Gari, Chinar Bagh, Ghizar road ruined, water enters AKUH family health centre,CM Secretariat, 14 died
VoH Report

GILGIT, July 31: The flesh floods in the wake of heavy rain pour after entering Gari, Chinar Bagh areas, ruined roads linking low lying areas of with the rest of city on one hand and the link with Hunza-Nagar district on the other. According to updates from our correspondent, continous rising water level in the low lying areas along Gilgit river right from Basin has damaged Gilgit to Ghizar road,the only link to connect former with the later. Flooding water that entered Aga Khan Family Health unit last night now entered Chief Minister secretariat posing threat to adjacent building of Gilgit Baltistan Legislative Assembly, SSP office, AKRSP head office and various guest houses on river side road till Sonikot limits. Around fourteen people have reported been died including children at different places of the city on Friday.
On the other hand,beside haphazard running of river, water submerged bally bridges between Konodas and Gilgit city, cutting off the link with Hunza-Nagar distict. According to the local administrative officials, concrete efforts were being made to avert any possible mishap in the region.





Heavy land sliding along KKH-Traffic remained suspended on Hunza-Nagar, Gilgit section
VoH Report
HUNZA, Nagar, Gilgit, July 29: Traffic remained virtually suspended following heavy rain pour that triggered land sliding at various points on Karakorum High Way (KKH), our correspondent reported. According the details,public transport stranded at Chickus, a rocky point between Murtaza Abad and Nasir abad caused to suspend traffic of all kinds from Hunza-Nagar to Gilgit on early Thursday.

Similarly, rain fall disrupted the traffic on the same route near Jafarabad, Lower Nagar, creating problems for the residents of nearby villages. Suspension of transportation facilities, essential commodities in the markets have caused to disappear immediately in Aliabad, the main commercial hub of Hunza-Nagar region.






Breakage of Fiber optic near Sikandarabad disconnect Hunza-Nagar from rest of the country
VoH Report

Hunza, Nagar, July 29: The sudden break in the Fiber optic near Sikandarabad on Thursday following land sliding disconnected Hunza-Nagar distric from rest of the country. According to our correspondent from Sikandarabad, Nagar, fiber optic connection being used by Special Communications for telecommunication and information services demaged partially near Sikandarabad Police station when a land slide hit the Karakorum High Way (KKH) around 11:AM on Thursday, leaving Hunza-Nagar distric in isolation.
SCO officials and workers were busy to remove the obstacle on the site and assured that the link would be repaired till Saturday morning.







Earth shocks bring people out of their houses; Hunza-Nagar continued to jolt four times within twenty four hours
Bureau Report
Hunza, Nagar, July 30: Settlements in Central Hunza continued to jolt as the earth quack hit the area four times in 24 hours. According to the details, shocks were first felt around 5: 30 PM on Thursday, during heavy rainfall.
The another was felt at 5:00 AM while it regenerated a thrilling impact at 11:00 on Friday, in Jafarabad, Minapin, Mayone, Hussainabad, Khanabad, Nasirabad,Murtazaabad, Hasanabad, Fakar, Shayar, Sumayar, Aliabad, Hyderabad, Doarkhand, Garelth, Karimabad, Ganish, Alitit, Hopper and outskirts, bringing dwellers out of their houses in horror. Population of these areas reported the fourth time convulsion of earth at 2:20 PM on Thursday that caused further land sliding at various points on Karakorum High Way (KKH). To read full, please visit this link: www.rdstime.blogspot.com



Marglla Hills Plane cresh-2 victims from Hunza
VoH Report
ISLAMABAD, July 30: According to national media sources, 2 person out of 152 dead in plane crash near Margalla Hills site were identified as residents of Karimabad, Hunza. According to a private TV channel, Piyar Ali and Tasneem, a physician by profession children of Iftikhar Ali was among the victims of the mishap. The bodies of deceases are expected to be reach with in few days after confirmation.







Hunza Superstar Aliabad wins Manzoor Eleven velly ball tournament
VoH Report
HUNZA, Garelt, July 26: Hunza Superstar Aliabad, won Manzoor Eleven 9 day long velly ball tournament held at Garelth, Minor (Xchill) Ganish, Hyderabad Hunza. More than twelve teams from different localities of Hunza region participated in this recreational nine day long thrilling event. Final match was decisively played between the host Manzoor Eleven, Garelth team and Hunza Superstar Aliabad on Sunday, July 25, 2010. Aliabad Superstar won this match by 14-11, 14-10 and 14-11 in best of three series.
Both teams provided the amateurs with the thrilling match as the host team entered ground in an energized mood.
One interesting aspect of the series of tournament was presence of Hunza traditional classical band which continued to infuse sportsmanship and spirit in the players in the field.


HUNZA, Garelth, Xchill Ganish: Manzoor Eleven, Garelth team and Hunza Superstar Aliabad trying hard to get their respective team win. Image by: Shams

Ijlal Hussain, programme manager National Commission for Hunman Development (NCHD), who was the chief guest of final event in his speech applauded Manzoor vellyball club, Minor Ganish for arrangement of such a successful event with available meager fund. He, personally announced cash prices Rs. 2,000 and 1,000 to winner Aliabad Superstar and runner-up Manzoor Vally ball club team, respectively. He also announced Rs.2,000 to organizers of event saying such kind of recreational activities are necessary to enhance healthy activities in society. Applauding organizers and teams that participated in the tournament, he emphasized rest of youth to participate in such sort of activities to remain physically fit and healthy. " In wake of Attaabad disaster, arrangement of recreational activities were indispensable to reduce the tension from the minds of youth." he added.

Hunza, Garelt, Xchill Ganish: Amateurs watching final mach with greater keen. Image by Shams
In the end of the event, he gave away cash prices to man of the match to the team captain Aliabad Superstar, special price to Wajahat of Manzoor eleven and trophies to the winner and runner team before dust.

HUNZA, Garelth: An energetic scene of struggle between two teams in the final match on Sunday evening.

The first ever organization of such a thrilling physical event by a sports club of comparatively small locality (population vise) despite of restraints of financial resources can be a good opportunity to identify talent in the tense environment overshadowed by Attaabad disaster in Hunza.






