Two Names among the top for CM of Gilgit-Baltistan
Syed Mehdi Shah and Wazir Baig are among the favorite icons
VoH Report
GILGIT, Nov.20: (Shamsuddin Muhammad) According to some reliable sources Pakisan Peoples Party has proposed few names for the position of Chief Minister, Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly under new self governance reform package, 2009 for the region by rulling party. The newly appointed Chief Minister will be the vary first such an officer under a quasi provincial cum tribal political structure.Among the most favourite names are of Mr.Syed Mehdi Shah, regional president of PPP, who has won from LA-7 Sakardu constituency-2and Mr. Wazir Baig winner from LA-6, Hunza region. Both leaders are considered humble, foresighted and deligent. On the other hand, PPP that has gained eleven out of twenty three seats is busy with meetings to finalize the name by party highups within couple of days.








National T.B. Control program holds one day Community Coalition session on ACSM
Speakers discuess new approach to adopt to mobilize people to halt this dellima; more than thirty percent affected by this critical disease
VoH Report
HUNZA, Karimabad, Nov.19: (Shamsuddin Muhammad) National Tuber Closis Control program for Gilgit-Baltistan hold one day session for board of directors and social mobilizers of Hyderabad Rural Support Organization (HRSO) here at a local hotel, Karimabad, Hunza. The session was a part of a series of sessions to be held in different areas in the region to create better awareness about the deadly disease that has affected more than thirty percent population of third world countries.


Mercy Coprse sponsors such programmes to NGOs like Aga Khan Foundation to help ensure the eridication of critical diseases in the mountain areas. Speakers in the session threw light on reasons, symptoms and methods of treatment. Doctor Haider in his innuagural speech stressed on hygene factors among the masse which is the major cause of the critical disease. He said that due to lack of proper information and timely treatment the disease is penetrating in the society.
Mrs.Rehana, district social moblizer, Gilgit-Baltistan in her speech said that most of the patient used to hide the disease at initial stage that get worse with passage of time. She said the major cause of the disease in the region was due to lack of ventilation, lack of cleanliness and imbalance diet availalble for the people. She said that more than 30 percent cases registered in the developing countries due to poverty, lack of awareness, misconceptions and low standard of living. She stressed the Local Support Organization directors and members with the help of community health workers to inform people about the causes and effects as well as to follow the directions given. She further said that the victims of this disease are mostly infants, children, pragnant women and those above 45 for they have low immunity power. She said that T.B is no more epedimic and can be controlled through the use of certain continous medication adding the patient was kept in isolution making him depressed and scared . She said in contrast to the prior methods we are now going to follow a new method called Adocacy Communication Social Moblization (ACSM) to convince people to take good care of their health.





Allegation of rigging aimes to defame PPP : Sadia Dani
VoH Watch
GILGIT, Nov. 16: (Shamsuddin Muhammad) Sadia Danish, regional president Pakistan Peoples Party Gilgit-Baltistan has said that allegations of rigging is aimed to defame the party that has long history in the region. She said the those having no roots in the people have resorted to such allegations. ____________________________________________________________________________________________




18667 votes in Hunza compared to 16873 in Nagar additional seat indispensible



VoH Watch

HUNZA, Aliabad, Nov. 13: (Shamsuddin Muhammad) Federal government has formally notified the new set up of Hunza-Nagar district. The recent poles disclose an interesting story. Hunza has been deprived of two seats as compared to Nagar which has the similar population size according to a census many years ago. Due to drastic demographic changes, an additional seat has become indispensable . The idea vindicates from the recent poles when eighteen thousand six hundred sixty seven votes were casted compared to 16873 collectively from vicinity four, five and six respectively.



