The Chairperson of Gilgit-Baltistan United Movement (GBUM), Manzoor Parwana, has accused the so-called democratic government of Gilgit-Baltistan, which was established a year ago, of corruption, nepotism and incompetence. He was addressing a press conference at Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan on November 11, 2010 to discuss the issue of ‘taxation without representation’.
He condemned the authorities for imposing tax on the poverty stricken masses and failing to address the concerns of the victims of flashfloods and landslides. He said, “GBUM has decided to call an All Parties Conference (APC) to discuss economic and political matters concerning the natives of the region”.
He accused the authorities of providing jobs to a selective group of people who belong to the ruling party, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), while ignoring the merit standards. He said, “Officials have been directed to induct those carrying a recommendation letter from the Chief Minister, S. Mehdi Shah. Same trend is now followed by the non-profit organizations like Aga Khan Foundation (AKF). This way, classism is being promoted to benefit a few who impose their will upon the majority. These people are opportunist and only loyal to the ruling party in Islamabad rather than the natives of Gilgit-Baltistan.” In the end, Parwana announced to issue white paper with information on corruption cases pertaining to the Aga Khan Rural Support Program, a project of AKF.
Issued
GBUM
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Friday, November 12, 2010
Friday, November 5, 2010
Gilgit Baltistan: Flood victims booked in sedition cases on demanding relief
Press Release
Gilgit-Baltistan United Movement (GBUM) held a press conference to condemn cowardly act of the authorities, who have registered sedition case against progressive nationalist right defenders of Pakistan occupied Gilgit-Baltistan. The activists were holding a peaceful rally demanding relief goods and funds for the flashflood and landslide victims of Hunza-Gojal. Chairperson of GBUM, Manzoor Parwana while addressing the press conference at Skardu, Baltistan, said, “Sedition cases against peaceful flood victims has exposed the so-called democratic regime, which claims to have granted right of freedom of expression and political activity to the masses. Contrary to that, Pakistani agencies continue to obstruct socio-political gatherings, torture and detain activists and commit human rights violations with impunity. With the international community failing to notice, Gilgit-Baltistan continue to remain under colonial-rule.”
Parwana grieved by saying, “Unlike in other countries, where governmental organizations race to reach out to the flood victims, Pakistani authorities resorted to a unique method of providing relief by torturing and detaining the flood victims. This way, they have set an example for others demanding similar rights. The fact that flood victims linger in jails instead of being accommodated at the relief camps is a reflection on the so-called Islamic Republic”.
He termed sedition case a folly, since it has been registered against those demanding food, shelter, medicines and clothing. The protest occurred after Pakistani prime minister visited the flooded villages of Hunza, however, failed to announce adequate relief measures. He challenged validity of such cases, since Gilgit-Baltistan is not a constitutional part of Pakistan. He further said, “Sedition cases involving individuals like Babajan, Wajahat, Noor Ali, Ghulam Zahir, Izhar, Khadim Hussain, Ibrahim, Jan Alam, Gul Nawaz, Rahim, Abdul Karim and Karim Khan were baseless. The police FIR 59625 also prove the fact that the protest was peaceful and a-political.” In the end, he asked the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan to withdraw cases and ensure freedom of expression and appeal in the region.”
Manzoor Hussain Parwana
Chairperson
Gilgit-Baltistan United Movement
Skardu, Baltistan
Dated: November 4, 2010
Gilgit-Baltistan United Movement (GBUM) held a press conference to condemn cowardly act of the authorities, who have registered sedition case against progressive nationalist right defenders of Pakistan occupied Gilgit-Baltistan. The activists were holding a peaceful rally demanding relief goods and funds for the flashflood and landslide victims of Hunza-Gojal. Chairperson of GBUM, Manzoor Parwana while addressing the press conference at Skardu, Baltistan, said, “Sedition cases against peaceful flood victims has exposed the so-called democratic regime, which claims to have granted right of freedom of expression and political activity to the masses. Contrary to that, Pakistani agencies continue to obstruct socio-political gatherings, torture and detain activists and commit human rights violations with impunity. With the international community failing to notice, Gilgit-Baltistan continue to remain under colonial-rule.”
Parwana grieved by saying, “Unlike in other countries, where governmental organizations race to reach out to the flood victims, Pakistani authorities resorted to a unique method of providing relief by torturing and detaining the flood victims. This way, they have set an example for others demanding similar rights. The fact that flood victims linger in jails instead of being accommodated at the relief camps is a reflection on the so-called Islamic Republic”.
He termed sedition case a folly, since it has been registered against those demanding food, shelter, medicines and clothing. The protest occurred after Pakistani prime minister visited the flooded villages of Hunza, however, failed to announce adequate relief measures. He challenged validity of such cases, since Gilgit-Baltistan is not a constitutional part of Pakistan. He further said, “Sedition cases involving individuals like Babajan, Wajahat, Noor Ali, Ghulam Zahir, Izhar, Khadim Hussain, Ibrahim, Jan Alam, Gul Nawaz, Rahim, Abdul Karim and Karim Khan were baseless. The police FIR 59625 also prove the fact that the protest was peaceful and a-political.” In the end, he asked the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan to withdraw cases and ensure freedom of expression and appeal in the region.”
Manzoor Hussain Parwana
Chairperson
Gilgit-Baltistan United Movement
Skardu, Baltistan
Dated: November 4, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Gilgit Baltistan:We'll be major player in great game: GBUM
SKARDU: The people of Gilgit-Baltistan will never give a free hand to those who want to stage a great game in the region. The struggle of the two million people of the region is fast getting credibility at the international level and if any world game was launched here the locals would be an active part of it.This was stated by Manzoor Hussain Parwana, the Chairman of Gilgit-Baltistan United Movement (GBUM), while speaking at the oath-taking ceremony of Karakoram National Party (KNM) cabinet here, said a statement issued to the press here.
He said the two million people of the region pay tributes to the EU members for establishing the Friends of Gilgit-Baltistan and providing direct assistance to the flood-affected people here.Parwana pointed out that the creation of Friends of Gilgit-Baltistan in the European Union and the support being extended to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan by the members of EU Parliament showed that the movement of the nationalist parties of GB was getting world recognition and popularity.He said the so-called elected representatives of the masses in Gilgit-Baltistan were wasting the resources and time of the nation and promoting gender hate in the region. Some time they issue statements that a woman should be the governor of the region and some time they say that a male should be posted as the governor. This also shows their political immaturity, he added.He said the people of the region had nothing to do who should be the governor - a female or a male. Because they wanted good governance, rule of law, peace and end to corruption and unemployment.He said that the destiny of all nationalist parties in the region was the same.
GBUM
He said the two million people of the region pay tributes to the EU members for establishing the Friends of Gilgit-Baltistan and providing direct assistance to the flood-affected people here.Parwana pointed out that the creation of Friends of Gilgit-Baltistan in the European Union and the support being extended to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan by the members of EU Parliament showed that the movement of the nationalist parties of GB was getting world recognition and popularity.He said the so-called elected representatives of the masses in Gilgit-Baltistan were wasting the resources and time of the nation and promoting gender hate in the region. Some time they issue statements that a woman should be the governor of the region and some time they say that a male should be posted as the governor. This also shows their political immaturity, he added.He said the people of the region had nothing to do who should be the governor - a female or a male. Because they wanted good governance, rule of law, peace and end to corruption and unemployment.He said that the destiny of all nationalist parties in the region was the same.
GBUM
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
Gilgit Baltistan: Political activists booked in sedition charges
Gilgit Baltistan: Political activists booked in sedition charges.
Gilgit Baltistan: Rights violations expose Pakistan's intentions
SKARDU: Harassment of common citizens and disregard to sanctity of house privacy during search operations in the Gilgit city by security forces has made it clear that Pakistani rulers are voluntarily leaving Gilgit-Balatistan and Islamabad does not need the region anymore. Because had the rulers needed the region they would not have let loose such type of terror in the region and the rulers would not have forgotten that the region was part of the Kashmir dispute and its status to be resolved under the UN resolutions.These views were expressed by Chairman Gilgit-Balatistan United Movement (GBUM) Mmanzoor Hussain Parwana in a press statement issued here.