Deceased identified as Shahbani
VoH Report
By: Shamsuddin Muhammad
HUNZA-NAGAR, July 26:The issue of unknown dead body of a around 40 years old woman found underneath Nasirabad bridge in the beggning of July 2010, that created fear among the people of newly carved out Hunza Nagar district finally got resolve. According to the police sources, the dead body which was burried at Aliabad cementary temporally was identified as Shabani, a mentally retarded lady of Sumayar Khai area. The family members of the deceased identified her and subsequently was taken to her ancestral graveyard, Sumayar Nagar.
With this development, the uncertainty about the incident ended. Being a blind incident with no evidences of external injuries was a great challenge for a local police without any modern facility of sophisticated investigation over such cases. According to Ramzan Ali, a resident of Sumayar Nagar, Shabani was mentally sick and was brought by family members from Gilgit city recently.
For more details, please visit: www.gbecho.blogspot.com





Public in certain areas vary of improper energy distribution mechanism of PWD
Justify Full
VoH Report
HUNZA, Aliabad, Hyderabad, July 24: Residents of Aliabad and Hyderabad expressing their disgust over the irrational mechanism of Water department for their lack of proper energy distribution in numerous areas where electricity was dear. According to our correspondence, residents of Sina Khand in Aliabad and Brongushal and Khruskushal in Hyderabad have criticized power department for uneven distribution to the respective areas. Talking to our correspondent, Abdul Karim, a resident of Sina Khan blamed concerned department for suspending electricity even on their turn. Karim Khan, a resident of Khurukushal,Hyderabad via telephone alleged officials of PWD for their inefficiency in distribution mechanism.
On the other extreme, Sajad, an official of the department, while talking on cell phone rejected the blames on department of inefficiency saying areas where appliances of higher voltage were subjected to get electicity on alternate days. He said that it was in hand of the population whether they want a daily supply or on alternate days saying saving of it by each household would benefit the whole areas. "Village based committees, established by people themselves can supervise consumption and controlled mechanism would naturally enable us to provide power every area regularly," he added.
It is pertinent to tell readers that one out of two hydro power generating plants at Hasanabad was removed ahead of overflow of water from the barrier to avoid any physical loss as the hype of flesh floods was height that time. The only existing hydro power generating plant with capacity of 2 kilowatt is the sole source to cater the needs of around 40,000 population in central and lower Hunza.






Spill way of Atta Abad Lake to widen from end of this month
VoH Watch
ISLAMABAD, Jul 24 (APP): Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Gen. ® Nadeem Ahmed on Friday said the concerned departments have decided to start controlled blasting by the end of this month for widening the spill way of the Atta Abad Lake. Addressing a press conference here at Prime Minister Secretariat, he said Frontier Works Organization (FWO) would handle the operation of controlled blasting while NESPAC, WAPDA, Survey of Pakistan and China would assist FWO for the entire operation.
He said the second option was to construct a two kilometer tunnel from outer edge to deep inside the lake by tapping technique which is successfully working in Norway, but it takes one to two years which is not affordable in the current circumstances. Talking about the Karakorum Highway (KKH) Chairman NDMA said that if lake water lowers up to 30 meters then KKH would be constructed at almost same place by using Shesh Kat bridge and if water level of the lake raises up to 10 meters then they would construct 35 kilometer extra road and it will be connected at Passu.
General Nadeem said that World Food Programme (WFP) will provide food to 25000 displaced people of Ataabad lake for six months, adding that China is also agreed to provide food stuff for the IDPs. “Government of Gilgit Baltistan will stock the food stuff provided by China at Sussat boarder and will use in any emergency”, he said. Replying to a question General Nadeem said on special instruction of Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani he visited Baluchistan affected areas, adding that heavy rains in various parts of Baluchistan during night between 21 and 22 July have affected Kohlu, Barkhan, Duki, Dera Murad Jamalik Tehsil which affected 30 villages.
He further said NDMA has released 1200 tents, 800 blankets and 2400 plastic sheets which are being collected by Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) fromQuetta Warehouse.






Water receding in Upstream

Beauro Report
HUNZA, GOJAL,July 24: The water level in the upstream is receding as the width of spill way continuous to expand and creating further slope for last two weeks. With the discharge of more water from barrier, boulders remained bury started to appear creating somehow resistance to further increase in outflow.

HUNZA, Gojal: Expansion of lake stopped due to increase in width of spill way and slope at Attaabad barrier causing recede water level Upstream. Image by: Dave


According to a team of geological experts monitoring movement of water and land surface, rate of out flow would increase within next few days if Sunday days enhance melting of glaciers in Gojal and outskirts. Read full on: www.alshams.wordpress.com









M.Jafar announces 200,000 each family addendum in proir approved relief package; assured IDPs for a consolidated comprehensive package; protestors calls off strike for some days
VoH Report
HUNZA, Aliabad, July 24: Minister for Food and live stock Syed Muhammad Jafar and senior leader of Pakistan Peoples Party, Gilgit-Baltistan chapter announced 200,000 each family addendum in proir approved relief package and ensured Internally Displaced persons (IDPs) for a comprehesive consolidated package to be announced with in next few days. According to the details, food and live stock minister met Affectees on Wednesday, discussed with the relief committee in detail and annouced PKR.200,000 as addendum in the earlier relief package on his own discretion from the national exchequer. He assured protectors who reached at western end of lake's facade, a red zone declared by geological experts and authorities,and risked their lives in desperation as the government kept on pledging relief package verbally not practically. Interestingly, few concerned departments of our local governments, like that of Revenue collection and control that leaves no stone to fill to irk a common man for even a piety work through demands of bribes in the name of additional fee is in perplexity. The department, despite of a period of 5 months, could not prepare a relief package based on assessment of the ruined villages, Attaabad and Sarat as being a part of bureaucracy, it is a biggest example of red-tap and irresponsible attitudes towards sufferings of a common man.





