Overflow around 4800 cusecs, equals to inflow cumulatively, swelling of lake stopped in Upstream areas; around 180 houses , four community homes, 2 D.J. High School, three community led primary schools, one maternity home, a dispensary, vocational school, 20,000 canal cultivated land and 250,000 trees submerged in Ayeenabad and Shishkat; Hundreds of houses, a community home, commercial market, restaurants and thousands of canals of land , orchards along trees sank in Gulmit and Hussani, erosion expands spill-way around 35 meter; local authorities resumes helicopter, boat service
Bureau Report
HUNZA, Gojal, June 05: According to media sources, the length of the land slide spawned lake after stretching to 22 kilometer has stopped further expansion in Upstream area early this morning. According to Zafar Waqar Taj, deputy commissioner, Hunza-Nagar, the lake has stopped to expend after 7: 00 A.M, Friday. It was for the first time that entry of water in the lake was equal to the out flow at around 4800 cusec per second. The local administration has resumed both boat and helicopter service following normality in weather after a heavy rain pour that suspended chopper services, causing many people to get stranded at Aliabad, Gulmit, Shishkat and Husani.

HUNZA, Gojal: Expansion in lake stopped on Friday early morning for the first time since the blockade; out flow equals to inflow in Upstream.
Image Source:
daveslandslideblog.blogspot.com

Deputy Commissioner sources claimed that flow of water at the various points like that in Ganish was around 4800 equal to water being entering in the barrier.
For more, please visit:www. rdstime.blogspot.com





Continuous heavy rain fall disrupts relief operations and air lift to Upstream areas
VoH Report
HUNZA, June 05: The continuous rain fall for last two days have affected disaster relief operations and airlift missions from Central to Upper Hunza, Gojal areas. Heavy rain caused to suspend helicopter service on Thursday noon and the whole Friday. Similarly, Gilgit-Hunza, Nagar section remained suspended on Friday due to landslide at Chikas, a rocky passage on Karakorum High Way (KKH) between Murtazaabad and Nasirabad village. According to media reports, local volunteers and few travelers were busy to clear the road on immediate basis as the KKH renovation project was given by Pakistan government to a Chinese Road and Bridge construction (CRBC) firm.
It is pertinent to mention that due to deviation from actual(original) reconstruction plan of Karakorum High Way (KKH), irregularities, and use of sub-standard material on part of both authorities and the private Chinese firm and ongoing landslide disaster and spawned natural lake swelling gradually has badly affected the speed of work on the proposed route. Consequently, travelers face trouble as the vehicles used a dilapidated road equip ed with mud and stones.





Huge difference in data being desiminated water release from barrier; Lake may break southward banks on West-end only if it loses capacity to sustain pressure on ruined KKH
VoH Report
HUNZA, June 4: Huge differences in data shared and desiminated on electoric media both government owned and private ones. Electronic media which finally found its way to disaster hit areas, while arranged to cover the situation is taking data for granted without confirmation. Even there are few who question the verocity of the data provided by National Disaster Management Authority(NDMA), NESPAK and FOCUS Humanitarian Assistance as the outflow is virtually lower than claimed. On the other hand, media especially, the news channels,both private and government owned,in a quest to excel from each other was airing data on water release: seepage and overflow, accumulately.
The water release recorded last day, for instance was around four thousand five hundred cusecs with an entry of five thousand five hundred. Yet, when obseved at Ganish main bridge,the passage reveals even less than half of the normal water flow 8000 cusecs recorded, due to inclusion of numerous streams of Central Hunza to this point every year in summer. Interestingly,the data aird on Private channes was varied: some reported 3900, few 4200 while the rest 4500 thus confusing the audience to which they believe. Moreover, due to lack of scientific data, every thing was based on guess as the Closed Circuit Camras installed on the hemlets of bottle neck gorge reported out of order in wake of heavy rains; thus there are uncertainities in downstream villages along the Hunza river.
Local administration has declared next twenty four hours crucial to release huge amount of water from barrier. One may predict, the same will go on till a month as according to David, a foreign geological engineer, there was only possiblity of release of hugle amount of water if the Southward bank of West-facade in barrier loss capacity to ease pressure due to fast erosion and diches prduced above near the passge of ruined KKH. Yet,the time ahead would tell what was the fate of the blockade as no prediction can be taken as authority because of the lack of proper scientific data.







Aliabad main Civil hospital out of proper medical staff, a local lady specialist doctor fills the vacuum
Bureau Repor
t
HUNZA, June 4: Aliabad, tehsil Headquarter Civil hospital is out of proper medical staff. According to the details, government civil hospital, Aliabad which serves as a focal point for the patients of both Hunza and Nagar was facing shortage of medical staff.

A graceful building of PC-4, being constructed to upgrade existing health facility was in the last phase of its completion still did not get adequate paramedical and addition medical officers to cater the need being faced in wake of influx of hundreds patients from the newly paralyzed district that lack its self lack proper departmentalization.
For More
please visit: www.rdstime.blogspot.com







Reduction in petroleum products begets fuel shortage on pumps
VoH Report
HUNZA, NAGAR, June 2: Following the announcement of decrease in prices of petroleum products, feul has been virtually disappeared from pumps in Hunza-Nagar district.

Oil and Gas Regularity Authority announced on Tuesday that prices of petroluem products after reconsideration have been fixed by at Rs 69.04 for Petrol, Rs 75.72 for High Speed Diesel and Kerosene Oil at Rs 65.49 per liter with a reduction of Rs.6.4,Rs 7.15 and 3.40 per litre respectively. With the announcement, owners of petrol pump have declined to reduce rates of these products on pretext of old stock. Consequently, transporters are charging the same charges for travel as before. Public circles have demanded of the regional government to ensure implementation of the move with all its spirit and induce pump owners to obey the declaration.






More than 1000 Cusec flowing out of barrier collectively
VoH Report
HUNZA, Attabad, June 2: More than one thousand cusecs water is flowing out of lake barrier, FOCUS resources said. According to recent reports retained from closed circuit cameras fixed around the bottle neck of gorge on Western end, high rate of erosion was being recorded. Main spill over was 650 cusec and 350 seepage at different points, the sources adds. Population along the river side in down stream areas have been shifted by government and NGOs at safer places to escape danger. While, rise in water level is still threatening low settlements in upstream areas. The lake may further stretch to 30 killometers if the water continue to flow with such a little quantity via spill-way and seepage commulatively, the officials apprehended. On the other hand, due to fast erosion on spill way, heavy rocks were appreared on Tuesday, thus reducing the panic of sudden outburst of water from the barrier. Yet,in case of increase in pressure in wake of rise in water level, geologists apprehend a possible breach on left side of West end bank on river.




Relief from Behria Town for affectees reached Hunza
VoH Report
HUNZA, Aliabad, May 31: Relief goods comprising floor, cooking oil, ghee, pulses, life saving medicines and many other essentials from Behria Town residency, Islamabad reached Aliabad, Hunza here on Tuesday Morning.