He said terrorists were coming areas from where arms and ammunition were brought to the region and the terror elements were being patronized by those who are at the helms of affairs in Gilgit-Balatistan. In Gilgit-Baltistan neither produces arms and ammunition not any terrorists. Its people are considered the most civilized and peaceful in the whole world. The soil of the region is abode of peace but unfortunately outsider elements are destroying its tranquillity by pitting the local people against each other to gain their own interests.Mr Parwana said that Mr Raziuddin Rizvi, the member of GB Legislative Assembly and Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, has termed the situation in Gilgit-Baltistan even worse than the held Kashmir. This shows which direction Pakistani rulers are leading the region to.
He said the situation in Giglit-Baltistan cannot be compared with that in Balochistan as the latter is an integral part of Pakistan while Gilgit-Baltistan was neither its constitutional nor legal part of Pakistan but is under its administrative control on temporary basis. Therefore, Pakistani rulers should be careful and give an impression to the world through its acts that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan are happy under the temporary control of Islamabad.He said if human rights violations continued in Gilgit-Baltistan, a perception would develop that Pakistan's signing of international treaties on human rights was just a deceit.
He said that allegations against the security forces were not based on any hearsay, prejudice and hatred but had been proved. It is also a fact that security forces have failed to maintain peace in the region and even FC and Rangers have been involved in torturing citizens. If security forces who have been deployed to protect the life and property of the masses start harassing the very masses what would be the reaction of the people? Of course, they would demand their withdrawal, Mr Parwana added.
Manzoor Hussain Parwana
Chairman
GBUM
He said terrorists were coming areas from where arms and ammunition were brought to the region and the terror elements were being patronized by those who are at the helms of affairs in Gilgit-Balatistan. In Gilgit-Baltistan neither produces arms and ammunition not any terrorists. Its people are considered the most civilized and peaceful in the whole world. The soil of the region is abode of peace but unfortunately outsider elements are destroying its tranquillity by pitting the local people against each other to gain their own interests.Mr Parwana said that Mr Raziuddin Rizvi, the member of GB Legislative Assembly and Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, has termed the situation in Gilgit-Baltistan even worse than the held Kashmir. This shows which direction Pakistani rulers are leading the region to.
He said the situation in Giglit-Baltistan cannot be compared with that in Balochistan as the latter is an integral part of Pakistan while Gilgit-Baltistan was neither its constitutional nor legal part of Pakistan but is under its administrative control on temporary basis. Therefore, Pakistani rulers should be careful and give an impression to the world through its acts that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan are happy under the temporary control of Islamabad.He said if human rights violations continued in Gilgit-Baltistan, a perception would develop that Pakistan's signing of international treaties on human rights was just a deceit.
He said that allegations against the security forces were not based on any hearsay, prejudice and hatred but had been proved. It is also a fact that security forces have failed to maintain peace in the region and even FC and Rangers have been involved in torturing citizens. If security forces who have been deployed to protect the life and property of the masses start harassing the very masses what would be the reaction of the people? Of course, they would demand their withdrawal, Mr Parwana added.
Manzoor Hussain Parwana
Chairman
GBUM
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Gilgit Baltistan United Movement Asks Pakistan to Disclose Information on Chinese Activities in Gilgit Baltistan
THE PRESS RELEASE
Skardu : 8th September, 2010
“Gilgit-Baltistan United Movement demands that Pakistan must immediately disclose information about Chinese activities in Gilgit Baltistan, as well as the details of the projects and bi-lateral agreements which have enabled China to exploit natural resources of the region without the consent of the natives”. The chairperson of Gilgit Baltistan United Movement, Manzoor Hussain
Parwana stated these words during a press conference in Skardu, Baltistan. He also demanded from Pakistan to disclose the details of Sino-Pak border agreement of 1963, by which Pakistan hand over 19,360 square kilometers of Gilgit Baltistan to China. He said, “Pakistan gifted to China large tracks of Aghil, Shimshal, Raskam and Shaksgam valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan.
The press conference was called to discuss contents of articles published in New York Times, Economist and Guardian discussing Chinese presence in Gilgit Baltistan. He said, “The reports are creating political uncertainty and fear among the natives".The recent reports also remind us of
the great game, which the Russian, Chinese and British Empires orchestrated in the Karakoram and Himalayan mountains to gain global supremacy in the seventeenth and eighteenth century. Any new effort by Pakistan to hand over Gilgit Baltistan to China will be dealt with great opposition.”
He said, “It may be true that strategic location of Gilgit Baltistan is attracting attention of global powers, however, the interests and rights of the natives can not be sacrificed to accommodate such aspirations. Pakistan and China’s unwarranted activities in Gilgit-Baltistan is causing instability and may as well threaten the wellbeing of the natives in the long run.”
He feared that growing Sino-Pak friendship will come at the cost of denying the right of self determination for the natives of Gilgit-Baltistan and depriving them of an independent country of their own. Manzoor requested the citizens of Gilgit-Baltistan to unify to achieve liberty, without becoming a pawn, which serve the interests of neighboring countries.
Issued by
Manzoor Hussain Parwana
Chairman
Gilgit Baltistan United Movement
Skardu Baltistan
www.skardu.blogspot.com
Skardu : 8th September, 2010
“Gilgit-Baltistan United Movement demands that Pakistan must immediately disclose information about Chinese activities in Gilgit Baltistan, as well as the details of the projects and bi-lateral agreements which have enabled China to exploit natural resources of the region without the consent of the natives”. The chairperson of Gilgit Baltistan United Movement, Manzoor Hussain
Parwana stated these words during a press conference in Skardu, Baltistan. He also demanded from Pakistan to disclose the details of Sino-Pak border agreement of 1963, by which Pakistan hand over 19,360 square kilometers of Gilgit Baltistan to China. He said, “Pakistan gifted to China large tracks of Aghil, Shimshal, Raskam and Shaksgam valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan.
The press conference was called to discuss contents of articles published in New York Times, Economist and Guardian discussing Chinese presence in Gilgit Baltistan. He said, “The reports are creating political uncertainty and fear among the natives".The recent reports also remind us of
the great game, which the Russian, Chinese and British Empires orchestrated in the Karakoram and Himalayan mountains to gain global supremacy in the seventeenth and eighteenth century. Any new effort by Pakistan to hand over Gilgit Baltistan to China will be dealt with great opposition.”
He said, “It may be true that strategic location of Gilgit Baltistan is attracting attention of global powers, however, the interests and rights of the natives can not be sacrificed to accommodate such aspirations. Pakistan and China’s unwarranted activities in Gilgit-Baltistan is causing instability and may as well threaten the wellbeing of the natives in the long run.”
He feared that growing Sino-Pak friendship will come at the cost of denying the right of self determination for the natives of Gilgit-Baltistan and depriving them of an independent country of their own. Manzoor requested the citizens of Gilgit-Baltistan to unify to achieve liberty, without becoming a pawn, which serve the interests of neighboring countries.
Issued by
Manzoor Hussain Parwana
Chairman
Gilgit Baltistan United Movement
Skardu Baltistan
www.skardu.blogspot.com
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Friday, September 3, 2010
Target Killing in Gilgit Baltistan a conspiracy to stop public revolution.
During a press conference in Skardu on August 31, 2010, Manzoor Hussain Parwana, the Chairperson of Gilgit Baltistan United Movement expressed concern over unabated targeted killing of innocent natives of Gilgit-Baltistan. He blamed Pakistani security forces and intelligence agency personnel for their direct involvement in promoting instability in the region, which is part of the former Princely State of Jammu & Kashmir and remains under Pakistan’s occupation since 1947.
