Thursday, December 31, 2009

Happy New Year to all our valuable readers

Gilgit-Baltistan Echo
The team of Gilgit-Baltistan Echo extends its heartiest feelings and good wishes at the end of last and eve of new year.May the comming year bring more happiness and serve to reduce, deprivations, vices and human sufferings on earth. May Lord give those all a good sense working against humanity with an illussion of virtue.

protestors come to street against Karachi carnage;speakers vowed to continue peaceful protest

GBE Monitoring report
GILGIT, SKARDU, HUNZA, Jan. 01: (Shamsuddin Muhammad) Hundreds of protestors came on Ponial road to record protest against the killings of 48 innocent people on Ashora in Karachi city. Holding play cards and banners, participants chanted slogans against lack of security measures by authorities and the extremist who have
restorted to voilance even against common people. Speaking to the ocassion, DidarAli, member, legislative assembly Gilgit-Baltistan, said that few neferous elements are trying to destroy the country through their evil designs. He condemned the killings and appealed the people to be peaceful to nulify the pursuits of non state actors. Some unknown people torched vehicle tyres in support of strike called by Jafarya Aliance and major markets and shoping centres remained closed in the city. Meanwhile, a clash was reported between security personnels and protestors leaving a few people injured.
The corpses of four martyrs were shifted to Skardu by a special aircraft out of which some were sent to Gilgit via helocopter and rest to respective villages. Speaking to a large gathering, Sheikh Hasan Jafary said that those involved in the carnage were the offsprings of Yazid. In Hunza, a rally was also organized from
Ganish village to Aliabad to agitate against killings which assembled later into a formal protest. Protestors demanded the immediate action against those involved in the carnage.

First woman governor expected for Gilgit-Baltistan;

First woman governor expected for Gilgit-Baltistan; Naheed may be the among the top prirority; PPP Gilgit-Baltistan hailed the dicision of a female governor
VoH Monitor
GILGIT, Jan. 01 :(Shamsuddin Muhamamd) The president Islamic Republic of Pakistan while speaking to a public gathering in Sindh, gave a clue that proposal of a female governor is under consider and announcement will be made soon. According to some sources, Naheed Khan, former MNA and political secretary to PPP chairperson Benazir
Bhutto may be offered the position of first governor of Gilgit-Baltistan. On the other hand,talking to a mainstream national news paper Safdar Abassi, husband of Naheed said, "We are part and parcel of the party and do not need any office,”. “We don’t need any office. What we expect from the party leadership is to consider our
proposals seriously which we have floated for the betterment of the party,” he added. Yet, internal sources of rulling party supported the notion that President Zardari may incline to offer Naheed, the slot of Gilgit-Baltistan governorship.
The controversy on appointment of governor raised when Sher Jahan Mir had given full protocol as governor and romours of his appointment lasted for many days. Yet, due to strong reservations of rulling party and others, federal government altered the decision to reconcile the situation.

Five detained in connection with BNF activist muder in Ghizar

GBE Monitoring Report
GHIZAR, January, 01, 2010:(Shamsuddin Muhammad) At least five people have been reported on Wednesday by Ghizer police on allegations of murder of Zubair Ahmed, a seventeen year activist of Balawaristan National Front (BNF), a couple of days ago. Yet, Pir Karam Ali Shah, the proclaimed winner from the district and the main figure alleged by BNF involved
in the incident is still out of approach of police.
The arrest has
been made following the demand of Grand Ghizar Jirga, formed unanimously few days ago who have undergone varous meetings with the varous stake holders including Pir Karam Ali Shah with no result. On the other hand, Ismaili council also met BNF leader Nawaz Khan Naji, who requested Nawaz Naji to play the role to pacify the chaos in the region.
VoH

Two die as the van slipped on snow covered road

GBE Report
HUNZA, Jan.01, 2010:(Shamsuddin Muhammad) Two persons have been reported dead in a road mishap new power house, Hassan abad, Hunza. According to sources, a jeep met a fatal accident, in Aliabad police limits, killing Bakhtawar Shah, the founder of Community-based Naubahar Model School, Shimshal on spot and leaving two females:Dilshad and Mah-
Jabeen injured, seriously. The victims were rushed to Aga Khan Community health centre and then shifted to Gilgit. Yet, few hours later, another victim breathed last.
The unfortunate van was heading to Oshikhandas, a village about seven killometers away from Gilgit when it slipped on snow covered dillapidating road near Hasanabad Powerhouse. Karakorum Highway is under construction has been left dangerous at varous places and the company will resume work in the spring.
Source: www.voiceofhunza.blogspot.com

Expactations verses capability-a new test of GBLA

Gilgit-Baltistan Echo
By: Shamsuddin Muhammad
The appointment of governor and ellection of members will be the final stage to complete the process of formation of government under self governance reform package, 2009. There lies controveries regarding the appointment of governor by federal government, who will be appoited by the conscent of president of Pakistan as federal representitive in the house. Under the new reform order, he has given greater powers including dissolution of assembly in consultation with Chief Minister and legislative council of the region. He will recommend the nominations for the council and head the federal public service commission Gilgit-Baltistan.
A couple of days ago, there were the romours that Sher Jahan Mir has been appointed as governor for he had given protocol resembles to the designation. As a result many predicted that federal government has appointed him as the new governor of the region. Yet, federal government hasitated to announce for many reasons. Among one is the allegation from few circles saying that federal government, in order to ease construction of Bonji and Basha dams have used a indirect mean to start construction work and reduce influence of nationalist forces in the region. He has served as an eminent banker and business analyst and expected that if appointed , will play a vital role to ensure good governance in the region on impartial basis. Instead of controversy on appointment of any person as governor, the democratic forces should plan a strategy to work collectively in the interest of the common masses.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Suicide attack on Ashora procession;

death toll in the suicide blast yesterday rose to 40 and
numerous injured
GBE Monitor