According to details, Behria Town, one of the famous Naval forces administered housing society has donated many trucks of relief goods for the affectees of Hunza. Talking to Voice of Hunza before endorsing armed forces at warehouse Aliabad, Brigadier (r) Kamranullah Khan, director Behria Town said that under the directives of the Managing director and Chairman of the residential scheme, three trucks carrying relief items are first reaching in the first place. He said three trucks are on the way saying Behria Town aims to donate as many as twenty truck essentials for the affectees. He said, " besides relief items, they are going to provide medical staff comprising doctors and staff nurses to upgrade capacity of Gulmit hospital, the only health unit for emergency cases. He further said that they are going to arrange famous Behria Daster Khawan so to cater the food requirements under a single floor.
Interestingly, he could not spare time to answer a question of VoH that though the relief items for affectees of Hunza was a great contribution but why half of items were unloaded at Gilgit? It was pertinent to tell our leaders, trucks carrying relief goods used to bring half of items only while the record of rest is unknown.Which is a big concern for intelligentsia.




More than 450 Cusecs flowing out of barrier
VoH Report
HUNZA, Attabad, May 31: More than four hundred and fifty cusecs water is flowing out of lake barrier. According to recent reports retained from closed circuit cameras fixed around the bottle neck of gorge on Western end, high rate of erosion was being recorded. Yet, still there seems no sign of sudden release of huge water from the barrier as the spill way has served to ease pressure on top shores.




Hunza-Nagar, Gilgit traffic section reopened
VoH Report
HUNZA, June 01: The Hunza-Nagar and Gilgit traffic section has reopened for public transport after the less possibilities of outburst of the water from barrier on Hunza river. Due to suspension of transport facility, prices of essentials especially edibles were sky rocketed in last two days. Stocks of vegetable items like tomato, onions and rest were reported short in markets. Public circles have applauded decision of local administration saying the move will end temporary shortage of edibles.





Release of water via spillway increased to 800 cusec per second; government machinery high alert; public warned to go nearby river passage, next three days crucial, erosion expanding the way of flow
VOH Report
HUNZA, May 30: Flow of blockade water via spill-way, curved in the mid of West end has been increased by every next hour from hundred thirty five to eight hundred Cusec per second, collectively for last twenty six hours.

HUNZA, Attabad: Release of water via spill way from Attaabad land slide spawned lake: Image by Reuters

According to details, According to the details,geological experts of Pakistan Army, NDMA, FOCUS Humanitarian Assistance,and NESPAK who are constantly monitoring situation have termed next three days, crucial to hours. On the other hand, constant erosion of water flow has widened the passages, weakening the barrier against the blockade. Government officials were kept high alert in the region and people were alarmed and prohibited to approach the areas nearby river passage.






Hunza lake starts spilling
VOH Monitoring desk
KARIMABAD, May 30: Water began seeping out from the Attaabad lake formed by a landslide into the spillway on Saturday, officials said, adding that the next couple of days were critical for avoiding catastrophic flooding.If the spillway is unable to contain the water and the landslide dam bursts, authorities fear the heavy flooding could wash away many villages, bridges and roads, affecting up to 50,000 people.“At this point, the water flow is very smooth but it’s eroding the spillway, widening it,” Gilgit-Baltistan Commissioner Asif Bilal Lodhi told Reuters over telephone.“Let’s see how the water behaves in the next four to five hours, that is when the situation will be clear. We are on high alert,” he said.Officials are hoping for a gradual erosion of the blockage, but they have not ruled out a major breach due to rising water levels from melting glaciers.The landslide in early January blocked the Hunza River and created a huge lake near Attaabad village. Twenty people were killed and another 25,000 were left stranded upstream, and now struggle to remain linked to Gilgit.The Pakistan military created a spillway to drain the 19 km-long and 360-feet deep lake. Lodhi said a major breach in the dam was possible.“It could burst and cause flash flooding, which will ultimately wash away 34 villages and a part of the Karakoram Highway,” he said. Nearly 30,0000 villagers have already been relocated to 24 camps.The head of the military’s relief organisation, Lieutenant General Nadeem Ahmed, said the erosion of the spillway and blockade would be faster in the next one or two days. “These days are very crucial,” he stressed. Reuters






Four People died, twenty still missing in Baltistan
VoH Monitoring Report

BALTISTAN, May 30: Four people were killed by an avalanche Baltistan on Saturday, where as 20 people are still missing. At Hussaini Top an avalanche hit a group of 20 people when they were traveling on foot from Gulteri to Torghun. The team of police and scouts were dispatched to carry out rescue operation. Fida Ali a former District Councilor said that due to the difficult terrain and heavy snowfalls there are very low chances of the people to survive. He further stated that helicopter service should be provided to rescue twenty precious lives. Courtesy: Gilgit Baltistan Times





CM fails to win trust of the people of Gulmit – Gojal
Monitoring Report
HUNZA, Gulmit, May 31: Chief Minister of Gilgit – Baltistan visited Tehsil Headquarter of Gojal today along with speaker GBLA, Wazir Shakil, Engineer Ismail and Muhammad Ali Akhtar, cabinet ministers. The CM in his speech announced 30 lac rupees for construction of Operation Theater at the Tehsil Headquarter hospital, Gulmit. Let’s remind the readers that such announcements have been made umpteen times by two governors, the chief secretary, chief minister, speaker and all other high officials of Gilgit – Baltistan, as well as federal ministers. The chief minister also said that all students of Gojal will get free education across Pakistan. He further announced money for the volunteers and boy scouts who are providing services in the village.Despite of these announcements the enraged public gave a very tough time to the chief minister, demanding judicial inquiry against those responsible for ‘deliberate delay in excavation of the spillway’.CM apologized from the people of Gojal for ‘weaknesses’ of his government. “We have tried our level best to resolve issues of the stranded people but if there were gaps then I apologize from the people of Gojal Valley”, he reportedly said.Speaking earlier on behalf of the people of Gojal Abdul Waheed, a social activist, blasted the government for tormenting the youth of Gojal by registering cases against them and labeling them as “anti – state elements”. CM in his speech said that he is not aware of such cases and if such cases have been registered he would use his power to finish them. Abdul Waheed also said that causes of the delay in excavation work need to be thoroughly investigated by a specially commissioned judicial bench.Let’s inform our readers that Mehdi Shah has reportedly said that he is ready to face any judicial inquiry.
“The political actors can fulfill their desire of judicial investigation”, a local newspaper reported the CM yesterday. Women who have lost their houses and land in the lake also used harsh words for the CM, questioning the role of GB government during the disaster. It is pertinent to note that while speaker GBLA, Wazir Baig, was present during the public gathering he could not address the people despite of being an elected representative. Also present during the session was technocrat member of GBLA, Mutabiat Shah but he also did not address the public.
Source: Pamirtimes.net






Traffic between Hunza, Nagar and Gilgit suspended
VoH Report
HUNZA, Aliabad, May 29: Under the directives, issued by Zafar Waqar Taj, Deputy Commissioner Hunza-Nagar district has been suspended ahead of release of water to avoid any mishap.

According to sources, Karakorum High Way was declared as dangerous for traversal and transporters were asked to abstain from traveling along the route. Special teams were deputed at main bridges to observe the situation vigilantly.





Standby alarms installed in downstream areas, local administrations high alert
VoH Report
HUNZA, NAGAR, May 29: Standby alarming devices have been installed at various points along the settlements in downstream areas. According to details, FOCUS Humanitarian Assistance, a subsidary of Aga Khan Development Network has managed to instal standby devices to alarm people with the release of huge water from the lake. Special teams comprising trained volunteers have been deputed at various points. The district administration have been asked by experts to blow alarming systems or sirens in case of sudden release of water to escape populations along river sites in down stream areas, unheart.







