Issues of the region to be taken up before Prime Minister
Academic qouta for students of Gilgit-Baltistan in Punjab University to be doubled;
Solid steps to be taken on additional representaion: Nawaz Sharif
Voice of Hunza Report
HUNZA, KARIMABAD, Nov. 06: (Shamsuddin Muhammad) Nawaz Sharif, Chief of Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) has said that the issue of additional representation to be taken before the Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani. He was speaking to a large public gathering in the royal palace here in Hunza. Mr. Sharif who is on Gilgit-Baltistan tour had a short visit to Hunza. Accompanied by other party high ups and regional office bearers he arrived Royal Palace, Karimabad , Hunza at 3:00 P.M . He said that he will ensure the free admission and tuition facility in Punjab University to student of Giligit-Baltistan. He said tht present educational quota for the students of the region in Punjab University shall be doubled , promissiong the access of eligible students in professional studies in field of medical and engineering sciences in order to facilitate them like other parts of Pakistan. During his brief speech he asserted that interim Governor Qamar Zaman Kaira should have taken into conifidence the all stack holders before approval of the self Governance Refore Package, 2009. "I promise, if the rulling party denies the demand for additional seat then his party will make efforts to fulfil this long standing demand of the people of the area . He said that people of Hunza are faithful and would support the vision of development of our candidate.
He showed his absolute confidence on Shehar Yar and ensured his moral support during election. Mr. Shehryar Khan, candidate of Pakistan Muslim League (N) , in his speech stress for the need of additional representation for Hunza in the assembly to shun the feeling of deprivation. He also demanded the higher education facilities like a campus of Karakorum Internatioal University in Hunza besides a technical and cadet college. He further demanded for allocation of a proportional fund from border trade activities for the walfare of local population. Mr. Ghazanfar Ali Khan, the former Chief Executive of Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Council, during his speech also reiterated the necessity of additonal seat and emphasize Mr. Sharif to call on PPP government to allocate additional seat for Hunza before elctions in the Legislative Assembly.

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GBDA to Boycott elections for Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly,
The party announce the decision just a couple of days ahead of the poles; government accused for harrassing party leadership
VoH Watch
GILGIT, Nov. 06: According to a press releas issued by Giligit- Baltistan Democratic Alliance (GBDA) has declare to boycott of coming general elections of GBLA from four constituencies, ahead of few days of poles. The party 's centeral leadership announced on Friday that GBDA would not be participating in upcoming election from four constituencies:LA-1, LA-2, LA-3 and LA-4. Those who were nominated for these constituencies include Shahid Hussain for LA – 1, A dvocate Omer Farooq for LA – 2), Afsar Jan for LA – 3 and Advocate Mumtaz Nagri for LA – 4.
Speaking to a press conference, party leadership blamed government of harassing them during their compaigns saying that undemocratic acts of government to manage to take part in the poles. Talking to journalists Mr. Omer Farooq adovocate, leader of GBDA, said that their top leadership including Col(r) Mirza NAdir Hassan Khan and Col(r) Mirza Wajahat Hassan Khan, sons of the hero of freedom of Gilgit Col Mirza Hssan Khan, has been detained in
Gilgit and deported few days ago on baseless allegations.

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Severe cold grips Hunza;
Trees wear yellow-red dress as the leaves turn pale; demand of warm clothes increased
VoH Report
HUNZA, HYDERABAD, Nov. 05: (Shamsuddin Muhammad) Hunza is under sever coldness since last two weeks with the commencement of automn season like other areas of Gilgit-Baltistan. Temperature has considerably dropped in Hunza and outskirts ahead of winter during the night. For the last couple of weeks due to drastic change in temperature, leaves of the trees have pailed to yellow. The lowest temperature recorded in Hunza and surrounding has been 8 to 10 degree centigrade during the night. In some areas, murcury dropped yesterday to seven degree centigrade. Consequently, the crowds of people are observed on second hand cloth selling shops. Crowed of customers can be observed on shops selling warm clothes in Hunza. On the other hand price of second hand items both cloths and over coat have sky rocketed due to increae in demand of cheap warm clothes and reduction in value of Pakistani rupee during last three years.

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Zafar Waqar Taj appointed as Deputy Commissioner
Hunza – Nagar
VoH Watch
HUNZA, November 6: According to media sources Zafar Waqar Taj has been appointed as Deputy Commissioner Hunza – Nagar district vide a notificaiton issued authorities. He has served in the department at in different areas of the region. Mr. Zafar is anintellectual and author of three famous books on poetry and nature. Public circles have expressed their hope, welcomed his appointment and expect a better future during his tenure. He is expected to take his responsiblities soon.