KARACHI, Dec.29: A suicide bomber on Monday, december 28, targeted Pakistan's
largest procession of Shiite Muslims on their holiest day, killing at least40 people and wounding dozens more in defiance of a major security crackdown. The blast sparked riots in Karachi, the financial capital, where angry mourners went on the rampage, throwing stones at ambulances, torching cars and shops and firing bullets into the air, sparking appeals for calm. According to hospital sources, at least 38 bodies have been brought to civil Hospital; while two bodies were taken to Jinnah Hospital.The several injured were shifted to private hospitals. Provincial government had deployed tens of thousands of police and paramilitary forces, fearing militant attacks on Ashura processions. “The blast was so huge that I felt my hearing had gone, but then I started hearing cries of injured people and saw pieces of human flesh and blood on the road,” said Abbas Ali, 35, one of the mourners thrown to the ground. Interior Minister Rehman Malik blamed Tehreek-e-Taliban, against which the military has been waging a major operation in near the Afghan border, and Lashkar-i-Jhangvi, another of Pakistan's most feared Islamist networks. “At least 30 people have been killed so far in the suicide attack and 63 others have been injured,” provincial health minister Saghir Ahmed told AFP.
"We have declared emergency at all hospitals in Karachi and doctors are making every
effort to save the injured. According to an AFP correspondent the situation is very grim in the city. Mohammad Ali Jinnah Road, where the attack happened, was ablaze with burning cars and motorcycles, and covered in debris from buildings attacked by rioters. “We are using our maximum resources available to put out the fire which is still raging in the markets,” said city mayor Mustafa Kamal. Karachi has escaped most of the bomb attacks that have battered the northwest and other major cities. Monday's attack was the deadliest in Karachi since a suicide bomber targeted the homecoming of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto who was assassinated two months later — killing at least 139 people in October 2007. It was the third attack on Ashura commemorations in Pakistan this year. A suicide attack at a Shiite mosque in
Pakistani-administered Kashmir on Sunday killed seven people. Explosives wounded
17 people in Karachi on the same day. Police said two suspects were arrested at the
bomb site, and said a sketch of the bomber would be issued based on the discovery of
his severed head.
A spokesman for the paramilitary Rangers said one of their members died as he pinned down the suicide bomber, claiming that otherwise the blast would have inflicted
far more casualties.

10th procession of Muharram appears;

GBE Watch
speakers highlights unprecedented valour of Hussain Ibne Ali; deviation from the teachings of prophet and Imam cause of sufferings; time to identify elements creating differences among sects
GBE Report

By:Shamsuddin Muhammad
HUNZA, Dec. 28, 2009: As a part of Ashora-Muharram, like other parts of the region to commemorate the great sacrifice offered by Hussain Ibne Ali and his followers in
Karbala against tyrant Omayyad ruler Yazid one about fourteen centuries ago. The main procession appeared from lower Ganish marched and reached to Dorkhan at
1:30 P.M. Participants after offering prayers observed mourning. Speakers on the
occasion highlighted the unprecedented example of valour and sacrifice to save Islamic values.
Ali Muhammad, director Uswa schools systems speaking to the participants said that
today we gathered here to recall the heroic deed of our Imam against an evil forces. He claimed that few international powers are trying to create choas in the country. He said that Hussain Ibne Ali accepted death willing and rejected the demand of Yazid, a composition of vices. He alleged that the those fighting the state today are the descendants of those terrorists forces of Ibne Ziaad under the direction of Yazid who blocked the way of even drinking water to Iman and his followers. "We must recognize our enemy trying to create differences on sectarian lines," he added.
Other speakers including Ashraf Ali, Sherbaz Ali Khan also threw light on the tragedy.

They in their speechs described attributes of Karbala from with different aspects saying the tragedy evem after lapse of about fourteen hundred years in Karbala and
about fourty eight years after the death of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)is still alive in
hearts of his follower. Shaikh Ali in his speech said that Imam (A.S) scarificed his and his own family andcomrades' lives at the altar of liberty and justice. A resolution was presented in the concluding session demanding arrest of culprits involved in murder of Syed Razi uddin Rizvi; assurance of safety of Shia communities in N.W.F.P; closure of offices of notorous Black water and security of routes of processions across the country.

The procession returned on the same route from Dorkhand. Ismaili boys scouts and volunteer corps offered their services to ensure security of route. Garelt Ismaili community facilitate participants with a tea as a gesture of brotherhood which was
greatly appreciated on various levels and this way Muharram was observed peacefully
in the region.