He said, “The death of four innocent residents of Gilgit city in the last week of August and destruction to six houses shows failure of so-called "province-like" administrative body in controlling the mayhem and providing security to the natives. Pakistani security agencies use such incidents as a tool to divert attention from degrading economy, the constitutional impasse as well as the destruction from the recent flashfloods. However, rampant joblessness and back-breaking expensive commodities will eventually force the people to come on the streets and rebel against the occupying forces.”
He reminded that even though the chief minister of Gilgit-Baltistan has requested Islamabad to transfer control of the para-military to Gilgit; however, this will still not solve the chronic political problems. He said, “The only viable solution is immediate and complete withdrawal of Pakistani security forces and illegal settlers from the region. As target killing was introduced only after Pakistan stationed her troops in Gilgit-Baltistan in 1947; the issue will also resolve with Pakistan’s withdrawal.”
He condemned the security forces for harassing the natives and subjecting them to body searches at numerous military check posts established in the city. He said, “While the security forces disrupt normal pace of life in Gilgit-Baltistan, they provide ample opportunities to the terrorists to orchestrate target killing and escape without any resistance.”
He said that the patrons of these terrorists, found among the ranks of Pakistani bureaucrats and military officials, play the well-rehearsed colonial game of divide and rule to weaken the natives in their demands for self determination. He opined that the so-called empowerment package has enabled such Pakistani officials to tighten their grip over the land and resources of Gilgit-Baltistan. He appealed to the natives to unify to regain control over local natural resources rather than relying on Pakistani handouts.
Press Release
Manzoor Hussain Parwana
Chairperson, Gilgit Baltistan United Movement (GBUM)
Skardo, Gilgit-Baltistan
September 3, 2010
He said, “The death of four innocent residents of Gilgit city in the last week of August and destruction to six houses shows failure of so-called "province-like" administrative body in controlling the mayhem and providing security to the natives. Pakistani security agencies use such incidents as a tool to divert attention from degrading economy, the constitutional impasse as well as the destruction from the recent flashfloods. However, rampant joblessness and back-breaking expensive commodities will eventually force the people to come on the streets and rebel against the occupying forces.”
He reminded that even though the chief minister of Gilgit-Baltistan has requested Islamabad to transfer control of the para-military to Gilgit; however, this will still not solve the chronic political problems. He said, “The only viable solution is immediate and complete withdrawal of Pakistani security forces and illegal settlers from the region. As target killing was introduced only after Pakistan stationed her troops in Gilgit-Baltistan in 1947; the issue will also resolve with Pakistan’s withdrawal.”
He condemned the security forces for harassing the natives and subjecting them to body searches at numerous military check posts established in the city. He said, “While the security forces disrupt normal pace of life in Gilgit-Baltistan, they provide ample opportunities to the terrorists to orchestrate target killing and escape without any resistance.”
He said that the patrons of these terrorists, found among the ranks of Pakistani bureaucrats and military officials, play the well-rehearsed colonial game of divide and rule to weaken the natives in their demands for self determination. He opined that the so-called empowerment package has enabled such Pakistani officials to tighten their grip over the land and resources of Gilgit-Baltistan. He appealed to the natives to unify to regain control over local natural resources rather than relying on Pakistani handouts.
Press Release
Manzoor Hussain Parwana
Chairperson, Gilgit Baltistan United Movement (GBUM)
Skardo, Gilgit-Baltistan
September 3, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Gilgit Baltistan United Movement: Appeal for Funds for Flood Victims of Gilgit Baltistan
Indian Aid for Relief Victims Must be Shared with People of Gilgit Baltistan
Kargil-Skardo and Astore-Srinagar Road Should be Opened Immediately to Provide Relief
International community is requested to play greater role in providing relief to the flood victims of Gilgit Baltistan (GB). The region is cut off from rest of the world for the last twenty days due to flashfloods and landslides. Commodity and food prices have skyrocketed and causing famine like situation. Many villages have been flattened. Lack of medicines have caused endemic diseases to impact large parts of the region. Manzoor Parwana, the Chairman of GBUM said, "GB is a disputed territory under Pakistani occupation. The people of GB have no hope from Pakistani government since the country itself is in crisis and the regime lacks the capacity and the will to provide for the millions of flood victims in rest of the country. While the rulers look towards the international community for help, the relief is coming at much slower pace due to lack of credibility of the Pakistani authorities, who embezzled billions of rupees of relief funds during the 2005 earthquake in Pakistani occupied Kashmir. Given the circumstances, international community and especially neighboring countries of GB have to enhance their direct influence in the relief work."
Parwana said that the current puppet government of GB has failed to repair the road network. Every village is cut off from the rest and no relief has reached the affectees. Government has resorted to releasing statements in the newspapers and make false claims of improvement in the conditions of the natives. He further said that with the closure of Karakoram Highway, Gilgit-Skardu Road, Ghizer-Chitral road, and Hunza-China section of KKH, the prices of food items have increased. Food items, kerosene oil and gasoline are not available in the markets. The problems will continue to increase as the situation worsens. Pakistani helicopters are only working to evacuate the foreigners and military officials and related loved ones, and have failed to service the poor natives. This is sheer discrimination towards the people of GB.
Manzoor further said, "Pakistan has conspired to disrupt traffic on the Kargil Skardu road and Astore-Gurez road for all these years. Further, creation of Ataabad Lake has obstructed traffic to China for the coming months. Under these circumstances, government must make immediate effort to open the Kargil Skardo road to provide relief to the affected people of Skardu district, Shigar district, Gangche district, Kharmang district, Astore district and Deosai-Gultari district. In the same manner, Ishkoman road to Tajikistan and Wakhan should be open to benefit the people of Ghizer district. The road from Astore to Srinagar must be used immediately to supply food and ration to the poor two million people of the region. In this great time of need, the people of GB expect neighbors to play greater role in rehabilitation." Press Release
Manzoor Hussain Parwana
Chairman
Gilgit Baltistan United Movement (Skardu Office)
August 18, 2010
Kargil-Skardo and Astore-Srinagar Road Should be Opened Immediately to Provide Relief
International community is requested to play greater role in providing relief to the flood victims of Gilgit Baltistan (GB). The region is cut off from rest of the world for the last twenty days due to flashfloods and landslides. Commodity and food prices have skyrocketed and causing famine like situation. Many villages have been flattened. Lack of medicines have caused endemic diseases to impact large parts of the region. Manzoor Parwana, the Chairman of GBUM said, "GB is a disputed territory under Pakistani occupation. The people of GB have no hope from Pakistani government since the country itself is in crisis and the regime lacks the capacity and the will to provide for the millions of flood victims in rest of the country. While the rulers look towards the international community for help, the relief is coming at much slower pace due to lack of credibility of the Pakistani authorities, who embezzled billions of rupees of relief funds during the 2005 earthquake in Pakistani occupied Kashmir. Given the circumstances, international community and especially neighboring countries of GB have to enhance their direct influence in the relief work."
Parwana said that the current puppet government of GB has failed to repair the road network. Every village is cut off from the rest and no relief has reached the affectees. Government has resorted to releasing statements in the newspapers and make false claims of improvement in the conditions of the natives. He further said that with the closure of Karakoram Highway, Gilgit-Skardu Road, Ghizer-Chitral road, and Hunza-China section of KKH, the prices of food items have increased. Food items, kerosene oil and gasoline are not available in the markets. The problems will continue to increase as the situation worsens. Pakistani helicopters are only working to evacuate the foreigners and military officials and related loved ones, and have failed to service the poor natives. This is sheer discrimination towards the people of GB.