Army helicopters deployed to shift commuters takes hours to fly; choppers shifting essentials from Deedar Gah take swift turns
VOH Report
HUNZA, May 29: Helicopters of Pakistan Army continued to shift essentials and commuters from two heli-pads, Dedar gah and College football ground on Friday and Saturday.

HUNZA: Helicopters deployed to shift commuters from and to Aliabad college ground used to take hours in every next air lift. Image by Shams

Yet, according to the observers, helicopters especially those, deputed to shift commuters to and from Aliabad to Gulmit and Shishkat are taking long rest in the noon and after noon and used to fly to Gilgit before sunset. This was creating anger among commuters stranded in Aliabad and Gulmit as they were asked to abroad the next day.
HUNZA: Army Chooppers deputed to shift essentials from Deedar Gah, Aliabad to Shishkat and Gulmit take swift turns

On the other hand, army choppers deputed to shift goods and essentials from Deedar Gah are shifting the goods swiftly in the prescribed time line.

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Mental stress
Voice of Hunza
www.voiceofhunza.blogspot.com
Populace along Ganish, Garelt, Dorkhand, Lower Sina Khand, Hasanabad, Murtazaabad in Hunza; Sumayar, Shyar, Topikhand, Lower Asqurdas, Shayar, Minapin, Gulmit, Iskandarbad, Jutal, Chalt and Guro in Nagar; governor form, center Chilas, Thor, Hider and Shitial in diamar region are spending every next night into eyes thinking not of their own safety but also of the decades old self nurishing cultivating land, residential houses and orchrds declared in potential danger in case of release release of huge quantity of water with flesh flooding. The the consistent announcement via load speakers still continue to prohibit dwellers to go near the red lines marked as risky zones along the passage of Hunza-Nagar river down to Shitial.
Much more has been written on post disaster mesures taken by government authorities to avert the blame of mismanagement to escape responisbility,if we try to find the very genesis of this case, it was taken with much more ease by government especially concerned departments and dependency over few of the state owned organizations like FWO, NHA and NDMA which use conventional methods to get rid of such catastrophes as well as lack of proper exposure by higlighting issues on ntaiotnal and regional forums as well as Political will in our regonal leadership. The national government virtually rejected the offer by a CBRC's offer to release water by end of march with the help of modern equipments and technology with the notion of being an independant state equiped with requirements to tackle such situation with ease. FWO and NDMA after reaching to the target specified halted work to make further cut for a spill way ahead of a week of water release from the barrier.
Currently, more than twenty eight thousand Internally Displaced Persons have been accommodated at nine temporary relief Camps of Hunza-Nagar, nine in Gigit, four in Diamer district. IDPs in diamar district have been reportedy facing problems due to lack of proper distribution of relief goods to real affectees. On the other hand, due to lack of economic activities in upper valleys of Upper Hunza, Gojal like Khyber, Sost, Khudabad,Shimshal, Misgar and Chuperson people are facing hurdles to make the both ends. One catastrophe after another in the country in general and the looming disaster of Attabad land slide spawned lake has not only created hovoc among the masses but also bring to the verge of decline to the economy of this backward area of Gilgit-Baltistan. Though, national and regional governments as well as other some humanitarian organizations like FOCUS Humanitarian assistance Pakistan and Red-Cross are busy in walfare of disaster hit people and doing according to their capacity, yet it needs further attention to ensure provision of relief to deserved affectees.
We would like to urge governement to take immediate steps to resume economic activities in the region by better projection and changing threats into opportunities strategically.




Editor






Second Editorial
Un-ending gossips
Voice of Hunza
www.voiceofhunza.blogspot.com
Following the detailed visit of Chief of Armed Staff, General Ashfaq Kiyani to disaster hit areas has changed paradigm of government, disaster management authority, local administration and national media. A more disturbing aspect to address disaster in early days was lack of political will, seriousness and adoption of modern techniques to breach in the blocked water on Hunza river besides red tap in compensation and rehabilitation process. If government sought some help from Chinese experts, such a large portion of Upper Hunza would not have been submerged.Moreover, authorities of National Disaster Management Authority, General Farooq's irresponsible and lethargic attitude who took the issue more lightly has annoyed residents of Upstream areas like Shishkat, Ayeenabad, Gulmit and Gulkin which have changed into peninsulas thus disconnected from rest of the region apparently. Media reports on various private news channels also created a havoc and uncertainties among the communities or settlements along the Hunza river.
Apart from the apprehensions and reservations from different circles regarding the worsening situation, there seems poor planning on part of both political and civil administration. Food shortage is already on rise in Hunza while Nagar's able leadership succeeded to get a sustainable food reserve for next few months. Unfortunately, there was not a single department where communal favoritism was scant.There were certain lobbies which are trying to propagate the issue was only of Hunza. While in reality, water blockade has posed my low lying areas to unexpected destruction if it out burst its banks during outflow via spill way.
Secondly, local government has managed to shift populace by dividing it into zones; many of these relief camps are still under the mercy of natural forces: floods in case of heavy rains with lightning. The region is already in grip of a cycle that has caused to fall heavy rain for last three days and further deteriorated condition of Karakorum High Way being repaired across the region.
We would like to urge local governments of Gilgit-Blatistan in this critical times to ensure safety and provision of basic necessities of life instead of roaming on vehicles to show their activeness. Amidst such challenges, it was also a responsibility of every individual to play his role for the well being of humanity and to prove q responsible citizen of the region.









Editor

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Highlights of Economic Survey
VoH Monitoring Report
* Unemployment rate increased to 5.5% from 5.2%
* Food inflation accelerated to 14.5%, non-food 12.2%, core inflation at 10.6%
* Trade deficit improved to $12.238 billion
* Exports grew by 8%, imports 0.8%
* Forex reserves increased to $15 billion
* Agriculture grew by 2% against target of 3.8%
* Total public debt increased to Rs 8.160 trillion
* Crude oil production decreased to 65,245.7 barrels
* Natural gas production stood at 4048.8m cubic feet
* Services and manufacturing grew by 4.6% and 4.4%
* Current account deficit declined to 2.8%
* Services sector expanded by 4.6 %
* Unemployment rate increased to 5.5%
* Estimate per capita income is Rs 87,810
* Inflation declined from 25% to 8.9%
* Power generation increased to 20,190MW
* Life expectancy estimated at 64.1 years
Source: Dailytimes.com.pk




Cyclone 400km away from Karachi, emergency imposed in Gwadar
VoH Monitor
GAWADAR, June 5: At least ten villages have been inundated owing to the torrential rains as the cyclone Phet is about to enter Pakistan soon. Emergency has been imposed in the area to minimize the damage. The thunderstorm wreaking havoc in Gawadar rendered scores of people homeless where 309 millimeter rain has been recorded. Meanwhile, the Radio Pakistan building also collapsed due to the weather condition which resulted into the suspension of the broadcast.
Cyclone Phet is just 400km away from Karachi while heavy rains hit Balochistan inundating the coastal areas. Karachi administration prohibited people from going to beaches to avert any untoward incident. As the tropical Cyclone Phet now roars towards Pakistani coastline after hitting Oman's coast. The Met department recorder 133 millimeter rain in Jevani, 92 in Pasni and 45 in Gawadar. Heavy downpour resulted into suspension of communication of Gawadar coast from country’s other areas.
Courtesy:
The Nation





Cyclone Phet approaching Pakistan’s coastal areas
VoH Monitor
KARACHI, June 2: The tropical cyclone, named “Phet”, in the Arabian Sea was likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm during the next 24 hours, met office reports said. The cyclone had moved in a northwestern direction during the past 12 hours and was now cantered at 17 degree North and 61 degree East, about 900 kilometers southwest of Karachi.

The Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre associated with the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) issued a warning that the fishermen of Sindh and Balochistan who are in the open sea should return to the coast immediately. All fishermen were advised not to venture in the open sea till Saturday. Initially, the storm is likely to move in a northwestern direction close to the Oman coast and then expected to re-curve in a northeastern direction toward Pakistan’s coastal areas.The official source at the met office told APP that the waves caused as a result of the storm can be a dozen feet high in the sea.Under the influence of this cyclone, heavy rains accompanied with dust and thunderstorms are expected in coastal areas of Sindh and Balochistan. Dawn News





Dr Basit withdraws his papers as federation's lawyer
VoH Watch
ISLAMABAD, June 1: The federation's counsel in 18th constitutional amendment case Dr Abdul Basit has taken back his papers as pleader of the case. According to sources, Dr Basit requested to the Ministry of Law that he could not represent the federation further in the case and later withdrawn his papers as the counsel of the federal government in the case.







Israel Holds Hundreds Seized During Raid on Flotilla
VoH Monitoring desk
JERUSALEM, June 01: A day after Israeli commandos raided an aid flotilla seeking to breach the blockade of Gaza, Israel held more than 600 activists seized aboard the convoy on Tuesday as news reports said activists may be planning a fresh attempt to ferry supplies to the Hamas-run enclave. As international pressure mounted for Israel to end its blockade, Egypt’s president ordered a temporary reopening of its border with Gaza to allow humanitarian and medical aid to reach the 1.5 million people there. Hours earlier, the Israeli military said troops clashed with two militants who infiltrated from Gaza, killing them both. While such occurrences are almost routine along the volatile border between Israel and Gaza, the clash underscored the tensions seizing the region after Monday’s confrontation at sea, which strained relations between Israel and the United States just as American-sponsored proximity talks involving Palestinians and Israelis were getting under way.

There was little sign Tuesday that international criticism of Israel was easing.In the early hours of the morning, after protracted wrangling, the United Nations Security Council condemned “acts” leading to the loss of life in Israel’s operation in international waters on Monday, which had claimed the lives of nine civilians, many of them Turks aboard a Turkish vessel.
The Security
Council also urged an impartial inquiry —a call echoed in a separate forum by Russia and the European Union on Tuesday at a meeting of senior officials in the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don. For its part, Turkey, once seen as Israel’s most important friend in the Muslim world, recalled its ambassador on Monday and canceled planned military exercises with Israel as the countries’ already tense relations soured even further. On Tuesday, Israel announced that four of the nine killed in the military operation were Turkish citizens, the Anatolian News Agency reported.Turkish animosity seemed to deepen. “This irresponsible, heedless, unlawful attitude that defies any human virtue should definitely, but definitely, be punished,” Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in his regular weekly address to his party in the capital, Ankara.“No one should dare to challenge Turkey or test her patience for that the strength of Turkey’s animosity is as strong as the value of its friendship.” In a speech often interrupted by loud applause, Mr. Erdogan called on Israel to end the embargo on Gaza and asked the Israeli people to rise against the violent policies of their government. And Egypt’s official Middle East News Service said that President Hosni Mubarak was moving to temporarily reopen the Rafah border crossing — the only crossing not controlled by Israel — to “alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people in the besieged Gaza Strip.” Egypt has kept its border with Gaza largely sealed since Hamas seized power there in 2007.Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel, meanwhile, was flying home after canceling a Tuesday meeting with President Obama. Mr. Netanyahu has defended the Israeli military’s actions, saying the commandos, enforcing what Israel says is a legal blockade, were set upon by passengers on the Turkish ship they boarded and fired only in self-defense. The military released a video of the early moments of the raid to support that claim.Israel said the violence was instigated by pro-Palestinian activists who presented themselves as humanitarians but had come ready for a fight. Organizers of the flotilla accused the Israeli forces of opening fire as soon as they landed on the deck, and released videos to support their case. On Tuesday, activists promised more confrontation. Greta Berlin of the Free Gaza Movement, which organized the flotilla, said that another cargo boat was heading to Gaza from the coast of Italy while a second boat carrying some 35 passengers was expected to join it, The A.P. reported. “This initiative is not going to stop,” Ms. Berlin said from the group’s base in Cyprus. “We think eventually Israel will get some kind of common sense. They’re going to have to stop the blockade of Gaza, and one of the ways to do this is for us to continue to send the boats.” An Israeli police spokesman, Micky Rosenfeld, said 634 activists, mostly from the Turkish passenger ship, who had refused to identify themselves were being detained at a prison in southern Israel, where they were awaiting deportation procedures. Forty-five others had agreed to identify themselves and were being deported. Immigration officials said the people to be deported included Henning Mankell, a best-selling Swedish author. While the Israeli public seemed largely to support the navy, policy experts questioned preparations for the military Operation, whether there had been an intelligence failure and whether the Israeli insistence on stopping the flotilla had been counterproductive. Some commentators were calling for the resignation of Ehud Barak, the defense minister. “The government failed the test of results; blaming the organizers of the flotilla for causing the deaths by ignoring Israel’s orders to turn back is inadequate,” wrote Aluf Benn, a columnist for Haaretz, on the newspaper’s Web site on Monday, calling for a national committee of inquiry. “Decisions taken by the responsible authorities must be probed.” The flotilla of six cargo ships and passenger boats was carrying 10,000 tons of aid for Gaza. But the raid and its deadly consequences have thrown Israel’s policy of blockading Gaza into the international limelight. The statement by the United Nations Security Council early on Tuesday stressed “the need for sustained and regular flow of goods and people to Gaza.” Israel had vowed not to let the flotilla reach the shores of Gaza, held by Hamas, an organization sworn to Israel’s destruction. Named the Freedom Flotilla, and led by the pro-Palestinian Free Gaza Movement and a Turkish organization, Insani Yardim Vakfi, the convoy had converged at sea near Cyprus and set out on the final leg of its journey on Sunday afternoon. Israel warned the vessels to abort their mission, describing it as a provocation. New York Times






Israel storms Gaza aid fleet, 19 killed
VoH Monitoring desk
ASHDOD, June 01: Israeli navy commandos stormed a Gaza-bound aid flotilla in international waters on Monday, killing up to 19 pro-Palestinian activists in a raid that sparked global outrage. The bloody ending to the high-profile mission to deliver supplies to the besieged Gaza Strip plunged Israel into a serious diplomatic crisis on the eve of talks in Washington between US President Barack Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Injured: Dozens of activists and six Israeli soldiers were wounded in the bloody predawn confrontation in international waters. The activists were headed to Gaza to draw attention to the blockade, which Israel and Egypt imposed after the militant Hamas group seized the territory of 1.5 million Palestinians in 2007. As Israel pointed the finger of blame at passengers for initiating the violence, accusing them of using deadly force, activists from the ships countered with their own descriptions of how events unfolded in the raid, which took place at around 5am (0200 GMT). Live footage from the Turkish passenger boat, which was posted all over the Internet, showed black-clad Israeli commandos rappelling down from helicopters and clashing with activists, as well as several wounded people lying on the deck of the ship. Claim: Israel claims the troops returned fire after they were attacked with live rounds, knives and clubs, but flotilla organizers insist the soldiers started shooting the moment they hit the deck. Only limited footage of the incident has been broadcast as communications with the six ships participating in the flotilla appeared to have been scrambled during the operation.