Gilani directs return of Atta Abad affectees by end August
Monitoring desk
SLAMABAD, Jul 23 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Thursday directed return of Atta Abad affectees by end August and disbursement of Rs.315 million relief package to them.Chairing a high level meeting here at the PM Secretariat Gilani directed the Gilgit-Baltistan government, National Disaster Management Authority and concerned ministries and departments to work in tandem to ensure the return of Atta Abad affectees by the deadline. He also directed disbursement of the relief package for the affectees on the pattern of the affecttees of Swat-Malakand line.
The meeting was attended by Finance Minister Dr. Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, Chief Minister of Gilgit Baltistan Syed Mehdi Shah, Secretary Finance, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Chairman National Disaster Management Authority, Chief Secretary Gilgit Baltistan and Member Planning Commission. Gilani said Rs. 77 million have already been spent on food, medicine, shelter and transportation of Atta Abad lake affectees. He also directed the Finance Ministry to release an additional amount of Rs. 80 million for further deepening and broadening of the spillway to drain out water from the lake at the earliest. Out of Rs.15 billion Special Development Programme for Gilgit Baltistan,he said, the government has already allocated an amount of Rs. 3 billion in the current budget to bring the region at par with other areas of the country. He also directed to ensure provision of relief goods to the people stranded in the upper part of the lake. Chairman NDMA gave a detailed presentation about humanitarian aspect and technical work being carried out in the affected area. Secretary Finance informed the meeting that all funds for the affected area were being channelized through Gilgit Baltistan government.


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The prices of both essentials and general commodities have been reportedly increased by more then 140 percent during last two years across the country. The prices of like vegetables, milk, sugar, cooking oil, pulses, flour, tea, spices and meat ect., despite of role back in petroleum products have sky rocketed in Gilgit-Baltistan region, an area with an utterly poor price regularity system. To review the statistics available on superstores in the region, privately for last three years, horrible situation continue to burden budget of every third house hold with limited monthly incomes. The prices of per pack of Milk pack once available at Rs.42 per liter in 2007 with around 31% increase has soured to Rs.72; sugar from Rs.32 per kilogram with an increase of 45% gone up to 71 rupee per kilogram. The same is the case with the rest of edibles available in the local market. Nevertheless, a contribution of regional government in this connection was the provision of 40 kilogram per house hold subsidized flour based on area vise quota. Nevertheless, such a meager quantity, sometimes prove inadequate for families with more than twelve members, thus compelling them to buy additional lour against heavy prices. Due to lack of any proper mechanism, check or control, sellers on pretext of change in price lists, used to change prices frequently. On the other hand, the ongoing struggle among represtitives over authorities under the new governance package and lack of interest by regional administration has given open opportunity traders to exploit every possible opportunity by earning heavy profits from buyers. Comparatively, the purchasing power of majority of masses with casual income sources has not reported been increased, increasing burden over pre-tight family budgets as rapid increase in prices hit both both direct and indirect expenses, simultaneously. For many critical observers from intelligentsia, Gilgit-Baltistan, though under administrative control of Islamabad, still legally undefined region as three powers namely Islamabad, Delhi as well as Kashmir claims for having its integral part simultaneously made its destiny hanging on imbalance. Whatever be the claim of Islamabad, the main concern of the people of the region lies into one and only thing that how for center able to dress the crucial issues ranging from political and economic autonomy on the lines of Azad Jamu and Kashmir.
It is very difficult for a common man even to fulfill the needs of his family against his meager income brackets. Government, in its recent annual budget claimed for a more balanced budget than ever on pretext of raise in the remunerations of public servants or government employees on one hand and the pension and retirement allowances. One may raise a question, how many out of 170 million in the whole country and 2.01 million in the Gilgit-Baltistan region were government employees. On the other hand, instead of addendum of development funds, Central government, contrary to its claim for empowering region made a cut, thus vanishing any hope for initiatives for sustainable development. Similarly, recent cuts on petroleum products, that had created a hope for reduction in prices of essentials proved a house of straws as traders besides rejecting any cut further raised
prices thereof.Interestingly, our representatives, refuse to take the issue in the house saying not worthy enough to discuss and legislate over, leaving ground open for hoarders and black marketers to sting into dying entity of poor population.
We would like recall both the central and regional governments to ensure proper check on prices through improved performance of concerned department that exist only in files instead of any good for the people of the region.





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Reconciliation can bring country out of crises: PM
Monitoring desk
LAHORE, July 26 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said on Sunday that politics of reconciliation was the only way for the country to come out of the crises. Talking to media men here at PM’s House, he said that all political parties and institutions had to join hands to bring the country out of the crises. He said that leadership of all political parties should play a positive role in the politics and the parliament should complete its constitutional tenure of five years. He further said the masses would never trust the politicians if they did not deliver . The Prime Minister said the PPP-led government was following its manifesto and fulfilling its promises to the masses.
He said the PPP wanted to go forward taking all parties and the institutions along with it, adding that only civilian government could tackle the challenges faced by the country.
The nation was united against the terrorism for the first time in the history of Pakistan, he remarked. The legitimacy of civil nuclear technology of Pakistan was very important and China was supporting us in this regard, he said. He said the media should provide hope to the people and the nation should be told that everything was not wrong. He said the government was steering the nation in the right direction, adding that coalition governments were ruling in all the provinces.
He said maintaining law and order was the responsibility of the provincial governments and they should control the situation in their provinces. “Who will handle the law and order situation in the country if the provincial governments do not it,” he added. Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said that two third majority system was fast becoming unpractical in the country, adding all the political parties should follow the idea of coalition government.





Kaira for responsible, coherent media system
Monitoring report
LONDON, July 25 (APP): Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira on Saturday stressed the need for responsible and coherent media system in Pakistan. The minister expressed these views during his meeting with Chief Executive (EC) Mark Land of UK Central Office of Information (COI), said a press release.
Qamar Zaman Kaira said that Pakistan and UK could share experience and expertise in strategic communications to promote public diplomacy objectives for a better understanding between the people of the two countries. The minister visited COI Headquarters where he was given a detailed presentation on the working of various sections of the COI.
He also visited specialized units of the organization to see the operational aspects of communication strategy and planning.The minister expressed interest in modern communication tools which, found effective for younger generation, could be used in mass communicating for positive behavioral change, including the ones aimed at countering terrorism. Qamar Zaman said that the international community should also give due attention to
ideological and psychological aspects of terrorism besides helping with counter terrorism operations through security forces.
He said that effective communications through plural media could play a vital role in this connection. Deliberating on the capacity building of media in Pakistan, Kaira said that media has seen a significant expansion and transformation in the past few years and there is a growing awareness about the role and responsibility of information sharing and media, in Pakistan policies. He said that laws were being reviewed to cope up with new realities emerging from this change. The well developed and time-tested information and communication practices in the UK could be of great help in developing similar practices in Pakistan as well, he added.






