In time approval of admissions on increased quoat in Medical colleges implies sincerity of federal government says Amber

Monitoring Report

KARACHI, Feb.01: (Shamsuddin Muhammad) Amber Hussain adovocate Vice President, Pakistan Peoples Party, women wing Gilgit-Baltistan chapter has said federal government through comprehensive efforts has cleared all hurdles that impinged the processes of admissions emegerged following disapproval of Pakistan Medical and Dental College saying notification beyond the authority of Pujab government and against the rules of institutions. Talking to media persons, she said that it was Prime Minister's personal efforts that esulted into approval of admission on increased qouta for students from Gilgit-Baltistan implies federal government's sincerity with the region. "According to Prime Minister's announcement flights ought to be scheduled even in bad weather, students tourists and patients equally suffers simultanously; a large portion of total population affiliated with the tourims that affects so it is important to adress this issue on priority basis," she added. She said that about 140 students will be awarded scholarship under internship programme. She claimed that the youth of Gilgit-Baltistan are not behind the youth of other parts of the country in any field adding underestimation of their skills and expertise have served to infuse disappointment among youth of the region. She demanded of Chief Minister Syed Mehdi Shah to initiate struggle for rights of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and opposed the tendency of hiring of personnel from NWFP in local government institutions.

Courtesy: Voice of Hunza

OGRA increases price of petrol products

ISLAMABAD, Jan 01: ISLAMABAD: The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has said that the price of petrol will be increased by three rupees and diesel by two rupees a litre. A notification was issued by OGRA which said that the new prices will take effect from the 1st of February.Official sources told a private news channel that a weakening rupee against dollar is one of the major factors that have contributed to the rise in fuel prices.After the hike comes into effect the price of petrol will go up to seventy-one rupees and twenty-one paisas per liter, diesel will cost sixty-one rupees and seven paisas per liter, kerosene oil will cost sixty-four rupees and seven paisas and HOBC will be available on eighty-six rupees and eighty-four paisas per liter in the market. After the increase in the per liter prices of petroleum products most of the petrol pumps closed and they have started dumping the products, where as people are facing real difficulties in getting these products, Dawn News reported.

PM directs Gilgit-Baltistan govt to ensure good governance

Monitoring desk

ISLAMABAD, Jan 30 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Friday directed the Gilgit-Baltistan government to ensure good governance, transparency and equal treatment to all regardless of their political affiliation. Talking to the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan Syed Mehdi Shah at PM House, the Prime Minister said the Syed Yusuf Raza Gilanigovernment has given autonomy to the area and would release the required funds for its development. He asked the Chief Minister to make policies for exploiting the scenic beauty of this picturesque area and make policies for promoting tourism and mountaineering.The Prime Minister directed Gilgit-Baltistan government to ensure provision of basic necessities of life to the people at the grassroots level and make all out efforts towards fulfilling the promises made to the people of that area.

Syed Mehdi Shah briefed the Prime Minister about the losses incurred due to the landslide in Hunza and appreciated the role of the concerned federal government departments in the Rescue and Relief operation in that area. He also informed the Prime Minister about the development schemes being planned by his government for the welfare of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.

PMDC declines proposed 50% increased quota for G.B students

Monitoring report

ISLAMABAD, Jan. 30: According to available media reports, Pakistan Medical and Dental Association (PMDC) has declined the notification issued by government of Punjab to in compliance with the orders from Chief Minister Mian Shehbaz Sharif to increase quota seats for students of Gilgit – Baltistan by fifty percent in medical and dental colleges throughout Punjab province.

Photo by APP

According to details, Medical Council, after due consideration has rejected the order saying against rules and regulations of the institutions. Consequently, hundreds of students waiting for admission from Gilgit-Batistan facing troubles. PMN (N) chief Mian Nawaz Sharif in his visit ahead of poles had announced doubling of quota for the student of Gilgit-Baltistan may prove just an announcement. Student circles have demanded of Mian Shehbaz Sharif, Chief Minister Pujab to take remedial actions to materialize his pledges with the masses of the region. Daily K2-Urdu

Magnificent Baltit Fort still shine in winter moon light

GBE Watch

HUNZA, Jan.30: Magnificent Baltit Fort, a master piece of Tibetan architecture and Balti craftsmanship is lying on the top of Karimabad settlement, about 8000 feet above sea level in Hunza.

The splendid Baltit fort worried on calamity in Hunza. Photo by APP

The fort was built about 700 years ago. Ghazanfar Ali Khan, Mir of Hunza donated it to Baltit Heritage Trust (BHT). Later, it was renovated by AKCSP and won UNESCO award in 2004. Baltit fort was a symbol of prestige of Hunza infeudal regimes and remained home of royal dynasty for many years. It continues to attract vistors even more in moon nights coming every year around the world.

