PM to announce new developmental package for G.B. soon: Kaira
Feature Report
Sep 24-30
SKARDU, Sep 24: (Shamsuddin) Qamar Zaman Kaira, who holds dual authority as minister for broadcasting and information and newly appointed governor has said that the recent new package by People's government will bring long lasting impacts on development of the region. Addressing to a large gathering at Sadpara he said that Prime Minister Gilani has decided to visit Gilgit-Blatistan after Eid-ul-Fitr to announce a mega development package for the masses. He claimed that people party is the only party that has given three consecutive packages during their tenure shows its sincerity for the people of this region. The reform package will end the sense of deprivation through the delegation of more authority to regional leadership," he said while talking to media persons.

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Assembly to decide on additional seat for Hunza; Budget approval powers wasted in Assembly; Deductions made last year will be adjusted in coming developmental budget: Governor G.B
GBC Watch
Sep 24-30
GILGIT, Sep 24: (Esar Karim) Qamar Zaman Kaira,the newly appointed unique governor resembles to that of Maharaja era has said that he and his party has accomplished the vision of Late Z.A.Bhutto by delegating authority to the local representatives and empowering region under self governance order keeping in view of welfare of the people. Answering to a question he said that the newly elected assembly will decide on the approval of additional seat for Hunza. He claimed that the new assembly has given authority to plan, approve and expend budget without external influence.He further said that deductions made last year in developmental projects will be added in the new budget 2010.

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Hunza Action Committee to stage demonstration out side Press club
GBC Report
Sep 24-30
KARACHI, Sep 24:
Hunza Action Committee (HAC) is going to stage a protest demonstration against the refusal of additional seat for Hunza region. According to the press release arrangements have been finalized in this regard. Special transport will be arranged to facilitate participants from different localities of city to gather at Lasbela Chowk. A railly will then lead the public to the press club where a powerful demonstration is expected to inform world community towards the deprivation of the masses of the region. The committee has requested the people form Gilgit-Baltistan to participate to support the struggle for larger interest.

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HAC Constitutes sub committee for Sindh
Hunza Action Committee is extended struggle to Southern Province
Special Report
KARACHI, Sep 22:( Rahim Aman) According to a press release received today illustrates that Hunza Action Committee has formally established a sub committee with the same name comprising members of all wake of life to extend its struggle from North to the Southern part of the country for Rights of Hunza (Gilgit-Baltistan). It is worthy to recall that the former government of President Gen (retd.) Musharraf had promised to give an additional seat for Hunza has been trashed for unknown reasons. Hunza exceeds both in population and area to other adjacent areas but has been deprived due to the common perception of being peaceful population. Social, public and student circles has welcomed the move and vowed to support its vision.

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Kaira takes oath as Governor Gilgit-Baltistan
GBC Watch-Dog
Sep 10-16
GILGIT, Sep 15 (APP): Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas (KANA) and Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira on Tuesday evening took oath as the first Governor of Gilgit-Baltistan here.
Chief Judge Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Court Justice Muhammad Nawaz administered the oath to the governor.Earlier, Chief Secretary Gilgit-Baltistan Babar Yaqub read out the Presidential Order for this purpose. Associated Press of Pak. reports
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HAC
warns to hold public protest, long march,
election boycott and subsequently civil disobedience
GBC Report
Sep 10-16
GILGIT, Sep13: (Shamsuddin) Hunza action committee (HAC) has finally announced its future strategy vis-a-vis additional representation for the region. According to a press release the committee has finalized the strategy in three stages. At first place, public protest and rallies will be conducted to voice against the refusal to additional seat for Hunza followed by long march from Hunza to Gilgit and boycott in upcomming election. While in third phase, if government gives no heed to public demand, the nation will observe civil obedience as a last mean to attract international community towards miseries of the people.On the other hand according to a report of government channel, Qamar Zaman Kaira, proposed governor for Gilgit-Baltistan has formally refused to ponder on demand for additional seat to Hunza region-thus caused to arouse public hatred towards federal government for unfavourable attitude resembles to rulers since last six decades.

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Shab-e-Qadar is being observed in Hunza