Malik succeeds to switch off target killing
VoH Monitoring
KARACH,Monday, July 26, 2010:Interior Minister, Rehman Malik again succeeded to switch off target killings in the mega city following fixing the responsibility of the target killing incidents over banned Tehreek Taliban Pakistan. Following negotiations with ANP leadership in Mardan House and MQM in Nine-Zero, Rehman Malik fixed the responsibility of target killings on banned TTP and suddenly incidents of target killings stopped in the city.
Chief Minister Sindh, Syed Qaim Ali Shah on the other day said that they would carry out judicial
inquiry of target killing incidents, as 686 persons became victim of it since January 1st 2010, while some 40 persons were killed within five days in various incidents.
On the other side, police sources said that 241 cases of target killings were registered in all three zones of Karachi, among which 207 were registered against unknown persons while 24 cases nominated workers of political parties including PPP, ANP, MQM and MQM Haqeeqi and some paid killers group. Police said that some 11 assassins were apprehended in connection with the target killing including Sultan Kapal, Nasir Commando, Tahir Topchi, (MQM), Majid Kashmiri (ANP), Hamid Pia, Aslam Zafar, (MQM) and some belonged to paid killers.
Source: The News International,Karachi







Taliban claim responsibility for killing minister’s son
Monitoring Report
PESHAWAR, July 26: The proscribed Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has claimed responsibility for the killing of Mian Rashid Hussain, the only son of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain. Pabbi police registered an FIR against three attackers on the basis of a statement of Mian Amjad, a relative of the minister who was injured in the attack. He is admitted to the Lady Reading Hospital. He said two of the attackers sported beard and one was clean shaven. Mian Rashid, meanwhile, was laid to rest in his ancestral graveyard in Pabbi amid tight security.

PESHAWAR: Mian Iftikhar offers Dua for his son in Pibbi. Photo by APP

A large number of police and Frontier Constabulary personnel were deployed for the occasion.The funeral was attended by hundreds of people, including Chief Minister Ameer Haider Hoti, federal ministers Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour and Arbab Mohammad Zahir, Senator Afrasiab Khattak, provincial assembly’s Speaker Kiramatullah Chagharmathi, Deputy Speaker Khushdil Khan, Advocate-General Asadullah Khan Chamkani, provincial ministers and MPAs.
Governor Owais Ahmad Ghani and Peshawar Corps Commander Asif Yaseen called on Mian Iftikhar and offered fateha. The corps commander laid a floral wreath at the grave of Mian Rashid on behalf of the army chief. Meanwhile, investigation into the murder that took place in Khan Sher Garhi on Saturday is reported to have made little progress. “We will issue the sketch of one of the attackers on the basis of description given by the injured person,” Nowshera district police chief Nisar Tanoli said. Investigators, he said, had collected specimen of blood and empties of bullets from the scene for forensic examination. He said investigators were also looking into the possibility of involvement of local people in the attack.
The DPO said security personnel had been deployed at the minister’s home, but the minister’s son did not want security guards to accompany him when he went out. Mian Amjad told police that he was having a walk with Mian Rashid when they were attacked. When the three attackers came near them, the clean shaven one pointed at Mian Rashid and said to his accomplices: “He is son of Mian Iftikhar.” Mian Amjad is also reported to have said that the man who pointed at Mian Rashid was carrying a camera and a cellphone. The TTP had initially distanced itself from the attack but later claimed responsibility. TTP spokesman Azam Tariq called some reporters in Peshawar and expressed his regrets over the killing of Mian Rashid. But later the group’s deputy spokesman Ahsanullah Ahsan called some reporters and claimed responsibility for the murder- Dawn News






US drone attack kills 16 militants in SWA

Monitoring desk

SOUTH WAZIRISTAN, July 24: A US unmanned aircraft fired five missiles at a suspected insurgent camp in Angooradda in South Waziristan, killing 16 people and injuring several, security officials said.
"The locals have pulled 16 bodies and some survivors from the debris of the compound that was hit by the missiles," an intelligence official said on condition of anonymity. He said the insurgents were using the compound to conduct cross-border raids against US-led international troops in Afghanistan.
"This place belonged to Mullah Nazir's men," the official said. Nazir is a tribal warlord and an important Taliban commander based in South Waziristan, where Pakistani troops have been fighting militants since mid-October. Some foreigner were also said to be killed in missile attack. There are also reports that the hideout could be that of local commander Hakimullah . According to locals the Taliban commander is safe. The drones continued to hover over SWA due to which the locals could not start the relief activities and there are fears that the death toll could rise.Courtesy:The Nation.







Pakistan Rubbishes Ties With Headley

Monitoring Desk

ISLAMABAD, July 24:(online)Foreign Office Pakistan ruled out the allegations regarding ties with David Headley, the alleged ringleader of Mumbai attacks on Tuesday.
Foreign office spokesperson Abdul Basit termed all the allegations leveled by Indian security advisor Shiv Shankar as baseless, saying that its nothing more than propaganda. Abdul Basit said that the allegations are not in harmony with the statement passed by the PMs of India and Pakistan and Thimpu, Bhutan, which said that terrorism is the common threat faced by both the countries, which would be dealt with jointly,a daily newspaper Pakistan reports.






Zardari proposes withdrawal of troops from Siachen
VoH News Watch desk
KARACHI, July 24: President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday proposed that Pakistan and India withdraw forces from Siachen glacier region. The president also said that India’s delegation is doing more politics than talks.
Speaking to journalists at Chief Minister House Sindh, the president said that Indian army's expenditure at Siachen region is more than Pakistan’s. Still, Pakistan has suggested to India that both countries withdraw their forces from the region.
Speaking on the UN report the president said that Benezir Bhutto was assassinated by a mindset. He also questioned the UN’s swift release of the investigation report on Benazir Bhutto’s assassination. Later on Friday, while speaking at the 11th ballot of Benazir income support program and “Waseela-e-Haq”, President Zardari said that we have stepped towards the future by forgetting the past. He said that if Benzair’s reconciliation politics had been implemented then Pakistan would not have to face the current energy crisis. While praising the steps taken by the coalition parties to rid the encroachments in Sindh he said, now no one will be able to grab land in Karachi. He further said the measurements of the land and agricultural water will be monitored through satellite. – Dawn News.