The Israeli army insisted its troops opened fire only after they were attacked with knives, clubs and even live fire. “As a result of this life-threatening and violent activity, naval forces employed riot dispersal means, including live fire,” an army statement said, adding that it appeared as if the passengers “were planning to lynch the forces.” Israel pinned the blame squarely on the activists, saying, “They initiated the violence. We made every possible effort to avoid this incident,” Netanyahu’s spokesman Mark Regev told AFP. “Unfortunately they were attacked with deadly force by the people on the boats.” According to Channel 10 television, 19 passengers were killed and 36 wounded in the confrontation, although the Israeli army gave a toll of 10.The IHH, a Turkish NGO involved with the flotilla, put the toll at least 15, saying most of them were Turkish nationals. Israel’s military top brass said the violence had been limited to the Turkish passenger boat, the Mavi Marmara, with Navy chief Admiral Eliezer Marom saying his troops “had acted with extreme restraint” in a very dangerous situation. “The result of 10 deaths could have been far worse had the soldiers acted differently,” Marom told reporters at the defence ministry in Tel Aviv, saying that troops had only been pushed to use live fire on board the Mavi Marmara. “On none of the other five ships was live fire required in order to stop the flotilla.” During the operation, “10 people who attacked our soldiers were killed and dozens more were wounded,” Maron said, noting that all the injured were taken to hospitals in Israel by air force helicopters. Ten naval commandos were also wounded in the clashes, two of whom were said to be severely injured, while another three were in moderate condition.Despite the admiral’s remarks, organisers say the Greek passenger ship, Sfendoni, also came under fire from Israel troops. Hours after the confrontation, the Sfendoni and another ship were seen being towed by the navy into the southern port of Ashdod, an AFP correspondent said.Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas slammed the navy raid as “a massacre” and announced a three-day mourning period. His Palestinian Authority also called for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council. Agencies






Different organization under Tehrik-e-Taliban working to destabilize the country: Rehman Malik

VOH Monitoring desk
ISLAMABAD, May 30:Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik said that different organizations have a part in terrorists activities inside the country to destabilize Pakistan adding that Tehrik-e-Taliban has arrived in Punjab after defeat in FATA.

Talking to media after visiting the targeted worship Place of Ahmedis in Model Town on Sunday, he pointed out that terrorists from South Punjab have been coming out of their hiding places adding that 29-banned organizations have been supporting terrorists inside the country and aimed to destabilize the country. The Nation





Ahmadis claim 95 killed in Lahore attack
VoH Watch
LAHORE, May 30: The death toll from the terror attacks on two places of worship of the Ahmadiya community in Lahore rose to 79 on Saturday. The figure was 74 on Friday. However, a spokesman for the Jamaat-i-Ahmadiya Pakistan told Dawn that 95 people of the community had lost their lives in the strikes at Model Town and Garhi Shahu. Punjab police spokesman DIG Akram Naeem Bharoka told reporters that 79 people had died and 107 injured in the bloody carnage.Police obtained a 20-day physical remand of 17-year-old Abdullah alias Mohammad from an anti-terrorism court. The bomber was caught by worshippers and is in the custody of the Crimes Investigation Agency.The other bomber, 20-year-old Mooaz from southern Punjab, who was earlier identified as Ameer Moavia, is being treated at Jinnah Hospital. He has been unconscious since Friday and underwent a CT scan.

LAHORE: Officials visit the Garhi Shahu mosque which was stormed by militants on Friday, in Lahore, on Saturday, May 29, 2010. - Photo by AP

Police arrested three suspects on information provided by Abdullah, of Rahim Yar Khan. Abdullah identified the two other men who blew themselves up in Garhi Shahu as Darwaish of Swat and Mansoor of Waziristan. He told investigators that he and three others were sent for the two missions by Badar Mansoor, the head of the Punjabi Taliban group in Waziristan. A police official said that Abdullah had provided valuable information to the investigators about other members of the network. Dawn News




Fifteen killed in bombardment at Orakzai agency

VoH Monitor

KALAYA, May 30: Fifteen suspected militants have reportedly been killed as military’s fighter jets pounded their hideouts in Orakzai agency. Jet fighters targeted militants’ sanctuaries in Ghalju, Ghozgarh and Talirabia areas of Orazkai, and destroyed three of their suspected hideouts. Fifteen suspected militants also reportedly killed in air strikes, the channel added. Jahanzeb Khan, a local administrator, says the attacks Sunday targeted militants in the Orakzai tribal region who had fled from an army offensive last year in nearby South Waziristan. Khan says two soldiers were killed in Orakzai on Saturday night when their vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb.

Nasim Shah, an administrator in the neighboring Kurram tribal area, says militants also opened fire on a passenger vehicle Sunday, killing two women and wounding four other people. Shah says the militants carried out the attack because they were frustrated by their inability to muster support in Tabertan village, where the shooting occurred. Breaking News


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Voice of Hunza
By: Shams-ud-din Muhammad

www.voiceofhunza.blogspot.com
With every passing day,where fears, and apprehensions among residents of down stream and upstream areas have mounted as the gossips of out burst of the land slide spawned lake are running from person to person. Amidst uncertainties, majority of local population on both sides of the blockade who are mostly casual earners seem in hot waters financially. Lacking any alternative source of income, on either side, neither from agricultural nor trade activities, already being suffered on account of land slide disaster have left them without work. Where, the population of Upstream areas of Gojal, Upper Hunza, like Shishkat, Ayeenabad, Gulmit and Ghulkin especially those along the river are struggling for their lives, save property damage have an ambition for proper compensation which seems a hard task for authorities which took more than two months to process the move due to their lethargic and non serious attitude. Similarly, those who are settled in down stream areas right from Ahmedabad have also lost peace of mind following a hype of outburst of the naturally formed lake in an indefinite time line. Apart from finical problems population of the area are facing currently, people have started to think for their future filled with uncertainties. According to media reports, mere fifteen feet remains to over flow via spill way which has increased burdens on Western ends.

GOJAL, Hunza: A file photo of natural lack spawned by land slide has submerged many cultivated fields, orchards, a main contributor to livelihood of residents.