Source:http://www.blogger.com/www.voiceofhunza.blogspot.com

Maj. General Farooq visits Hunza; overviewed clearance work

GBE Monitoring Report

HUNZA, Jan. 28: Maj. General Farooq Ahmad Khan, chairman National Disaster ManagementAuthority (NDMA) along other dignitaries visited the disaster hit area. He reached the spot to overview both the relief work and efforts on release of water from artificially formed lake. Zafar Waqar Taj,Deputy Commissioner Hunza-Nagar, Nazir Sabir, former member GBLA, Wazir Baig,speaker GBLA, Dr. Khuwaja Khan, Pesident Ismaili regional council were also present on the occasion. Talking to journalists, Wazir Baig,speaker GBLA said that the government is doing itsbest to bring the masses of Upper Hunza out of the trouble. Asked a Chinese engineering how long it would take to release water he said that at least one month would be required to release blocked water. Zafar Waqar Taj, Deputy Commissioner Hunza-Nagar briefed Mr. Farooq about the efforts being made by the local civil administration, Voice of Hunza reported.

Generla Farooq's visit to Hunza
VoH Watch

Movie by: Zulfiqar Ali Khan and Ikram Najmir

Uproar over food shortage is a tactic of opponents to create hurdles for govt says Wazir Baig

GBE Monitoring Desk
HUNZA, Jan.28: (Shamsuddin Muahammad): According to an Urdu regional daily, Wazir Baig, newly elected speaker of Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly has said that the government was using its all resources to cope with the challenges following the disaster in Attaabad village. He claimed that re-opening of Khunjerab border aimed at assurance of provision of daily necessities in the besieged are of Upper Hunza due to blockade of Karakorum High Way(KKH), the only land route that link between Central and Upper Hunza. He said that a delegation of local traders will be allowed to go to China to fetch the goods to the masses on affordable prices under the supervision of government departments. He claimed that there is no such issue of food shortage adding that was a political tactic from the opponents decry the efforts of ruling government." The essential goods and medicines are sent Gojal via helicopters on daily basis and water from artificial lake would be released with in fourty days," he added. Daily K2.Urdu

Aftermath calamity

By: Shamsuddin Muhammad

www.gbecho.blogspot.com/

Natural disasters have been an adherent phenomenon of creatures on earth in various forms namely land sliding, earthquake, flooding and break out of infectious diseases. With rapid development in the field of science and technology has made partially capable many developed societies to adopt disaster prevention measures to escape danger while rest of the countries especially developing states like Pakistan are under the mercy of natural disasters. Despite, overwhelming development in European states and US, still, human beings seems still at the mercy of natural forces. American soil, for instance endures disasters almost every next year so is the case for many other; yet, an efficient disaster management authority under effective mechanism help control the emergency situation. Unfortunately, many third world countries like Pakistan, the need for such a programme was first felt on government level when a massive earth quake rock a major portion of Azad Jamu and Kashmir and Northern Areas in October, 2005. Nevertheless, excessive focus of both governmental and nongovernmental organizations to the quake hit areas against influx of foreign aid, many far flung areas remained out of the scene. Such a case was that of Attaabad, an unfortunate village 760 Kilometers away from country's Capital, thirty kilometers from Aliabad, the commercial hub and fifty five kilometers from Karakorum High Way above Sarat village like a hanging garden on a steep slope in Central Hunza.The inhabitants of Ataabad village identified very first cracks in both human residential and cattle houses on top of settlement following a high magnitude earth quack hit the village in 1994, causing to damage some of the cultivated lands. The cracks began to widen due to hydrological factors-water from snow melt and rain entered the cracks leading uneven leveling of land and gradual slope failure. FOCUS and Geological Survey of Pakistan (GSP) in their reports had marked area highly risk zone and advised population to leave the area on emergency basis. Many families with sound financial back ground managed to migrate while others opted for the old huts beyond the crack limits. Neither political leadership nor bureaucracy took the issue bit seriously and the announcement ahead of poles for pre-relocation of the population later fell victim proved mere a political slogan.
The world experienced two tragic incidents at the beginning of New Year. It was tyranny of history that human beings at some places are mourning for their dears trapped under the rubble in an unfortunate valley, Attaabad; many people remained busy to celebrate inauguration ceremony of Burj-e-Khalifa as world's tallest tower or high rise ever built on surface of earth with extensive fireworks crackling above that lit up Dubai's sky and was depicted as people of Arab met a land mark. There was nothing bad if such energies and resources were also applied to alleviation of poverty, prosperity of science and technology through research and development not just on construction of buildings like that of Great Mughals who left a mixed feelings of their specific mentality. Many may argue that why they should mourn on disaster but we say amidst such situation, such activities can be celebrated simply. With in a week, humanity exposed to another tragic incident when a massive earthquake struck Southern Haiti on January 12, Tuesday, knocking down buildings, power lines and inflicting a catastrophe upon a poorest nation in Western Hemisphere. Media sources reported heavy damage and bodies lying on roads and streets of the country's capital Port-au-Prince. The magnitude, according to the U.S. Geological sources confirmed was 7.0 quakes, one of the most powerful quake hit the area ever was first felt in the early morning. The center of the quake about 15 kilometers southwest of the capital and also felt strongly in eastern Cuba. According to updated reports tens of thousand of people have been buried dead while tens of thousands still buried under the rubble. Every country is making its contribution to the affectees of the unfortunate country but the main problem there is the incidents of looting and theft in many areas of the capital since the first day the aid started to reach. Now let’s revisit the tragic situation in slide hit area when every person held his hands to the mouth hearing the tragic incident on television with in few hours. Apprehension became reality when the whole settlement with in few moments turned into rubble, blocked the water flow on Hunza river and Karakorum High Way, the only land route to connect Upper and central Hunza that led to impinge commercial and civic activities in the whole disconnected part of the region. Some of the NGOs and nearly all communities voluntarily participated like a single family in rescue work while officials have been reported reached on third day.

