Four People died, twenty still missing in Baltistan

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

IDPs critcise regional political leadership for lethargic role

GBE Report
HUNZA, May 29: Inter Displace Persons (IDPs) of Attaabad have criticized PPP led regional government for ineffective reporting earlier to visit of country's premier. Presenting the charter of demands in the public gathering at Altit, Hunza, Mr. Karim during Nawaz Sharif's recent visit, said that it was partly due to lack of proper reporting and communication of regional government with national government that Prime Minister came here for a mere visit without any special financial package to get people out of troubles. He said that despite of announcement of any new package, they still expect for a positive developments from national government in terms of any comprehensive package. He paid his gratitude to PML(N) leadership for their assurance of current and future support.

In the mid of knot [Featured Report]

Gilgit-Baltistan Echo
By: Shams-ud-din Muhammad

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

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

Fifteen feet remain to over flow; Western bank declared prohibited zone

GBE Watch

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

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

Source: www.voiceofhunza.blogspot.com

PM pays visit to Hunza, problems of IDPs to be addressed soon, says Gilani

GBE Report

HUNZA, Altit, May 22: Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani Prime Minister, Islamic Republic of Pakistan has siad that my presence among the affectees is evident of government's vigilance on challenges posed by blocked water at Attaabad village.

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

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

Aga Khan's visit still a rumour

GBE Watch

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

Image source: Google.com

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

little chance of outburst of lake: Mehdi Shah

GBE Report

GILGIT,May 16: Syed Mehdi Shah, Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan has said that based on experts' opinion, there was very little chance of outburst of natural lake on Hunza river. Talking to media men, he threw light on current situation among the masses of down stream areas of Hunza and Nagar region, he said that in case of outburst of lake, government will easily able to avert any unwanted situation saying every concerned department is vigilant to tackle every possible threat posed by flood along the passage of river. He blamed certain anti government elements for creating havoc and apprehension among public saying such anti social elements want to impinge on development in the region.

Ramazan Ali passes away

Monitoring Report

HUNZA, Hyderabad, May 10: Ramazan Ali, a renown icon and social worker was passed away at the age of seventy two, here at Hyderabd, Hunza Khurukushal, his ancestral place.

He was famous for heavy weight and frankness will others and spent most of his time in Skardu Baltistan while making his lively hood for many years. He was injured in stove explosion and later got fractured in left leg in an incident later. He was under treatment and breathed last on Sunday at 9:00 AM. He was buried in community grave yard before hundreds of mourners.

Courtesy: voiceofhunza.blogspot.com

GB council under ministry of Kashmir Affairs unjust: Shama Khalid

GBE Report

GILGIT, May 10: Shama Khalid, governor Gilgit-Baltistan has said that superiority of ministry of Kashmir Affairs over Gilgit Baltistan Council was unjust. Responding to reservations coming from various circles like that of Amjad Hussain, member Gilgit-Baltistan council that superiority of Kashmir affairs ministry will influence its decision making power, farmer was given authority to control later and there was no vital role of governor to play, she said that under the self rule order 2009, Gilgit-Baltistan council was given real powers and able to function beyond prior limits in past set up. She vowed to take up the issue before Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani who is also chairman of Gilgit-Baltistan council to clarify the situation adding such clarification will also serve to indicate role of governor under new setup.

Haji Abdul Qadus dies of heart failure; remained MLA thrice

GBE Report

CHILAS, May 2: Vice president, Muslim League (Qaed-e-Azam) Gilgit-Baltistan chapter and former health advisor, muniscipality and law, Haji Abdul Qadus passed away of heart failure in Chilas, district headquarter and his home town. He was first admitted to District Headquarter Hospital, Chilas where doctors recommened for DHQ Gilgit, which proved vein and died before shiting to Gilgit.He was thirty years old and remained in power first in General Zia's reign, second in Benazir Bhutto and for the third time during (Gen.) Pervez Musharraf's rule as advisor. Late Abdul Qadus remained member Legislative Assembly thrice and delivered remarkable development initiatives in Diamer district. His death created a vacume in the regional politics and termed as a great loss for Muslim League (Q) in the district.