There exists two types of opinion regarding the post over flow situation. According to the first, the was no chance of out burst of lake for it is protected by heavy rocks against water flow in a narrow gorge and starched for a kilometer and at 120 degree from water base level.They argue that such a well stretched blockade that guards against water flow will allow mere fifty percent if the rate of water entry increase from streams of Gojal, Upper Hunza. In accordance with experts view, if the base protected with heavy rocks sustains, it will reduce exerting pressure on Western end; consequently there is no chance of outburst of lake. Otherwise, debris consolidated with heavy rocks, stretched to more than a kilometer would resists water flow and there was least chance of out burs of banks of the lake. While another group argues that with high rate of melting of glaciers in sunny days will exert more pressure on passage along the spill way by rapid erosion will finally force lack to break lake on various points would resulted into floods, enough to disconnect region from rest of the country. So in case of increase burden with the overflow on spill way, erosion at center and different points would allow more water to release, that may turn into flood as water will make its way through erosion in puffed soil thus endangering land links especially bridges along Karakorum High Way (KKH) . Besides sudden increase in water level with the breakage of glaciers that further stretched length of the lake, influx of electronic and print media and their constant coverage has developed a chaotic situation on both sides. Main land links like that of main bridge between Danyore and Giligt has been removed by regional authorities. where, the issue has got both national and international exposure, there felt few anti social tendencies like price hikes, hoarding and black marketing of essentials especially that of subsidized flour being sold in commercial markets at higher rates under different labels. Tyrannically, local administration, which largely depends on dictation from still lakes proper planning and not clear about the presence of stock in case the areas disconnects from rest of the region.
On the other hand, Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani's recent meaningless visit has sparked agitation from affectees who earnestly waited for a special package from a premier of the country. Consequently, affectees with the support of masses and civil society members resorted to agitation for the fulfillment of announcements made by the regime during last two months. Obviously,despite of frequent visits of political and civil administration along the heads of concerned departments served to bring little good rather a trailer being played to tempt spangle eyes of public.
There are certain reservations and claims regarding the authorities on part of regional political administration even under the new province like set up. Despite of claims of current regime, that implies for greater authority delegated by center on pattern of provinces,some people still argue that in reality the region is governed via triaka: Minister Kashmir Affairs, FCNA generals and Chief Secretary Gilgit-Baltistan who run the population like cattle.
It was impending on political and civil administration to leave no stone in providing every possible relief to affectees of the calamity in either form to a large portion of population expressing dissatisfaction over capacity and capability to tackle such disasters and make efficient efforts to win the support of masses of the area.

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PML(N) announces Rs. 100million for affectees, pledges to offer free education facility to orphans, Rs. 0.5 million for per deceased; relief in disasters a human obligation, citizens of GB as important as in rest provinces: Nawaz Sharif
VoH Report
HUNZA, May 25: (Shamsuddin Muhammad) People of the region especial in hurdles posed by natural disaster should not assumed themselves alone, they would find us as helping hand every where in the country. These views were expressed by Mian Nawaz Sharif, Chief Pakistan Muslim League (N) during his visit to view disaster relief operations and general situation created by landslide spawned lake at Attaabad area on January 04, 2010.

HUNZA, Altit: Pakistan Muslim League (N) Chief Nawaz Sharif is speaking to the public gathering during his visit to IDPs relief camp

Accompanied by Mian Shehbaz Sharif, Chief Minister Punjab, Raja Zafarul Haq, Mehdi Shah, Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan, Wazir Baig, Speaker Legislative Assembly Gilgit-Baltistan, Mir Ghazanfar Ali Khan, former Chief Executive GBLC, Hafiz Hafeezurehman, President PMN(N) Gilgit-Baltistan chapter reached, Karimabad and then IDPs Camp Altit at 12:30 AM. Speaking to a large public gathering, after condolence to families who lost their loved ones in the calamity, here at Altit Inter Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp, on Monday he said that he feels about the sufferings of IDPs many of whom lost both their property and lives.

Answering charter of demands and expressing solidarity with the disaster hit population, Mr. Sharif announced 100 million rupee for the rehabilitation and 0.5 million for each died in the disaster at Attaabad and Sarat hamlet. Mr. Sharif said that though PPP led regional government was doing under available resources saying further efforts should be made to address the demands of affectees. " This grant as a financial support should not be assumed as an incentive to attract people politically rather it was their duty to help these people in the critical times," he added. Mr. Sharif further said that citizens of Gilgit-Baltistan were as important as the other parts or provinces of the country saying people of this area have always played vital role in country's strategic defense.


He pledged that orphan children, who lost their guardians in the catastrophe will be given free education facility where ever they would study. Speaking to the occasion earlier. Mian Shehbaz Sharif, Chief Minister Punjab ensured that Pujab government will take every possible step to help these deserved people. In the last, PML(N) leadership met IDPs at the camps to get acquaintance about the problems they were facing.








Mere 8.5 feet left to overflow, water level rose to 356 feet
VoH Report
HUNZA, Attaabad, May 25: There remains mere 8.5 feet distance of water surface with the spill way. This was stated by deputy commissioner Hunza-Nagar, Zafar Waqar Taj while talking to media persons, here at Karimabad On Monday. Briefing media he said that water level on Monday rose to about 2.5 feet on the same day saying in case of same entry of water it will take further four days. According to further updates by deputy commissioner office sources, Husani village is besieged by water due to rise in water level.The lake is continuously expanding and reached to twenty kilometers.








PM's visit disappoints affectees, sparks agitation; protesters stage a sit against apathy in rehabilitation and compensation process
VoH Report

HUNZA,Ganish, May 23: Hundreds of protesters in support of affectees staged a sit at Ganish valley intersection in response to prime minister Yusuf Raza Gilani's yesterdays visit to overview disaster reflief operations. According to the details affectees supported by hundreds of residents of Hunza gathered at Ganish junction to record protest following prime minister's meaningless visit to Hunza that proved mere a picnic saga.

HUNZA, Ganish: Protestors are hearing to speakers. Media Persons are also present at the moment. Photo by Shams

Prime Minister paid a visit to disaster site, relief camps at Altit and Karimabad and affected areas of Upper Hunza to observe the actual situation. During visit, Mr. Gilani, in contrast to expectations of the affectees for a special package relied on previous measures taken by local governments.

HUNZA, Ganish: Baba Jan, Chief Organizer, Progressive Youth Hunza-Nagar is addressing the public gathering


A faction of Attabad affectees staged a sit at blockade site while rest of the halve, comprising children and female participants staged a sit on junction main junction, suspending traffic for more than eight hours across Hunza. Public gathering turned into a formal procession with influx of people in the afternoon. Speakers among on the occasion were: Baba Jan, Chief Organizer, Progressive Youth Hunza Nagar, Ibrahim Hussain, Sardar Khan of Hunza Action Committee, and Niamat-ullah-Khan of Jamat-e-Islami.

HUNZA: Protestors stages a sit on the main Karakorum High Way, Ganish, Hunza intersection.
Talking to public, speakers criticized government for negligence and demanded of it not to play with the sentiments of people by delivering mere statements. Participants chanted slogans against government and authorities and slammed them for confining to Islamabad.

HUNZA; Protesters chanting slogans against government and FWO's incompetency and for misleading information.

Government officials and civil society members undertook dialogue with dissent affectees, gave a week deadline and brought to the protest point Ganish, Hunza Talking to media persons, Deputy commissioner Hunza-Nagar, Zafar Waqar Taj said that local government is doing its best to make the process of compensation transparent and efficient saying certain political elements trying to sabortage the peace of the region. Protesters dispersed on assurance of deputy commissioner to deliver compensation plan with in a week's deadline.
It is pertinent to mention that landslide-spawned Lake is rising continuously, leaving the gap between the Lake and the spillway about seventeen feet, a focus official told.







Army helicopters replaces boat with chopper service ahead of water release
VoH Report
HUNZA, Aliabad, May 23: Army helicopters continued its mission to shift commmuters and essentials after replacing boat service with chopper once again ahead of release of blockade water and as the gap between spill way and water level shirinks rapidly for last ten days.

Boat service has been suspended to reduce any mishap in case of outburst of lake since last two days. Similarly, none was allowed by officials to reach closed to water level as a preventive measure.
The choopers will continue its mission if the climate remain favorable till the definite time period, sources told voice of Hunza.