Much more has been written on incident, federal government has made arrangements for displaced families in temporary camp and the high ups of ruling party has ensured their due support to the disaster hit people. The damage was so unimaginable that it out-manure even expert engineers of the country. People who were satisfy with the relief for disaster hit villages are now annoyed with the pace of work undergoing or the release of water from a huge artificial formed lake which has blocked the all means of transportation and supply of basic commodities of life. Where calamity has laimed dozens of lives and property damage, it served to increased difficulties and panic among the inhabitants of the low lying villages of Upper Hunza like Ayeenabad, Nazimabad,Shishkat, Gulmit, Husani. Hundreds of kanal of land is sinking along Hunza river as the water level is rising by 4 feet every twenty four hours. Similarly, according to recent reports on post disaster situation is even more alarming which apprehends the sudden ebullition of lake due to strong pressure on western shore that blocked the passage can reduce many settlements,bridges and land routes from Ganish to Gilgit city. The reports also places emphasis on line departs to ensure the stock of commodities to cater the needs of population in case of emergency. On the other hand, those working on release of water have a single machine to clear more than two miles long rubble with risk of further slope failure southward. With out any doubt , there are many difficulties that regional government is facing in terms of lack of equipment and technology but many people express reservations on apathetic role and interest in release of water and KKH blockade. Besides this there are reports of nepotism and prejudice in air lift facility shown by some of the officials which is not a good news for many of us. Fortunately, as a result of efforts of local leadership and intelligentsia, the opening of Khunjerab border has served an alternative to provide necessities of life to the far-flung valleys in Gojal, Upper Hunza. Majority of NGOs and governmental organizations, in case of a tragic incident always emphasize on physical response like provision of necessities of life like water, food ,Shelter, health and clothing. Yet the many negative impacts of such disaster emerge later as a human response in terms of socio-economic and psychological issues. The only middle school that once served as an early base for male and female students has been perished and students preparing for secondary and higher secondary examinations are among the sufferers. Chief Minister, on Sunday has pledged to extend his full support in relief processes for disaster hit people of the area, which is a good move to win hearts of the poor masses. We hope that both political leadership and beaurocracy will start thinking out of box and start play a public centered role through using available resources to convert difficulties into opportunities and help reduce the feelings of depression. At the same time, we expect government of akistan shall make its contribution according to the capacity in the relief of the poor masses of Haiti as a human responsibility towards others on earth.




The writer is a freelance writer, researcher and editor of VoH,GBEcho and Alshams. He can be contacted via: jaashams@gmail.com

AC Usman rejects allegations of favoritism saying arguments are baseless and highly discouraging

GBE Watch
HUNZA, Jan 27: Muhammad Usman, Assistant Commissioner sub division Hunza,has rejected the allegation of favortism and inhumane attitude towards commuters against the facility by choppers of NDMA. “The news published regarding me in an online regional portal is highly discouraging and unbearable because being a son of the soil I am trying my level best to facilitate the local community”, said the Assistant Commissioner Muhammad Usman talking to the the portal on phone. As a response to a news item published in portal on 25th January,a day earlier, he said, “till today none of my friends or family members visited me in Gulmit as I am myself living in a single room of Chinese Camp”, he further said. “I was flying to Gilgit on the same day and on the request of the pilots four people from Gojal volunteered to give space for an elder women patient with three others with whom I don’t had any relationship”, he explained. “As sympathy I paid the four volunteers 100 rupees each from my pocket so that they would not bear the burden of the ticket from Aliabad to
Gilgit”, he added.
On the other hand, representatives of the relief committee in Gojal has applauded the role of the Mr.Usman in relief operations. “He extends all possible support to the committee and facilitates the local community”, they said, Pamir Times reported.