Lesson from great sacrifice


Gilgit-Baltistan Echo

www.gbecho.blogspot.com
The concept of endurance of hardships and sacrifice are among the basic theme of mythological movements since creation of the world. Sacrifices enables a noble cause find its way with along lasting impact. Historical records elucidate the notion that certain pious personalities offered both their material and personal belongings to attain the favor of God almighty; Quranic and Biblical narration about Abraham, a holy messenger of Lord, bowed his head before the command and offered his dearest belonging in terms of a son. Valour either physical or moral, some times is considered a virtue in itself for the it provide a guarantee to other
virtues like unity, tolerance, piety, steadfastness and willingness to offer difficult and sacrifice for a worthy cause. There are innumerable examples of great sacrifices against oppression, usurpation, devil designs and in the way of prevalence of virtue. The greatest among those all was that of Hussain ibne Ali,grandson of Muhammad, who laid his, his family and has companions' lives for the sake of the preservation of values of Islam. The battle was a fine show of struggle between wicked and pious, usurper and deserved forces. Truth is always victorious whether it wins or loses in all cases. According to a thinker,"there is no religion higher than truth and no man better than the one who gives his life to preserve the truth." The tragedy represents an absolute sacrifice for the prevalence of truth will serve a realm of light for generations.
Imam (A.S) accompanied by close relatives, around 128, some of the women and children from their families set on a journey full of dangers in order to avoid any
confrontation . On the other side, the armed forces of Yazid one, a successor of
Umayad dynasty, were led by Umar ibn Sa'ad. The discord between two major tribes:
Banu Hashim and Banu Umayya came to surface when Muawiya, the then governor of Syria defied the authority of Ali Ibne Abi Talib, appointed by Arabs unanimously and revolted against him following assassination of Hazrat Usman, the third caliph. Ali Ibne Abi Talib accepted the caliphat, though enjoyed earlier support of a substantial portion in terms of Imam, on request of the Islamic community in crucial times. This annoyed Omayyad who kept plotting against Banu Hashim as a parallel rival power within the nomenclature of Islamic world. Historian are greatly agree that Muawiya followed deviation from Islamic values, gradually. In order to implement his plans, he appointed Yazid as a heir, thus establishing a monarchical hereditary rule against the democratic Islamic pattern gained prosperity since Muhammad (P.B.U.H). Yazid wanted to get allegiance of Hussain Ibne Ali as an authentic seal in order to justify his illegitimate claim on office of caliphat and when failed used state power against him to clear the way. Hussain Ibne Ali (A.S) after receiving many invitations from people of Koffa, decided to leave Mecca and delivered a speech that became immortal, saying that he did not want the sanctity of Haram to be violated, since his opponents had crossed every norm of tolerances and were ready to violate all tenants of Islam and Arab's traditional ethical codes. Imam (A.S) on a journey with his family and few of followers had no hope of a victory over arrogant Yazid rather he headed to avoid any confrontation for the good of Islamic Ummah. And finally Imam (A.S) along with the companions sacrificed to save Islam thus drawing a line between virtue and evil. Muslims commemorate the heroic deed of Iman (A.S) and promise to abide with the values he established for rest. When we today observe around us, the situation is so profound. We are no mere confine to observe the day and forgot the essence of this great sacrifice. Imam (A.S) gave us an unprecedented message to stand against usurper,wicked and evil and devote our lives for virtue.
Globally, today Islamic community faces magnitude of challenges ranging from trust deficit to cooperation to eradicate poverty, ignorance, barrier of suspicion and fear in form of the alleged nature of Islamic resurgence and fundamentalism by certain extremism groups backed by a specific school of thought, and effective cooperation in the field of science and technology. There are reservations of Islamic world on current war against terrorism even in liberal circles. Some analysts termed it a part of great game to paw the way for the colonization in the face of new patterns for greater control over natural resources. At the same time, the tendency of US confrontation by militant groups resulted in new measures to counter freedom movements against occupiers like in Kashmir and Palestine. The hidden factor that helped such move to exploit the situation to benefit politic are certain fundamentalist militant groups that dragged US first to Iraq then Afghanistan and now want to Pakistan as an instrumental either intentionally or unintentionally. Tyrannically, the fall out of resentment to a state inhuman
policies resulted into attacks like that in World trade center,prestige of America on September 11, 2001 when thousand of innocent died with out any sin. No one can
justify such moves as they served to hit the ego of two fundamental powers and expelled the world in chaos and turmoil.Militants,who were utilized against USSR as mercenaries in Afghanistan through a US sponsored jihad have back fired. And in the
game, many innocent lives of common masses have been lost during war against terror. Today, United Nations is unable to play its role according to its charter for it gets a large share from super powers that dictates it according to their own
interests.Consequently, the vision of nations gathered in 1945 to ensure safeguarding
of human rights in the hands of occupiers has failed largely, Most of the Islamic world that dictates of so-called justice and humanity, an essential engine to harness levels socio-economic development is being hampered self interested reigns. Power will continue to play the role of a supreme arbitrator of international conflicts as long as the spirit of Karbala is not infused in the world.
On state level, the devil of sectarianism, nepotism, pied corruption on various levels, ease for elite and subjugation of poor, rising unemployment, starvation, social injustice and enlarging gulf between poor and rich serves to weaken the vary fabrics of society.
In the context of our feudal society, Islam could hardly able to bring scholarships like Alkandi, Yaqoob, Tusi, Ibne Rushed and Bu Ali Sceina and has been deprived of a
progressive, humanistic spirit and relegated set of rituals and values. A comparative study of religious movements reveals tat many of the religions have bit smilar ethical and moral codes with different key-notes. Like, key note of Hinduism is loyalty, Jainism has care, Christianity- love,justice of Islam, and meditation and Knowledge of Buddhist school of thought. Justice, one of the most important factor with in society is the main code in Islamic society. Majority of existing states and groups are production of sense of injustice either imaginary or real and served a main cause of change. What really prevails in Islamic world is bit different from the basic key not. Social jusitice, that most of the today's Islamic parts of the world dictates can hardly be observed for a law is nothing but a piece of paper. Law is scant and previals for weak; applies the rule of law where mighty is powerful and many state institutions consider themselves above the law.
The essence of heroic deed of Hussain Ibne Ali in Karbala reminds us that challenges
in the Yazid's era to preserve values of Islam were dangerous to be encountered by
arms alone with a sense that, through manifestation of a conscious sacrifice to give
new life to faded body politic of Islam. The great sacrifice of Karballa thus give us for an unwavering faith, steady struggle,preservation of Islamic values, love, brotherhood, hatred to greed, compassion, tolerance,opposition to injustice and oppression, unity defy evil and after all human welfare in society.The sacrifice of Hussain Ibne Ali portrays a wide range of ideal human qualities coupled with virtues of bravery, faith and compassion as immortal legacy of the life of any Imam. The application of such qualities will help cope challenges confronting by the oppressed with the hand of oppressors using sensitive social conscience.









The writer is a free lance researcher, writer and editor of blog: Voice of Hunza;
Gilgit-Baltistan Echo and alshams. He can be contactedat:jaashams@gmail.com

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Bad Road Conditions- Who are responsible

GBE Report
HUNZA,Hyderabad,Dec.27: (Shamsuddin Muhammad) Bad road conditions have created various problems for those using this road as a only mean for transportantion. Authorities should take notice of this problem. The road was built decades ago now it has demaged at many points.

A van overturned at Hyderabad due to negligance of the concerned department

A movement indespensible for the rights of G.B says Feroza Rubab

GBE Watch
GILGIT, Dec. 27: (Shamsuddin Muhammad) Feroza Rubab, an eminent lawyer and secretary Lahore high court bar association, who played an important role in restoration of judiciary has said that a steady and live movement for the rights of Gilgit-Baltistan is the indespesible. Talking to a regional daily, she said that federal government should bestow the same rights as given to other parts of teh country. She said that Gilgit-Baltistan is a part of the state and we should not consider it as a separate entity. She also urge government to formally include area under the constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan. (Daily K2-Urdu)

Security tighten in Muharram, law inforcement agencies vigilant;


Forces deployed in sensitive areas
GBE Report

GILGIT, Dec. 26: (Shamsuddin Muhammad) Local administration has advised duputy commissioners, assistan commissioners and DSPs of respective areas of Gillgit-Baltistan to ensure security measures and monitor processions during holy month of Muharram. Armed personnel have been deployed in sensitive areas and ulemas were ask to keep eyes open . In Hunza, the tenth procession will start from Xchil Ganish and end at Dorkhand.

Friday, December 25, 2009

Sher Jahan Mir appointed as the first local governor under new setup; oath following Muharram;

GBE Watch
GILGIT, Dec.25: (Shamsuddin Muhammad) According to an update from a reliable source late night, Sher Jahan Mir has been appointed as the first local governor by the central government under new self governance reform package, 2009. By profession, he is a successful banker and administrative expert who worked with different organizations. He was given protocol as a governor when he reached the capital on Thursday. Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani in consultation with President Asif Zardari announced the appointment of governor. Chief Justice Supreme appealet court will take oath after the Muharram. He will enjoy office with the confidence of President of Pakistan and will enjoy a vast authority bestowed by the central governor in capacity of governor. He shall work as the representitive of centre with the formal designation of Vice Chairman Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Council. Gilgit-Baltistan Public Service Commission will work under the supervision of governor and will authorize to appoint Chairman of the commission. The new refrom package gives governor authority to constitute cabinet and recommend for ministeries. Besides, he is authorised to dissolve assembly in consultation with Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan.