Fifteen feet remain for over flow; Western bank declared prohibited zone
VoH Report
HUNZA, Attaabad, May 23:With every passing day, increasing water level is submerging rest of land properties of Shiskat,Ayeenabad, Gulmit and Gulkin settlements, land slide spawned-lake is about to force water via spill way made in the middle of blockade area on site at Attaabad limits. According to reliable sources, only fifteen feet remained for overflow of water.

Seepage points have developed below the spill way where water is releasing at 0.23 cubic meters per second, on left margin with bit more quantity on the right side many points are about to allow seepage by erosion. On the other hand, Western bank of the lake was declared by authorities as prohibited zone, saturated with mud and ditches.









PM pays visit to Hunza, problems of IDPs to be addressed soon, says Gilani
VoH Report
HUNZA, Altit, May 22: Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani Prime Minister, Islamic Republic of Pakistan has siad that my presence among the affectees is evident of government's vigilance on challenges posed by blocked water at Attaabad village.

HUNZA: Prime Minister Yusuf Gilani is speaking to the affectees and general public. Governor doctor Shama Khalid, Mian Manzoor Watoo, minister Kashmir affairs, Chief minister Syed Mehdi Shah, Wazir Baig, Speaker GBLA. Photo by: Abid

He was accompanied by governor doctor Shama Khalid, Mian Manzoor Watoo, minister Kashmir affairs, Chief minister Syed Mehdi Shah, Wazir Baig, Speaker GBLA and other officials. Speaking to the affectees of Attaabad
and Sarat village, here at Altit,on Friday he said that current region came to power with the support of poor of the country and will continue its tenure. He praised the volunteerism of the local and their contribution to relief work. Appraising the role of NDMA and FWO, he said that these are more efficient organization in turbulence saying he has no words to give tribute to them for their dedication for more than three months. He said that land slide affectees will be compensated soon saying few differences in measurements have delayed the compensation process. " While those, who lost their properties in blocked water will be compensated after proper assessment," he added. He directed GB administration, to complete compensation process within a week.
Mr. Gilani did not make any new announcement except giving directives to implement the previous announcements soon. This made many disappointed who waited for any new additional announcement to facilitate affectees on both sides.







Aga Khan's visit still a rumour
VoH Report
HUNZA, May 21: The report , aired on various private television channels that His Highness Prince Karim, Shah Karim-al-Hussaini, Aga Khan is still not confirmed by communal authorities.

Image source: Google.com

According to Geo, a private TV channel, Aga Khan is expected to pay an official visit on 22 May is being rejected from the sources of the community. Yet the situation will be clear on the next day.








Watoo, CM overviews relief operations; urges local administeration to cooperate, ensures immediate rehibilitation
VoH Report
HUNZA, Altit, Aliabad, May 21: Minister Kashmir Affairs Mian Manzoor Watoo, Syed Mehdi Shah, Chief Minister GBLA, Speaker Wazir Baig GBLA, Zamarud Khan, Managing Director, Baitul Mall Pakistan and government official visited Altit and Karimabad disaster relief camp to overview the operations. Before returning to Gilgit, Mr.Watoo met commuters stranded at Aliabad and Gulmit on the first day of resuming of chopper service.

HUNZA: Chief Minister Mehdi Shah along with officials leaving Hunza after a detailed visit to affectees relief camps

Answering to questions of affectees of Shishkat at Heli pad, Aliabad Mr.Watoo said that current democratic government was fully aware with the problems of disaster hit people saying they would not be left alone in this critical situation. He said that on advice of national government, ministry of Kashmir affairs was also looking the situation carefully. On last day of his two days visit, he chatted commuters about their problems personally.

HUNZA, Aliabad: Zamarud Khan along with Wazir Baig after talking with affectees meeting with officials

Zamrud Khan, Managing director, Baitul Mall Pakistan also ensured affectees before departure to provide with them financial assistance in consultation with the Kashmir Affair ministry. Salman, a resident of Shishkat Upper Hunza asked national government via ministry of Kashmir affairs to provide children of affectees with scholarship for their studies and immediate compensation to all those who lost their property into blockade water. Mr. Watoo ensured them to provide all facilities announced by the government in past.

HUNZA, Aliabad: Mian Manzoor Watoo is talking to Salman, a resident of Shishkat village before departure. Photo by: Shams







Internally Displaced Persons to get every possible assistance; NHA and FWO made impossible task possible, situation is manuplated by national media: Manzoor Watoo
VoH Report
HUNZA, May 20: Mian Manzoor Watoo, Minister Kashmir Affairs has said that internally Displaced Persons(IDPs) of Attaabad and Sarat disaster would be given every possible assistance to reduce their sufferings.

HUNZA, Karimabad: Manzoor watoo is replying to a question of government owned TV channel on his return from disaster site. Photo by: Shams

Talking to media on return from the natural lake formed at Attaabad, he reiterated the government's stance that national, in collaboration with the regional governent was committed to give every possible relief to shun sufferings of affectees in either form. He was received by Wazir Baig, Speaker Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly, Muhammad Ali Akhtar, Finance Minister, Babar Yaqoob Fatah, Cheif secretary Gilgit-Baltistan, Deputy commissioner Waqar Taj and other government officials.He said that Frontier Works Organization(FWO) and National High Way Authority(NHA) has done a remarkable work saying both has made an impossible mission possible.Answering to a question of government owned television chanel and radio that what guidence would he like to give to media for creating a chaotic situation and insecurity in last few days,he said that government is vigilant and made proper arrangements to cope any challenge posed by water blockade. Replying to another question by VoH that what government has planned in case of outburst the main links of Hunza-Nagar region will be cut off from the rest due to destruction of bridges inflicted by flood he said that under the expert's opinion government machinery has tried its best to paw a spill way to breach in lake and there was no chance of sudden outburst of lake; and if case outburst, it will hardly release fifty percent water, and according to facts and figures, Terbela dam has lager capacity to absorb as many as five times more water blocked on Hunza river." People of the region are more responsible, courageous and responsive any odd," he added. Mr. Watoo, who was also expected to visit new relief camp at Girls Inter College, Karimabad and met the affectees of Salman abad could not visit due to time shortage.

HUNZA, Karimabad: Manzoor Watoo, Minister Kashmir affairs answering a question of VoH
What was really more strange during this visit by a government representative was activeness of many departments that used to remain dumb or have little output. The area of 3 kilometer was decorated with banners, explaining its so-called contribution majority of masses never observed. It is pertinent to mention, whether in public or private sector, visits of signatories bring bit improvement in infrastructure and services for a single day. At least this was not little for a nation into perplexities of multidimensional forces few from within and few from outside society.





CM on Hunza tour

VoH Report
HUNZA, May 20: Mehdi Shah, Chief Minister Gilgit Baltistan Legislative Assembly is reaching Hunza accompanied by Mian Manzoor Watoo, Minister Kashmir Affairs on Thirsday after noon to review situation, relief operations and meet internally Displaced Persons(IDPs) of Attaabad and Sarat village at temporary camps of Altit and Karimabad. He will also visit Upstream areas like Shishkat, Ayeenabad and Gulmit to overview relief by government to IDPs. The both will also overview replacement of boat service with helicopter service against expected rising danger.








Submerging links: Gulmit, Shishkat and Gulkin turns into peninsula
VoH Report
GULMIT, Shishkat, May 20: Due to rapid increase in water level in natural lake, Gulmit, Shishkat and Gulkin have turned into peninsulas. On the other hand, the sudden increase of water level boat service has been replaced with chopper service to facilitate commuters by National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Pakistan Army.