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Nawaz on Gilgit-Baltistan tour
A public gathering in Karimabad to show the strength in Hunza
Voice of Hunza watch
SKARDU, Nov. 5: ( Shamsuddin Muhammad) According to media news, Mian Mohammad Nawaz Sharif, chief of Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) has started his election tour of Gilgit – Baltistan from Skardu.The other main leadership includes Mehtab Abbasi and Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan among others. The scheduled electoin tour for seven districts of Gilgit – Baltistan coupled with public gatherings is expected to conclude in three days ahead.

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A renown elder passes away in Hunza
Khalifa Bulbul saw many centuries while serving the nation
VoH Watch
HUNZA, KARIMABAD, Nov.05: (Shamsuddin Muhammad) Khalifa Bulbul, renown scholar, social worker and notable died here in Karimabad on Wednesday. He was famous for his sprit to serve humanity and despite his old age he was supposed to participate in all occasions. He left two sons:Parhat and Munajat.
A youth was also reported died of a choronic diseas cancer in Aliabad on the same day. He was undertreatment and took the last breath on Tuesday. His body was brought later to Aliabad, his home town where he was burried before thousands of people.


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I am proud to further the cause of Gilgit-Baltistan;
Some parachute parties entered region with vested interests; Musharraf Government has empowered people of Gilgit-Baltistan:
Mari Memon

Voice of Hunza Report
HUNZA, KARIMABAD, Nov.04: (Shamsuddin Muhammad) Marvi Memon, member National Assembly and Incharge Pakistan Muslim League (Q) Gilgit-Baltistan has said that she is proud to further the cause of the region in before the rulers. She was addressing to a large gathering organized by Pakistan Muslim League (Q) Hunza chapterhere in Karimabad, Hunza on Wednesday evening. Accompanied by Dr. Sher Afgan, former law minister and regional offices bearers of the party, she got a warm welcome from the poeople of the region. They were presented a Hunza's traditional cap and shawl as a hospitability to the guests.Addressing the gathering she said that It gives me an immense pleasure that I had a part of an entity that made bridges between different communities to strengthen communal harmony during the last regime. She paid tribute to former president Pervez Musharraf whom supervision gave a new life to the party to address long lasting demands of people of this region. She said that it was Pervez Musharraf who gave them an international university, approved new district, empowed woman and gave more powers to regional assembly. She alleged that the contemporary government is taking advantage of what the last government has given to public by renaming the packages and other plans. She said we observe that many new parties have enter the region through parachute to get vote of people to fulfil their own interests. "They have nothing to do with the eridication of miseries of the poor but came with their vested interests," she added. She asked these parties that where were those during last sixty years who are tempeting the cause of Gilgit-Baltistan. " From where should I start to count our services during the tenure, ranging from KIU to introduction of modern telecome facilities. And Musharraf reign was remarkable as it gave power to voiceless people," she further added.
Answering to a question of Voice of Hunza, she said that Rai Rematullah Khan has brought the party flag to the life due to his popularity. She alleged that the stage has been set to rigg the coming eletions to benefit their party. When VoH asked whether she has any evidence of such thing she said that she has informed Prime Minister about the situation. She warned that if the same thing happens then she is ready to challenge the status of election process in competent court.
Doctor Sher Afgan also praised the previous regime for public centred policies. He compared the today's inflation rate saying today you can get a flour sack at Rs.3000 was available at Rs.2000 during their reign. He said that what makes former president Pervez Musharraf unique among other presidents after Z.A.Bhutto is his sprit of service to the people of oppressed regions. He praised Musharraf for allowing assemblies to complete their tenure-an example hardly found in our polical history adding he faced every threat from extremist elements but never scared. He alleged the contemporary government saying inappropriate policies and lack of attention to public sufferings that ruined the country. He also criticised on ineffective role of government officials to asses the conditionalities in Kerry Lugar Bill before its approval. He said that opposition parties including our party will reject and challenge certain claused against our sovereiGnty. "USA wants to mortage our security, has eyes on our nuclear assest and wants to execute Qadeer Khan, our national hero which the nation will never allow to happen," he added.
Answering to a question of Voice of Hunza that in presence of more than dozen of political parties in the region will it be able to get a due share in cabinet through coming elections, he said that the party has completed necessary home work vis-a-vis coming elections; the party will gain mejority in house based on past performance in the region adding that they are working on a comprehensive strategy that will help to empower the people and remember the work of the party in the next generations.
The gathering was also addressed by Salman Arif, former Chairman district Karimabad and Altit and Rehmatullah, the ticket holder of Pakistan Muslim League (Q) in coming elections. Speaking to the public gathering he reiterated the good performance and role of Pervez Musharraf government in socio-economic development of the region. A Youth from Karimabad paid his tribute for the remarkable work of Musharraf in his peom. Rehmat ullah in his speech elaborated the reason that forced him to accept the ticket of the party due to his public walfare spirit since childhood. He requested the participants to cast their vote to a candidate who want to get a chance to serve masses.