Participants highlight the necessity of safe drinking water

The only self made water reservoir provides few localities of the settlement; a new project of worth 50m underway
VoH Report
By: Shamsuddin Muhammamd
HUNZA, Karimabad, Dec.25: Water is the basic requirement of living beings on earth and provision of such facilities is the basic duty of any government. Hyderabad village is deprived of any proper safe drinking water facility so far. While few water purification plants were built in the inappropriate places to bestow some influential persons. These views were expressed by the participants of one day debate session on safe drinking water, conducted by Hyderabad Rural Support Organization (HRSO) on Thursday, here at a local hotel Karimabad, Hunza. Engineer Zameer Abass, assistant commissioner Hunza sub-dicvision was the chief guest of the session.
Chief secretary was invited but he could not managed to reach from his busy schedule. The session started with a documentary film by Devako production to portray the real picture of the area. All participants were given equal chance to speak on issue. Sardar Khan, a notable of Hyderabad in his turn said that few NGOs worked in this sector. UNICEF was very that introduce a partial facility to few localities. Since then no development has been observed to address the issue in the area. Ainul Hayat, highlighted the diseases like hepatitis, diarrhea, typhoid and other that broke due to pollutant water. Other participants requested authorities to plan new schemes keeping in view the weather conditions to ensure safe drinking water in winter when the demand for it rises. Engineer Abdul Wahab said that under the directives of acting governor Qamar Zaman Kaira, in his recent visit to Gilgit-Baltistan, a new scheme worth fifty million of drinking water is under way for central Hunza and will be completed in next three years.
Speaking to the occasion, Waqar Taj, deputy commissioner Hunza-Nagar district said that government has a different style to deliver development projects from non-government organization. “We have our distinct traditional and cultural heritage that infuse a spirit of volunteer services in our society,” he added. He said instead of dependency solely on government institutions, people should continue the tradition of participation on self-help basis to harness development. ‘Such sessions by public circle is a good way to find the solution,” he added. He said people of Hunza and Nagar are well aware adding the session should not destined to speak, sitting , eating and heading without any tangible result. He directed works department to plan new scheme considering disaster prevention measures. Assistant commissioner engineer Zameer Abass thanked the participants for organizing such an informative step to find out the problems and efforts in their solution. He ensured for his complete support in resolving issues both on upper and grass root level .
In the last, few recommendations were presented to authorities regarding the issue including ban on construction of cattle houses along the canels and take health measures while planning a scheme in future.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Peace walk ended with lurals;Rumi brothers first reached Benzair tomb and then Jinhah messolium

GBE Monitor
Monitor
KARACHI, Dec.24: According to a regional portal, sghar and Ejaz Rumi, two young peace activists belonging to the Gojal Valley of Hunza – Nagar district, have reached Karachi today. They walked for peace through Gilgit – Baltistan, NWFP, Islamabad, Punjab and Sindh, covering over 2, 012 kilometers (1250 miles) of distance in a span of 76 days, havinvg started at the 16600 feet high Khunjrav National Park, located at Pak – China border. They were received by the
government of Sindh and different Karachi based organizations of Gilgit – Baltistan tomorrow at Mazar-e-Quaid. The peace walkers placed two stones picked from the Khunjrav National Park at Mazar of Pakistan’s founder, as a token of emembrance.They covered 2012 KMs of distance, having started at the 16600 feet high Khunjrav national Park, located in Gojal Valley. High dignitaries of the government
are expected to be present during the ceremony. The Khunjrav – Karachi Peace Walk ended yesterday at the Mazar-e-Quaid. The ending ceremony was attended by hundreds of residents of Gilgit – Baltistan living in Karachi, representatives of civil society and the leaders of Pakistan People Party, including deputy speaker of Sindh
Assembly, Shehla Raza, Rashid Rabbani, Waqar Mehdi and Saeed Ghani.
Representatives of different regional organizations and local elders also attended the ending ceremony in large numbers.Speaking at the occasion Shehla Raza said that the courageous move of the two youngsters belonging to GB reflects willingness of the youth of Pakistan to promote and practice peace. She paid rich tributes to
the determination of Asghar Ali Rumi and Ejaz Rumi, Pamir times reports.

Gilgit-Baltistan CM calls on Nayyer Bokhari

GBE Watch
ISLAMABAD, Dec. 23: Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Syed Mehdi Shah called on Leader of the House in the Senate, Senator Nayyer Bokhari at the Parliament House on Tuesday. Bokhari congratulated him on the establishment of the Gilgit-Baltistan democratic government and they discussed bilateral issues.
Bokhari said the victory of Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) in the Gilgit-Baltistan elections proves that PPP is a national party, with a huge vote bank all over the country. He said that our leader Benazir Bhutto Shaheed is the symbol of the federation and we are following in her footsteps. The democratic government in Gilgit-Baltistan is the result of the political vision of Benazir Bhutto Shaheed, who gave the legal framework to the Northern Areas in 1994.Mehdi Shah said the democratic government of PPP would do its best to fulfil the mission of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto by giving the people of Gilgit-Baltistan their democratic rights. Dailytimes

Appointment of a local governor likely in December; people of G.B given mendate, legitimate to rule, Gilgit-Baltistan got provincial status under new


GBE Monitor
ISLAMABAD,Dec.23: (APP) Syed Mehdi Shah, Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan has said that the appointment of new governor is likely December, 2009.He said that people of the region have given our party a chance to address their issues through heavy mandate during recent poles. He claimed that, the newly appointed governor would be from Gilgit-Baltistan. He said that Jamiat-e-ullemai Islam (F) is the ally of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) adding the party has had good relation ship with other parties even in hard times. " Despite the largest party PPP will form coalition government", he added. He was talking to journalists along with Chaudhary Manzoor Ahmed, incharge election Gilgit-Balatistan at Peoples secreteriat Islamabad. He claimed that PPP gives its workers honour. A day earlier, he claimed that Gilgit-Baltistan was given provincial status under new reform package, 2009.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Article: Climate change summit -a ray of hope