GBC Monitoring Desk
By: Shamsuddin Muhammad
Sep 10-16
HUNZA, Sep 13: Like the other parts of the country, Hunza celebrates Shab-e-Qadar, a night ful of power and blessings from God almighty. According to Islamic ideology, the Holy Quran, the book of peace for humanity; though certain factions have tarnished its image a lot due to their self justified Jihads based on their own lines, descended in it. According to Islamic directions, one must stay up and pray to God with all his heart in the night and He will definitely answer all our prayers.
Shab-e-Qadar is given more importance for it falls in Ramadan, the month of fasting-abstain for not mere eating but also from all wrong doing. The Holy Quran quotes the following verse in reverence.
The Holy Quran says : "Surely We revealed it (the Holy Quran) on the grand night. And what will make you comprehend what the grand night. The grand night is better than a thousand months. The angels and Gibreel descend in it by the permission of their Lord for every affair, Peace! It is till the break of the morning." (97:1-5).
Majalis, the religious gatherings will be held in Jamat Khanas, Imam Bargahs and Mosques to observe the day with zeal across the region.
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Unemployement reaches alarming level in Hunza
GBC Monitoring Report
Sep.10-16
HUNZA, Sep13: (Shamsuddin Muhammad) According to a recent survey conducted by GBC, it has been learnt that the unemployement rate has been fluctuated from eleven percent to fifteen percent during last eighteen months, approximately. According to the findings, every next out of nine person is facing unemployement. Nine percent of educated youth make their casual earnings by limited part time based traditional means: teaching, coaching, trade and tourism. While tourism, the main enging of economy of Hunza valley is fell a prey of militant activities and subsequent military operation against non state actors.
The over all impact of unemployment can be seen in terms of depression, anxiety, agrassion and lack of tollerance. Tyranically, most qualified personnel are the most significant segment backed area to serve community. The current economic slow down, has forced many small business enterprises, NGOs, commercial organizations and government sector institutions to wind up or minimize their operations drastically. "The new or expension in programmes in orgraninzations working currently are subjected to release of developmental funds", said an official of regional nongovernmental organinzation. Universities and colleges imparting both professional and traditional education is producing influx of students without any proper government strategy or programme to absorb such pressure in future. Consequently, the situation in Hunza, a region with highest literacy rate in Pakistan, may appear even serious to rest of country in future ahead. Intelligentia, called on contemporary democratic government to design certain programmes enable them to contribute in progress of state; other wise, the depressed breed may to bad habits and practices.
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Uplift package for Gilgit-Baltistan soon: Kaira

GBC Monitor
Sep 10-16
ISLAMABAD, Sept 13 (APP): Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira said on Saturday that a comprehensive package for the uplift of people of Gilgit-Baltistan would be announced soon. Talking to a private TV channel, he said, new infrastructure would be built, industries would be set up and tourism would be promoted in the area. He added that all necessary measures would be taken for creating job opportunities for the local people. To a question, he said that the Constitutional package for Gilgit-Baltistan was in accordance with the aspirations of people. Replying to another question he said, Gilgit-Baltistan had never remained the administrative part of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Brushing aside the apprehensions from some quarters that Gilgit-Baltistan package would harm Kashmir issue he said, “We have time again said that the situation in Gilgit-Baltistan is different from AJK.” The minister said all the powers have been handed over to the elected representative of the Gilgit Baltistan’s people. To another query he said, the political parties in Gilgit-Baltistan can now take part in politics. The government will establish an independent Election Commission in Gilgit-Baltistan, he added. Associated Press
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Hunza Action Committee briefs media on agitation plan
GBC Watch
by:Farman Karim Baig
Sep 10-16
Gilgit, September 12:(PT Report) All Hunza Action Committe (AHAC) has formally unveiled an ambitious and comprehensive plan of peaceful agitation for the resolution of their demands. AHAC plans to hold peaceful protest demonstrations and rallies throughout Hunza Valley. A long march from Hunza to Gilgit has also been planned. If their demand for additional seat in the Gilgit – Baltistan Legislative Assembly is not accepted, they plan to boycott the upcoming elections for Gilgit – Baltistan Legislative Assembly. In case of failure of the boycott, AHAC has threatened the government with extreme measure, like a civil disobedience movement, the first of its kind in history of the region, if launched. Allocation of an additional seat in the legislative assembly has been a longstanding demand of the people of Hunza valley, since 1994. A speakers said that successive governments, despite of making promises have failed to address the demand, despite of proportional increase in population of the valley. According to estimates based on the census of 1998, the population of Hunza valley has almost reach the level of seventy thousand people. “Only a single seat has been reserved for Hunza in the GBLA, while regions with much lesser population than Hunza have two or more seats”, another speaker commented during the press conference.Talking about broader issue of Gilgit – Baltistan, the committe also expressed reservations about plans for appointment of a non-local governor in the region.The agitation plan was unveild by speakers in front of the media at a local hotel here in Gilgit city. Speakers at the press conference -cum – Iftar dinner were leaders H2of AHAC, including Sheikh Abid, Ahsan Advocate, Aman Ullah Khan, Abuzar Ali, Zahoor Advocate, Noor Mohammad, Sultan Madad and Haider Tai, among others.According to reports from other parts of the country, including Karachi and Islamabad, corner meetings are being held by the residents of Hunza to hold rallies and demonstrations in favor of the demands put forward by the All Hunza Action Committee. Pamir Times
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AJK premier meets Gilani following autonomy package
  GBC Watch
Sep10-16
ISLAMABAD, Sep 12: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said on Friday that Pakistan wanted resolution of the Kashmir issue in accordance with the wishes of Kashmiri people. Talking to Azad Jammu Kashmir Prime Minister Sardar Yaqub Khan, Mr Gilani said lasting peace in South Asia and the world could be ensured only if a solution to the Kashmir dispute was found. The prime minister’s statement comes at a time when the composite dialogue between India and Pakistan has come to a grinding halt following the Mumbai terrorist attacks and the Indian leadership is opposed to resumption of dialogue as long as Islamabad does not accept its conditions. It was the first formal meeting of any AJK leader with the prime minister following the autonomy package for Gilgit-Baltistan announced by him last week. Sources said the AJK prime minister discussed with Mr Gilani sentiments of the people of Azad Kashmir about Islamabad’s giving internal autonomy to the Northern Areas. The opposition in Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan has criticised the government for announcing the political package without taking all stakeholders into confidence. According to an official handout, the prime minister sanctioned Rs42 million for fortifying the Muzaffarabad dam. He also directed release of funds for the construction of Wapda Model Town in Muzaffarabad.Sardar Yaqub Khan briefed Mr Gilani, who is chairman of the AJK council, about the progress on the Urban Development Programme, payment of remaining amount of compensation to complete houses in rural housing and construction on Muzaffarabad and Rawalakot campuses of King Abdullah University and district headquarters complex Bagh and Rawalakot. He told the prime minister that Rs13 billion had been spent on reconstruction programme in the preceding financial year while expected expenditure on under-execution and project under process was estimated at Rs27 billion.Matters relating to the release of funds against AJK PSDP for 2009-10, construction of Lower Topa-Kohala Expressway, provision of natural gas to Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot and Mirpur, increase in allocation for the Rathoa-Harryam Bridge Mirpur project and waiving off of conditions imposed on Payara Kashmir Programme were also reviewed.The AJK prime minister’s participation in the meeting of OIC Contact Group on Kashmir on the sidelines of the forthcoming UN General Assembly session was also discussed. Dawn
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NAs Legislative Assembly dissolved
GBC Watch
Sep10-16
LAHORE, Sep 11: According to media sources, 36-member Northern Areas Legislative Assembly has been dissolved and elections for
the newly announced Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly will be held in November, a private TV channel reported on Wednesday. Before dissolving the assembly, the Gilgit-Baltistan administration was taken into confidence, according to the Kashmir Affairs Ministry. The channel said Federal Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira would take oath as Gilgit-Baltistan’s acting governor on September 13. Daily times