Rupani donates for Attaabad disaster relief fund

Press release
HUNZA, Altit, Aliabad, Jan. 26: According to a press release, delegation led by Wazir Baig, speakerof GBLA, a member board of trustee of Rupani Rupani Foundation and other officials called on officials of Ismaili Regional Council for Hunza on at Baltit where they offered the invoice of donation for the disaster hit population of Attaabad village. Masaidullah Baig,assistant Cheif Executive Officer and Tika Khan, secretary Ismaili regional council for Hunza, Mutabiat Shah, technocrat member GBLA and others. were also present on the occasion. Dr. Khuwaja Khan, president Ismail Regional council thanked Rupani for their contribution of Rs. 0.2 million to the Attaabad Disaster Relief Fund. Delegation also visited temporary camps at Altit and Aliabad and recited Fatiha for deceased.
Coutesy: VoH

PYF stages protest against official emphathy;

immediate efforts for release of water demanded

GBE Watch
ISLAMABAD, Jan.25 :(Shamsuddin Muhammad) Progressive Youth Front, Hunza chapter staged a demonstration against negligance and empathy of government for release of water from aftificially formed lake on Hunza river following the land sliding incident that claimed many lives and left many injured critically. Parotestor holding playcards and banners chanted slogans against the slow pace of work on release of bocked water and clearance of Karakorum High Way (KKH).
Baba Jan, Chief organizer, Progressive Youth Front, Hunza speaking to the occassion said that not only many precious lives have been lost in the disaster but also threatened the population of more than twenty five thousand people on both sides of the blocked water. He criticised the newly elected representation saying they prefered their party matters on welfare of people." Natural disaster coupled with government's neglegance has further increased the difficulties of the people in upper Hunza," he added. Sami Barcha, Nisar Shah adovocate and other also addressed the gathering.
Speakers demanded of government to provide better equipment and funds to release water to save the population under threat. Courtesy: Voice of Hunza

Artificial lake started submerging Aeenabad, Shishkat and Lower parts of Gojal

GBE Monitoring desk




Movie by: Senior journalist Zulfiqar Ali Khan and Abdul Majeed

Pak should have been picked for IPL: Shahrukh Khan

GBE Watch dog
KARACHI: As a perceived snub to Pakistani players by the Indian Premier League sparks a spat between the neighbouring countries, superstar Shah Rukh Khan, an IPL franchisee himself, believes the world champions should have been picked, a private channel reports. “I truly believe Pakistan players should have been chosen,” Khan, co-owner of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), said. Khan, however, said that since “some issues” were involved the matter could have been handled by the IPL “respectfully”. No Pakistani player was bought by the eight Indian clubs during an auction on
Tuesday for the third edition of the glitzy IPL despite the Pakistan team being the reigningworld champions in the Twenty20 format of the cricket tournament. Rooting for the Pakistani players, Khan said they are the best T20 players in the world. “They are the champions, they are wonderful but somewhere down the line there is an issue and we can’t deny it,” he told a news channel. 111Breaking news, Dawn.

Honouring SC verdicts vital for democracy: Nawaz

GBE Monitor
LAHORE, Jan. 25: Pakistan Muslim League-N chief Mian Nawaz Sharif on Monday said that democracy could survive only if the Supreme Court’s orders would be honoured. Speaking to newsmen after condoling Shazia’s family here, he said the nation’s sacrifices would go waster if the verdicts made by the Supreme Court were not honoured.The PML-N chief said that Feb 18 polls had given us an opportunity to create a new Pakistan as all the parties were united. Allah Almighty awarded us a good opportunity in the form of democracy, but it was wasted, he remarked.The former premier stressed that democracy must look different from dictatorship, Voice of Hunza reported.

CM vows to right off the loans of afftectees

Bureau Report
ISLAMABAD, Jan.24: (Agencies) Syed Mehdi Shah, newly chief minister Syed Mehdi Shah has said that people of disaster hit areas like Attaabad, Sarat, Ayeenabad and other low lying areas who are affected in either form will be given absolution to the agricultural, small-medium business and national bank loans in order to implement the announcement made by Qamar Zaman Kaira, governor Gilgit-Baltistan during his recent visit to the region.He said the loans alogn with their respective mark ups will be written off through recommendation of legislative assembly as an additional relief by the government. He expressed these views during a meeting with Raja Shehbaz Khan,former member district council here in capital on Friday.Mr. Shehbaz briefed Chief Minister about the dire situation and threat of sinking of many low lying settlements like Ayeen Abad,Shishkat, Hussani due to blocked of Hunza river. Mr. Shehbaz said that in response to his letter to Chinese government, who has given approval of about 13 million rupees. Mr. Mehdi ensured his complete cooperation to facilitate payment from Chinese authorities.

Courtesy: Voice of Hunza

Govt ready to deal with emergency: Mehdi Shah

GBE Monitoring Report
HUNZA, Shishkat, Jan.24:(W.B) The local as well as federal governments are ready to meet the crisis emerging in the cut-off Gojal tehsil due to blockade of the Hunza River and Karakorum Highway. "All out efforts would be made to manage the situation arising due to the blockade of the river after the Atabad landslide," said Gilgit-Baltistan chief minister Mehdi Shah while addressing a public gathering at Shishkat village on Wednesday. Mr Shah said his government was in close contact with the Center as well as the affected communities to deal with any emergency.
He announced setting up of a basic health unit under the People's Primary Health Initiative Programme at Shishkat. Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly speaker Wazir Baig, famous mountaineer Nazir Sabir and government officials were accompanying him during his visit to the village facing threat from the blocked river water.
The chief minister also met with the people of Ayeenabad having immediate threat from formation of the lake. The people urged the chief minister to save the houses and properties of the 30 families of the village from inundation, weekly Baang reports.