The United States Announces the Signature Water Program for Pakistan
VoH News Watch
ISLAMBAD, July 23: After the bilateral Strategic Dialogue meeting in Islamabad today, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton announced a multi-year Signature Water Program for Pakistan to improve Pakistan’s ability to increase efficient management and use of its scarce water resources and improve water distribution. The first phase of the program will cover seven projects costing over $270 million:


1). Jacobabad and Peshawar Municipal Water Projects:
The U.S. will work with the two cities over five years to rehabilitate or construct water storage, supply, distribution, and metering systems and improve the water services delivery management capacity of the Northern indh Utility Services Corporation and the Government of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

2). Municipal Services Delivery: The U.S. will conduct a five-year national program to improve the capacity of local authorities to manage public services, including the provision of potable safe water, sanitation and solid waste collection and disposal, as well as other basic municipal services. Scheduled to begin in August in southern Punjab, the program will target 42 vulnerable districts and 139 municipalities that have a combined population of over 50 million.

3). Gomal Zam Dam Irrigation Project: When completed, this project – connected to the new energy-producing dam – will store water to irrigate 190,000 acres in South Waziristan, Tank, and Dera Ismail Khan to control flooding. The effort will prevent an estimated $2.6 million annually in damage, and enhance agricultural opportunities for approximately 30,000 farming families.

4). Satpara Dam Irrigation Project: This project, located in Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan, connected to the new energy-producing dam will help improve irrigation for 15,500 acres of land and provide 3.1 million gallons of clean drinking water daily for Skardu’s 280,000 local residents.

5). High Efficiency Irrigation Project: This three-year project will introduce improved irrigation technologies on over 250,000 acres of land in all four provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu Kashmir (AJK) and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). In each location, the project will substantially reduce water use – increasing crop yields 30-100% – and reducing fertilizer and pesticide use.

6). Water Storage Dams: This project will support plans by the Government of Balochistan to create a series of water storage dams and will enhance existing programs for irrigation water storage and Distribution while also promoting watershed management and integrated crop management.
The United States will fund a professional exchange visit by Pakistani experts in water management to the U.S. to meet with counterparts and to examine cost recovery and policy mechanisms that incentive private sector investment in the water sector.
Source:http://www.state.gov/

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Hunza-Nagar gets heavy rain pour,problems of IDPs increased, roads portray water pools in numerous areas; electricity disappeared
VoH Report

HUNZA, Shishkat, Gulmit,July 23: The two days continual heavy rain pour across Hunza -Nagar served to decrease temperature and created additional problems to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). According to the details, Hunza and outskirts received continual rain fall, started on Wednesday afternoon till the midnight of Thursday resulted into numerous problems for dwellers especially those in temporary relief camps at Altit portraying a picture of slum area as water entered in few tents. Around 99 millimeter fall has been recorded in Central Hunza, an official of meteorological department told VoH via cell phone.
On the other hand, transport on Karakorum High Way(KKH) remained very low due to its vulnerable condition across the region. Consequently, link road, connecting F.G.Boys degree college, Aliabad and Girls Inter college, Karimabad is being used by traffic, overburdening a narrow, poorly maintained road as an alternate route in emergency. The decades ago constructed road in question has no bridge at Nallas, Furu, Asha and Her connecting various localities in the area. Situation become critical especially for school going children and female pedestrians in summer as the flood hinder their movement besides disturbing traffic. Our representatives since the time known used to make pledges to improve its condition could not materialized yet. Public circles demand for construction of bridges at respective Nallas to facilitate both public and traffic of the area.





Scorching sun accelerates glacier melting rate in Upstream for last two days; sliding remained continued over the blockade, out flow increases as the spill way widens of rapid erosion
VoH Report
Attaabad, Gulmit, Hunza,July 21: The high temperature for last two days has accelerated melting rate of glaciers in Upstream serving to increase inflow in the barrier. According to the media reports, least difference between inflow and outflow has reportedly halted any further increase in level of water in the Attaabad land slide spawned lake. Nevertheless, the gradual widening of spill way due to rapid erosion gave more way for overflow, bringing the discharge around 21,500 Cusec at exit point.

On the other hand, a huge part of the mount above the blockade as well as the Eastern part of devastated Attabad and Sarat hamlet is in vulnerable condition as the land sliding remained continue from the dawn to dust. Geological experts, monitoring the movement of glaciers, rocks and water has warned of slid of this huge part at the bottleneck around the blockade site. Public circles have demanded of government to take possible steps to avert any mishap and ensure moment of commuters. Experts feared in case of slide of such a huge mass may serve to block flow of water via spill way.






ASA calls for collaborative concious relief efforts
VoH Report
By: John
KARACHI, July 20: Attaabad Students Association (ASA), Karachi chapter has called for the all youth associations of Gilgit-Baltistan to drive collaborative efforts to induce authorities regarding rehabilitation process of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) on priority basis to push the reallocation of Upstream areas in the second phase. According to our correspondent, ASA convened a meeting of all youth associations on Monday evening. The meeting aimed to chalk out strategy to resolution rehabilitation process of affectees was attended by three major youth associations:Hunza-Nagar, Gilgit-Baltistan Youth association and Gojal Ismaili Students Association, Karachi Chapter.

KARACHI: Representatives of youth and students associations of Gilgit Baltistan, on call of Attaabad Students Association vow to initiate concious efforts for the rehebilitation of the affectees of Attaabad disaster. Image by: John

The envoys of associations criticized government's show of relief to IDPs and urged for an effective mechanism leading to pressurize authorities for immediate rehabilitation. Speakers at the moment expressed serious concerns over empty promises by both federal and regional government officials as well as representatives that proved nothing but political slogans. Meanwhile, speakers identified issues rose out of post disaster scenario including IDP's withered life at relief camps, financial burden that forced various families to entrust their children to numerous NGOs; besides psychological problems, affectees were uncertain of their future as red tap in bureaucracy and disgusting attitude on part of political leadership has added a fuel to their sufferings.
Representatives of these associations called on the other regional associations to join hand saying there was no reasons to wait further and cherish hope for any relief from government. Besides, participants demanded of authorities to involve educated youth in rehabilitation planning and execution andvowed to rise up united to preserve the interest of the people affected of disaster.