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Chitral demands for remerger with Gilgit Baltistan
GBC Watch
By Z.A. Khan
Sep10-16
MASTUJ, Sep 10: The people of Mastuj tehsil at a public meeting here on Sunday demanded that their area should be merged into the neighbouring Gilgit-Baltistan saying the NWFP government has failed to provide them basic facilities and protect their property and lives.As district administration officials including the DCO Chitral and policemen brought in a truck from the lower part of the district to help the local police meet any eventuality stood by, the speakers gave full vent to their anger on the authorities for their continued apathy towards lingering issues of the area. The largest ever public meeting in the history of the area was held under the chairmanship of Mastuj Tehsil Nazim Shahzada Sikendarul Mulk after the nearby bridge over the Laspur River collapsed for the second time within a month killing three persons. The area people had warned the government that old and dilapidated materials were being used in the reconstruction of the bridge which could lead to further collapse of the bridge. But the authorities did not pay heed to the issue.
Those who spoke on the occasion included Shahzada Sikendarul Mulk, Abdur Rehman, Fateh Ali Shah, Sardar Ahmad and Mohammad Hayat.Through a resolution unanimously passed on the occasion, the meeting said Gilgit-Baltistan has been given the provincial status and the people of upper Chitral should be merged into that region. Due to its proximity and cultural affinities, the people of the Mastuj subdivision would be better off if they were included in Gilgit-Baltistan, they added. They said for the last many years people of the tehsil had been ignored in all fields of development and as a result today they were deprived of all basic rights, including healthcare facilities, education road and communication infrastructures. The protesters warned the government that if the bridge was not constructed within a week, they would take to the streets and damage public property. They also demanded that immediate action should be taken and a case be registered against those responsible for collapse of the bridge including the contractor who used old materials in its reconstruction. Chitral Today

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Nationalists to challenge refusal to demand of additional seat for Hunza region :Says Sultan Madad
Bureau Report
Sep10-16
HUNZA, Sep.09: (Jalaluddin) Sultan Madad, a prominent nationalist leader has said that natioanalist parties will defy decision of federal cabinet in terms of refusal against additional representation for Hunza. Speaking to demonstration, at Aliabad College chowk he said," it was not a troublesome task for federal cabinet to declare additional seat in response to constant demands of the opressed people of the region and declare new district of Hunza-Nagar ameding the current status".He also said that it is the begining of the compaign to initiate a step to record voice against the attrocities of federal government and address the deprivations of the masses. As for as the political affiliations are concerned, it comes next to the public interests. "External powers have fixed their eyes on the internal sitution of Hunza due to its strategic position among many super powers like China, Russia, India etc. Non of them have sympatheis towards the sufferings of masses except their own interests. Being a Haq-parast, I shall bolster every step that empower the poeple of Hunza," he added.

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PPP hails the demonstration called by HAC
Ready to support any move aimed at public empowerment: Fida Karim
GBC Monitor
Sep10-16
HUNZA, Sep.09:( Fazal Karim) Fida Karim, president Pakistan Peoples Party Hunza chapter has said that he will hail any step leads to empowerment of the masses of Hunza. Addresing to the protestors he said that on behalf of his party he supports the compaign to gain basic rights for the people. He urged the federal cabinet to appoint a committee to address the issues before upcoming elections.He warned the federalist parties to be faced a strong agitation if fails to address the issue get solved."The nationalist parties will gain more impetus and public support and we will force to join the struggle with them in the larger interest of the region," he added. He also urged all parties to shun their differences and cometogether to formulate future strategy in this regard.
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Every person is a ruler and being ruled simultaneously: Sheikh Abid Alhusaini
Monitoring Desk
Sep10-16
HUNZA, Sep.09:(Shamsuddin) Shekh Abid Al-Hussaini, an eminent religious scholar and leader has said that every person is a ruler and being ruled simultaneously. Speaking to the protest demonstration, he narrated few verses of Holy Quran to justify his claim. He said that in a country where every thing is determined by hard protest, peaceful efforts worth least value. He emphasized youth to get out of nut shell to think their affiliation but to join our struggle to get out due rights the masses are deprived for last many decades. It is upon every individual to know about his own rights and play his role in this struggle; no one is likely come to give us our rights but by ourselves,"he added.