Manzoor further said, "Pakistan has conspired to disrupt traffic on the Kargil Skardu road and Astore-Gurez road for all these years. Further, creation of Ataabad Lake has obstructed traffic to China for the coming months. Under these circumstances, government must make immediate effort to open the Kargil Skardo road to provide relief to the affected people of Skardu district, Shigar district, Gangche district, Kharmang district, Astore district and Deosai-Gultari district. In the same manner, Ishkoman road to Tajikistan and Wakhan should be open to benefit the people of Ghizer district. The road from Astore to Srinagar must be used immediately to supply food and ration to the poor two million people of the region. In this great time of need, the people of GB expect neighbors to play greater role in rehabilitation." Press Release
Manzoor Hussain Parwana
Chairman
Gilgit Baltistan United Movement (Skardu Office)
August 18, 2010
Gilgit Baltistan United Movement: Appeal for Funds for Flood Victims of Gilgit Baltistan
Indian Aid for Relief Victims Must be Shared with People of Gilgit Baltistan
Kargil-Skardo and Astore-Srinagar Road Should be Opened Immediately to Provide Relief
International community is requested to play greater role in providing relief to the flood victims of Gilgit Baltistan (GB). The region is cut off from rest of the world for the last twenty days due to flashfloods and landslides. Commodity and food prices have skyrocketed and causing famine like situation. Many villages have been flattened. Lack of medicines have caused endemic diseases to impact large parts of the region. Manzoor Parwana, the Chairman of GBUM said, "GB is a disputed territory under Pakistani occupation. The people of GB have no hope from Pakistani government since the country itself is in crisis and the regime lacks the capacity and the will to provide for the millions of flood victims in rest of the country. While the rulers look towards the international community for help, the relief is coming at much slower pace due to lack of credibility of the Pakistani authorities, who embezzled billions of rupees of relief funds during the 2005 earthquake in Pakistani occupied Kashmir. Given the circumstances, international community and especially neighboring countries of GB have to enhance their direct influence in the relief work."
Parwana said that the current puppet government of GB has failed to repair the road network. Every village is cut off from the rest and no relief has reached the affectees. Government has resorted to releasing statements in the newspapers and make false claims of improvement in the conditions of the natives. He further said that with the closure of Karakoram Highway, Gilgit-Skardu Road, Ghizer-Chitral road, and Hunza-China section of KKH, the prices of food items have increased. Food items, kerosene oil and gasoline are not available in the markets. The problems will continue to increase as the situation worsens. Pakistani helicopters are only working to evacuate the foreigners and military officials and related loved ones, and have failed to service the poor natives. This is sheer discrimination towards the people of GB.
Manzoor further said, "Pakistan has conspired to disrupt traffic on the Kargil Skardu road and Astore-Gurez road for all these years. Further, creation of Ataabad Lake has obstructed traffic to China for the coming months. Under these circumstances, government must make immediate effort to open the Kargil Skardo road to provide relief to the affected people of Skardu district, Shigar district, Gangche district, Kharmang district, Astore district and Deosai-Gultari district. In the same manner, Ishkoman road to Tajikistan and Wakhan should be open to benefit the people of Ghizer district. The road from Astore to Srinagar must be used immediately to supply food and ration to the poor two million people of the region. In this great time of need, the people of GB expect neighbors to play greater role in rehabilitation." Press Release
Manzoor Hussain Parwana
Chairman
Gilgit Baltistan United Movement (Skardu Office)
August 18, 2010
Kargil-Skardo and Astore-Srinagar Road Should be Opened Immediately to Provide Relief
International community is requested to play greater role in providing relief to the flood victims of Gilgit Baltistan (GB). The region is cut off from rest of the world for the last twenty days due to flashfloods and landslides. Commodity and food prices have skyrocketed and causing famine like situation. Many villages have been flattened. Lack of medicines have caused endemic diseases to impact large parts of the region. Manzoor Parwana, the Chairman of GBUM said, "GB is a disputed territory under Pakistani occupation. The people of GB have no hope from Pakistani government since the country itself is in crisis and the regime lacks the capacity and the will to provide for the millions of flood victims in rest of the country. While the rulers look towards the international community for help, the relief is coming at much slower pace due to lack of credibility of the Pakistani authorities, who embezzled billions of rupees of relief funds during the 2005 earthquake in Pakistani occupied Kashmir. Given the circumstances, international community and especially neighboring countries of GB have to enhance their direct influence in the relief work."
Parwana said that the current puppet government of GB has failed to repair the road network. Every village is cut off from the rest and no relief has reached the affectees. Government has resorted to releasing statements in the newspapers and make false claims of improvement in the conditions of the natives. He further said that with the closure of Karakoram Highway, Gilgit-Skardu Road, Ghizer-Chitral road, and Hunza-China section of KKH, the prices of food items have increased. Food items, kerosene oil and gasoline are not available in the markets. The problems will continue to increase as the situation worsens. Pakistani helicopters are only working to evacuate the foreigners and military officials and related loved ones, and have failed to service the poor natives. This is sheer discrimination towards the people of GB.
Manzoor further said, "Pakistan has conspired to disrupt traffic on the Kargil Skardu road and Astore-Gurez road for all these years. Further, creation of Ataabad Lake has obstructed traffic to China for the coming months. Under these circumstances, government must make immediate effort to open the Kargil Skardo road to provide relief to the affected people of Skardu district, Shigar district, Gangche district, Kharmang district, Astore district and Deosai-Gultari district. In the same manner, Ishkoman road to Tajikistan and Wakhan should be open to benefit the people of Ghizer district. The road from Astore to Srinagar must be used immediately to supply food and ration to the poor two million people of the region. In this great time of need, the people of GB expect neighbors to play greater role in rehabilitation." Press Release
Manzoor Hussain Parwana
Chairman
Gilgit Baltistan United Movement (Skardu Office)
August 18, 2010
Gilgit Baltistan United Movement: Appeal for Funds for Flood Victims of Gilgit Baltistan
Indian Aid for Relief Victims Must be Shared with People of Gilgit Baltistan
Kargil-Skardo and Astore-Srinagar Road Should be Opened Immediately to Provide Relief
International community is requested to play greater role in providing relief to the flood victims of Gilgit Baltistan (GB). The region is cut off from rest of the world for the last twenty days due to flashfloods and landslides. Commodity and food prices have skyrocketed and causing famine like situation. Many villages have been flattened. Lack of medicines have caused endemic diseases to impact large parts of the region. Manzoor Parwana, the Chairman of GBUM said, "GB is a disputed territory under Pakistani occupation. The people of GB have no hope from Pakistani government since the country itself is in crisis and the regime lacks the capacity and the will to provide for the millions of flood victims in rest of the country. While the rulers look towards the international community for help, the relief is coming at much slower pace due to lack of credibility of the Pakistani authorities, who embezzled billions of rupees of relief funds during the 2005 earthquake in Pakistani occupied Kashmir. Given the circumstances, international community and especially neighboring countries of GB have to enhance their direct influence in the relief work."
Parwana said that the current puppet government of GB has failed to repair the road network. Every village is cut off from the rest and no relief has reached the affectees. Government has resorted to releasing statements in the newspapers and make false claims of improvement in the conditions of the natives. He further said that with the closure of Karakoram Highway, Gilgit-Skardu Road, Ghizer-Chitral road, and Hunza-China section of KKH, the prices of food items have increased. Food items, kerosene oil and gasoline are not available in the markets. The problems will continue to increase as the situation worsens. Pakistani helicopters are only working to evacuate the foreigners and military officials and related loved ones, and have failed to service the poor natives. This is sheer discrimination towards the people of GB.