Chinese engineers reach as the Khujerab border opens;

additional equipment and personnel to due soon
VoH Report
HUNZA, Sost,Shiskat,Jan. 23: (Rahmet Amin) As many as thirty Chinese engineer reached Sost on Friday to release water blocked on Hunza river following land slide menace that inundated the Karakorum High Way (KKH) the only mean to connect both Upper and Central Hunza and the sole land trade route Pakistan and china. The engineers who are mostly experts of Chinese Bridge and Road Constructions (CBRC), a private Chinese firm working on expansion of Karakorum High Way.

Gates acknowledge presence of black water in the country;

US to provide unarmed Shadow drones to cater need of Pakistan
GBE Watch dog
ISLAMABAD, Jan.24:(Shamsuddin Muhammad) Robert Gates, US
Defence Secretary, during his visit has acknowledged presence of black water in the country. He said this while an interview on a private TV channel on Friday evening, here in Islamabad. Mr. Gates said that US will provide unarmed Shadow drones to cater need of Pakistan. He said such equipments are indispensable for Pakistan for intelligence and reconnaissance purposes in order to counter terrorism. He said there was no
such proposal under consideration for Afghan forces’ training by India. Talking on Indo-Pak relations, he said the countries should deal with issues bilaterally. “I have raised Pakistani concerns over Indian involvement in Pakistan’s internal affairs," he added.

Re-emergence of Drama of conventional hatred

GB Echo
www.gbecho.blogspot.com
By: Shamsuddin Muhammad
India and Pakistan has a peculiar history based on the pattern of dog and cat fight as a response to Kotiliyan Paradigm, an eminent Indian ancient policy expert followed by former against the later right from the first day of independence. Some of the eminent psychologists like E.F.M. Durban and John Bowlby have agree on hypothesis that human beings are inherently violent. This aggressiveness is incited by displacement and projection where a person translates his grievance into bias and hatred against other races, religions, nations or ideologies. Such is happening in case of both countries if applied on state level. Both countries have fought more than tree limited wars to settle the account of border disputes caused to nourish a sense of animosity, jealousy and mutual hatred with no reason except to degrade each other on every forum directly or indirectly . Most of the problems in the time of separation were caused by the haphazard, fast and unplanned withdrawal of British from the India-subcontinent. The major problems were geographical location of East and West Pakistan separated 1,600 kilometers by Indian territory, rehabilitation of hundreds of thousands of those migrated from other side and to build institutions of all types including a vigilant army. Despite of financial instability due to lack of payment of amount pledged by India , Pakistan managed to get out of trouble in a decade gradually. While the crisis on trade reached climax in 1949 when Britain devalued the pound, to which both the Pakistani rupee and the Indian rupee were pegged. India followed Britain's lead, but Pakistan did not, so India severed trade relations with Pakistan. This was a formal beginning of confrontation between both countries on every level. Besides economic hurdles Pakistan experienced political instability as it was run without a constitution and intervention of administrative organ into legislative in early days of independence that transformed into military with the cope diet of General Ayub Khan vanished any hope of nourishment of democratic values. The country's remained about four decades under dictator's rule with turmoil on borders as three out of four wars were fought with India in this period that brought nothing but penury, starvation, mutual trust deficit, atrocity and Burden on national economy as a large portion of budget directly went into defence sector-to facilitate unending war on terror and law and order situation. The negligence of other sectors like education, public welfare, health,, strategic human resource management, rising inflation, liberal mindset, gender violation, misuse of blasphemy laws ,scientific research and application, industrial growth, sustainable development, disaster preventions measures and effective Confidence building measures (CBMs) to reduce sense of jealousy and hatred to each other.Many historians explains an interesting feature when talking about the bilateral relations. With the commencement of winter season when statements from the top brass leader ship from either side, mostly from India every year as crate panic aims to justify additional quota on defence and necessity of large number of forces. Despite of a paradigm shift from use of hard to soft power patterns to handle issues globally, both still rely on use of the farmer to response any move against so-called national interest. Amidst such a state of warfare a third party mostly USA or UK or any other country appears the scene to act as an arbitrator having its own axe to grind. Consequently, the situation goes toward normalization and heading towards dialogue sessions without any tangible outcome. Some of the analyst termed it a tactic to keep more emphasis of expenditure in the arm race that has benefit none. No one can deny expenditure on the security of state when faced with numerous challenges but that should be backed by a growing national economies. Many times, irresponsible attitude and remarks of both Indian army and national governments served to divert attention on other issues of importance like socio-ecnomic, geo-political issues on one hand and extremism on the other during the first decade of the new millinium. The recent anti Pakistan statement published recently in an Indian news paper as quoted by Geo Tv has further intensified the situation. The news Indian paper quotes Indian Chief of staff General Deepak Kapoor saying that his country is preparing for a possible two-front limited war with Pakistan and China ,simultaneously; revising its last five years old strategy to effectively meet the challenges of war with both countries; deal with asymmetric and fourth generation warfare , enhance strategy reach and joint operations with Indian Navy and air forces. The strategy he further says, "aims to boost the capability to fight under the veil of recognition of threat perceptions and security challenges through Shimla based military training command headed by General A.S.Lamba"." India apparently may intervene from Afghanistan to create nuances for Pakistan. The paper further quotes Mr. Kapoor saying India has identified some areas including professional preparation for conventional wars, create capability to counter both military and non-military facets of asymmetric and sub-conventional threats like terrorism, enhance reach strategy and out of area capabilities to protect their interests; interdependence and operational synergy among air and naval forces and to achieve technological edge over its adversities to gain adventage for integrated network certainty,decision support system, information warfare are under the way to achieve the ends, simultaneously. This can be a military tactic to shift the focus of Pakistan on North-Western borders to get double benefit: to engage on East and intervene from Afghanistan both in FATA and Baluchistan.What realy painful is growing gulf between both countries headed on different lines.
The main concern in this scenario is on the nature of immature economies of both countries still rely on foreign aids especially that of Pakistan hit by terrorism menace, problems of balance of payments, devaluing currency rate against foreign exchange and rising debt being borrowed from IMF on higher interest rates than before and hardly able to function without the aid of such profit oriented international giant organizations backed by a specific agenda. In other words India in pride of sustainable growth rate compared to Pakistan, willing to pressurized through propaganda. There are no two opinion as far as Mumbai attacks are concerned-no one can justify it but mudslinging on Pakistan will be unfair. Pakistan, is on war with its own nurtured dilemma that can not repeat the policy to support Jihadist elements. Extremism in any form is fatal for humanity. Indian media created a hype that atomic programme of Pakistan is unsafe and can be overtake by militants despite the fact that Pakistani atomic programme is much more safer than that of India-evident from fire incidents, leakages and kidnapping and murder of a top nuclear scientist last year.The brutalities done by India in Jamu is also a kind of extremism as it aims to keep the masses quite against aggression.One of the important component of emerging global soft power structure is the evolution of relationship between three Asian another American namely between China and US, China and India, Pakistan and China, India and Us and Pakistan and India and Pakistan and the US on certain dynamics. The recent developments: Obama's election as a US president, plan attack plot in Yaman and unrest in Afghanistan will bring a new pattern of the policy paradigm. Similarly, China which has gained a sustainable development may over take Japan in next two years-thus emerging as a main player to challenge US monopoly as super power in uni polar structure.Both countries whether it is Pakistan or India should avoid such statements that generates tense between both that neither benefit masses of Pakistan nor of India except to the ego of few monarchical minds. There are host of outstanding issues to be tackle to avoid any future conflict. We hope the two countries realizing their real issues would make efforts to diminish tense to use the potentials in the welfare of their masses.