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Hunza protests against the refusal of additional seat
Markets remained closed and traffic suspended for many hours
Committed to defy the decision to deprive the region of our right of representation says Protestors
GBC Watch
Sep10-16
HUNZA, Sep.09:(Sherbaz Karim) People of Hunza have strongly condemn the refusal of emand for additional seat by federal government in new self governance reform package for Gilgit-Baltistan. The shops remained closed and pulbic transport was disappeared from the roads in response to the demonstration called by Hunza Action Committee across the region. Participants chanted slogans against the decision and demanded federal cabinet for reconsideration. Holding banners and placards, chanting slogans, the participants criticised successive governments for ignoring longstanding demands of the people of Hunza Valley with respective to proportionate representation. Speakers vowed to hold such demonstration till the the demand for additional seat is accepted formally.A resolution was unanimously passed to defy the decision and urged federal cabinet to appoint a special body to evaluate and approve the issue in priority basis. Before concluding the event, protestors marched in the form of raily from College road to Police station to record their voice on the issue of additional representaion.
Participants dispersed peacefully later on request of leadership near Aliabad police station. It is to remind that Hunza valley is a stretegically important region of Gilgit Baltistan stretched over ten thousand square kilometers with population exceeding eighty thousand approxmately. Its borders faces China in the East, Kashmir in the South-West, Gilgit in the West and Tajikistan in the North East. By 1947, at the time of liberation Hunza has been left with a single seat regradless of its population size. Interestingly, other areas within Gilgit district were given additional seat in pretex of increase in population through Legal frame work order 1994, 98 and 99 while the Hunza has been treated like a slave. A general concept about Hunza is that the population is peaceful and abstain from sever agitaion. But it is also a truth that this nation has a remarkable historing both in bettle field, valour and academic pursuits. Authorities should understand the paradigm shifting drastically in terms of deprivation.
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People of Hunza to get their right with personal might: Rani Atiqa Ghazanfar
 Bureau Report
Sep10-16
HUNZA, Sep.08: (Shamsuddin Muhammad) People of Hunza have stong concerns on the refusal of additional seat for Hunza region. These views were expressed by Rani Atiqa mir Ghazanfar, member NALA, while talking to the regional media persons.she said that she has come forward to struggle for the rights of the people ignoring her personal political affiliations and ideology for the larger interest. She urged federal government to address the demand of the people of Hunza relying on a singly seat since 1947. She said that such attrocities have been observed in past but now the situation is completely different and rulers must ponder to legitimate demands of people. She haild Hunza Action committee under the leadership of eminent religious scholar seikh Abid and donated fifty thousand rupee for the cause.

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HAC to stage a demonstration against disapproval of additional seat

GBC Watch
Sep 03-Sep09
HUNZA, Sep.08: (Shamsuddin) Hunza Action Committee is going to stage a demonstration against the disapproval of proposal for additonal seat for subdivision Hunza by federal government at College road Aliabad, Hunza. According to a press release, the committee that comprises all parties of the region will record their voice against the refusal to the demand of more than fifty thousand populated area. Hunza exceeds both in population and area to Nagar subdivision. Nevertheless, former has given a single seat compared to two seats for later.

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KIDS OF THE WEEK
Union is strength
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Delay in right of representation would lead us for proceeding: Marvi Memon


Beauro Report
July 24-27
Gilgit:Member of Pakistan’s National Assembly, Marvi Memon has demanded federal government to provide representation in both houses in order to empower the indeginous people of the region. She urges Federal Minister Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas to bestow 8 seats in National and 4 in Senate respectly. "The Foreign Ministry is the main obstacle in the way to grant constitutional rights to the people", she added.She also said that she can fight the cause of the region in apex court if the federal government does not keeps its promises for a comprehensive reform package to give a real representation of the people of this region. (Daily k2)


Establishment of Persecution Department approves
Staff Report
July20-27 Giltigit: Federal government has approved a proposal for establishment of a proscution department in the region appointing a Prosuctor General in all district. It has also approved to advertise 47 job opportunities to fill the requirement in comming couple of weeks.Resources told our correspondant in first stage a prosecutor general of grade 19 will be appointed in Gilgit, Skardu, Diamer, Ghizar, Ghanche and Astore supported by 10 Assistant Prosecutor General at grade 17 in respective district. (Daily k2)
Basha Dam will not be allowed to build if Roality is not conffered
says Dianmer notable

Special Report

July 20-July 27
Islamabad: In order to present recommendations and mediation on Bhasha Dam project,many notables from the Diamer distric including district management officials from Gilgit Baltistan have reached at Islamabad in response to a formal invitation for participation from Federal government. According to the souces the participants will undertake a dialogue to resolve the regarding roality to Diamer distric and compensation package to the effecties.While talking to VOH correspondant Haji Abdul Qadus claimed that N.W.F.P has a wrong stance on the issue while both the dam and Power generation plant is being planned to construct within Diamer district limits. (Daily k2)

Shotage of Fund - Influenes Pace of Developement Work in the region
GBC Report

July 20-July 27
Gilgit July 21: After the announcement of Federal government about reducation of Rs. 1.7 billion funds, the pace of development projects have greatly effected in the region. Northern Areas public works departments have failed to pay funds to contractors who have completed many projects investing their personal amount to recieve againts the respective projects later.

