and terminologies like chief minister and governor ‘as it smacked of machination to divide Kashmir’.

Prime Minister Sardar Yaqoob Khan, who has so far avoided any reaction on the package, preferred to watch the proceedings in his chamber downstairs and the debate was wound up on behalf of the government by Senior Minister Sardar Qamar Zaman, who is a PPAJK leader.

Interestingly, PPAJK President Chaudhry Abdul Majeed, who was supposed to speak on behalf of his party, also quit the hall during the course of speeches and the party was represented by Sardar Ghulam Sadiq, adviser to chairman AJK Council.

It may be recalled that on Tuesday, Speaker Shah Ghulam Qadir had allowed the call attention notice by Sardar Siab Khalid of opposition Muslim Conference (Attique) on this issue for debate. The ongoing session has been requisitioned by the MC (A).

However, when he gave floor to Mr Khalid on Wednesday to make a speech on his notice, Mr Majeed said before holding debate on the ‘sensitive issue’ on the basis of newspaper reports, the legislators should first go through the package which, he claimed, had seen by none of them so far.

Endorsing his views, PPAJK secretary-general and Minister for Finance Chaudhry Latif Akbar asked the house to wait until Friday when the Foreign Office would give a briefing to the Kashmiri leadership.

But his contention was confronted by the chair and many others on the ground that Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and Kashmir affairs minister had unfolded the package at a press conference.

Mr Qadir said the house should give suggestions which the federal government could incorporate in its policy for Gilgit-Baltistan.

The lawmakers took strong exception to talk shows on different TV channels which, they regretted, were creating impression as if the people and the AJK government were inimical to the grant of rights to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.

MC (A) President Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan said Gilgit-Baltistan should be given an AJK-like setup with president and prime minister from the area.

Calling for representation to the area in the AJK Council, he said his party could even vacate some seats for this purpose. He also announced that his party would shortly convene an all party conference on this issue.

Winding up debate the senior minister said it was a sensitive issue and a committee should be constituted to draft a unanimous resolution on it.

However, much to the surprise of many, as the chair started to name the members of committee, Mr Akbar emphatically opposed the move. The chair then adjourned the house till 11am on Thursday.

Kashmiri's oppose Northern Areas Package

2009-09-01T07:38:00.000-07:00

Kashmiri politicians opposed a Pakistani plan on Monday they say is aimed at integrating the strategic but disputed Northern Areas into Pakistan, arguing it will undermine their case for independence from India.

The Northern Areas of Gilgit and Baltistan were bundled in with Kashmir and demarcated as disputed territory under U.N. resolutions passed after Pakistan and India fought the first of their three wars in 1948.

Bordering China on one side and the mainly Buddhist Indian region of Ladakh on the other, Pakistan’s sparsely populated Northern Areas are known to mountaineers as the home of many of the world’s highest peaks.

Nuclear-armed Pakistan and India fought a brief but intense border conflict in the Kargil sector of this region in 1999.

Although Pakistan has held the northern territories since the first war with India, their status was hitherto undefined as Pakistan had not wanted to compromise its case in the broader dispute over Kashmir.

On Saturday, Pakistan Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani unveiled a reform package that would result in these areas having their own governor and chief minister.

The areas have also been renamed as Gilgit-Baltistan.

Amanullah Khan, leader of the pro-independence Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front, rejected the package, saying it appeared to be aimed at merging the disputed areas into Pakistan.

“We strongly condemn this package. It will harm the interests of Pakistan as well as Kashmiris,” he told Reuters.

“It looks like they are integrating these areas into Pakistan as done by India.”

“SUSPICIOUS, UNACCEPTABLE”

Sardar Atiqque Ahmed Khan, a pro-Pakistan politician and a former prime minister of Pakistan-ruled Kashmir, also expressed reservations about the package.

“We support internal autonomy for these areas … but such moves to unilaterally alter the status of these areas and gradually give them the status of a province are suspicious and unacceptable,” he said.

The roughly 1.5 million people of Gilgit and Baltistan largely oppose integration into Kashmir and demand the territory be merged into Pakistan and declared a separate province.

Officials in the past had stonewalled on this demand because it would have diluted Pakistan’s demand for implementation of a U.N.-mandated plebiscite to allow the people of Kashmir to determine their own future.

Pakistani Kashmir, known as Azad Kashmir, enjoys some sort of self-rule with its own government, parliament and flag, but the Northern Areas are directly ruled by Islamabad.

India holds about 45 percent of Kashmir and Pakistan more than a third. China controls the remainder.

Analysts say the reform package appears to be aimed at striking a balance between giving some sort of internal autonomy to the Northern Areas without undermining Pakistan’s position on the Kashmir dispute.