Upper Hunza, Gojal: Under construction bridge connecting Gulmit and Shishkat is about to sink in blockade water

On the other hand, Ayeenabad, the very first village affected is so far destroyed completely due to low level of settlement with the rapid rise in water level.








Manzoor Watoo reviews arrangements at Atabad lake
VoH Monitoring desk
GILGIT, May 19 (APP): Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, Mian Manzoor Watoo arrived here on a two day visit to monitor situation emerged at Atabad lake. Talking to media here, the minister said that the government is fully aware of the situation and adopting all measures to see the affairs there. He told that government is competent enough to deal with any situation at Hunza lake. Watoo said that there would be no dearth of food and POL as the government owes responsibility of providing these commodities to the residents of these areas. He said that prime minister has personally asked about spillway and appreciated the role of Pak Army and Chief of Army Staff for visiting the Atabad. He added that the government is fully aware of the hazards. The minister said that President and prime minister are closely monitoring the situation.In reply to a question, he said that National Highway Authority (NHA),Frontier Works Organization (FWO) and other agencies are planning as how to restore the communication in case Ataabad lake overflows. Associated Press of Pakistan







A new seepage point appeared
By: H.Dave
HUNZA, Attaabad, May 19: Part of the reason for the increase in seepage is the development of a new seepage point below the spillway. This is not unexpected, though the rate of seepage is increasing quite quickly at this point.

Photo by Focus
The seepage is probably allowing water to flow beneath the spillway, which will be reducing the resistance to erosion. Second, and more importantly, even though the water flow here is just 0.23 cubic metres per second, a substantial amount of scour and erosion has already been initiated. Readers will not need me to describe the implications of this in terms of the likely performance of the spillway when water flow commences.







NDMA freeboard information on Attaaabad
By: Daves
In the absence of any other information on the state of play at Attabad, I have plotted up the daily updates on freeboard from NDMA. The reliability of these is somewhat unclear as there are often contradictions between the indicated water level rise and the daily difference between freeboard measurements. There are also sometimes errors - e.g. the data for 19th May suggests that freeboard increased rather than declined overnight, but I have corrected that. So the graph for the last 19 days or so looks like this (the last data point is for 19th May at 18:00 local time):


Over the last four days the water level has risen at an average of 1.1 m per day, which means that the remaining freeboard should be lost in 3 or 4 days from 19th May, even allowing for the apparent slight reduction in rate in the last couple of days. On this basis, over topping might be expected tomorrow (22nd May) or on Saturday 23rd May, but happen earlier. Of course all of this is dependent upon the NDMA values being correct, but for the last two weeks the Focus and NDMA freeboard figures have effectively been the same. This does also mean that some of the media reported values of lake rise due to the GLOF earlier in the week were wildly incorrect. Courtesy: Daveslandslideblog







Fifteen main bridges under approaching danger
VoH Report
By: Shamsuddin Muhammad
HUNZA, May 18: With the rise in water level in the natural lake formed as a result of massive land slide on Hunza river, apprehensions mounted in last few days after national media started to cover issue following General Kiani's visit. According to FOCUS Humanitarian Assistance and Gilgit-Baltistan Works department, the water will release by end of this month via spill way. Gilgit-Baltistan region is by and large dependant on food supply from down: cities of Punjab to fulfill its population demand via Karakorum High Way (KKH) supported by bridges over main river that enters Rawal Dam, ultimately. scatered populated region of Gilgit Baltistan thus rely upon the qouta provided against registered population on subsidied prices and in case its suspension, there would be starvation for indigenous land is unsuitable for cultivation of cash crops, yeild production once a year and production or output was usually low.

HUNZA, Ganish: The second bridge apprehended to be hit by flood flesh in case of out burst of lake





HUNZA, Nasirabad: Third main vulnerable bridge between Lower Nagar and Nasir Abad and connects region with the rest was also declared in risk




NAGAR, Gooro: Another vital bridge declared vulnerable in case of release of huge among to water from lake on Hunza River




Rahimabad, Nomal bridge: The main engine for supply of foods and other goods from Gilgit




GILGIT: Work on under construction bridge connecting Gilgit city with Danyore, Sultanabad, Jalalabad via KIU halted ahead of water release.






Governor detest upon delay in construction of House
VoH Report
GILGIT, May 18: Governor Gilgit-Baltistan has shown detest for delaying tactics of contractor and lack of seriousness in construction of governor house.During her visit to site, governor, Dr.Shama Khalid expressed detest and dissatisfaction over delay, slow paced unorganized work by contractor who failed to meet deadline of completion so far. Deadline for completion of governor house was by mid of May but a large portion of building still under construction. On inquiry from contractor and Public Works Department, could not give any reasonable answer. She directed respective contractor and concerned department to complete construction work within two weeks.





Contingency plan made to address any challenge

VoH Report
GILGIT, May 18: Contingency plan to address any challenge in wake of approaching possible danger has been chalked out. According to an official, authorities have finalized a contingency plan in a high level meeting chaired by Syed Mehdi Shah, chief Minister, Gilgit-Baltistan to tackle situation in case the lake outburst with increasing pressure being exerted on its banks. He further said that authorities also ensured residents of down stream areas to take adequate disaster prevention measures besides providing with them accommodation and other needs immediately if eventuality occurs. Law enforcement agencies have been task and put under round-the-clock surveillance in order to keep things under control any avoid possible looting by miscreants. Rapid increase in population, construction of residential buildings on cultivating fields, lack of proper infrastructure and conventional methods of forming has further strengthened dependency on Islamabad.








Hundreds march against price hike, removal of Danyore bridge to create artificial wheat shortages, and silence of local administration; main markets remained closed, food, feul stock for the year and legal action against NDMA,NHA heads demanded
VoH Report
HUNZA, Aliabad, May 17: Hundreds of protesters marched against removal of Danyore bridge that connects Gilgit city with newly established Hunza-Nagar district, suspension of wheat supply, and silence of local administration against rising prices of commodities.
Speakers in their speeches criticized local administration for adopting double standards,criminal negligence and failure to heed to the ensure basic needs of population. They also demanded of government to ensure subsidized wheat supply according to the demand of the masses at least for the year. Shops and main markets remained closed and participants staged a sit on college road, suspending traffic for many hours.

HUNZA, Aliabad: Protesters staged a sit on College road against removal of main Danyore bridge

Protesters marched in a rally to Magistrate office and presented a resolution that reads:
  • To provide a quota Fuel, wheat, and other basic food fulfilling demand of people of at least a year
  • Public condemn removal of bridge that caused to create artificial food shortage that aimed to force people to starve
  • To reconstruct suspended bridge to ensure supply
  • To administer legal proceedings against General (retired) Farooq of NDMA and Chairman National Highway authority (NHA) for criminal negligence to issue that caused to submerge a large portion of land
  • To wave off loans borrowed by traders in milieu of worse commercial activities
  • To implement all announcements made by government to rehabilitate affectees and payment of equitable compensation.
  • And legal action to be taken against local administration for misleading information of having stock of fuel and food for six months while in real it is hardly suffice for mere a month
  • Compensation against expansion of Karakorum High way (KKH) be paid according to international rates

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Valleys with invaluable natural beauty

Valleys with invaluable natural beauty
Gift of Nature

Click to read unheard regional stories

Click to read unheard regional stories
GBEcho

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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