The writer is the editor of weekly VoH. GBEcho and Alshams and can be reached at:jaashams@gmail.com

People of Gojal demand urgent action for releasing water from disaster lake
Monitoring Report
by Ghulam Nasir
GILGIT, January 19:(PT) People of Gojal living in Gilgit city have criticized the government for delaying work on releasing water from the lake formed on Hunza river.
Addressing a press conference at a local hotel here in Gilgit the speakers said that the government is only offering lip service to the people of Ayeen Abad, Shishkat and Gulmit, the three villages endangered by the fast expanding lake.
“More than eight thousand people living in these three villages, their houses, field and property are under immediate threat due to the increasing water level but the government is yet to come up with a strategy to release water from the lake”, said a speaker. The lake formation had started on January 4, 2010, after a devastating landslide.
“It is unfortunate that our representatives are silent about their future strategy or just giving vague statements about the lake’s fate”, another speaker said.Pamirtimes.net

The Newly formed lake on Hunza river that has endangered lives on both sides

GBE Watch
HUNZA, Attaabad, January 21: The newly formed lake due to blockade of river water followed by massive landslide has endanged lives on both sides. Choopers are only means to ensure supply of basic necessisaties of lives. Yet, due to sever shortage of food items people are risking their lives as they walk for miles on land slide area. Humanitarian organizations and government officials are doing their best to tackle the situation and take initatiatives like re-opening of Khujerab border.
The following movie shows alarming level of water rose in last three weeks.
VOH

Courtesy: Hunza Online

DC orders immediate re-opening of Khujrab border

Army to release water within a week: Waqar Taj
GBE Watch
HUNZA, Jan.20: (Sahib Khan Hunzai) According to a media source,Zafar Waqar Taj, deputy commissioner Hunza-Nagar has ordered for immediate re-opening of Khujrab border to facilitate local community to avoid human criis.
This was announced during a press briefing at Karimabad in presence of Assistant commissioner Hunza Engineer Abbas and other officials. He said that Pakistan Army will make efforts on release of water and is expected to be accomplished with in a week keeping in view study reports by some organizations. According to the experts the hight of rubble is about 290 feet high from the river level.