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Shehryar Khan backs from Shimshal tour
VOH Monitor

Hunza,KARIM ABAD, November 05: (Shamsuddin Muhammad) Prince Shehryar Khan, candidate of Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) finished his election campaign tour of Shimshal valley, Gojal.People of Shimshal have ensured support to Shehryar and promised to voter for him on electio date for being more educated, intelligant and rational person.

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PML (Q) to re-form the government in Gilgit-Baltistan
PPP is taking advantage of the reforms of previous regime; instead of giving something to people it is taking back; elections can be rigged says Marvi Memon
Voice of Hunza Report
Hunza, KARIMABAD, Nov. 04: (Shamsuddin Muhammad) Marvi Memon, incharge Pakistan Muslim League (PML) Qaid-e-Azam, Gilgit-Baltistan, has said that her party will be able to form government and retain its high mandate in the coming elections. She blamed that PPP is taking advantage of packages and reforms delivered under ex-Pervez Musharaf's reign. "Instead of giving credit to our government rulling party tends to get benefit of all good work in past," she said. Answering to a question of Voice of Hunza about the strategy and future perspective she said that the rulling party is mood of rigging the elections and if it happens so, then, that will be challenged on the right platform adding she is encouraged to further the cause of the people at every forum against injustices done to the region for last many decades.

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Hunza Student Federation’s session on “political enlightenment”
by Tariq Rahim Baig
VoH Watch

Gilgit, November 4: Two election candidates from LA – 6, Hunza, were invited by the Hunza Students Federation to address the youth at a session called “Political Enlightenment”. Noor Muhammad, an independent candidate supported by Hunza Action Committe and Wazir Baig, PPP ticket holder, discussed different issues related to Hunza valley, answering questions raised by the KIU student, at a local hotel in Gilgit city.
Both candidates said that students were focus of their attention, being leaders of tomorrow and they will do everything to ensure that the youth are facilitated and supported at all steps of their careers.
Noor Muhammad said that youth are the future leaders of Hunza valley and if elected he will ensure obtaining more opportunities for the students in different educational institutions across the country. He also said that educational institutions, including schools and colleges need to be built across Hunza valley.
Wazir Baig said that he would put in all his efforts to obtain two additional seats for Hunza valley. He also promised that the problem of electricity shortage will be resolved in the region. Towards end of the session the guests were entertained with light refreshment. Public circles have appreciated the step taken by HSF. Courtesy Pamirtimes.net

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PML (Q) annouces its 30 point based agenda for the next five years
Voice of Hunza Report
HUNZA, KARIMABAD, Nov. 04: (Shamsuddin Muhammad) Pakistan Muslim League (PML) Qaid-e-Azam, Gilgit-Baltistan chapter has announced its 24 point menifesto for the coming tenure. The points include following areas.
  1. Efforts to be made to give provincial status or resembles to that of Azad Kashmir
  2. To appoint local governor and Chief minister for the assembly under new reform package
  3. To give right of representation in bi-cameral legislature
  4. Transfer of complete authorities from KANA to local administration
  5. To ensure ppointment of local officials in the local administration
  6. Reforms to be brought to ensure speedy and inexepensive justice to the people
  7. Establishment of High Court and increment in number of judges in
  8. In energy sector, construction of new power projets in region; improvement in current capacity
  9. Provision of at least one job to each family
  10. Delimitation and approval of new district and sub-divisions
  11. Upgradation and improvement in telecom sector
  12. Addendum in annual development fund
  13. Patronization of communal harmony and mutual respect
  14. To infuse patriotism in youth and bring more awareness
  15. Efforts to be made to patronize tourism sector
  16. Patroniztion of trade and domestic industry to reduce poverty and unemployment
  17. Efforts to be made to bring improvement in system
  18. In health sector, BHU facilities to be provided on union level; hospitals to equiped with modern facilities and respective staff
  19. Illiteracy rate to be reduced by 85 percent in region
  20. In education sector, construction of a primary school for every cluster or settlement; construction of separate female colleges
  21. Contruction of a medical and engineering college;
    Addition of new departments in Karakorum International University; establishment of regional campus in Baltistan
  22. In energy sector, construction of new power projets in region; improvement in current capacity
  23. Provision of at least one job to each family
  24. Delimitation and approval of new district and sub-divisions
  25. Upgradation and improvement in telecom sector
  26. Addendum in annual development fund
  27. Patronization of communal harmony and mutual respect
  28. To infuse patriotism in youth and bring more awareness
  29. Efforts to be made to patronize tourism sector
  30. Patroniztion of trade and domestic industry to reduce poverty and unemployment