“They have met the demands of people of the Northern Areas on a limited scale,” said Hasan Askari Rizvi, a political analyst.

“It’s a mid-way house. They will give them some concessions and then will wait and see what happens to the Kashmir issue.”

(Source : Hunzatimes)

Ox fight In Hunza

2009-08-31T08:42:00.003-07:00

Ghazanfar Ali Khan on Gilgit-Balitistan Issue

2009-08-29T21:15:00.000-07:00

Karachi, August 29: “We had been struggling to highlight the issues of Gilgit – Baltistan at different levels and this [package] seems to be a positive step forward. The complete details of the ordinance are not known, yet, but we are hoping that most of the demands of the people of Gilgit – Baltistan would be met”, said Ghazanfar Ali Khan, chief executive of Gilgit – Baltistan, talking to this scribe on phone. He congratulated all the people of Gilgit – Baltistan on their peaceful struggle for obtaining political rights, in a democratic manner.

He also admitted that due to increased awareness level of the masses of Gilgit – Baltistan, expectations have soared and there would be many questions raised about different points related to the ordinance.

Replying to a question Ghazanfar said that it is important to ensue that all member of the GB Council are residents of Gilgit – Baltistan. However, he said that the governor is the authority to appoint seven out of the fifteen members of Gilgit – Baltistan Council, while other six members of the council will be selected from the Gilgit – Baltistan Legislative Assembly.

No decision has been taken yet about the increment of number of seats for Hunza, Ghazanfar said, replying to a question. But he said that the efforts were on and a final decision in this regard can be expected any time soon.(Source:Noor Mohd. Pamir Times)

NAs to be called now Gilgit-Baltistan

2009-08-29T02:51:00.000-07:00

Updated at: 1524 PST, Saturday, August 29, 2009

ISLAMABAD: Northern Areas now would be called Gilgit-Baltistan, as approved in federal cabinet on Saturday, Geo News reported.

The cabinet has deicded to make 15-strong council for new set up.

The constitutional head of new set up would be called governor and Qamaruz Zaman Kaira to be the first governor of Gilgit-Baltistan, the cabinet decided.

Gilgit-Baltistan will have its own legislature assembly and cabinet. (Geo Tv)

THE NEWS :
Saturday, August 29, 2009

By By Dilshad Azeem

ISLAMABAD: The government is all set to approve the renaming of the Northern Areas as Gilgit-Baltistan to be governed under self-rule, The News has learnt.

The federal cabinet is meeting here on Saturday with Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani in the chair to take up one-point agenda -- a new status for the Northern Areas with its proper name. “It’s a special cabinet session to discuss and approve a summary in this regard.”

Sources disclosed the Northern Areas, to be renamed as Gilgit-Baltistan, would have its own assembly (council) with 39 members. “No, not at all,” was the response of sources when asked whether the Northern Areas would be given the status of a province.

“The Northern Areas would be granted self rule on the pattern of Azad Jammu and Kashmir as proposed in the summary finalised in consultation with the authorities of these areas and in accordance with its resolutions,” the sources revealed. When asked about opposition from any quarters, the sources said every sitting minister had been consulted and their input had been formed part of the summary.

Under the summary, Gilgit-Baltistan would have its own election commission, commissioner and courts like the AJK. “Had the Northern Areas given the status of a province, there might be reaction from outside the borders.”

Asked about the procedure, the sources said the president of Pakistan had to give a final nod to the summary to be implemented in the form of a presidential order. “The Northern Areas fall under the direct jurisdiction of the president and, therefore, he (President Zardari) will issue an order after approval of the same by the federal cabinet.”

The Constitution provides that only the sitting president can issue a presidential order in case of the Northern Areas, the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) and other areas falling under the direct jurisdiction of the federation. Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Babar Awan confirmed that the Northern Areas were being given a new name.

BRUSHOO TALENT ..Well Done Guys..Keep It Up !

2009-08-26T08:18:00.000-07:00

Views on Elections in NA's

2009-08-26T01:11:00.000-07:00

By Karim Imamadad Hunzai ( Paris France)

The historical back-ground and geo-political situation of the NAs, which appears in a different colour in the map unlike other provinces of Pakistan.In the end of ninteen century it was the lieu of the “Great Games” and also where the “Three Empires Meets.The British Empire had fully dominated the whole Indian continent until the end of 19th century,but NAs still had certain autonomous status.

The brave people of the NAs had thrown the yoke of the despotic Mahraja of Kashmir in 1948, without any external support and obtained independence of the Gilgit and Baltistan.It was the good faith of the people of NAs to invite the fledging Governemnt of Pakistan for the better future of the comming generation.It has been more than six decades that Government of Pakistan has not given the basic political rights equal to Pakistani citizen for the vested interest to defend the right of the selfdetermination of the Indian occuppied Kashmiris in the International Forum.Notwithstanding, NAs has a uniqe historical back-ground with it’s own culture, and with the ancient languages of the world.