Three Police Officers awarded Pakistan Police Medals

By our Correspondant
July 20-July 27 Gilgit July 20: Three senior police officers of Northern Areas police have been awarded awarded Pakistan Police medal for bravery and valour during performance of their duties during a graceful ceremony held at the Central Police Office by Inspector Gen. N.A. Police. Among them are S.P M.Anwar Khan for vegilance and contribution to save pessangers of S-130 aeroplance at Gilgit airport from angry mob. SP M.Mansoor Khan was the second who saved a family in Darel region while the third was DSP Akhtar Hussain Changezi who saved the staff of Karakurum bank from angry protestors in 2005. Speaking on the ocasion, Khursheed Alam Khan saidI.G. N.A. Police said that this was not a mater of pride for the Northern Areas police but for the entire gegion.



Kaira to transfer Powers to Elected Representatives of N.As vide Self Governance

GBC Monitoring Report
July 12-July 19
Islamabad: Federal Minister for Information and Chairman Northern Areas, Qamar Zaman Qaira has said that he would transfer his powers to the elected representatives of Gilgit-Baltistan. Addressing the National Assembly Standing Standing committee meeting on Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas, the minister said that Gilgit-Baltistan was an asset of the country and it could not be ignored at any cost. The reform package would be the solution of all problems of the region and soon the regional self-governance order would be approved. The minister said the Foreign Office has some reservations regarding award of provincial status to Gilgit Baltistan besides there were some constitutional ambiguities in system. Federal minister Mr. Kaira while replying to a question of members of Standing Committee of National Assembly said that "the process of rehabilitation of displaced families in Diamer district would be started by the mid of 2010. During the current fiscal year 2009, Rs. 800 Million have been fixed for the rehabilitation of the affected people of Diamer Dam out of which 50% amount would be released in the first quarter.
There was an immense potential for power production in Gilgit-Baltistan, but
since the region was not connected with the national trellis, power could not be produced.About 5,000 megawatts would be produced at Diamer dam and 6000 M.W from Bonji dam". He said that the reservations of the affected people would be addressed before the inauguration of the dam. Replying over a question regarding the boundary dispute between North Western Frontier Province (N.W.F.P) and Gilgit-Baltistan over Diamer dam, he said a committee would be set up under the chairman, Planning Commission that would sort out the dispute between both parts. Meanwhile,minister said the constitutional reforms committee which comprises senior politicians as its members would shortly start preparing recommendations to restore the constitution in its true form and spirit. (Daily k2)



Shortage of Wheat in Hunza -likely to increase prices
By our Correspondant
July 12-July 19 Hunza: Hunza has been hit by the severe wheat crisis, creating great inconvenience to the people. Due to lack of proper mechanism, and recent ordinance of withdrawal of subsidies, the prices of all commodities are likely to increase shortly. People termed this an alarm to food security and called for wheat stock to balance the intensity of demand and supply process. Seeing clue of floor shortage, dealers seem to store stock to gain high margin if the situation persists for coming few weeks. Public circles have demanded to fill the gap between demand and suppully ratio in order to prevent food crisis in future.


Zia's Coup marked as blackday in Gilgit Baltistan GBC Watch
July 12-July 19 Gilgit: Like other parts of the country, Pakistan People's Party observed the thirty second anniversary of the Coup-dete by General Zia-ul-Haq as a black day in Gilgit-Baltistan.The meeting was presided over by PPP Gilgit-Baltistan Information Secretary Rana Nazeem khan. Speaking on theoccassion, participant of a joint meeting organized by People's Youth Organization (PYO) and People Students Federation (PSF) said that on July 5, 1977. General Zia-ul-Haq overthrew a people's government and introduced Kalashnikov culture, patronized sectarianism, Jihadi organizations in the country. They said that if the July 5, incident had not happened, the country would neither had been deprived of an able leader nor would it have faced the problems. Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto's death was not only a loss to the Pakistan but also to the Muslim world. (Daily k2)


Neutral Commission sought to decide boundary between Diamer, Bhasha
Monitoring Report
July 12-July 19 Gilgit: Balawaristan National Front leader and Gilgit Baltistan Democratic alliance General Secretary Burhanullah Khan has said that if the federal government and NWFP tired to forcefully construct Diamer-Basha dam, they would face strong resistance. He said that Gilgit-Baltistan had cultural ties with Chitral and Kohistan therefore, the people of these two regions should not become the tool of people of the other parts of NWFP. The status of Gilgit Baltistan was controversial different from the other provinces of the country, he added. He demanded for an impartial commission which should decide on the boundary between Diamer and Bhasha keeping in view the ground realities of the region. (Bang Sehar)