The world temperature has increased for last sixty years due to parallel rapid expansion of industrialization and other processes that served an origin to emit carbon dioxide in the atmosphere with out consideration of rest living on the earth planet. In many parts of Pakistan, like Gilgit-Baltistn, the implication of the phenomenon has become more visible where summer is now hotter and winter even more colder than a few years before. In winter, especially in early days of month of December, people hardly experienced snow fall of the volume currently being observed. While, the rise in temperature in summer has triggered the rate of melting process-creating a risk of low lands in the country, especially.
Many organizations working both in government and private sector have failed to address the issue on emergency basis except delivering charming speeches to impress audiences. Similarly, laggard response of many states like India, China and few others have undermined the efforts of some sincere minds to save the rest on planet.Addressing to an international conference on climate change, Mr.Larss Lokke Rasmussen, Danish prime minister has urged international community for immediate action saying by the end, we ought to be able to deliver back to the world towards a hope for a better future adding the summit must deliver bit significant and remedial action on climate change in terms of curb on carbon emissions. Two weeks conference hosted by Denmark at Copenhagen to address International Climate Change is going on and going to be ended on December 18, 2009. The issues has been planned and debated frequently for many years in past with little outcomes. The Copenhagen Climate summit is considered most vital since 1945 on global level when more than 15,000 participants from around 190 nation states are sitting together to make efforts to sort out resolution of a crucial issue through binding agreements to curb on global carbon emissions coupled with a comprehensive taxation scheme-an instrument for re-distribution of wealth share to third world states. In other words, the high level talks aims to reach an agreement on a deal for measures to help curb greenhouse gas emissions and the transfer of hundreds of billions of dollars from rich to poor countries to help developing nations adapt to climate change over the coming years.Analysts expect a political commitment to meet targets for the next many years onwards. The summit is an fine opportunity to protect this planet distort in a quest for more wealth by few hands that harmed not only themselves but also the rest. Globally, there are two school of thought on the issue: one that holds that globe is getting warmer day by day-thus caused to melt down glaciers and instrumental to sink down islands on earth, while, the second claims that the temperature on globe is decreasing year by year gradually-a reciprocal to first hypothesis. The first group vindicates their stance based on some examples like of the case of Maldives which is apprehended to disappear with in next few years due to rise of sea level on part of melt down of glaciers on earth. While the other group claims that in many parts of world there has been trend of decline in temperature. Majority of these climatologists believe current rises in temperatures and melting icebergs are part of the Earth's natural cycles, and not induced by man-made devices. Apart from the discussion whether the world is getting hotter or colder, on regional level the temperature for last five years has drastically changed. The temperature has been extreme cold in winter and hotter in summer than before causing to bring viral diseases in the region. There are many challenges in this regard and the major challenge facing the global summit is to overcome deep distrust among developed, under developed and less developed nation states regarding arrangements to sustain the burden of costly curbs on emissions. The second challenge before it is the aid for climate conservation should not take away the amount reserved for other issues of developing world like poverty reduction, health, gender equality and food security. The ongoing international conference will prove a turning point as a response to climate change to find a way for reduction in rate of emissions. China, USA, Russia and India, being the world largest emitters have agreed to bring a long term solution to the issue through cuts in the emissions. A major accomplishment in the summit was made public when Lisa Jackson, heads of US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has signed orders declaring six greenhouse gases including Co2 has been declared as pollutant and subjected to state regulations. Similarly, Obama administration has declared greenhouse gases a human health hazard, means US president can sidestep congress to legislate on emissions cuts; environmentalists hailed US announcement saying the move will induce other nation states in summit to think on issue seriously. US the second largest emitter of greenhouse gases after China has vowed to cut emissions about 17 to 18 percent in next ten years. US administration made this announcement following the release of a government report under five of the judges of Supreme Court since 2007 concluded that the greenhouse gases have threatened American people and recommended to reduce Carbondi-oxide with other pollutants from burning fossils fuels under Clean Air Act. Yet, a crucial incident in terms of leaked emails from a research centre of UK University that defies the preposition that the increase in temperature is because of human beings. On the other hand, the findings of United Nation's panel of climate scientists that human beings are warming the planet and man is responsible for increase in temperature was overshadowed following the critics based on leaked emails called as Climate gate from Anglia university's research section. Climate gate, a scandal over leaked emails from the UK which suggested that there was no human cause of global warming has given birth to another discussion on climate. The critics say it is not about the science. It's about the money. The representatives from island states will talk about the threat they face to their very existence from rising seawater adding It would be about winners and losers and how to reshape global markets. On the other hand, public protest in various cities of Europe has served to increase pressure on global leaders to reduce rapid rise in emissions which are causing draught, mudslides, powerful cyclones, extinction of species and rise in sea levels. A regulation named Kyoto pact obliges developed nation states to curb emissions till 2012, and the main motive behind the Copenhagen summit is to get bring about the major emitters China and India, still exempt from the Kyoto agreement that proved less fruitful as many countries refused the proposed pact two years back. It is believed that the global temperatures may be increased by human activities and until and unless carbon dioxide and other pollutants are brought under control, global warming will continue. When analyzed economically and politically, there needs a higher cost of cutting in emissions. USA is the world's largest polluter may contribute its share of financial aid to the developing countries. Most developing economies will deviate from carbon based economies if they are offered a huge economic incentive for this time more fruitful venture is to drill for oil and dig for coal. The recent economic meltdown has undermined a hope for transformation of new technological industries to get curb about 20 percent in next ten years. It is appreciable that many countries are now ready to accept it an issue to be addressed on priority basis and strong resentment in protests of people in cities of Europe shows their attention.On country level, many conferences and seminars are conducted elaborate the phenomenon of climate change. There is a burning debate going on to transform economies of both developed, developing and underdeveloped countries to carbon free entities. It is expected that world super powers like America will reserve a special grant to adress the issue on emergency basis. At the same time, the summit will prove a break through to curb the emissions either through a binding or volunteerily for the common interest of beings on planet.
The issue for Pakistan is even more vital for its sustenance for the country falls at 135th in catogary emitting pollutant gasses while comes at 12th among those affected by the dilemma. A slight change in climate can bring drastic change in nature of glaciers that provide water for cultivation of crops. A negative aspect can result into food insecurity; draught and famine along the rivers like Indus which are already face water shortage.In Pakistan, both government and other Non-governmental Organizations took initiatives in past but without an appropriate plan, coherent communication strategy to unify their scattered and individual efforts. Now the time has reached to address the global dilemma on priority basis. Mere lip service and formal statements will no work. On national level, the country also needs a comprehensive and significant action plan to address the issue on long term basis.




The writer is a freelance researcher, analyst and the editor of the blog voiceofhunza; he can be reached at:jaashams@gmail.com

A boy commits suicide in Ghizer ; another case within a week in valley


GAHKUCH, Dec. 22:(Sherbaz Khan) According to media reports a youngster committed suicide few days ago in the Ghizer valley of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Himayat Wali, Son of Faiz Khan, 14 years old was student of and found dead hanging nearby a cattle house.With in a time span of a week two students has committed suicide over unknown reasons. Public circles have called on authorities of diagnose the root causes of such tendencies.