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PML (Q) highlights its accomplishments of last five years in the region
Voice of Hunza Report
HUNZA, KARIMABAD, Nov. 04: (Shamsuddin Muhammad) Pakistan Muslim League (PML) Qaid-e-Azam, Gilgit-Baltistan chapter has announced formally about its last five years performance in the region. The press release provided by the party includes following major points:
  1. Gilgit-Baltistan council was empowered to legislate its laws
  2. Woman representation in house was enhanced by six seats
  3. Chief Executive was made answerable to befor the members of house
  4. Powers were trasfered from KANA division to Chief Secretary
  5. Astore was declared as district
  6. Hunza-Nagar was notified as district
  7. Annual development budget was increased to seventy million; first ever provided fifty million to each every member of the assembly
  8. Sadpara lake project was complete in proposed time period; construction work initiated after forrmal ficibility report
  9. Naltar Hyderal power project with the capacity of 18 M.W completed
  10. 4.M.W. Hyderal power project along with a generator of 8.M.W was provided to Gilgit-Baltistan
  11. Programme procession and preservation of local fruits was initiated
  12. Construction work of KIU, 12 colleges and 92 primary schools were completed
  13. Medical and Engg. universities were approved from authorities
  14. In health sector 84 dispensaries were established; District head quarter hospitals in Hunza, Nagar,Chilas and Astore were completed
  15. Telecome sector was patronized to start operations in the region; Introduced Fiber optics first ever in the past history
  16. Expension of Karakorum High Way was initiated; Gilgt-Baltistan road was completed in time

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Sher Afgan Niazi and Marvi Memon on Hunza election tour
VoH Watch
HUNZA,KARIMABAD, November 03: Sher Afgan Niazi, former law minister accompanied Marvi Memon , MNA addressed a public gathering here at Karimabad, Hunza. They beloud the work of previous government and criticized inable leadership who used the platform of their party and changed the base for this turn. Both return Gilgit city in the late evening.

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HRSO holds inter colleges quiz competition on Gender Rights, Gender Based Voilation;
Participants highlighted the today woman's problems in her life

VoH Watch
HUNZA, KARIMABAD, Nov.03: (Shamsuddin Muhammad) Hyderabad Rural Support Organization (HRSO) with the technical support of Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) organized one day inter colleges quiz competition on 3rd November, 2009 in F.G.Girls college auditorium, Karimabad, Hunza. The programme started with the name of Allah almighty followed by naat sharif. The participants were among F.G.Girls Inter college, Karimabad, F.G.Boys degree college Ali abad and Sedna degree college Aliabad. While othe colleges are reported absent for lack of preparation.
The competition was comprised of three rounds with four question in each respectively. According to the rules and regulations the third team that gets lower score in second round was subjected to get out of competition. In second round F.G.degree college Aliabad went out of contest as it gained lowest socre. In the concluding round, F.G.Girls Inter College Karimabad was declared winner with the highest score and Sedna College was declared as runner up team.
In the last, Ms Nasreen Bagum, chief guest of the programme and Mrs. Shahida Jalal, Project director gave away trophy and medals to winner, runner up team and other participants of the competition. In the concluding speech, Mrs. Shahida Jalal, director Hyderabad Rural Support Organization said that it is a matter of immense pleasure to present such an informative programme that will bring more awareness among the young females about their rights in wakes of our lives. She thanked Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) for its technical support to organize the event to educate youth. Zero convention of Human rights ensures right of employment and other facilities without any descrimination. Article 25 of Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan declares equality of citizens and prohibition of gender descrimination saying there shall be no descrimination on the basis of sex, caste and creed. Article 27 of country's constitution provides safegard against descrimination in services, religion, caste, sex and residence. Article number 34 ensures participation of woman providing that step shall be taken to ensure full participation of woman in all spheres of national life. Similarly, article 34 asserts that the promotion of social justice and eridication of social evils, ensures to promote, with special care, speedy and inexpensive justice and provision of better condition of work, abstain to be employed in vacations unsuited to their ages, sex and maternity benefits for woman in employment. It is pitty to see the voilation of basic human rights rather to ponder on gender in this back ward region.