Four die as the vehicle plunged into a goarge;

a man, wife and two children among dead
GBE Monitoring Report
DASU, Jan. 20: (Rehmat Karim) At least four people have been reported died in a road mishape near Dasu on Karakorum High Way (KKH), on Tuesday. According to NATCO sources, a Baltistan bound vehicle coming from Skardu to Rawalpindi lost its way and fell into a horrible goarge leaving four dead on spot. Locals shifted bodies where doctors confirmed their death. The victims have been identified as Ghulam Nabi, former member Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly, his wife and two children.
Source:voiceofhunza.blogspot.com

Relief work under way for the affectees of Attaabad, Sarat and Aeenabad

HUNZA, Aliabad, Altit, January19: Relief work is continue for the affectees of disaster hit villages: Attaabad, Sarat and Aeenabad.
HUNZA, Aliabad, Altit, Jan. 18: PRCS playing an active role in relief activities along with other NGOs in Hunza. Photos by APP

Interview of four woman candidates held for governorship; Kulsoom, Sadia Danish, Shreen Fatima and Hadiqa among interviwees, Kulsoom may take edge
VoH Report
ISLAMABAD, Jan.14: (Shamsuddin Muhammad) The interviews of four candidates : Kulsoom, Sadia Danish, Shreen Fatima and Khadijah Khan for the office of governor of Gilgit-Baltistan was held here in capital on Wednesday. According to a media source, Kulsoom Furqan, a well educated lady and niece of Wazir Sadiq, ex-president Pakistan Peoples Part Gilgit-Baltistan chapter may get edge on other candidates. Sadia Danish has an active role in regional politics and Shreen Fatima is a banker by profession and lost a brother in Karsaz incident, few years back. Khadija Khan, the wife of Izhar Ali Hunzai and daughter in law of Alama Nasir-ud-din Nasir is serving as Chief Executive Officer Aga Khan Education Services, Gilgit. Yet, the situation will be clear within couple of days after the formal consent of President of Pakistan.





Kaira visits Altit and Gulmit;pledges for full support to affectees
GBE Monitoring Report
By: Shamsuddin Muhammad
HUNZA, Altit, Gulmit, Jan. 11: Qamar Zaman Kaira, acting governor of Gilgit-Baltistan has pledged to provide full support to affectees of the disaster hit village Attaabad. Talking to a large public gathering and on the occasion of cheque distribution ceremony at Altit, he said the the PPP government is committed to to reduce sufferings of the poor masses of the country. He was accompanied by , Wazir Baig, speaker Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly technocrat Mutabiat Shah, Muhammad Ali Akhtar, Ghulam Muhammad, Force Commander, Chief Secretary Babar Yaqoob Fateh, home secretary and a large number of officials of other departments were also present. Kaira distributed cheques of 500,000 each among the families of the those lost their lives and 100,000 among those received injuries in the horrible landslide of Jan 04, 2010 in Attabad Hunza. He visited the disaster sites in Attabad and met the people in the camps in Altit and ensured for immediate compensation from national exchequer. In his address in Altit and Gulmit, governor assured to make all possible efforts to be made by the federal and Govt of Gilgit-Baltistan to give relief and rehabilitation of the affected population adding the government has already fulfilled its promise by bestowing self governance status to the region and this will indirectly help to address such activities. He announced that all housing and agricultural loans will be written off to facilitate the affectees. Praising efforts of the local community for immediate responses to disaster and rescue operations he siad that the both man and women volunteers of Hunza have played a vital role in all relief operations. He said that It is a matter of great pleasure that people know about the duties to save humanity in critical times. He said that despite economic hurdles, woman volunteers have even more contribution and this was the reason that president of Pakistan is considering to appoint a women Governor for Gilgit-Baltistan. He ensure the people of provision of basic necessities in Gulmit and directed Chief Secretary to appoint a surgeon and approve PC-4 project to ensure better health facilities. The new ration packets contains flour, pulses, sugar, milk powder, tea, salt, rice, ghee, candles and match boxes will be sufficient for an average family of four persons for two weeks. The minister were hand over 2000 tents, 2000 blankets, 10000 plastic mats and 2000 jackets to the affectees provided by Emergency Relief Cell (ERC) of Cabinet Division. The ration packets were supplied by Utility Stores Corporation while medicines were provided by Ministry of Health. Nazir Sabir, former member GBLA and Wazir Baig in their speechs applauded contribution and unprecedented work of volunteers in rescue work and vowed to make maximum efforts to facilitate the affected families of Attaabad village. Notables, members of civil society and leadership of Ismaili council requested acting governor to draw immediate plan to resettle people on emergency basis.Observers have apprehended that blocked of water may cause to sink about 9 houses within next four days if failed to take safety measures. Geologists confirmed that the blockade on Hunza river is approximately 394 feet high from the original river surface and the water level is increasing 4.6 feet per day. According to a representative of Upper Hunza one that about 2040 feet high debris has blocked the flow of river and formation of lake has created panic among the residents of low-level settlements along river.