KIU announces SSC results; Kamaluddin of Ideal Muslim School remained first; overall result 44.49%
VoH Report
GILGIT, July 20: After an exhaustive time line, Karakorum International University announced its SSC (metric) final result formally available on its website. The university came on fire from different circles especially of the vigilant regional bloggers for its inefficiency on pretext of a deal that expired last week.
According to the details, Kamaluddin of Ideal Muslim School stood got first position with 880 marks. While Amjad Hussain and Nausheen secured 847 and 840 and remained second and third respectively."Out of 13020 students appeared only 5793 passed in the examination; and overall result reamined 44.49 percent this year, said the university sources via telephone.
Following link can be use to see results on web: http://kiu.edu.pk/Online_Results/search_result.php


Man shod dead in Head qaurter hospital Gilgit
Bureau Report
GILGIT, July 20: A man under treatment in the intense care unit (ICU) has been reported killed by an unknown person covered in veil rushed in the head qaurter hospital, Gilgit at 4:00 PM and opened fire on 39 years old Sharafat Hussain.
According to the media reports, deceased who was reportedly wounded alledgely was admitted a day earlier in a serious condition in the Intensive Care Unit of the hospital. After the incident, family, kit and kins protested against lack of proper security and demanded for immediate arrest of culprit. Later, police detained a suspect bearing a pistal of illegal bore in the market area and started legal action against him.









Protestors march againt load sheding in Punial

Bureau Report
GHIZAR,Seengle July 19: Residents of Japhukhay and Goharabad, Punial staged a demonstration against the Gilgit Baltistan Power and Works Department(GBPWD) over unscheduled load sheding in their respective villages on Sunday, at 10:00 AM. According to a regional Urdu daily, protectors marched to the hydro power plant seengle to voice over the proposed load shedding. Protectors chanted slogans against PWD officials and demanded of restoration of power their villages.
Residents of both villages annoyed of unscheduled load shedding came out for the first time as these two village were selected only in these regard. While rest of Punial was getting supply daily. On pressure of protectors, PWD officials resumed the supply to their respective places.






Govt to continue supporting new GB government: Kaira
VoH News Watch
GILGIT, July 17 (APP): Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira has said that Federal government would continue its support to new government of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) adding that GB government had competent members to lead its affairs.Talking to reporters at his rival here at local Airport on two-day visit, the Minister said that the federal government will keep extending all sort of assistance to GB government. He expressed pleasure that people of Gilgit-Baltistan were empowered during his tenure and now he was witnessing a strong and independent government enjoying complete autonomy.

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Hunza-Nagar district was approved and then notified about one and half year ago by the government to facilitate good governance, accelerate decision making process, utilize indigenous resources and reduce administrative burden in the region. Interestingly, even after an year of hazardous journey, this poorly equipped distric both in terms of personnel and resources, instead of doing any good is on the peril. Lack of effective political and civil administrative machinery, things have started to go worse from bad. Let's take an example of dumping of employees being brought secretly by head of different departs, mostly kith and kins of those serving here has created not mere a feeling of deprivation but also compelling them to create hurdles as violence seek its way where policies aims to hurt indigenous people of a certain periphery. Balochistan, where government its self is trying to come out of yolk in form of Baloch youth resistance against deprivation in every walk of life can be taken asthe same case. Here question arises, can our governments expect for a peaceful environment with a breed of educated youth ready to play in hands of evil hands if she fails to provide equal opportunity in proposed quouta.
It is a matter of fact, literacy rate in the district is above 80 percent, with 30 highly competent compared to 45 in the rest of the Gilgit-Baltistan. Qualified youth, holding degrees of different disciplines irks them as they are even unable to cater their own economic needs. Tyranically, candidates with an undergraduate qualification are being reportedly recruited on positions, without any proper vacancy advertisement; and if any test for it holds is just for the formality as there is little consideration for merit. This is the biggest form of irregularity from the perspective of Human Resource Management, as all appointments are being made secretly by certain influential elements who have their own vested interest.
Such tendencies would serve to create additional issue to an existing incompetent leadership on wake of Attabad disaster for it has hardly manifest any ability to cope the challenge what the masses of this region had expected of them. Dwellers of this newly carved out district cherished additional feeling of injustice and underestimation in the eyes of authorities as the educated youth with specialized qualifications were neglected before recruitment. Interestingly, PPP led leadership which had begged support from population with promises of provision of opportunities under the new setup on quota in the district virtually proved mere a slogan as leadership of both areas Hunza- and Nagar continue to remain silent against the odds. For few, where local civil administration little bother and has poor capacity to further the cause of resident of this so-called district,current trend of secret appointments in various departments from the quota reserved for the residents of district's is a notorious act that would ultimately harm its existence as reaction would surface immediately after the realization among the youth in days to come. Similarly, they say that such appointments where money and relationship is the biggest source in dozen of instances of these appointment at least aims two objectives by the political leadership. Firstly, they were acting not only as the representatives of the respective areas but also enjoy perks as Speaker and Finance minister who were supposed to say in the interest of whole region not for their own vicinities is a sward hanging on popularity of their parties as this way they have to neglect the cause of those who get them enter into house. Secondly, as the circle of circumference of representative cum cabinet members of GBLA from district in question widens, their concentration over such issues naturally divert which may be taken as excuse of political leadership for having no voice of such trends from youth in future. As for as the capacity and acumen of our whole regional leadership is concerned, for one who monitor the overall situation is another important question. One can easily discern their ambivalence in what they preach and what they really perform practically. In short, the political leadership since the inception of democratic norms mastered in telling lies and the trend goes on with intensity where instead of proper utilization and proportional distribution of available resources,political forces focus over their own personal interests, leaving the masses with greater expectations till the end of their tenure.
PPP's led national government at the time of announcement of self governance reform order 2000 in the mid of last year had claimed that the move would serve to change the fate of the region. The current trends of criminal negligence on part of political leadership towards such a critical issues would pose them to the irking questions from analysts, intelligentsia, indigenous educated youth and those who keep their eyes focused and observe processes minutely. Similarly, this would be a big time of test for local bureaucracy which has had blamed for caring more for their bosses rather to further interest of the territory where they rule can harm a peaceful environment in the district in the days to come.
We hope,both local civil and political administration, for a larger interest of the region understanding the sensitivity of situation would rely on transparent means of employment through proper advertisement and recruitment to end the hatred in the hearts and minds of youth of the district.