Manzoor further said, "Pakistan has conspired to disrupt traffic on the Kargil Skardu road and Astore-Gurez road for all these years. Further, creation of Ataabad Lake has obstructed traffic to China for the coming months. Under these circumstances, government must make immediate effort to open the Kargil Skardo road to provide relief to the affected people of Skardu district, Shigar district, Gangche district, Kharmang district, Astore district and Deosai-Gultari district. In the same manner, Ishkoman road to Tajikistan and Wakhan should be open to benefit the people of Ghizer district. The road from Astore to Srinagar must be used immediately to supply food and ration to the poor two million people of the region. In this great time of need, the people of GB expect neighbors to play greater role in rehabilitation." Press Release
Manzoor Hussain Parwana
Chairman
Gilgit Baltistan United Movement (Skardu Office)
August 18, 2010
Kargil-Skardo and Astore-Srinagar Road Should be Opened Immediately to Provide Relief
International community is requested to play greater role in providing relief to the flood victims of Gilgit Baltistan (GB). The region is cut off from rest of the world for the last twenty days due to flashfloods and landslides. Commodity and food prices have skyrocketed and causing famine like situation. Many villages have been flattened. Lack of medicines have caused endemic diseases to impact large parts of the region. Manzoor Parwana, the Chairman of GBUM said, "GB is a disputed territory under Pakistani occupation. The people of GB have no hope from Pakistani government since the country itself is in crisis and the regime lacks the capacity and the will to provide for the millions of flood victims in rest of the country. While the rulers look towards the international community for help, the relief is coming at much slower pace due to lack of credibility of the Pakistani authorities, who embezzled billions of rupees of relief funds during the 2005 earthquake in Pakistani occupied Kashmir. Given the circumstances, international community and especially neighboring countries of GB have to enhance their direct influence in the relief work."
Parwana said that the current puppet government of GB has failed to repair the road network. Every village is cut off from the rest and no relief has reached the affectees. Government has resorted to releasing statements in the newspapers and make false claims of improvement in the conditions of the natives. He further said that with the closure of Karakoram Highway, Gilgit-Skardu Road, Ghizer-Chitral road, and Hunza-China section of KKH, the prices of food items have increased. Food items, kerosene oil and gasoline are not available in the markets. The problems will continue to increase as the situation worsens. Pakistani helicopters are only working to evacuate the foreigners and military officials and related loved ones, and have failed to service the poor natives. This is sheer discrimination towards the people of GB.
Manzoor further said, "Pakistan has conspired to disrupt traffic on the Kargil Skardu road and Astore-Gurez road for all these years. Further, creation of Ataabad Lake has obstructed traffic to China for the coming months. Under these circumstances, government must make immediate effort to open the Kargil Skardo road to provide relief to the affected people of Skardu district, Shigar district, Gangche district, Kharmang district, Astore district and Deosai-Gultari district. In the same manner, Ishkoman road to Tajikistan and Wakhan should be open to benefit the people of Ghizer district. The road from Astore to Srinagar must be used immediately to supply food and ration to the poor two million people of the region. In this great time of need, the people of GB expect neighbors to play greater role in rehabilitation." Press Release
Manzoor Hussain Parwana
Chairman
Gilgit Baltistan United Movement (Skardu Office)
August 18, 2010
Friday, August 20, 2010
Monday, June 7, 2010
Gilgit Baltistan:Separate flag, national anthem our right
ISLAMABAD: Like Azad Kashmir, it is the right of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan to have their own separate flag and national anthem.This was stated by Gilgit-Baltistan United Movement Chairman Manzoor Hussain Parwana in a press statement issued here.He said the recent visit by AJK president and prime minister to the Attabad calamity area was a good omen for the future political landscape of the region. He said GB was party to the issue of Kashmir and it should be given the status of a state and like AJK it should have its own president, prime minister besides a national flag and anthem.
Mr Parwana further said people of the region should support the nationalist parties in order to gain all the political rights so far denied to them. He said there should be an independent and powerful assembly chosen by the local which should take part in the consultative meeting on the issue of Kashmir.
He also criticized the government for its failure to support the displaced people of Attabad. He said the federal government had committed criminal negligence in tackling the problem from day one while the local government in GB was now trying to hide its inefficiency in dealing with the crisis. As a result, he added, the people of the area were suffering untold miseries and there was no plan on part of the rulers to tackle the crisis and rehabilitate the people.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Friday, June 4, 2010
Gilgit Baltistan: Land slide hit Kharmang Skardu
The Chairman Gilgit Baltistan United Movement Manzoor Hussain Parwana has expressed grief and sorrow over the death of 8 peoples due to deadly land slide in Kharmang Valley of Skardu .In a message, he wished speedy recovery to those injured.
According to Awaz Trust sources eight people including five women have been killed and more than 10 serious injured in a landslide here in Kharmang on Friday.
The land slide occurred in Mominpa village of Kharmang Skardu killing 8 people inlcuding five women and injuring more than 10. The injured have been dispatched to Kharmang hospital. The land slide also completely destroyed 8 houses in the village.
The landslide also smashed several houses as reported by Awaz Rescue team.
According to Awaz Trust sources eight people including five women have been killed and more than 10 serious injured in a landslide here in Kharmang on Friday.
The land slide occurred in Mominpa village of Kharmang Skardu killing 8 people inlcuding five women and injuring more than 10. The injured have been dispatched to Kharmang hospital. The land slide also completely destroyed 8 houses in the village.
The landslide also smashed several houses as reported by Awaz Rescue team.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Friday, May 21, 2010
Gilgit Baltistan: Prime Minister of Pakistan unwelcome in Hunza
“Prime Minister of Pakistan’s visit to the disastrous area of Hunza is a publicity campaign and entertainment trip. It is a joke with the people of Hunza to inaugurate the Benazir Langar at the relief camps for the calamity hit people.”
It was stated by Manzoor Hussain Parwana Chairman Gilgit Baltistan United Movement in a press statement condemning the fruitless visit of Pakistan CM to Attaabad Hunza.
Parwana said that the visit of CM rubbed salt into the wounds of the affectees so the people chanted slogan against the policies of government and shown unsatisfactory over the arrangement made by the administration for them.
Parwana appealed international community to come forward to rescue the un-presented people of Gilgit Baltistan.
Issued by
GBUM
It was stated by Manzoor Hussain Parwana Chairman Gilgit Baltistan United Movement in a press statement condemning the fruitless visit of Pakistan CM to Attaabad Hunza.
Parwana said that the visit of CM rubbed salt into the wounds of the affectees so the people chanted slogan against the policies of government and shown unsatisfactory over the arrangement made by the administration for them.
Parwana appealed international community to come forward to rescue the un-presented people of Gilgit Baltistan.
Issued by
GBUM
Monday, May 17, 2010
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Gilgit Baltistan :Press Conference Announcement
Date: May 13, 2010
Manzoor Hussain Parwana ,Chairman Gilgit Baltistan United Movement (GBUM) is holding a press conference regarding “Hunza Attaabad Disaster “at Karachi Press Club on Monday 17 May ,2010 at 3:00 pm .
Your are hereby requested to attend the Press Conference to coverage the critical situation of Gilgit Baltistan.
Regards
Secretary Information
Gilgit Baltistan United Movement
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Gilgit Baltistan : The disaster ahead
The latest update of today tells that Ata Abad’s devil lake in Hunza has risen more than 320 feet high and 18 kms upstream with an approximate volume of 1.2 million acre feet water. There is about 45 feet height left or overtopping of water. FWO has excavated only about 43 feet deep spillway in four months period. Initially in winter season water was rising at the rate of 1.4 feet per day which has now risen to 4.5 – 5 feet per day. Every day water intake is increasing. 20 kms of KKH along with its longest bridge have already submerged. After submerging the village of Ayeenabad, Shishkat village’s lower half has also drowned in water. The rest of the village is cut off from both sides with only access by boat. Dam has now hit Gulmit, Ghulkin and Hussani villages’ low laying areas. In the next few days Gulmit bazaar’s 120 shops, 38 houses, one community centre, thousands of kanals of lands and domesticated plants along with 5 kilometer of the
strategic Karakoram Highway and 3 bridges, the largest hotel (Silk Route Lodge) will be under water. This will cut KKH at the point Ghulkin Glacier snout disconnecting Gulmit and Ghulkin villages from rest of the world as these villages are already disconnected from downstream.