Sanction-144 imposed in Gilgit-Baltistan; dual-ride on bikes prohibited;


GBE Watch
VoH Monitor
GILGIT, Dec. 21: (Shamsuddin Muhammad) According to a regional Urdu daily, Local administration Gilgit-Baltistan has imposed Sanction-144 in Gilgit-Baltistan region to avoid any mishap during holy month of Muharram and prohibited dual ride on bikes in the limits of the both cities in effect December 20 to next twenty days. The health ministry has established emergency control room in major hospitals and blood banks to handle the situation effectively in the region. A meeting presided by secretary health doctor Sohail Saqlain held in which special teams were constituted to remain alert 24 hours during the first ten days of the holy month.(Daily K2-Urdu

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Overspeed-Easy way to death: Monitor VoH


Voice of Hunza

Speakership is the result of support of masses of the region


The brave Hunzukutz given me this hounour; despite being the largest party PPP aims to form coalition government; our opponents propagated to bring additional seat within 3 months, we did it in one month says
Wazir Baig

VoH Report
HUNZA, Dec. 15:I t gives me an immense pleasure that I am speaking to you in capacity of Speaker of the newly elected Legislative Assembly and this all is becuase of the brave people of Hunza. These views were expressed by Wazir Baig, the newly elected Speaker of Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly (GBLA) while speaking to a public gathering at Karimabad, Hunza.

He said that today if I am here is because of the support of the people of Hunza who enable me to work not only for Hunza but also for the interest of the whole region. He said that honour and dignity is in hand of Lord saying I was not expected for the post but thankful to those who expressed their confidence and recommended me. He further said that Pakistan People's Part is the gaurdian of poor and has fulfilled its promises by delivering what it promised with the masses. He criticised the opponents in election who run their compaigns to bring additional seat with in three months saying we have done this with in a month in terms of technocrat seat to compensate Hunza. He said that people of Hunza-Nagar and Yasin like rest of the population of Gilgit-Baltistan have had their roles in the interest of the country. He paid his tribute to Ayub Khan, a soldier of Special Services Group (SSG) who laid his life to save some other prcious lives. Answering to a question regarding the assisination of Benazir Bhatto's case, he said that late Benazir was sincere to the poor and quouted Bilawal Bhatto saying "democracy is the biggest revenge" He claimed that Z.A Bhtto was committed to convert Gilgit-Baltistan into Paris which could not materialized due to cope diet of a dictator. He said that it was Bhutto who abolished darconian laws like FCR through which a DSP was allowed to detain and sentece any one he wanted. He said that it is the vision of our contemporary Imam Shah Karim Alhusaini to strengthen bridge with other communities especially the nighbouring one in order to ensure prosperity and we shall try our best to bring more trust among the people of Hunza-Nagar district. "I am equally greatful to the people of Nagar who gave me a warm welcome and accompanied me," he added. Mr. Muhammad Ali Akhtar, elected member from LA-4 of constituency two also adressed the ocasion and applaud the decision by Asif Ali Zardari to reconcile demands of people of Hunza-Nagar district. Mr. Muttabiat Shah in his speech thanked those who recommended his name for the position and vowed to work with spirit for the interest of the people in order to come to the expectations of masses. "though, I have spent many years in NGOs and now in a new field but I am sure that I will be able to deliver according to the aspiration of the people of Hunza for I would take guidence of an experienced leadership elected for the tenure," he added. Mean while a delegation of Hunza Action Committee also met speeker to wellcome and ensured their support in the work for public walfare.

In the last of gathering, a traditional programe was arranged by People's Youth Organization to celebrate the event.







Successes, but enumerable challenges ahead;

Recommendation of Speaker won the hearts of Hunza-Nagar People: Muhammad Ali Akhtar

VoH Report

HUNZA, Dec. 15: (Shamsuddin Muhammad) Muhammad Ali Akhtar, elected member from GBLA-4 of constituency has said that the approval of Wazir Baig as speaker of house by central party leadership has won the hearts of people of Hunza-Nagar district.


He was addressing to the public gathering to welcome the newly elected speaker of house in his constiuency. He said that the approval of post of speaker by the central partry leader ship will be written in golden words and the decision will reduce the feeling of deprivation of people of Hunza-Nager. " Despite unusual successes, many of the challenges are ahead to be adressed in order to come to the aspirations and expectations of the people of the region," he added. He said the main challenges including job creation, poverty reduction,socio-economic impovement, physical infrastructure strengthening and many more to substain growth momentum in an evironment of regional stablity." We shall work as a servants mutually not like the rellers," he added.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Blast kills 21 in Dera Ghazi Khan

GBE Monitor
DERA GHAZI KHAN,Dec. 15: A bomb exploded in Dera Ghazi Khan’s Khosa market on Tuesday, killing 21 and injuring at least 60, DawnNews quoted hospital sources as saying. The blast occurred at a taxi stand near the residence of provincial minister Dost Mohammad Khosa. The blast in Dera Ghazi Khan was the latest in a series of suicide and other explosions that have killed more than 500 people in Pakistan since October. The bloodshed has been blamed on militants retaliating for an army offensive against the Taliban in the country's northwest. Local commissioner Hasan Iqbal said Tuesday's explosion appeared to be a car bomb.It left a massive crater and was heard from a half-a-mile away, he said. The home of Zulfiqar Khosa, senior adviser to the chief minister of Punjab province, was badly damaged in the blast, as were several shops in the market. ‘It is a terrorist activity,’ said Iqbal, who said a dozen wounded people were shifted to hospitals. Zulfiqar Khosa was not believed to be at the house at the time of the explosion. 'It was a car bomb. A car laden with explosives rammed into the gate of my residence,' Zulfiqar Khosa said. 'Many buildings located in the area have been demolished,' he said. Raza Khan, a local resident at the scene, said people were panicking. ‘The whole market has collapsed,’ he told The Associated Press by phone. ‘There is smoke and people running here and there.’ Militants have staged several attacks in the eastern Punjab province to illustrate their reach across the country, far beyond the northwest tribal regions bordering Afghanistan. Several hard-line religious schools operate in Dera Ghazi Khan. The town has also experienced sectarian attacks pitting Sunni and Shia Muslims against each other. Dawn News

Wazir and Mutabiat shah receives cordial accord at Hunza-Nagar;

GBE Monitoring desk
People showers flowers upon newly elected leadership; Muhammad Ali Akhtar accompanied in the rally to Hunza Karimabad.


VoH Watch

Aliabad, Dec. 14: People of Hunza – Nagar came to the roads to greet first speaker of Gilgit – Baltistan Legislative Assembly, Wazir Baig, today, as he started his first tour of Hunza, after being elected as speaker of the house. technocrat member of GBLA, Mutabiat Shah, at the Nasirabad bridge, as they reached Hunza today on first day of their two days tour of the region.