The contenders of the election campaign in NAs should consider it an occasion to give awareness to the people about the importance of the unity and also make a strenous effort to establish a peaceful pluralistic society based on mutual respect.The leaders of the NAs should be united together and firmly demand from the Governement of Pakistan for economical development through tourism development and also for harnessing other natural resources.The natural beauty of the NAs, with it’s ancient cultures attract thousand of tourists from all over the world, inspite of lacking efforts for marketing and also the absence of basic infrastructure and incentives. The Gilgit/Baltistan alongwith Chitral should establish an independent Tourism Corporation, and should organize on the yearly basis the world Adventure Tourism Convention in each region with the participation of the local government.The leaders should also demand to organize for them a foreign tour to Europe with participation of the local governement to visit the developed countries that how they have harnessed the natural resources and tourism for the economical development.

The economical development and equal opportunity for the progress is the common interest of all the people of the NAs, historically and culturally, NAs is deeply inter-linked and inter-dependent also sharing the common natural environement as an agrargian society in the vallies of the western Himalaya and Karakurom, Hindu-Kush.The homogenous way of life and the common historical back-ground of people NAs which put them together for struggle to meet the future challenges and shape the destination for the comming generation.There is a significant influence of the culture of the Baltistan in Hunza, the Baltit and Altit Fort and other artcrafts are remarkable trace of the ancient culture of the Baltistan. In the olden days of NAs,it was quite common that in particular circumstances the individuals and group were migrated from one valley to another valley for one reason to another, may be economical or political.It also seemed the fugitives of one state regime were given full protection and allowed them to settle by other state in NAs.In the olden days, the families left the Hunza and settled in the Darel and Tangir, likewise, the individual and tribes came from other valley and settled in Hunza.

The secret of the progress and economical development of the democratic countries remain in establishing a pluralistic societies and also forgetting the hostility of the past with other states in europe, which started a new era of friendship and mutual cooperation for the economical development and progress in the domain of education and sciencetific researchs and also been concentrated to shape the destiny of the future for comming generation. Take the example of the France and Germany,both were the traditional enemy to each other in the second world war, soon both they realized that how this hostility is devastating and harmful not only for both countries but for the entire europe, which made them change their mind, and became model partners in the the European Community , which is the best economical and political interest of the people of the both countries. For sound healthy society,the pluralism is the bedrock principle to establish a peaceful society, which also provide equal opportunity of progress to all without any discrimination and biased.

The candourancy and honesty is the fundametal character for the leadership in the NAs. “One can deceive to some people for some time but one can’t deceive all the people all the time” It is true that the choice for the suitable leadership should be above the tribal and village parochial opinion. The poitical acumen and the spirit of the bi-partisanship, also creating awareness of the importance of the unity should be highlighted principle and key role of true leadership.The ideal leaders represent the hope and fears of all the people of NAs but not only to defend the interest of the cronies and family or a tribe in a village.

The leaders who represents the national political parties in the NAs should also keep in their mind, the main purpose should be for the only welfare of the people of the Gilgit/Baltisitan not to promote manifesto of a national party with political rhetoric, or any alien ideology in the NAs. Afther the election there should be an autonomous government, reflecting the real sense of the democracy, sharing authority with the people, ” a government by the people, of the people , and for the people of the NAs.”

First Ever Brushaski Rap

2009-08-25T11:03:00.000-07:00

Water comes to rescue in north Pakistan

2009-08-25T09:41:00.000-07:00

Naeem-ud-Din Dinal, a local development consultant with the Karakorum Area Development Organisation, holds sand particles filtered out of glacial meltwater using hydroelectric power plants. Drinking unfiltered water had made residents of the region sick for a century.

KARIMABAD, PAKISTAN // Residents of Pakistan’s northern valleys are harnessing the natural might of glacial melt to generate electricity in their remote communities, and local officials hope that further hydroelectric projects in the area will have the potential to alleviate the country’s growing energy crisis.

The five districts of the so-called Northern Areas, known historically as Gilgit-Baltistan, are isolated from the rest of Pakistan by the formidable natural buffer formed by the Himalaya, Karakorum and Hindu Kush mountain ranges.

The snow-capped region of Alpine valleys has been the source of romantic inspiration for writers for a century, even being touted as the home of the mythical Shangri la in the 1933 novel Lost Horizon by James Hilton.