Now the situation has come to the alarming point where sudden outburst of dam within days is immanent and the entire downstream valley as long as Tarbela is at the verge of flood causing losses of billions of rupees. Karakorum Highway the only lifeline is facing numerous massive washouts and bridge collapses and will remain so for months if not years. The magnitude of the disaster can be imagined from the reportedly expected height of the torrent tide that may be somewhere between 100 and 300 feet high.
According to the experts’ reports, the torrent may directly destroy 36 villages displacing some 20000 people. Houses, hard worked terraced fields, orchards, whitewood plantation and standing crops will be smashed to debris in these villages. The extent of affect is entire Gilgit Baltistan and Kohistan on Indus River. Ahmad abad will be the first village to be hit by flood. Water will overtop and break down eight bridges on KKH besides many other bridges linking other valleys and villages with KKH. It will damage Karakorum University campus. Flood will block Gilgit River for about 14 hours. As a result, water will enter Chinar Bagh assembly hall.
As far as the state of crisis management on the part of government is concerned, it has completely failed to discharge its duty as trustee/caretaker of the disputed region. This failure and criminal negligence is either intentional or is the result of typical incompetence and corruption of the Pakistani authorities.
It was possible to avoid damming up by pumping out water over the debris by installation of heavy pumps. But it was termed ‘not feasible’ by NDMA/FWO authorities. This simple technique would have;
(a) avoided water rising and
(b) removed blockade/debris through continuous erosion and river bed would have been quite low.
It is worth noting that in winter season water flow was very low in Hunza River and it could have easily been pumped out. If a mega city like Karachi can be supplied hundreds of millions of gallon by pumping why was it not possible for Hunza? Large scale pumps or boring rugs should have been installed within days after the disaster. On the other hand, China had offered to remove the blockade in twenty days which was turned down and the contract was assigned to FWO.
Until 10th May 2010, the local puppet government was stressing that there is no risk of outburst and flooding, and that PPP’s opponents are creating unnecessary hue and cry. Suddenly the Chief Minister took a U turn and came to media with reports of increasing threat. Simultaneously, local administration declared that 36 villages are at risk and that the flood would displace 20,000 people.
Foreseeing this disastrous outbreak much earlier, local people in Hunza had been demanding that fuel, ration and other essential commodities should be stocked in each village/town of Hunza-Nagar and Gilgit. Similarly local population has been demanding for timely delivery of required material of temporary steel bridges on sites of endangered bridges so that such alternate bridges could be built and line of communication should be restored without wasting time.
Such reasonable demands were ignored as ‘false propaganda of political opponents’. Now the same puppet Chief Minister and Speaker are crying after wasting the high time of emergency planning and preparation. But since there is no real role and powers resting with the so called local government, its not worth being discussed. The only role it plays is to act in the puppet stage show and hoodwink the local population as well as international community. It is now clear that the seems that the Government of Pakistan has planned to destroy the entire valley and take advantage of the calamity to beg from the world in the name of assistance.
The entire Gilgit Baltistan will face food, fuel and essential items’ shortage for at least months. Since there is no strategic stocking arrangement, there will be famine. Prices of available commodities will rocket soon. Since local agricultural products are mainly cash crops, local farmers grow wheat and other grain in very small quantities. Airlifting of all these commodities, even if arranged, is not possible for the two million populations. How an administration that has failed to provide food to the 25000 people of Gojal Hunza for four months can supply these commodities for entire Gilgit Baltistan.
The fragile mountain environment has considerably changes due to the presence of huge water body among some of the largest glaciers of the world. Unusual raining is a continued phenomenon since February this year. Large water body is source for evaporation, raining and rapid glacier melting. The sudden increase of the Hunza River upstream which has caused panic of dam outburst is the result of this deposition. This experience is also a signal against proposed construction of large dams in the region.
It is beyond one’s understanding that the story of falling down of Ata Abad village on 4th January 2010 was reported in print and electronic media as land sliding which is a route phenomenon in mountainous terrain. The real story is still being camouflaged. It was not a simple land slide but a massive eruption of a village standing on a high seemingly rugged mountain well above the Hunza River. The villagers were witnessing widening cracks and emission of heat (some hot gases?) since 2002 which they had repeatedly reported to local authorities with the request to take timely measures. No reasonable action was witnessed in the long seven years period. Surveys and evacuation reversal activities carried out by a NGO Focus Humanitarian Assistance was an exception. It was in the fitness of things to carry a thorough geological survey so that the nature and magnitude of mountain eruption should have been gauged and losses of 19 precious lives would have been
averted. If satellite surveys can identify and locate huge mineral deposits buried deep in the earth, why could that technology not be used in this case. The eruption was so powerful that the major chunk of blown landmass stroke the opposite mountain across the river and cause Hunza river to turn into the devil dam. No one knows the cause of eruption and the fate of adjacent villages that face threat of the next bow up.
It is most heartening for the local populace that the Pakistan’s print and electronic media find it no sensational to cover and to sensitize the public opinion. Those who rightly championed rule of law and independence of judiciary did not find time from opening of Burjul Khalifa and Sania-Shoaib hypes. The negligence has been so frustrating that the cable operators lodged protest by staging a token blackout of Pakistani news channels all over Gilgit Baltistan. Rare news reports were an exception. It is only after threat declaration from administration that the visible near future disaster is in the headlines.
The plight of the so far victims of disaster, such as residents of the lost village of Ata Abad and the submerged villages of Ayeenabad and Shishkat are listening only false promises. Except for the payment of death compensations of 19 villagers, and of late provision of ration to Ata Abad IDPs, no plan for their rehabilitation and settlement has been announced. They are left to see their hand made oasis cracking and sinking in the devil dam. After months of demands and protests, the government announced declaring Ata Abad and Gojal Hunza ‘calamity hit area’. Although its written notification has come after many weeks but so far no relief has reached to the calamity hit people that could prove its practical implementation. NDMA had been giving different dates for opening of dam at different times, lastly declined to identify any date calling it a “tricky question’. The conflicting statements of various government agencies about dam’s opening
and its impact downstream, is ample proof of its inability and negligence. Even the National Assembly’s recommendation to take Chinese help in January has been dishonoured. Divergent opinions of NDMA and the Ministry of Environment, is yet another example of this situation.
It is now beyond any doubt that Pakistani agencies have failed to rise to the challenge despite sub achha hay reports and they lack the necessary resources and expertise to smoothly manage the emergent disastrous situation. Therefore, the international community should immediately come forward to the rescue of the unfortunate and unrepresented region.
By
Sultan Madad
Member Execative Council
Gilgit Baltistan Democratic Alliance
strategic Karakoram Highway and 3 bridges, the largest hotel (Silk Route Lodge) will be under water. This will cut KKH at the point Ghulkin Glacier snout disconnecting Gulmit and Ghulkin villages from rest of the world as these villages are already disconnected from downstream.
Now the situation has come to the alarming point where sudden outburst of dam within days is immanent and the entire downstream valley as long as Tarbela is at the verge of flood causing losses of billions of rupees. Karakorum Highway the only lifeline is facing numerous massive washouts and bridge collapses and will remain so for months if not years. The magnitude of the disaster can be imagined from the reportedly expected height of the torrent tide that may be somewhere between 100 and 300 feet high.
According to the experts’ reports, the torrent may directly destroy 36 villages displacing some 20000 people. Houses, hard worked terraced fields, orchards, whitewood plantation and standing crops will be smashed to debris in these villages. The extent of affect is entire Gilgit Baltistan and Kohistan on Indus River. Ahmad abad will be the first village to be hit by flood. Water will overtop and break down eight bridges on KKH besides many other bridges linking other valleys and villages with KKH. It will damage Karakorum University campus. Flood will block Gilgit River for about 14 hours. As a result, water will enter Chinar Bagh assembly hall.