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GBLA ELECTIONS

Party position

GILGIT, Nov. 16: (Shamsuddin Muhammad) According to the result declared by a private TV channel, following is the party position in recent elections:
PPP= 11, PML (N)= 2, PML (Q)= 2
MQM=01, JUI= 01 IND= 4
TOTAL=21
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GB EC announces re-vote in LA-3 Gilgit-3
VoH Watch

GILGIT, Nov. 16: Election Commissioner of Gilgit-Baltistan Rahim Nawaz Durrani announced that polling would be re-conducted at all four polling stations in LA-3, Gilgit-3. Talking to Geo News, the Election Commissioner said the fresh polling would be conducted on November 18 in LA-3, Gilgit-3 at Polling Station of High School Jalalabad, Dispensary Building Oshkhandas, Sab School Muhammedabad and FG Boys High School Danioor. The total number of votes at all these four polling station is 3526. It should be mentioned that the polling was halted on these stations after violence erupted there. Geo News




PPP to form coalition government in Gilgit-Baltistan says Mehdi Shah

VoH Monitor
SLAMABAD , Nov. 16: Syed Mehdi Shah, President Pakistan Peoples Party Gilgit-Baltistan, has said that the chief minister for the area will be from PPP, as it has emerged as single largest party in the assembly election. Talking to the state-run radio, he said that JUI-F and MQM have won two seats each. These two parties are coalition partners of PPP in centre, so they will also be part of coalition government in Gilgit-Baltistan, he added.In response to a question about allegations of rigging by MQM, he said that MQM has no say in Gilgit-Baltistan. Sana New
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MQM celebrates victory in Hyderabad ; secured 47 percents votes remaining the winner; thankful people for their support, requests people to cooperate government in resolving problems: Kamil Jan
VoH Report
HUNZA, Hyderabad, Nov. 13: (Shamsuddin Muhammad) Kamil Jan, candidate of MQM and runner up in the recent election has said that it is the inable leadership of past that compelled people to join Muttahida Qaumi Movement. He was speaking to a large public gathering here at Hyderabad vis-à-vis his victory in Hyderabad and Shiskat, Hunza. He invited the people to give his thanks for their support in the poles. Addressing the people he said that today I am proud that the people of my ancestral place gave me an overwhelmed victory rejecting a traditional series of political elite. He said that it is the vision of Chief of Muttahida that forced me to enter politics and get a chance to serve the oppressed. He emphasized the people especially youth to cooperate with the coming government in solving problems at grass root level. Delegations on vehicles continued to assembled till the evening and traditional dance was arranged. Participants chanted slogans in his and Muttahida’s favor saying that a hope for poor. In the last of the function open feast was arranged for all participants.


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PPP leadership rejects allegation of rigging in Gigit-Baltistan elections, Gilani and Kaira refutes the rigging charges on part of PPP led government; Defeated elements have no right to insult mandate of GB people:Kaira

VoH Watch

ISLAMABAD, Nov 13: According to Associated Press of Pakistan, PM Gilani has rejectected rigging accusations in Gilgit-Baltistan Polls, Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) and PML-Q who walked out of National Assembly against the alleged rigging in Gilgit-Balitstan polls saying that there isn’t a single election in history of Pakistan which isn’t accused of being rigged. PM maintained that it has become a custom to make noise about rigging. Earlier, PML-N and PML-Q protested against the alleged rigging in Gilgit-Baltistan polls. Similarly, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira, refuting rigging charges in Gilgit-Baltistan election, on Friday said the loser should accept people’s verdict.In a telephonic interview to a private TV channel, he said PPP losed two seats each from Gilgit and Skardu adding had there been the practice of rigging, it would not have happened.The fact is that PPP is traditionally a popular party in the area and it had secured 8 seats in the election that were held under the rule of former dictator Pervez Musharraf, he said. " Defeated elements have no right to insult mandate of the winning party," he further added.

PPP celebrates victory; thousands of people attended the function;

I am now the leader of both the supporters and opponents in the election: Wazir Baig

VoH Report

HUNZA, Aliabad, Nov. 13: (Shamsuddin Muhammad) Wazir Baig of PPP who won the recent election of the LA-6 for regional assembly with an overwhelmed majority. MQM that has entered few months ago, gave a tough time to the Pakistan Peoples Party- one of the unchallenging power in regional politics for a decade in past. He could not won the favor in his own home town yet it was Gojal that played a decisive role in his victory. Overall, the election process remained smooth and the news of any incident did not receive so far.