Marvi emphasis for practical efforts
GBE Monitor
HUNZA, Jan.11: Marvi Memon, incharge Pakistan Mulim League (Q) Gilgit-Baltistan has emphasized federal government for practical efforts for the well being of the people of disaster hit village Attaabad valley. In her letter to prime minister, she has demanded evacuation of population of Aeenabad and other low lying areas for the water level is rising day be day to safer places of the region within a week. She has also demanded immediate supply of basic necessities and negotiation on high level with Chinese authorities to reopen the route to ensure relief to the masses. She has demanded for compensation to Attabad, Salamanabad and low areas of Shishkat village and accommodation if needed. Besides this she has demanded financial assistance to the business men of trade region like Sost for they have stranded of disaster.







Lack of advance techonology hinders rescue activities; dozens of families shifted to temporary camps
VoH Report
HUNZA,Aliabad,Altit, Dec.08: (Shamsuddin Muhammad) According to regional media sources, lack of modern technology has hindered the rescue operations of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and other humanitarian organizations in the disaster hit areas of Attaabad village. About 173 families have reported been shifted to the temporary camps of Altit and Aliabad, arranged few days ago by dwellers and local administration. Similarly, NDMA choppers supplied relief goods including edibles to relief camp Gulmit from Aliabad village.
Gen (r) Farooq Ahmed , managing director, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has been reported visited various areas under the risk due to massive land slide at Attaabad village.





Scacity of commodities in disaster area and Gojal;low-leveled settlements under threat
Reporing Report
HUNZA, Attaabad,Shiskat,Gulmit,Sost, Dec. 08:Attaabad,the recent land slide hit area and most of the areas of Upper Hunza (Gojal), the biggest tehsil of newly notified Hunza-Nagar district came under threat due to scarcity of essential goods for life as grocery shops and utility stores have finished goods due to blockade of Karakorum High Way (KKH),back bone of Pak-China trade and the only mean for supply of goods.While media reports highlighted the emerging risk to low-lying areas of Gojal due to blockade of the Hunza river. Experts have emphasized the local administration to evacuate such settlements, residing on both sides of block area in order to avoid any clamity. Yet, local administration seems ineficient and still unable to make arrangements in this regard.
Public circles of Hunza have demanded of government to take immediate step to ensure food security of the inhibitants to avoid any further crisis.





NDMA continues to shift commuters
GBE Monitor
HUNZA, Attaabad, Dec. 08: Helicopters of National Disaster Management Authority(NDMA) continued to shift commutters, stranded due to balockade of Karakorum High Way (KKH) on both sides to their respected villages. The health department has also made arrangements to send medicines to the remote valleys of Gojal. Aga Khan Health services has sent a team of doctors to control the situation.
NDMA's helicopters continued its rescue and relief operations in the disaster-hit Attaabad village.

Source:voiceofhunza.blogspot.com

Apprehensions become reality-A massive landslide turns the whole settlement into rubble

Scores of trapped under rubble many hours; authtorities did not take notice of VoH report
GBE Watch
www.gbecho.blogspot.com
HUNZA, Attabad , Jan. 03 : A massive landslide destroyed nearly seventy percent of the Attabad village, leaving ten dead and dozens trapped under the rubble for many hours. According to initial reports from the affected area, the incident took place at 2 P.M. causing the Jamat Khana, a middle School and more than twenty five residential and dozens of cattle houses. Rescue work underway and number of volunteers, boy scouts , local representatives and government officials are busy to avoid further casualities.On the other hand sliding has changed course of Hunza river while Karakoram Highway (KKH) has been closed for traffic. Health department has declared emergency in all hospitals of Gilgit-Baltistan. Voice of Hunza had published a comprehensive report a couple of days ago but due to negligence of concerned authorities finally lead to loss of lives of common masses due to massive land slide.





Qouta for G.B students in Professional Institutes, colleges doubled
GBE Monitor
LAHORE, Jan. 03, 2010: (Samar Abbas) According to media sources, Punjab government has announced increase of existing quota for students from Gilgit Baltistan in professional studies like MBBS, BDS, Vaternity and other relevant disciplines in the government colleges and universities. The concerned Punjab Department, on Saturday issued a notification with a review and fifty percent increase of seats: from 30 to 60 in both medical and dental and agricultural colleges and universities in the province. According to details, the existing MBBS seats will be doubled from three to six in the King Edward Medical University, Lahore; existing one to two in the Nishtar Medical College, Multan; from three to six in Quaid-e-Azam Medical College, Bahawalpur; from two to four in the Punjab Medical College, Faisalabad, from four to eight in the Rawalpindi Medical College; from existing three to six in the Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore; from four to eight in the Fatima Jinnah Medical College, Lahore; three to six in the Services Institute of Medical Sciences, Lahore and from two to four in the Shaikh Zayed Medical College, Rahimyar Khan. For BDS, the seats will be doubled from existing three to six in de’Montmorency College of Dentistry, Lahore, and from existing two to four in the Nishtar Medical College (Dental Section), Multan. The students of Gilgit Baltistan shall receive free education until the completion of their academic courses as they will not be charged any tuition fee during their studies in medical colleges of Punjab.