As far as the state of crisis management on the part of government is concerned, it has completely failed to discharge its duty as trustee/caretaker of the disputed region. This failure and criminal negligence is either intentional or is the result of typical incompetence and corruption of the Pakistani authorities.
It was possible to avoid damming up by pumping out water over the debris by installation of heavy pumps. But it was termed ‘not feasible’ by NDMA/FWO authorities. This simple technique would have;
(a) avoided water rising and
(b) removed blockade/debris through continuous erosion and river bed would have been quite low.
It is worth noting that in winter season water flow was very low in Hunza River and it could have easily been pumped out. If a mega city like Karachi can be supplied hundreds of millions of gallon by pumping why was it not possible for Hunza? Large scale pumps or boring rugs should have been installed within days after the disaster. On the other hand, China had offered to remove the blockade in twenty days which was turned down and the contract was assigned to FWO.
Until 10th May 2010, the local puppet government was stressing that there is no risk of outburst and flooding, and that PPP’s opponents are creating unnecessary hue and cry. Suddenly the Chief Minister took a U turn and came to media with reports of increasing threat. Simultaneously, local administration declared that 36 villages are at risk and that the flood would displace 20,000 people.
Foreseeing this disastrous outbreak much earlier, local people in Hunza had been demanding that fuel, ration and other essential commodities should be stocked in each village/town of Hunza-Nagar and Gilgit. Similarly local population has been demanding for timely delivery of required material of temporary steel bridges on sites of endangered bridges so that such alternate bridges could be built and line of communication should be restored without wasting time.
Such reasonable demands were ignored as ‘false propaganda of political opponents’. Now the same puppet Chief Minister and Speaker are crying after wasting the high time of emergency planning and preparation. But since there is no real role and powers resting with the so called local government, its not worth being discussed. The only role it plays is to act in the puppet stage show and hoodwink the local population as well as international community. It is now clear that the seems that the Government of Pakistan has planned to destroy the entire valley and take advantage of the calamity to beg from the world in the name of assistance.
The entire Gilgit Baltistan will face food, fuel and essential items’ shortage for at least months. Since there is no strategic stocking arrangement, there will be famine. Prices of available commodities will rocket soon. Since local agricultural products are mainly cash crops, local farmers grow wheat and other grain in very small quantities. Airlifting of all these commodities, even if arranged, is not possible for the two million populations. How an administration that has failed to provide food to the 25000 people of Gojal Hunza for four months can supply these commodities for entire Gilgit Baltistan.
The fragile mountain environment has considerably changes due to the presence of huge water body among some of the largest glaciers of the world. Unusual raining is a continued phenomenon since February this year. Large water body is source for evaporation, raining and rapid glacier melting. The sudden increase of the Hunza River upstream which has caused panic of dam outburst is the result of this deposition. This experience is also a signal against proposed construction of large dams in the region.
It is beyond one’s understanding that the story of falling down of Ata Abad village on 4th January 2010 was reported in print and electronic media as land sliding which is a route phenomenon in mountainous terrain. The real story is still being camouflaged. It was not a simple land slide but a massive eruption of a village standing on a high seemingly rugged mountain well above the Hunza River. The villagers were witnessing widening cracks and emission of heat (some hot gases?) since 2002 which they had repeatedly reported to local authorities with the request to take timely measures. No reasonable action was witnessed in the long seven years period. Surveys and evacuation reversal activities carried out by a NGO Focus Humanitarian Assistance was an exception. It was in the fitness of things to carry a thorough geological survey so that the nature and magnitude of mountain eruption should have been gauged and losses of 19 precious lives would have been
averted. If satellite surveys can identify and locate huge mineral deposits buried deep in the earth, why could that technology not be used in this case. The eruption was so powerful that the major chunk of blown landmass stroke the opposite mountain across the river and cause Hunza river to turn into the devil dam. No one knows the cause of eruption and the fate of adjacent villages that face threat of the next bow up.
It is most heartening for the local populace that the Pakistan’s print and electronic media find it no sensational to cover and to sensitize the public opinion. Those who rightly championed rule of law and independence of judiciary did not find time from opening of Burjul Khalifa and Sania-Shoaib hypes. The negligence has been so frustrating that the cable operators lodged protest by staging a token blackout of Pakistani news channels all over Gilgit Baltistan. Rare news reports were an exception. It is only after threat declaration from administration that the visible near future disaster is in the headlines.
The plight of the so far victims of disaster, such as residents of the lost village of Ata Abad and the submerged villages of Ayeenabad and Shishkat are listening only false promises. Except for the payment of death compensations of 19 villagers, and of late provision of ration to Ata Abad IDPs, no plan for their rehabilitation and settlement has been announced. They are left to see their hand made oasis cracking and sinking in the devil dam. After months of demands and protests, the government announced declaring Ata Abad and Gojal Hunza ‘calamity hit area’. Although its written notification has come after many weeks but so far no relief has reached to the calamity hit people that could prove its practical implementation. NDMA had been giving different dates for opening of dam at different times, lastly declined to identify any date calling it a “tricky question’. The conflicting statements of various government agencies about dam’s opening
and its impact downstream, is ample proof of its inability and negligence. Even the National Assembly’s recommendation to take Chinese help in January has been dishonoured. Divergent opinions of NDMA and the Ministry of Environment, is yet another example of this situation.
It is now beyond any doubt that Pakistani agencies have failed to rise to the challenge despite sub achha hay reports and they lack the necessary resources and expertise to smoothly manage the emergent disastrous situation. Therefore, the international community should immediately come forward to the rescue of the unfortunate and unrepresented region.
By
Sultan Madad
Member Execative Council
Gilgit Baltistan Democratic Alliance
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Gilgit Baltistan:The banishment of nationalist’s leaders condemned
Skardu, April 29
The puppet provincial like government of Gilgit Baltistan is afraid of the freedom movement of Gilgit Baltistan. The banishment of nationalist’s leadership from Gilgit is a condemnable and shameful act of the new born government of Gilgit Baltistan.
This was sated by Manzoor Hussain Parwana chairman Gilgit Baltistan United Movement addressing a press conference in Skardu.
Parwana said that the colonial masters are getting more and more power after the so-called empowerment package introduced in the region. The violation of basic rights of the people has become order of the day. The live example of the lawlessness in the region is to expel the son of soils from their hometowns.
He explained that at least 11 nationalists were throw our by forced for three months from Gilgit-Baltistan in a bid to prevent a public gathering they were planning to hold in the region.
The Gilgit Baltistan Democratic Alliance (GBDA) had planned to hold a public meeting in Garhi Bagh, Gilgit, to condemn the ‘Karachi Agreement’ of April 28, 1949, under which the administrative control of Gilgit Baltistan was handed over to the government of Pakistan. He Said.
The police raided hotels in Gilgit and took into custody nationalist leaders and activists belonging to AJK, whereas the rest were picked up from their residences in the town. The nationalist’s leader Shafqat Inqalabi was arrested from Gilgit and sent out for three months. He said
Manzoor Parwana urged international community to take notice the rights violation in Gilgit Baltistan and used influence to release Shafqat Inqalabi.
Detail of detainees.
Those who were banished included APNA chairman Wajahat Hasan Mirza, his younger brother Nadir Hasan Mirza, and Farooq Umar Advocate of Karakoram National Movement from GB; Raja Mazhar Advocate, Sardar Saghir, chairman JKLF (Amanullah group), Professor Abdul Razzaq Khan Khalique, spokesman APNA, Arif Shahid, secretary general National Liberation Front, Sabir Kashmiri, senior vice-chairman JKLF (Rauf Kashmiri group), human rights activists Farooq Niazi and former NSF president Mehmood Baig from AJK.
Issued by
Gilgit Baltistan United Movement
The puppet provincial like government of Gilgit Baltistan is afraid of the freedom movement of Gilgit Baltistan. The banishment of nationalist’s leadership from Gilgit is a condemnable and shameful act of the new born government of Gilgit Baltistan.