The party announced in the noon about the event and within an hour hundreds of people assembled in the F.G.Degree college play ground in the forms of rallies to welcome their leader. In his speech, Mr. Wazir said that today I have won the poles through your poles. It is an obligation that I should fulfil my promises by bringing more development in the region, “ I am the leader of both who supported me and those who oppose me,” he added. He said that I shall do my most to satisfy the needs and come to the expectations of the people of Hunza. A large number of people including woman, children, men and elders gave him tribute and chanted slogans: Jiyeh Bhutto, Jiyeh Wazir, tum kitnay Bhutoo maro gay har galee say bhatoo nicklay gah. A feast was arranged for the guest came form different areas of Gojal in the last.


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Wazir Baig wins the poles with a heavy mandate; Gojal played a decisive role in the final stage to give him victory; Kamil Jan declared as runner u

VoH Report

HUNZA, Aliabad, Nov. 13: (Shamsuddin Muhammad) According to a unofficial source, Mr. Wazir Baig of Pakistan Peoples Party has been declared as winner for LA-6 who got 5,351 votes in the poles for Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative assembly. Kamil Jan of Muttahida Qaumi Movement got 4,114 and declared as runner up while Noor Muhammad of Hunza Action Committee remained third taking 3,637 votes in the quest. Gojal played a vital role in victory of Peoples party candidate who cast more than seventy five percent votes in his favor thus keeping other parties aside. Mr. wazir has reiterated that he will work earnestly for the betterment of people of the region.
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Poles ended without any bad incide

VOH

HUNZA, Aliabad, Nov.13. By Piyar Ali: The poles for LA-6 ended peacefully without any negative incident in the region. Overall, polling reined smooth with normal turn over. People experienced political diversity in terms of more choice regarding contestants.
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Muttahida blames PPP for using national exchequer in election campaigns

VoH Watch
GILGIT, Nov. 11: (Shamsuddin Muhammad) Representatives of Muttahida Qaumi Movement has alleged the rulling party of resorting to pre-pole rigging using Benazir Income Support Programme to benefit the party in election. The regional party leadership has claimed that the recent visit of Qamar Zaman Kaira was aimed to give advantage the candidate of the party through announcement of new projects ahead of poles.


New projects to be initiated to facilitate people of Hunza; PPP believes on democracy and committed to fulfill legitimate demands; demarcation delayed for it would have delayed elections in the region; new assembly to approve additional seat for Hunza says Qamar Zaman Kaira

VoH Report
HUNZA, Karimabad, Nov. 10: (Shamsuddin Muhammad) Qamar Zaman Kaira, minister for broadcasting and communication and acting governor Gilgit-Baltistan has said that the federal government is committed to address the issues of the people as a first priority as it realize that the people in this mountain region face a lot of troubles in their daily lives adding the government accept their legitmate demand of equitable representation in the regional assembly. He was talking to notables of Hunza during his two days tour in the region just a day ahead of the poles for assembly.

He said that federal government after getting suggestions has initiated a new scholarship policy through financial assistance to the deserved students from the Bait-ul-mal fund. Throwing light on additional seat issue, he said that in real, PPP was planning for demarcation few months ago under new census report to address the demands of people for additional seat for six other areas of Gilgit-Baltistan including Hunza. He claimed that such a process would have taken at least four months. This would in turn have delayed the elections by the March next year-thus inviting criticism from other parties of taking more time to benefit the ruling party. He said the scheduled elections on November 2009 aimed to avoid the allegations of taking advantage and more time to strengthen party position.