New Equipments are being installed in the hospitals in the region Says Secretary Health
July 20-27
By our correspondent
Gilgit: Secretary Health Gilgit-Baltistan doctor Sohail Saqlain has said that the Kashrot Civil Hospital will be formally launched on 20th August 2009. The hospital has been provided medical equipments to facilitate patients with modern health facilities.Member of Legislative assembly Hafiz Hafeez-ur-rehman paid a visit to the new built hospital saying that Health sector is in priority and government is committed to provide facilities on public door step. But reality is even always bitter and reverse. In Hunza, which is a sub-division of Gilgit district has always deprived of basic health facilities. Tyrannically, not a single public representative paid a visit to see the real situation in past.
Consequently, common man is the main sufferer for not a single medicine is available any where namely Karimabad or Aliabad Civil hospital. Mosa Karim, a resident of Hyderabad Hunza, is an opinion that niether hospital management of either hospital protest for basic health facilities including general medicine. One other dweller of the Karimabad called for effective medical facilities in the health centers."What is the use of equipments, if I am coming for three consecutive days for my chest X-ray but every time I am told that operator is not available yet due to his absence on account of expansion work of Karakorum High way."he added.

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Mission Statement & Weekly VoH Publishing team


VoH
Voice of Voiceless

The blog aims to disseminate the accurate regional information without consideration of race, color, ethnicity, religion and ideology to the valuable readers across the globe. We promise to abide with the moral and professional ethics of citizen journalism through this medium of communication. The voiceless masses of this one of the most beautiful places on earth, situated in Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan experience hard times due to continuous natural and man made disasters which have left them at surviving stage. Shortly speaking, in a short span of time, Hunza valley has embraces a steady socio-economic and ecological development making it self an authentic book to read about or take a model for rest of far flung valleys bordering Chines Sinkiang province in the extreme north of the country. The haphazard material development in this comparatively small area has also served to create various socio-economic and ethical problems which ultimately served to shake the fabrics of very roots and foundations of culture and civility among dwellers. On geo-political front, analysts find a very little say of a common man in the major decisions related to regional socio-economic development, violation of meritocracy by mafias in political parties, pressure groups which safe guard their own interests, a unbridled bureaucracy, corrupt regimes that patronizing nepotism or favoritism and who wield powers in Gilgit, the main hub and capital of Gilgit-Baltistan. Rapid increase in expenditures ranging from general commodity price hikes to transportation has left no option or time for people to think on other issues.
The so called Economic-Recession, unequal distribution of wealth, concentration of opportunities towards certain beings, lack of social responsiveness and transparency in government sector and no check and balance on private sector has brought its ugly implication in terms of high unemployment, depression among the youngsters, anxiety and hatred towards system of governance.
We vow to bring fore the issues of common man at grass root level, strive to highlight irregularities in government sector and flaws in public policy and finance in a democratic way. We shall continue to give our opinion on issues of importance and determine to prove a viable platform to have a positive role for public welfare, inter-communal harmony, integrity and social justice.
Amid such a situation when even the survival of country is on stake and is defamed due to continual terrorist incidents throughout the our county, we may pray for a peaceful and prosperous future of the nation. May Lord save the peaceful Gilgit-Baltistan region from the evil designs of devils in human form.

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Hunza: Naeem Hamoon
Email: naeemhmn@hotmail.com


Gilgit: Aslam Shah

Email: hunzaishah@gmail.com


Islamabad: Ikramullah Baig
Email: hunza_havenonearth@yahoo.com

Voice of the voiceless!

The blog is a venture with exclusive news updates, unbiased analysis and opinion on historical, cultural, ecological, socio-economic, geopolitical and administrative issues and events occurring in country in general and the region particular. It would serve as a portfolio of credible information retained first hand from own and secondary reliable electronic and print media sources and aspire to become a powerful voice for a common man. We are committed to adhere with the professional ethics of citizen journalism, a new trend to shackle the chains of excessive curb over dissemination of reality either for any cause in the name of so-called sensor, with maximum possible accuracy and least deviation while delivering information to show the real side of picture of events so that our valuable readers will have an alternative portal to know what developments are going on various levels, particularly backward areas like that of Gilgit-Baltistan, Balochistan, Azad Jamu and Kahsmir, Tribal areas etc., across the country. One can easily discern a great social change in terms of attitudes, perceptions both in individual and society; values and reaction to the variables in daily life patterns among the dwellers of the comparatively backwards areas like Gilgit-Baltistan, a deprived region of its fundamental rights for more than six decades of its liberation from colonial yolk. In a quest to voice over issues of vital importance, keeping closer to circle of concern, Hunza, a name famous for its beauty and rich cultural heritage has been selected to represent as a case to further the cause and issues of the rest of the region. Virtually, the region especially Hunza-Nagar retained a rapid development with a short span of time after remaining isolated for centuries to out side world. The blog also aims focus largely to identify core areas from on bottom or grass root level to the top. Keeping due consideration of inter-religious harmony, tolerance, respecting pluralism, diversity, mutual respect, democracy, equal opportunity and other aspects of human rights and professional values of journalism, the blog will serve as a binding force and medium of voice of the voiceless people of the area with reference to Gilgit-Baltistan region.