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No any tax to be imposed in Gilgit-Baltistan
Custom unpaid vehicles to be regularised soon; many complaints recived in B.I.S.P:
Ch. Manzoor

VoH Watch
SKARDU, Nov. 02: (Shamsuddin Muhammad) Chaudhry Manzoor, incharge election cell Pakistan Peoples Party, Baltistan has said that no tax will be imposed on masses in new setup under governance reform package, 2009. He said that the custom unpaid vehicles will be regulized through registration. Briefing to journalists the said that Gilgit-Baltistan, being a backward region the federal government has no intension to bring the people under the burden of heavy tax net. He said that upcoming elections will be fully fair and transparant to avoid any objection of rigging. He warned the government of legal proceeding against them if they were found involved in election compains for any candidate.

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I am driven by patriotism and walfare spirit;
The voters to support his vision

Prince Shehar Yar Khan
VoH Report
HUNZA, KARIMABAD, Nov. 02: (Shamsuddin Muhammad) I am driven by patriotism and walfare spirit and want to satisfy the people with smart work during my tenure; I will be able to show my performance if they vote him to support his vision for a tangible development. These views were expressed by Prince Shehar Yar Khan, candidate of Pakistan Muslim League (N) to a public gathering at Khana abad, on Monday evening. He said that his family, during their tenure has delivered many projects for the area and he will try to do more than they expect if they vote him to make the dream to serve them in future. " I have left my job and other perks to get a chance to lead them to address their demands. He promissed to construct a sports stadium and a girls inter college for lower Hunza (Shinaki). People of the area assured to extend their support through their vote to him in the election.

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B.I.S.P. is IMF and World bank's sponsored fund not of PPP
Ruling party is exploiting by using it for vote bank: Majeedullah
VoH Report
Hunza, KARIMABAD, Nov. 02: (Shamsuddin Muhammad) Benazir Income Support Programme is a project sponsored by International Monitory Fund and World Bank and the rulling party should avoid using it to get votes from the people of Hunza. These views were expressed by Majeedullah, Chairman Union council, Karimabad, Hunza. He was addressing a large public gathering here at, Domat Diramishal, during his speech during the visit of Sheharyar Khan, candidate of Pakistan Muslim League (N) vis-a-vis his election compaign. He alleged that he has distributed the income support forms to nominate the legitimate families while the rulling party has done this for its own interest.



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Armed forces to be deployed in sensitive poling stations
Situation still tense in the area; a nail biting contest expected between PPP and MQM
VoH Watch
SHIGAR, Nov. 02: (Shamsuddin Muhammad) As the election date is comming nearer, making and breaking processes among parties has reached at climax across Gilgit-Baltistan. In Shigar, according to media sources, the two contestants: Imran Nadeem of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Raja Azam of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) are in the feild. According to domestic analysts, a nail-biting contest is expected between the two as they both are equally popular in the area.

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Independance day was celebrated in Gilgit-Baltistan
Speakers stressed for greater communal harmony, unification and mutual respect
VoH Watch
GILGIT, Nov. 02: (Shamsuddin Muhammad) People of Gilgit-Baltistan celeberated independance day with national spirit and patriotism to comemorate the valour, fortitude and sacrifice to absolve the region from imperial powers.
The main event was held in Gari Bagh in which speakers paid their tribute to all our heroes laid their loves for the noble cause.

Posted by Shamsuddin Muhammad on Friday

1 Responses to Regional Updates: November 01-Nov 10

  1. Sami Khan Says:
  2. hey!
    Thats extremely nice to listen.
    I am not sure that i may be justifying in my comments.
    What i love in all of your pastings just the marvi maman..
    i love her.. shez the lady of the year man.

     

Post a Comment

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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.


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Co-editor: Inam Karim
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Karachi: Sartaj Karim
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Gilgit: Aslam Shah

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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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