He said that now people have a good choice to send their favorite and sincere representatives to address their issues by the power of vote in the election; and this all is due to reforms by PPP government. Speaking to the gathering, notables demanded for allocation of more funds, equitable representation according to new census, establishment of local industrial zone and creation of job opportunities in order to reduce the feeling deprivation of people in the region. Speakers in their speeches applauded PPP saying that it was Z.A.Bhutto who absolved the people of Gilgit-Baltistan form the clutches of monarchy and now the ruling party has given a balanced reform package to empower the region. They criticized on certain elements who say the B.I.S.F is sponsored by IMF and W.B saying that it was the sacrifice of late Benazir Bhutto that benefits the poor of the country.
Answering a question of Voice of Hunza regarding the distribution of jobs under Hunza-Nagar set up he said that under this set up new jobs will be announced and distributed with equal proportion between both areas and merit will be ensured in all jobs. He said that we are now committed to bring such developments that will increase confidence of people on government and measures will be taken to ensure transparent processes without external intervention. Talking to the journalists he said that demarcation will be initiated by the March of 2010 under new census report from relevant ministry. He said that a comprehensive report has been prepared and ensured to compensate those all affected by KKH expansion project according to the market rate in the region soon. In the last, he promised to keep his word to provide more rights and fulfill legitimate demands in future.


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PPP pledges to prosper Hunza;


New development schemes to be initiated; compensation according to the domestic market rates; a technocrat seat for the region
VoH Report
HUNZA, Aliabad, Nov. 09: (Shamsuddin Muhammad) Pakistan Peoples Party has pledged to bring prosperity in the region through optimum use of available resources via different schemes in the region. The speakers stated this during public gathering at Aliabad ahead of poles. Talking to the gathering Syed khursheed Shah, Federal minister for Labour and Manpower said that Hunza would be compensated through allocation of a technocrat seat in GBLA adding the coming Assembly would decide on the issue of additional seat for the region. He claimed that the assembly being empowered will now legislate on many subjects that were not possible before and now more funds will be allocated to speed up pace of development in Gilgit-Baltistan. Speaking to the gathering Babar Minhas, PPP Islamabad region assured to take up the issue of additional tehsil status and restart of work on Shinaki bridge. The party will assist needy students via scholoarship programmes from Baitul Mall fund and help eligible students in admissions processes,” he added.

Doctor Arbab Alamgir,Federal Minister for Communication during his address said that the party is the name of sacrifice. He said that PPP is the main party to bring democratic process in the country. He assured for compensation equivalent to that of domestic rate to those all affected by the expansion of Karakorum High Way Project. adding he would ensure preparation of feasibility reports before the construction of Misgar, Chupurson and Shimshal roads.


In his speech, Mr. Wazir Baig, PPP ticket holder in his speech presented demands of the people before partly leader ship during the function. He demanded a cadet college, establishment of a campus of Karakorum International, addition of more departments in KIU, Universtiy and professional college in education sector; a thirty bed hospital for Sost Gojal, provision of staff in Gulmit Hospital in health; restart work on Shinaki bridge, approval of Tehsil status to Lower Hunza; construction of roads to Chupurson and Shimshal, approval of tehsil to Gojal; introduction of programmes and job opportunities for youth, mega drinking water scheme for central Hunza; rehiblitation of affectees of Attaabad and Sarat Hunza; approval of additional representation in Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly were among the main areas.

Amjad Bhutti, a leader of the party said that PPP is a legislative party which has its roots in people and it does not rely on begging for votes. Mr. Wazir said that Hunza is the land of those who laid their lives for the security of the country and they deserved to be treated well. He further said that many youth of job less due to lack of proper planning and the party will ensure creation of opportunities to adjust them in future.
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MQM to clean sweep in Hunza; presence of thousands of public is evident of my victory;traitors destined to loss poles: Kamil Jan
VoH Monitor
HUNZA Hyderabad, Nov. 08: (Shamsuddin Muhammad) Kamil Jan, candidate of Muttahida Qaumi Movement has said that those who hoodwinked people in past will loss the polls. He was addressing to a large public gathering. He claimed that the presence of thousands of public here is evident of victory of Muttahida. He reached in form of a rally at 4:00 PM accompanied by Abdul Khaliq Baloch and Kanwar Jamil, members of Rabita committee to meet the people. Adressing to the gathering speakers praised the positive attitude of people of the region and their interest in the party.
Answering to a question of VoH regarding of issues like additional seat and increment in qouta, Abdul Khaliq Baloch said that the party members in National Assembly have discussed the issue and Prime Minister has agreed to give it to Hunza. He alleged other parties saying that they can take advantage of efforts of Muttahida in this regard.