Editor

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Kayani to serve for 3 more years
Monitoring desk
ISLAMABAD, July 23: In a dramatic development, Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani on Thursday announced an extension of three years in the service of Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Kayani, who was due to retire on November 29, this year.
In a televised speech, PM Gilani praised the “remarkable” role of the army chief in the war against terrorism and the objectives achieved by the army under his leadership in militancy-hit areas of the country. “The success of military operations could only have been achieved under General Ashfaq Kayani’s leadership. He has been involved in planning and monitoring of operations in militancy-hit areas. These operations are at a critical stage and successful continuation of these operations required continuation in military high command,” Gilani said. “General Kayani is held in high esteem at the international level due to his excellent military leadership qualities and pro-democracy views. In the best interest of the nation, I, in a capacity as prime minister, have decided to give General Kayani a three-year extension in his service from November 29, 2010, relaxing the rules, and after consulting President Asif Ali Zardari,” Gilani said. He said the country was passing through difficult times, as the government was engaged in a war against terrorism.
Mainstream political parties including the PML-N, when contacted, opted not to give any immediate reaction to the development, saying they would announce their official statement later. However, it is widely believed that the US played an important role in the decision, as Gen Kayani is actively engaged with the US and NATO in the strategic planning of the ongoing war against militancy. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is also believed to have lobbied for General Kayani’s extension during her recent visit to Pakistan where she met the country’s top civilian and military leadership, Daily Times reported.







Two Brothers Killed in Roof Collapse in Lahore
VoH Monitor
LAHORE, July 23: Two children were killed when the roof of old house in Shadary Town collapsed, police and rescue workers said. The incessant spree of monsoon rains continued in most part of the country including Punjab.
The roof of Shahdara Town resident Zaheer Abbas collapsed due to extensive rain. Shajar Ali 3 and his brother Rajab died on spot while their parents received injuries. The parents were discharged from hospital after treatment.
Both the children were asleep when the incident took
place. Zaheer Abbas informed that the roof of his house collapsed due to extensive rains, a daily News paper Pakistan reports.






Traditional performances add oomph to celebration
Monitoring desk
ISLAMABAD, July 22: To celebrate the National Day of his country, Ambassador of Egypt, Magdy Amer hosted a reception, not at a hotel but at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA). The function was well attended by government officials; military officers; diplomats of many cadres; Pakistanis from different walks of life and the Egyptian community living in and around the capital. The icing on the cake, so to say, was a cultural performance by a group of Egypt’s famous artistes — the Sufi thought based Al-Tannoura Troupe for Cultural Heritage, the reason for the shift in venue. The guest of honour was Minister for Religious Affairs, Hamid Saeed Kazmi, who arrived almost on time and in consequence, the show began as scheduled. The programme began with the playing of the National Anthems of Egypt and Pakistan in video mode, screening images from both country’s sightseeing attractions and other aspects of which they are proud. The three-part performance began after the troupe was introduced to the audience. The first part was only instrumental, with the musicians (tambourines); ‘tabla’ and ‘mizmar’ (single or double reed wind instrument — in Egypt, the conical shawm). The ‘ney’ is a very ancient instrument, with depictions of players appearing in wall paintings in the Egyptian pyramids. It figures prominently in Arabic music and has importance in the ‘Tannoura’ performance.
The second and third parts consisted of the long ‘tannoura’ dance, which is religious in focus. In the first of these, six group dancers stood or moved in various formations, circling the central dancer in the same direction, with the speed of the ircling varying from slow to fast and vice-versa. Their movements were synchronised and changed with precision for each different formation, while the central dancer remained in the same place on stage for the duration of his performance. He began by playing three brightly coloured drums and twirling at the same time. After a few other changes like removing his jacket and the brightly coloured top skirt, the extended, trance-like portion of the dance began, with the vocalist continuing his chant accompanied by the musicians and concluded with the central figure unfolding a cloth with ‘Allah’ on its top fold and other inscriptions, which were seen when he unfolded the cloth. He then refolded it and passed it to one of the musicians — all the while swirling, reaching a crescendo and then slowing down to end the presentation. The second part had three twirling dancers also outfitted in colourful costumes — these highlight the swirling — and they too gave a mesmerising performance with a few additional twists and turns — the dance is full of philosophical concepts reflecting the man’s spiritual dilemma in understanding the universe from the Sufis’ point of view. However, this dance has been enriched by the colourful variations of the Egyptian folk lifestyle. Addressing the gathering at the end of the performance, Ambassador Magdy Amer thanked his guests for attending the function and promised that there would be more such cultural performances in future. Egyptian culture has six thousand years of recorded history. Here it will be relevant to add that according to experts, ancient Egypt was among the earliest civilisations and for millennia, Egypt maintained a strikingly complex and stable culture that influenced later cultures of Europe, the Middle East and other African countries. After the era of the Pharaohs, Egypt came under the influence of Hellenism, Christianity and Islamic culture. Today, many aspects of Egypt’s ancient culture exist in interaction with newer elements, including the influence of modern Western culture, itself with roots in ancient Egypt.
The
Al-Tannoura troupe was established by the Egyptian Ministry of Sports and Culture in 1988 to revive the traditional artistic and cultural influences that were about to be lost. Egypt’s capital city, Cairo, is Africa’s largest city and has been renowned for centuries as a centre of learning, culture and commerce.The News International







HEC in yet another spiral
VoH News Watch
ISLAMABAD, July 20: (AgenciesA meeting between Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani and the Higher Education Commission (HEC) chairman has sent the commission into another spiral, making the outcome of the issue of fake degrees more confusing.
On one hand, a number of universities has sought more time from the HEC after the expiry of the deadline for completing the verification process, and the prime minister’s new directive for submitting the verification reports to the education minister rather than the National Assembly Standing Committee on Education that is headed by an opposition lawmaker, has added to the mess. In the meeting with HEC Chairman Javed Leghari, Gilani had directed him to submit verification reports of degrees to Education Minister Assef Ahmed, instead of submitting them to the National Assembly Standing Committee for Education, headed by PML-N’s Abid Sher Ali.
The Election Commission of Pakistan and the Supreme Court, which had directly sent some degrees for verification, are also waiting for HEC’s report. Following Gilani’s directive, the HEC on Tuesday sent its report to the education minister, declaring 183 degrees valid, while reporting 37 to be fake. However, the names of the degree holders have not been made public so far.