The idea of creation of this blog came into my mind during a visit after spending few years of career at Karachi, capital of Southern province to the region. While traveling from south pole of the country to north, I experienced many new changes nearly in all aspects of life explicit in urban areas and implicit in rural belts: people have opted to modern technology, availed faster means of communication; task centered behavior, selfishness, following short-cuts, chase of wealth and more opportunities in their career and many more that made their lives much more easier but crazier than before. Nevertheless, the scene suddenly turned bit dim when I entered the region of Gilgit-Baltistan. I could not believe my eyes that this was the Gilgit I saw four years ago. Many things, except the faces were utterly unchanged formats primitive outlook. The Chinese bridge that linked Danyore and Gilgit and a main source of transportation was no more. Few people told me that few journalists have lost their lives in lethal road accident due to lack of arrangements on part of concerned authority to avoid the incident. Karakorum High Way (KKH), one of the highest truck able route and so-called eighth wonder in the world is under construction and many places portray nothing but a passage through a rough stony pasture. It took nearly twenty four hours from Rawalpindi to reach after an exhaustive journey to Hunza, my home town, compared to nineteen hours in past. The scenario seemed worse in Hunza, my home town which remained unchanged for last four years except a drastic decline in standard of living of more than fifty percent of the population. One may think that people have replaced muddy homes with cement ones but that are not the real yardstick of measurement of both mental and material development. Infrastructure, fixtures, telecommunication systems were largely depreciated to their estimated life coupled with inappropriate number of personnel required in educational, administrative and health institutions. The so-called economic meltdown that started from American giant Leman soon took the world into its tyrant claws, shaking many stable economies of the world including the rural areas of developing states- a big example of negligence and subjugation by the rulers of respective countries where people live not above the level of animals. Apart from the allegations on policy makers of industrialized nations having economic interest only, the poor, irrational, incompetent, self-centered and corrupt leadership in Pakistan like other third world countries where immature economies spends it larger portion of budget expenditure on defense could not resist the negative consequences of economic crisis in terms of high rate of unemployment, recession, right or down sizing, price hikes, violation of consumer rights and so on. Hunza-Nagar, like other parts of Gilgit-Baltistan was no exception. The smiling faces that greeted us once warmly few years ago turned unhappy for the crisis brought its ugly implication on the daily life pattern of an individual thus sucking down the unique attributes of population: courtesy, generosity and hospitality. Having a so-called high rate of literacy in the country unfortunately, the region is facing many problems ranging from health to drinking water and energy sector. To many, it was because of lack of geo-political awareness and excessive tendency towards NGO culture where people little bother to beg their rights from the states besides emphasis on duties. Historical chronicles vindicate that the region remained in isolation for many centuries due to a specific location and lack of access to out side world. Many dynasties ruled the area that hardly accepted change in a traditionally sophisticated feudal based society. The wheel of transition continued to move and finally the area got librated through a mutiny with the help of indigenous population from the clutches of Dogra subjugation. Later, the area was affiliated with Pakistan vide a secret treaty called Karachi Treatise as defacto part, unconditionally. Gilgit-Baltistan region got on real terms an impetus to grow from zero level with the visit of three icons of development: Aga Khan, President Ayub Khan and Z.A.Bhutto- a historic event of its nature with long standing implications on live of the people of the region.The area could hardly observed any impulse for more than half dozen years of affiliation with Pakistan when Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah, Aga Khan (3rd) first time introduced Diamond Jubilee Schools network during mid fifties in the region. A real phase of development gain impetus when Shah Karim Alhusaini, Aga Khan (fourth) stepped in the region, a population with miserable conditions in 1960. He initiated many new projects in different aspect of life, strengthening the existing educational network under the umbrella of Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) for the betterment and uplift standard of living of masses lived under poverty line. Aga Khan Development Network in collaboration with donor agencies, with a view to bring social change from grass roots level, initiated rural support programme and other services for less-privileged societies in the region. In simple words, initial projects were stretched to new areas under AKDN umbrella ranging from self-entrepreneurship to planning and building services. These development programmes served a catalyst for a common man who, earlier was confine to a certain limit where facilities and perks were confined to a specific creed, definitely a big change in society led to process of decline of so-called nobility. By, 1974, Z.A.Bhutto, chief of Pakistan Peoples Party and his cabinet undertook a disintegrated country following the fall of Dhaka, albeit eliminating princely status of numerous states gave them democratic structures, initiated socio-economic, political and administrative reforms in civil services cadres under 1973 constitution of Pakistan. These reforms opened a path for further reforms in tribal and affiliated princely states, mostly in mountain regions. Elders assert, by 1976, when Bhutto abolished the princely status of the units and replaced the princely flag with that of the country declared region formally its de-fecto part. The new development allowed for the first time a limited right of franchise and representation in a parallel council governed from capital. He in collaboration with international donor agencies like UNICEF and World Food Programme helped ensure provision of basic necessities like food to indigenous population still in poor conditions. He gave word to poor and enables to build his destiny. The facility fell a prey of Zia-ul-Haq who abolished the programme to benefit his favorite breed. He altered such programmes to facilitate Mujahideen busy fighting Afghan war against Soviet invasion on behalf of American assistance. By, 1988, before the withdrawal of USSR, Zia regime played a dirty game: as an integral strategy to get parallel success, he supported a breed of militants to eliminate all those against his faith in Gilgit-Baltistan. Unfortunately, the indigenous people could not understand his nefarious designs under the veil of religion that had to sustain his regime using divide and rule tactic and nothing to do with public welfare fell a prey of communal discord. Thousands of innocent people were brutally killed without a reason from both sides and this in turn sowed the seeds of sectarianism thus introducing a Kalashnikov culture in this region. On country’s political front, frequent interventions of military in politics in the wake of undemocratic moves of leadership, double standard attitude of bureaucracy and excessive influence of establishment forces harmed political evolution during last sixty two years of country's history. A finest dictatorship is considered worse than a worse democracy for it largely overlook the opinion of masses. The undemocratic regimes since 1952 onwards in general and during dictators’ regimes left people with no option but to support immature, corrupt and unable leadership confined to their self interests coupled with narrow vision. On global front, with the withdrawal of USSR from Afghanistan, American administration started to shift its strategy of dependency and support for Pakistan especially that to check movement and expansion of communist philosophy, an anxiety among the then US policy planners. Political front once again passed through a new change in 1999 when military took over in October 1999. Numerous Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), both national and international rapport delivered remarkable work since 1990s to 2004 in many sectors like education, health, cultural preservation, design and building.