At Jaffarabad leaders of the Nagar community presented floral garlands to the speaker and congratulated him for bringing the honor to Hunza – Nagar district. The technocrat member of GBLA, Mutabiat Shah, along with PPP’s local leadership and hundreds of local notables and public greeted Wazir Baig at Nasirabad Bridge and welcomed him to Hunza. He was accompanied by Muhammad Ali Akhtar, GBLA member from Nagar 1, LA – 4. The speaker was taken to Karimabad, in the form of a procession by hundreds of people, riding dozens of vehicles. At Karimabad Wazir Baig thanked his voters and the people of Hunza for electing him as their representative. He also thanked the PPP’s leadership for making him speaker of the assembly. He further said that concrete efforts would be made to resolve all outstanding issues of Hunza valley. In an earlier interview to the press he had said that the culprits of corruption at Sost Port will be brought to justice. Mutabiat Shah thanked PPP’s leadership and his supporters for electing him as a technocrat member from Hunza valley. He reiterated his resolve to work closely with Wazir Baig to solve different issues facing Hunza valley. Tomorrow the two leaders of Hunza valley are scheduled to visit Gulmit and Sost, in Gojal vlley. They would address public gatherings in Gojal. Courtesy: Pamir Times

Monday, December 14, 2009

Technocrat seat for Hunza not enough

GBE Watch
GILGIT, Dec. 14: Chief Organizer of Progressive Youth Front and member of the Hunza Action Committee Baba Jan has said the allocation of one technocrat seat for Hunza was not enough to end the 35 years long deprivation and injustices with the people of the valley. He said the demand of the people of Hunza was allocation of a regular seat in the legislative assembly, adding his party would continue struggle for the rights of the area.Talking to this correspondent, Baba Jan said for the last over 35 years the people of the valley have been meted out step-motherly treatment. He said by not fulfilling the long-standing demand of the people of the valley about one seat, the government ahs done yet another injustice with the people. He said the forthcoming seat was the product of rigging and by allocating it to the area the PPP was trying to rub salt into our wounds.He warned that if the government tried to ignore the demand of the area for additional seat, its results would be disastrous.Baang Weekly

Steps urged to promote Wakhi language

GBE Monitor
ISLAMABAD, Dec. 14: Pakistan's noted language expert Dr Tariq Rehman on Friday endorsed the aspiration of Pamiri people for protection and promotion of their 3,000-year-old Wakhi language and culture. He said a language endowed prestige and power on a particular community that uses it for everyday communication. Dr Rehman was speaking as chief guest at a seminar on the third day of Wakhi cultural festival at Folk Heritage Museum here on Friday."Your people are giving a call for the right to educate children in your own mother tongue, so that it is protected from becoming obsolete, and it is a cause we support."The linguistic expert recalled two warnings issued by Unesco about the danger confronting indigenous cultures and languages. It had said out of the 6,000 languages spoken the world, 2,500 were about to disappear or have already ceased to exist. According to Unesco, about 3,000 languages irrevocably lose their carriers every year. Smaller community languages face danger from globalisation which wants to impose a monolithic world culture, destroying pluralism. "This in turn provokes reaction of the kind that we find reflected in terrorism," said the linguistic expert. He suggested a three tier education scheme for education in mother tongue with a bridge opening to a more appealing language such as Urdu and rounding off with education in English. But the system must be applied uniformly throughout the country including in the elite schools.A number of Gojali scholars including Neelam Nigar, Amanullah Mushfiq, Nazir Ahmad Bulbul, Fazal Amin Beg, Adil Beg and Shambi Khan also spoke. They expressed the fear that in Pakistan their Wakhi vernacular faced the danger of extinction unless it received proper attention on the pattern of its conservation and preservation initiated in Xinjiang, China. There, they said, the Wakhi language was being used extensively through comprehensive research initiatives.Fazal Amin Beg said the Wakhi language belonged to the Iranian group of languages, assimilating a number of Persian and Arabic words, but recently it had been overwhelmed by the impinge of technology. He complimented women of letters who had contributed to the richness of the language by writing poetry and ghazals. Adil Beg paid tributes to industrious scholar Haqiqat Ali who was the first to publish the system of Wakhi language characters.Through a consensus, the participants asked every Gojali to speak their own language as well as disseminate it to a wider audience through the media.A Wakhi mushaira was also held on the occasion in which Nazir Ahmad Bulbul, Asmatullah Mushfiq, Hyder Murad, Faiz Rahim, Shambi Khan, Fazal Amin Baig, Abdullah Bai and Rehbar Khan took part. Nazir Ahmad Bulbul presided over the session,Weekly Baang reports.

Salgirah of Aga Khan (4th) Observed in Gilgit-Baltistan;

Mountain Lighting and illumination work turned valleys into twinkling garden; Special programs arranged to mark the day
VoH Report
By: Shamsuddin Muhammad
HUNZA, Dec.14: Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, celebrated the seventy third birthday of Shah Karim Alhusainy, His Highness Aga Khan fourth, the contemporary Imam of community around the globe. He was born in Geneva, Switzerland in 1936 and succeeded sir Sultan Muhammad Shah (Aga Khan 3rd) at the age of 20. He proved himself the only leader of Islamic world in general and the Ismaili community in particular to lead them both in good and crucial times. He has devoted his life for the walfare of human beings without and consideration of race, culture, religion and ideology thus patronizing diversity, pluralism,brotherhood and virtue-the theme of Islam. Besides his philonthrapic work for humanity, he served Islamic community such a way hat has made the community
one of the most organized and prosperous communities across the world. Ismailies used to celebrate this unique event to show their adherence with a personality which is not only working for humnity but also has a direct link with Hazrat Ali, the very first Imam of Shiat faith. Events were organized at Jamat Khanas, community halls to mark the day with religious zeal. Speakers in their speechs threw light on the work of Aga Khan in all wakes of life. Special processions were arranged following Majalisis, the indoor programs to express its love and loyalty to their Imam and celebrate event openly. Mountain lighting and illumination work on Jamat Khanas and houses turned valleys like Hunza into twinkling garden.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Al Qaeda denies killing civilians in Pakistan

GBE Monitoring desk
CAIRO, Dec. 12: Al Qaeda denied Saturday that it was behind a series of bombings in Pakistan that have killed hundreds of civilians, saying in a new English-language video that such attacks were un-Islamic. US-born al Qaeda operative Adam Gadahn, who commonly delivers the organization's English messages, said the extremist network was beingframed by the US and Pakistani intelligence services for the bloodshed.