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Lets dance lest we die-PPP worker dies during the dance


VoH Watch

HUNZA, Nov. 09: (Shamsuddin Muhammad) Jan Alam, an active worker of PPP lost concious while dancing on a traditional tune in a function that was held by Pakistan Peoples Party Hunza, on Tuesday during the visit of party leadership. He was rushed to nearby Aga Khan Health Services where doctors confired his death. He was burried on Monday infront of thousand people in Shanokushal, Karimabad Hunza. While Qamar Zaman Kaira, acting governor GBLA has announced to compensate his sons with a government job.

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Kaira announces regularisation of all govt employees Urges people to ensure maximum participation in election
VoH Watch
GILGIT, Nov 09: Gilgit-Baltistan Governor Qamar Zaman Kaira on Monday announced regularisation of services of all contract and daily-wage employees working in different government organisations in Gilgit-Baltistan. Addressing a ceremony to inaugurate the Pakistan Sweet Homes, an orphanage centre established by the Pakistan Baitul Maal (PBM), he said all vacant posts of doctors in Gilgit-Baltistan would be filled while the doctors working in different hospitals would also be regularised. He said a case for regularisation of doctors’ services had been sent to the authorities concerned. Kaira urged the people to ensure maximum participation in the upcoming election and elect candidates, who had the will to serve.Separately, while addressing a ceremony to distribute 33 buses at the Degree College for Women, he urged the people to ensure better turnout in the election, which he described as the “future of the people.”
Kaira said the Self-Governance and Empowerment Order 2009 was welcomed by all political parties as their leaders are visiting each and every part of the region as part of the
election campaign. “This shows they have accepted the package from their heart,” he said and added the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) through its reforms had included Gilgit-Baltistan in the mainstream politics of the country. The News
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Allegations of rigging aims to defame ppp: Federal Government
VoH Monitor

GILGIT, Nov. 09: (Shamsuddin Muhammamad) According to a report of regional Urdu daily that Federal government has taken notice of allegations by other parties that they have foiled a conspiracy of support of ruling party in up to get edge in upcoming elections. The report says that local administration has strictly ordered to ensure free and fair elections in Gilgit-Baltistan. On the other hand, party workers of Pakisan Peoples party has been adviced to follow the directions of authority to observe free and fair elections in all vacinities. Courtesy Daily Urdu K2


High level meeting review arrangements for GB polls
VOH Watch

GILGIT, Nov. 08: (APP)A high level meeting held here in the capital town of the region, reviewed arrangements for holding fair, free and transparent elections of Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly. According to the Election Commission schedule, the Gilgit Baltistan Legislative Assembly elections would be held on Nov 12.
Chief Secretary Babar Yaqoob Fateh Muhammad, Chief Election Commissioner Rahim Nawaz Durrani, Inspector General Police Syed Tahseen Anwar Ali Shah, Home Secretary, Cap (Retd) Muhammad Usman Yonis, other administrative secretaries, DIGs, 24 Returning Officers belonging to Judiciary and Revenue attended the meeting. The participants of the meeting discussed different matters in detail including foolproof security measures being adopted to hold elections in a transparent way. The meeting disposed off a number of complaints. The meeting was told that all ROs have been provided required funds for smooth working of the polling staff.
The CEC Rahim Nawaz Durrani while informing the meeting about preparations of the elections said that work on part of the EC is completed. On the occasion, IGP Syed Tahseen Anwar Ali Shah briefed the meeting about security measures measures.

Posted by Shamsuddin Muhammad on Wednesday

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Monitoring every regional historical development

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Discerning social Change in Gilgit-Baltistan

Discerning social Change in Gilgit-Baltistan
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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.

The blog has been developed and upgrading by the efforts of the following dedicated volunteers.


Board of Editors
Editor: Shamsuddin Muhammad
Email:jaashams@gmail.com


Co-editor: Inam Karim
Email: inamkarim02@gmail.com


Reporting Team
Karachi: Sartaj Karim
Email: sartaj_compaq@hotmail.com



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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