History repeated itself, but in a new form under different circumstances after cold war, when terrorists attacked twin towers of World Trade Centre, an icon of prestige and glory of America killing thousands of innocent people as a response to US policies inviting a fresh hostility between US and Islamist groups or in other words initiated an open conflict between two countering forces. To some, hidden forces worked behind the incident: Muslims thought it was a Judaist elements while to Europe and US a strike of Islamist elements; even the then Bush administration alleged Islamist groups behind this nefarious act to initiate an open armed struggle to defy its policies and interests. The September 11 incident served a cause to create sufferings for the Muslim communities residing in America and Europe. Being a sponsoring source of Jihadist elements, Pakistan was in real trouble as it was asked either ally the US or ready to go into stone age. Consequently, Pervez Musharraf took U-turn in state policy against billions of dollars as assistance. Once again, US dependency on Pakistan after Afghan war, in an endless war against an invisible enemy in terms of Osama started, leading farmer to think to gain control over natural resources in Afghanistan and Central Asian states. As a state, Pakistan endured many hardships, mostly from inside elements, Majority of our political leadership, for instance is largely nurtured under the aegis of military establishments and always ready to achieve their own interest lest it comes to compromise on national matters, evident from the successive overthrowing of representative regimes. They could not deliver any remarkable to uplift the standard of living of a common man except false promises. It was the Musharraf regime which can be given credit for many reasons: allowed a national government to complete its five year tenure, introduced local government systems for dicentralization of power though a move to by pass the then political and administrative forces like his predecessors military dictators to bolster one man show. Apart from few of blunders in terms of killing of Akbar Bugti, subjugation of judiciary, appointment of army on service and retired personnel in institutions offering higher education, other key positions in major public organiztions and using force as a decisive force instead of dialogue his regime can be recalled for many things during last eight years. He was the first who put hand on non-state actors, brought changes in status of deprived regions like Gilgit-Baltistan bringing reforms and took initiatives to improve education and health facilities. He gave us an International University, increased woman representation, empowered Northern Light Infantry, established N.A scouts and notified Hunza-Nagar district and many more. Yet, at the same time on mass level, despite many accomplishments, it failed to address the real issues of poor. Giant fishes got most and poor further got depressed as the regime greatly revolved around the interests of Chaurdhries and lords. December 2007, shall be remembered a black day when Benazir Bhutto, a female leader of international repute was assassinated at the same place where one of the most famous Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan as killed. Country fell into chaos and observed an extreme internal and internal threat to her existence second time after 1971. Good heaven, the situation soon normalized. With the dawn of democracy, based on Benazir Bhutto's sacrifice has brought a hope of change of image of the country in global economy. PPP led contemporary government has given a new Self Governance Reforms Package 2009 ahead of poles to empower the assembly to legislate on various subjects not allowed in past and choose their own Chief Minister unanimously with the consent of Prime Minister, the head of set up-a good initiative after Z.A Bhutto's compassions for the region. The package has opened a door for more autonomy resembles to that of Azad Kashmir. Though, there are many flaws in the package yet, it will serve to reduce feeling of deprivation among the masses.

There is another side of the picture that the poor performance in many of the departments in government sector during last two years has raised many questions in our mind regarding its capability to cope the challenges that the country faces internally and externally. Public welfare, security from internal and external aggressions and provision of basic necessities to the citizens is the fundamental responsibilities of modern states. Yet, more focus on external threats under security syndrome has left the country nothing but to expend on defense-thus neglecting other sectors like education, strategic personnel planning, health, trade and industry and exploitation of natural resources to strengthen our economy. As for as the private sector especially the NGOs are concerned, the are now confine to reporting to get funds, roam and measure the length of roads in their luxury vehicles. Now it depends on flow of events that will decide the future course of history.





Shamsuddin Muhammad,

Author and Editor,

VoH



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About Me

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Hyderabad,, IslamicRepublic of Pakistan, Pakistan
I am social person with a tendency towards learning knowledge that will balance the material world and the hereafter, a legacy obtained from the family. I earned my MA (General History with specialization in Modern History) and M.A.S (Master of Administrative siences with speciliazation in HRM) both from University of Karachi in 2005 and 2007 respectively, am fond of social work and public welfare. The blog focuses on social change caused by socio- economic and geo-political impulse in the country in general and the region particular.

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