However, development workers active in the area said such fairy tales mask the sad truth: until the completion of the Karakorum Highway (KKH), a narrow 1,300-km road between Islamabad and the Chinese border in 1978, its communities were undernourished because of the tremendous difficulties in channelling water for irrigation, and frequently fell victim to cholera because of contamination of the water they did obtain from glacial streams.

A poignant example is the hamlet of Murtazabad in the Hunza Valley, which for some 100 years was the setting for an epic struggle between the community and the sheer, unstable slopes down which cascaded the water they needed.

Veterans of the struggle to tame a 100-metre-long natural channel have passed down stories of how, time and again, the efforts of men working without the skills or tools of modern engineering were frustrated and killed by the temperamental terrain, said Naeem-ud-Din Dinal, a development consultant with the Karakorum Area Development Organisation, an NGO.
e recalled being told by his grandfather about the deaths of 12 men from the village of Altit in a single landslide, their bodies never to be recovered; other stories related how villagers would complete a section of the channel one day, only to awake the next morning to find that subsidence had shifted their project 30 metres downstream.

“People throughout the area advised the residents of Murtazabad to abandon the project, and to request the Mir [hereditary ruler] of Hunza to allow them to settle elsewhere,” he said.

Karim Khan, an engineer for the Northern Areas water and power department, sees enough potential in hydropower to exceed the country’s needs.

“But diehard villagers determined to farm the unusually flat areas at the foot of the mountains motivated the people time and again, and they kept at it until the subsidence ended and the channel area stabilised.”

The channel was finally tamed in 1890 and some 50 years later, with the help of a surveyor who took measurements by aiming an air rifle and shooting pellets to mark rocks, its gradient was reduced and brought a further 70 metres downstream.

The water, however, was contaminated with vast quantities of sand and other impurities that for several generations have made Murtazabad synonymous with cholera throughout the area, particularly during ebbs in the glacial melt.

The situation was finally brought under control in 1994 when, with technical and financial assistance from Norway, the government erected the area’s first hydroelectric power plant, a modest 1.2-megawatt unit at Hasanabad that required the extension of the Murtazabad channel back to its original high-altitude source to turn its turbines.

The hydroelectric project sparked a number of internationally funded community-based projects, including a filtration plant that changed the health fortunes of the people of Murtazabad.

The villagers’ century-long struggle has taught the Northern Areas’ modern-day pioneers of power supply that the future fortunes of its residents, as well as the estimated 170 million Pakistanis living “down-country”, lie in harnessing the “run-of-the-river” potential of the region.
A boy from Karimabad plays in a stream dug by local engineers as part of the project harnessing meltwater for power and potable water. Matthew Tabaccos / The National

GTZ, the German development agency, has identified sites on small and large rivers with the potential to generate a staggering 40,000 megawatts of electricity, or about double the power shortfall that Pakistan is predicted to suffer by 2020, said Karim Khan, an engineer for the Northern Areas’ water and power department.

“If the government develops that potential, it won’t need to run emissions emitting thermal and coal plants, or nuclear plants that pose a danger to the public,” said Mr Khan, who supervises power plants throughout the Hunza Valley.

However, potential is one thing, realising it is quite another. The area’s largest hydroelectric project to date, an 18-megawatt project built by China in the Naltar Valley neighbouring Gilgit, the regional capital, was commissioned in May.

At the other end of the scale, residents of Ahmedabad village in Hunza Valley worked with the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme, an NGO, to establish a 350-kilowatt hydroelectric unit in April, although the turbine they manufactured locally with minimal technology has kept output down to less than half of envisioned capacity.

But the government has only just begun drawing up plans to transform the region’s tiny water and power department into a full-fledged utility, and to plan the linking of isolated hydroelectric units into a grid so that it power can be shared.

“We are a very small department – I barely manage to visit the sites under my supervision once a year,” said Mr Khan.

“We need fresh blood to take the strain.”

KIU News ..

2009-08-25T09:08:00.000-07:00

For Result of SSC and HSSC 2009 :
http://www.kiu.edu.pk/Online_Results/search_result.php

2009-08-25T08:56:00.000-07:00

Up North, people living in villages close to glaciers are reporting that they are receding at an alarming rate. Last year, floods from the melting Ghulkin Glacier near Hunza hit the Karakoram Highway and a settlement in Ghulkin village, damaging fields, orchards and forest areas. The KKH also remained closed for six hours. On the coast, the sea is continuing to intrude, destroying mangroves in the Indus delta and forcing coastal communities in places like Keti Bunder to move further inland as underground water is contaminated and agricultural fields ruined. Rainfall patterns all over the country are becoming increasingly unpredictable, with drought in some places and flooding in others. River flows are decreasing in the Indus River, the country’s life-line, which in turn means less hydro-electric power in the years to come. (By Rina Saeed Khan)