Pakistan denies India land transit route to Afghanistan;Pakistan, Afghanistan sign transit trade deal
Monitoring Desk

ISLAMABAD, July 19: Pakistan and Afghanistan reached an understanding on Sunday on all major issues related to transit trade, as Pakistan denied allowing a land transit trade route to India.
The broad-based record note was signed on Sunday evening at the Prime Minister’s House in the presence of Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
The note said, “Pakistan and Afghanistan hope that the resolution of all outstanding matters relating to the finalisation of the Afghan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (APTTA) will help in the early signing of the agreement, after completion of legal processes from both sides.” Access: The two sides agreed that no Indian export to Afghanistan will be allowed through Wahga, however, Afghanistan would have the opportunity to export to India. Reciprocally, Pakistan would be able to export its goods to Central Asia through Afghanistan. The agreement thus signed would be an important milestone in the development of Pak-Afghan trade and economic relationship and would benefit both sides. The note, signed by Commerce Minister Makhdoom Muhammad Amin Faheem, and Afghan Minister for Commerce and Industries Dr Anwarul Haq Ahady, mentions that trucks from Afghanistan would be allowed to carry Afghan transit export cargo on designated routes to Pakistani seaports, as well as the Wahga border.Afghan trucks, on return, will be permitted to carry goods from Pakistan to Afghanistan under the same expeditious procedures and conditions as Pakistani transport units. It was also decided that all Afghan transit goods would be exported in containers of international specifications. For a period of three years, the cargo would be allowed to be transported in internationally acceptable and verifiable standards of seal-able trucks, while oversize and bulk cargo, which is not imported in container-shiploads, would be transported in open trucks or other transport units. It was also agreed that perishable goods in transit would be transported in open trucks or other transport units.Courtesy: Daily Times







Hillary Clinton to arrive Pakistan on Sunday for
Strategic dialogue process;Upcoming round of Pak-US strategic talks to advance progress: Zardari
Monitoring report
ISLAMABAD, July 16 (APP) - President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday said that the upcoming round of Pak-US Strategic Dialogue would further advance progress made so far in the mutually agreed areas of cooperation between Pakistan and the United States. He said that the road map prepared during previously held meetings between the officials of the two countries for making consistent progress would be pursued further for implementation of the projects identified in those meetings.
On the other hand, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will arrive here on Sunday for two days visit to Pakistan to consult with leaders on bilateral and regional issues.She will also participate with her delegation in a meeting of the bi-lateral Ministerial-level Strategic Dialogue with Pakistan being held at Foreign Office here on Monday, said a statement issued by U.S. Embassy here on Saturday. Hillary Clinton will also chair a meeting of the Strategic Dialogue with her counterpart, Foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi.




Two explosions hit Garhi Shahu, Shahdara in Lahore
VOH Monitoring Report
LAHORE, July 17: Seven people were injured when two explosions went off in Lahore's Garhi Shahu and Shahdara areas, police confirmed on Saturday. The first bomb went off in Garhi Shahu, followed by another in Begum Kot in the city's Shahdara area. Both the blasts took place inside internet cafes. The injured mostly suffered wounds caused by the shattering of the glass and were taken to the hospital by rescue teams.


According to the bomb disposal squad, one pound worth of explosive material was used in the blast that took place in the Garhi Shahu area, whereas the cause of the Begum Kot blast had still not been determined. CCPO Lahore Aslam Tareen stated that investigations for both the blasts were underway and the police had started a search operation in various areas of the city. He said that there was a possibility that locals were involved in the attacks. – DawnNews





Pakistan needs support from FODP for poverty alleviation and development projects: FM
VoH Monitor
ISLAMABAD, Jul 17 (APP): Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi Saturday highlighting the importance of international help and cooperation said Pakistan needs budgetary support for poverty alleviation and to complete development projects to fight against the menace of terrorism and extremism. In his opening remarks at the meeting of Ministerial Meeting of Friends of Democratic Pakistan held here at Foreign Office the Foreign Minister said, “Today we are having to divert significant resources from our development programme towards fighting the militancy and in the immediate term we need budgetary support so that our poverty alleviation and development programmes continue uninterruptedly.”









Pakistan lost $43 bln in last nine years on terror war: Qureshi
Monitoring desk
ISLAMABAD, July 17:Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi Saturday highlighting the importance of international help and cooperation said Pakistan needs budgetary support for poverty alleviation and to complete development projects to fight against the menace of terrorism and extremism. In his opening remarks at the meeting of Ministerial Meeting of Friends of Democratic Pakistan held here at Foreign Office the Foreign Minister said, “Today we are having to divert significant resources from our development programme towards fighting the militancy and in the immediate term we need budgetary support so that our poverty alleviation and development programmes continue uninterruptedly.” The meeting was also being attended by Special Representative of U.S. President Obama for Pakistan and Afghanistan Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, representatives from the members of the FODP, World Bank and other international financial organizations.The Nation

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Discerning social Change in Gilgit-Baltistan

Discerning social Change in Gilgit-Baltistan
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Mission Statement & Weekly VoH Publishing team


VoH
Voice of Voiceless

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

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


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


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


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



Hunza: Naeem Hamoon
Email: naeemhmn@hotmail.com


Gilgit: Aslam Shah

Email: hunzaishah@gmail.com


Islamabad: Ikramullah Baig
Email: hunza_havenonearth@yahoo.com

Voice of the voiceless!

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

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

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

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





Shamsuddin Muhammad,

Author and Editor,

VoH



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About Me

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

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