'The perpetration of such deplorable acts and the pinning of responsibility for them on the mujahideen, only serves the enemies of Islam and Muslims, who are today staring defeat in the face,' he said, also blaming the media for implicating al Qaeda in the attacks. 'The mercenaries of the ISI, RAW, CIA or Blackwater are the real culprits behind these senseless and un-Islamic bombings,' he added. RAW is the Indian intelligence agency, while Blackwater is the private security firm - now called Xe Services - whose involvement in the killings of Iraqi civilians have tarnished its reputation throughout the Muslim world.
More than 500 people have died in a slew of attacks in Pakistan that began in October, just as the Pakistani army started waging a ground offensive against the Taliban network in South Waziristan, a tribal region bordering Afghanistan. A single truck bomb in the northwest city of Peshawar killed more than 100 people at a market that sells mostly women's clothes and children's toys. More recently, twin bombs at a similar market in the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore killed nearly 50. Militant groups such as al Qaeda and the Taliban that operate in Pakistan tend most often to attack security targets. They generally avoid claiming responsibility for assaults that kill a large number of civilians. In a transcript of the video released by the SITE Intelligence Group, a Washington-based monitor of militant websites, Gadahn told Pakistanis their real enemies were secular regimes, corrupt police, judges and tribal nationalists. In Pakistan, where conspiracy theories are rife, support for militancy has only recently taken a downturn, and anti-Americanism is widespread, Gadahn's message may have some resonance. After the market blast in Peshawar, many Pakistanis expressed disbelief that Islamist groups could have attacked other Muslims in such a manner. And in some corners of the Pakistani media, Blackwater has increasingly been floated as a culprit in nefarious events. Gadahn grew up in Los Angeles and then moved to Pakistan in 1998, according to the FBI. He is said to have attended an al Qaeda training camp six years later, serving as a translator and consultant for the group. al Qaeda's media arm, al-Sahab, is increasingly using English-language videos to address Muslims in Pakistan who are unlikely to speak Arabic. Gadahn's message specifically addressed Muslims in south Asia, including India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, Dawn News reported.

Military to end operation in FATA soon?


Waziristan operation nearing end: Gilani
GBE Watch
LAHORE, Dec. 12: Pakistan has wrapped up its army offensive against the Taliban in South Waziristan, but now may send its soldiers after militants in another part of the lawless tribal belt along the Afghan border, the prime minister said Saturday. Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said troops may now move into the Orakzai tribal region, which lies further north.
That plan illustrates the intractable nature of the militant problem facing this nuclear-armed US ally. Even as the army pounces on armed extremists in one part of the volatile northwest, they often melt away to other stretches of the rugged, barely governed territory. 'The operation has finished in South Waziristan, now there is a discussion of taking it to Orakzai agency,' Gilani told reporters in eastern city of Lahore. 'We are indeed alive in the most testing times. The retrogressive forces are adamant to stall the process of development,' Gilani said at an annual assembly for students of Government College University. 'Our government is committed to block their path and preserve a culture of peace and harmony in the country,' Gilani said, referring to extremists.Pakistan's army launched a ground offensive against the Taliban in South Waziristan in mid-October - a move that has led militants to carry out retaliatory bombings nationwide. The military still issues daily reports of its battlefield actions there, but it is clear that that the activity has slowed down. Many militants are believed to have fled to other parts of the tribal belt, especially North Waziristan and Orakzai. The latter has been the home base for Pakistani Taliban leader Hakimullah Mehsud.In recent weeks, the military has launched several airstrikes against militant targets in Orakzai. Such airstrikes could be a prelude to a ground offensive, just as they were in South Waziristan.Military officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the prime minister's statement.The Prime Minister also said that evidence of Indian involvement in terrorist activities is limited to the Balochistan province. He added that if new evidence of involvement in other areas is found then the government will take up the matter with India. Commenting on the movement of American nationals in Pakistan, the Prime Minister said that no one is above the law. Gilani also said that measures to build the capacity of law enforcement agencies will be instituted nationwide. Dawn

Decision on appointment of governor based on interest of region; elected members to work day and night for the walfare of masses: Kaira

GBE Monitor
GILGIT, Dec.12: Qamar Zaman Kaira, federal minister for broadcasting and acting governor of Gilgit-Baltistan has said that decision on appointment of governor will be purely based on interest of region. He was talking to regional media persons. He said that Pakistan Peoples Party is committed to fulfil its promises made with the people. He said that it is now duty of the elected leadership to serve the people to come to their expectations. He said the country is facing law and order problem disclosing that there is chance of terrorist activities by evil forces to destablize the country.He appealed the religious scholars and leaders to play their role to ensure peace in the region.

Friday, December 11, 2009

LIFE ON EDGE: Where human resist Hostile Nature[Special Report]

Dwellers of the village forced to live in old huts; the vilage declared potential threat seek rehibilitation
GBE Report
By:Shamsuddin Muhammad
HUNZA, Attaabad, Dec.11:The continuous movement of ground level for last four years has caused houses pitched on mountain slope of Attaabad, an valley on high altitude in Central Hunza.Attaabd has remained an issolated village and an example of negligence of local and regional leadership. It is located at a distanceof 760 Kilometers from Capital and about thirty killometers of Aliaabad and 55 killometers from Karakorum High Way above Sarat village on a steep slope in Central Hunza. The inhihitants of Ataabad village claim that the first cracks were appeared in both human residential and cattle houses on top for the first time when a high magnitude earth quack waves hit the village in 1994, causing to move a certain area about 1000 feet above the residential periphery. The cracks began to widen when the upper overburden slop stated to move, cuasing the soil sliding and eneven leveling of land, gradually. As a result, the settlement affected badly;residential houses of about twenty six and agricultural land propert of sixty six families were forced to evacuate the area. The situation became more serious when Kashmir earth quake of October, 2005 shoke the area and intensified the movement of rocks, destroyed houses. Reports like that of Geological Survey of Pakistan (GSP) have declare the area a potential threat, which can demolish either gradually or haphazardly. These reports have recommended for public safety, animal and agricultural property. Geologists say that Karakorum ranges of Himalaya passes through Hunza and Nagar valeyies in North-West-to-South-East direction. Rakaposhi (7788 meters), the world's eleventh highest mountain is in Southward of the area.The affected area is extremely cold during winter season. Summer remains only a pleasant season for the inhibitants.
Current Dangerous situation: When closely observed, the eastern part of the village is gradually moving, causing enlargement of cracks and a main reason for slope failure. Dozen of residential and five cattle houses have destroyed due to recent slope failure. The bed rock is completely fractured and jointed through tectonic process in the area. Heavy peices of rocks have started to slide down in terms of rock falls. While, the hydrological factors have caused the movement and intensified slope failure as water during rain and snow melt enters the rocks. The movement in network of cracks in the area can be a future calamity and loss of any human life will be a great mistake on part of both consious minds of the region and governemnt simultaneously. It is pertinent to mention that on advice of few narrow-sighted and politically immature elders, the population boycotted the election in a hope to get notice of the rest of masses of Hunza.Yet, the strategy seems irrationale as participation in democratic processes is the first step towards resolution. It is expected that the rulling party will do some thing irrespect of their attitude in terms of boycott only for the walfeware of humanity.