K.B.Shaheen Guides and Scouts push cleaning drive to keep planet clean

GBEcho Report

HUNZA, Brashall, April 21:Shia Imami Ismaili Shaheen Scouts and shaheen guides , a subsidiary of Girls guides are on cleaning environment compaign to keep planet clean. HUNZA, Brashall: Ismaili Shaheen Scouts are busy to burry the waste collected from the town and suburbs to promote healthy practices

According to details, under the supervision of Town Management Society (TMS) and Aga Khan Ismaili Local council, little volunteers are out to get the town rid of waste material.

HUNZA: Shaheen Scouts working to save environment during cleaning drive

Since a decade, the awarness about health and environmental protection, local communities are striving to maintain the balance of ratio of natural beauty in the region, though highlighted very little in media circles.

No any other NGO found its way to Nazimabad (Shishkat) followed by C.A.I and FOCUS yet

GBE Watch

HUNZA, April 20: (Aslam Shah) The operations of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) are now a day's largely confined to disaster relief camps in Central Hunza.

HUNZA, Ayeenabad: The remaining little portion of the village is submerging with the rise in water level VoH Photo

Not a single non governmental organization has paid a heed to problems faced by the population of Lower Shishkat, except Central Asian Institute and FOCUS humanitarian assistance that has provided tents to arrange tuition classes and general necessities of life respectively.

Source:voiceofhunza.blogspot.com

NDMA officials hoodwinking Public, relief package mere show offs; income resources vanished, says Salman Ali

GBE Monitoring desk

HUNZA, April, 20:(Najeeb Ullah Baig) Natural Disaster Management Authorities are deceiving public and they have little concern about the sufferings of the public. These views were expressed by Salman Ali, aborigines of the Nazimabad (Shishkat) village during a meeting with Voice of Hunza on Tuesday.

HUNZA, Nazimabad: Salman Ali is expressing his views about the prevailing situation during a meeting of Voice of Hunza with local community VoH Photo

He alleged Frontier Works Organization (FWO) that very little work is being done to meet the target saying removal of mere forty feet debris is like a tiny particle into mouth of a camel. “The substandard boats are doing little good for public as very few people can able to manage to sail,” he added.

Courtesy: Voice of Hunza

Calamity hit status for Gojal, Attabad and Sarat notified

GBE Monitor
Islamabad, April 16: Official notification declaring Gojal valley, Attabad Bala, Attabad Payeen and Sarat as calamity hit areas has, finally, been issued according to information obtained from the office of deputy home secretary Gilgit – Baltistan. It was a long standing demand of the people of Gojal valley that their area be declared as calamity hit and proper measures be put in place for reviving livelihood in the region. While the former interim governor of Gilgit – Baltistan had declared the region as calamity hit and promised resolution of the issues created by the January 4 landslide and the resulting lake formation, the official notification had not been issued as yet. Delay in issuance of the notification status irritated the local people who resorted to protests yet again and declared extreme measures, including marching towards the Chinese border for help. The notification, details of which are not fully know yet, is expected to bring relief and satisfaction to people of the disaster hits parts of Hunza valley, Pamir times reported.

Affectees of Attaabad and Sarat present charter of demands; governor ensures for proper rehabilitation of community

GBE Monitoring desk

HUNZA, April 14: Affectees of Attaabad and Sarat present charter of demands to governor doctor Shama Khalid and Chief Minister Syed Mehdi Shah during a meeting with delegates of Hunza.

HUNZA: Governor, Chief Minister and Speaker Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly meeting delegates during their visit
Governor and Chief Minister, who are on Hunza tour visited disaster site, relief camps and Upper Hunza to observe relief work by regional under directives of federal government.
Affected community headed by Mr. Hakim Shah after congratulating governor for appointment presented before her their demands: to speed up process of compensation, to renew relief package for rehabilitation in time; special financial relief or support for students studying in different educational institutions, share in public services and to write off loans of affectees of both banks and societies. Affected community expressed their satisfaction on government relief and thanked former governor for his personal attention to the community. Governor and Chief Minister listened their demands and pledged to consider them in due time.