Crackdown continue for the arrest of miscreants in the valley;dozens were already detained on charges of creating law and order situation

GBE Monitoring desk

KHAPLU,SKARDU, Feb.04: (Jafar Ali) The crack down for the arrest of miscreants and those involved in attack on Khapulo Headquarter Police station was continue. Many have been reportedly arrested on charge of creating law and order situation in the town.

According to details, about 70 people have been arrested followed by sporadic skirmishes started in various parts between two rival groups on last Friday due to tearing of political posters and banners in the town. A mob later attacked police station of Khaplu, the headquarters of the Ghanche district, pelted with stones to get release of the two arrested persons by police few hours ahead. Superintendent of Police Syed Ahmed Shah in compliance with the directions received from Waqar Ahmad, Assistant Commissioner Ghanche started raids with special police party to detained all involved in the incident. Talking to media persons, Syed Ahmed Shah said that the crack down will continue till the arrest of last person involved in creating law and order situation. An FIR had been registered against those who were involved in damage to public property.

Source: www.voiceofhunza.blogspot.com

Govt should provide chopper service for goods forwarding between Sost and Gilgit city: Javed Hasan

GBEMonitoring desk

GILGIT, Feb.03: (Shamsuddin Muhammad) Javed Hasan Khan, president Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Gilgit-Baltistan has called upon government of Pakistan to facilitate trade community by providing helicopter service to shift trade goods dumped in Sost, Upper Hunza. Addressing a press conference, he said that goods of more than 4billion worth was dumped at Sost,Gojal causing great financial burden and loss for traders. He demanded of government to provide M.I. 17 helicopter service to facilitate shifting of goods to destination. He also demanded of government to write off loans to compensate loss faced by traders community following the blocked of Karakorum High Way. He claimed that the pace of work to clear KKH and release of water from lake is extremely slow adding a detailed complaint letter has been sent to Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani. Daily K2, Urdu.

Active role of Civil Society in critical times [Article]

By: Shamsuddin Muhammad

Volunteering and public spritedness are among the major attributes and hallmarks of evolving civil society structure in Gilgit-Baltistan.A general overview of data available from different sources elucidates that about 65 percent out of the total population give their time and knowledge to the individual or integrated humanitarian organizations in need.Of those volunteering their time, despite acute financial obstacles, about 4o percent reportedly give time to religious based, 20% Non Governmental Organizations(NGOs) working for powerty reduction and woman empowerment and Cmmunity Support Organizations (CSOs),about 10% to educational institutions with high esteem volunteering as inherited virtue. Volunteering has been an impulse infused by religious and social obligation of helping poor and opressed. Following fall of colonialism, philanthropists like Aga Khan third and later fourth established charities in the health and education sector to uplift standard of living of masses regardless of creed, colour, origin and affliation to faith. With the passage of time, the maturity in mental level of individuals in society drew on historical traditions of providing relief to the victim communities in hard times from the plateform of Community Support Organizations, though least accountable and lack of internal democratic atttitude has had rendedred an invaluable services to humanity during last more than sixty years. The term civil society is bit new in Gilgit-Baltistan,though already existed in terms of both formal and informal volunteer organizations and arbitration committees on town and village level and non profit based educational centrals in past. Yet, on state level, the
term is meant varies for different segments of the society.In contemporary era, developed discourse, discussions and jounalistic writing structures unify many elements under the scope of the emerging term-Civil Society...... Continue





The writer is a freelance researcher and writer.

Huge gold reserves found in Yasen village

GBE Watch

YASEN, Feb.01: A huge reserve of gold have been discovered at the Qhorqholti village of Yasin, the former capital of the ancient Brushal state, which is situated at a distance of about 10 km from the tehsil headquarters, it has been learnt here.As a result, national and international firms and companies have swung into action to put their hands on the natural wealth buried at the village. In the fore front of the companies searching for the gold reserves are Chinese and a dozen are Chinese firms are said to be arriving in the area to cash in on the situation.According to the foreign experts, the area has vast reserves of gold, copper, iron, sulphur etc and their exploitation can bring a revolution not only in the region but also in the whole country.There are a number of Pakistan and other companies who are planning to get lease of the minerals in the areas. However, the mineral development department of Gilgit-Baltistan has not yet taken any initiative to start work on the project.It is also being reported that there have sound of been numerous underground blasts in the mineral rich village of Qhorqholti and the experts say that these sounds of blast are a result of clash between high quality sulphur. The residents say that if a reputed national or international firm is allowed to work on the exploitation of the mineral, the destiny of the region can be changed overnight. However, the people say that Gilgfit-Baltistan is a disputed area and without the agreement of the local people no outsider company can be given permission to work on the project in the region. Earlier, people of Gandaye area in Yasen started protest against a Chinese company when it was given lease of mineral exploitation.It has also been learnt that the government of Pakistan is planning to lease out the reserve by keeping the local people in the dark. However, the residents not only rejected the government's plan but also warned it of dire consequences. They also called upon the international community to put pressure on Pakistan not to exploit the resources of the disputed region without taking its people into confidence, Weekly Baang reports.

Nationalist parties blames regional and federal government for negligance

ISLAMABAD: ( Shamsuddin Muhammad) Nationalist parties has once again blamed regional and federal government for lack of interest in the issue despite warnings given by FOCUS and Geological Survey of Pakistan and other media reports to evacuate and relocate population on both side of artificially formed lake following the land slide in first week of new year. Talking to Voice of Hunza, returning from Faisalabad Workers Annual Convention, Baba Jan, Chief Organizer Progressive Youth, Hunza-Nagar chapter blamed ruling government of negligence in work of release of water saying slow pace of work may bring another tragedy. He said that many people in far flung valleys are getting out of basic essentials of life." Any loss of life or property would be considered as blunder of on part of ruling government," he added. He has demanded of both federal and regional government to make efforts to rehabilitate the affected population along the river on two sides to save further lives in danger, expedite work to release rising water through breach in blockade and clearance of KKH in collaboration with Chinese engineers.

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