This was sated by Manzoor Hussain Parwana chairman Gilgit Baltistan United Movement addressing a press conference in Skardu.
Parwana said that the colonial masters are getting more and more power after the so-called empowerment package introduced in the region. The violation of basic rights of the people has become order of the day. The live example of the lawlessness in the region is to expel the son of soils from their hometowns.
He explained that at least 11 nationalists were throw our by forced for three months from Gilgit-Baltistan in a bid to prevent a public gathering they were planning to hold in the region.
The Gilgit Baltistan Democratic Alliance (GBDA) had planned to hold a public meeting in Garhi Bagh, Gilgit, to condemn the ‘Karachi Agreement’ of April 28, 1949, under which the administrative control of Gilgit Baltistan was handed over to the government of Pakistan. He Said.
The police raided hotels in Gilgit and took into custody nationalist leaders and activists belonging to AJK, whereas the rest were picked up from their residences in the town. The nationalist’s leader Shafqat Inqalabi was arrested from Gilgit and sent out for three months. He said
Manzoor Parwana urged international community to take notice the rights violation in Gilgit Baltistan and used influence to release Shafqat Inqalabi.
Detail of detainees.
Those who were banished included APNA chairman Wajahat Hasan Mirza, his younger brother Nadir Hasan Mirza, and Farooq Umar Advocate of Karakoram National Movement from GB; Raja Mazhar Advocate, Sardar Saghir, chairman JKLF (Amanullah group), Professor Abdul Razzaq Khan Khalique, spokesman APNA, Arif Shahid, secretary general National Liberation Front, Sabir Kashmiri, senior vice-chairman JKLF (Rauf Kashmiri group), human rights activists Farooq Niazi and former NSF president Mehmood Baig from AJK.
Issued by
Gilgit Baltistan United Movement
Monday, April 26, 2010
Gilgit Baltistan:PPP won polls, not hearts, General Secretary GBUM
SKARDU: General Secretary Gilgit-Baltistan United Movement Ghulam Shahzad Agha has said Gilgit-Baltistan is at the cross-roads of its history with a number of crises hitting the region. He said whenever the PPP comes to power it staged a number of dramas in the region and the latest one of them was the introduction of the so-called empowerment package 2009 which has widely been rejected by the masses.
He pointed out that for renaming the NWFP as Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, an amendment was made to the Article 1 of the constitution of Pakistan while in the case of Gilgit-Baltistan the law was never touched. This shows the status of the package announced for Gilgit-Baltistan, he added.
Speaking at a press conference here, Agha said that in order to misappropriate the development funds, councils were formed at the village level soon after the elections 2009 in which hand picked and favorite people were included.
He said by making false promises the PPP claimed to have won the elections but failed to win the hearts of the masses in the region.
Looking at the tactics used during the elections, the people of the region are no more ready to believe what the ruling party is saying now. He said the funds of the Benazir income support program were also widely misused.
He demanded that the local bodies elections should be held without any further delay and if the government tried to delay the polls the doors of the apex court would be knocked.
He pointed out that for renaming the NWFP as Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, an amendment was made to the Article 1 of the constitution of Pakistan while in the case of Gilgit-Baltistan the law was never touched. This shows the status of the package announced for Gilgit-Baltistan, he added.
Speaking at a press conference here, Agha said that in order to misappropriate the development funds, councils were formed at the village level soon after the elections 2009 in which hand picked and favorite people were included.
He said by making false promises the PPP claimed to have won the elections but failed to win the hearts of the masses in the region.
Looking at the tactics used during the elections, the people of the region are no more ready to believe what the ruling party is saying now. He said the funds of the Benazir income support program were also widely misused.
He demanded that the local bodies elections should be held without any further delay and if the government tried to delay the polls the doors of the apex court would be knocked.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Monday, March 15, 2010
Gilgit Baltistan: Construction of Diamer Dam plan on died bodies condemned
GBUM condemns state terrorism against the peaceful protestors of Chilas City, Diamer. GBUM called a public gathering in Skardu city to tribute the martyrs of Diamer Dam .On February 18, 2010, security forces shot at and killed three and injured seven innocent people of Gilgit-Baltistan who were demanding royalty and resource-loss compensation as a result of Pakistan’s decision to construct a dam in their district.
Manzoor Hussain Parwana paid tribute to the people of Diamer district and said that GBUM salutes those who received martyrdom while fighting for their just rights and guarantees that their sacrifices will not go waste. Pakistan cannot force the people of Gilgit-Baltistan to agree on the construction of the dam. Diamer dam is a disputed issue built on disputed land. Construction of the dam is a conspiracy and seen by locals as state-led ethnic extermination. In the guise of infrastructure development, Pakistan is destroying local cultural heritage, national identity, civilization, control over precious antiques, and elimination of local dwellings.
The people of Gilgit-Baltistan extend their support to the residents of Diamer to fight and fail Pakistan in her endeavours to destroy land, resources and identity of the region. Diamer dam is not an issue that pertains to geographical, economic and social security of the entire Gilgit-Baltistan. Through this press release, GBUM intends to give a wake up call to the natives of Gilgit-Baltistan to unite with the people of Diamer.
The Dam is being constructed in violation of international political and water-rights laws. The Dam is being built in Gilgit-Baltistan, which is not a part of Pakistan but the dam royalty will go to Pakistan’s North West Frontier Province. The inundation of several villages and valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan and farmland and pastures will thus benefit the people of Pakistan. The cities of Pakistan will be electrified and illuminated from Diamer while destroying the livelihood and resource base of local people. The dam is primarily built as water storage body to provide irrigation to the deserts of Punjab in Pakistan; and the cost of destruction to farmland and pasture will be borne by the locals.
In the name of providing jobs to skilled people, thousands of Pakistanis will be settled in Diamer who will compete with locals for social services, and also cause demographic change in Pakistan’s favour.
GBUM urges the United Nations and human rights organizations to take strict action against those who killed and injured local protestors. Gilgit-Baltistan is part of the State of Jammu and Kashmir and currently under illegal occupation of Pakistan. In 1948, Pakistan was directed by the United Nations to withdraw from Gilgit-Baltistan within 90 days. Pakistani continued presence in the region is a clear violation of the UN resolutions on Kashmir.
GBUM reiterates that the protest against Pakistani illegal advancement will continue. The party will also approach International Court of Justice (ICJ) for due recourse.
Issued by
Manzoor Hussain Parwana
Chairperson, Gilgit-Baltistan United Movement (GBUM)
Skardu (Gilgit-Baltistan)
Date 14 March 2010
Manzoor Hussain Parwana paid tribute to the people of Diamer district and said that GBUM salutes those who received martyrdom while fighting for their just rights and guarantees that their sacrifices will not go waste. Pakistan cannot force the people of Gilgit-Baltistan to agree on the construction of the dam. Diamer dam is a disputed issue built on disputed land. Construction of the dam is a conspiracy and seen by locals as state-led ethnic extermination. In the guise of infrastructure development, Pakistan is destroying local cultural heritage, national identity, civilization, control over precious antiques, and elimination of local dwellings.
The people of Gilgit-Baltistan extend their support to the residents of Diamer to fight and fail Pakistan in her endeavours to destroy land, resources and identity of the region. Diamer dam is not an issue that pertains to geographical, economic and social security of the entire Gilgit-Baltistan. Through this press release, GBUM intends to give a wake up call to the natives of Gilgit-Baltistan to unite with the people of Diamer.
The Dam is being constructed in violation of international political and water-rights laws. The Dam is being built in Gilgit-Baltistan, which is not a part of Pakistan but the dam royalty will go to Pakistan’s North West Frontier Province. The inundation of several villages and valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan and farmland and pastures will thus benefit the people of Pakistan. The cities of Pakistan will be electrified and illuminated from Diamer while destroying the livelihood and resource base of local people. The dam is primarily built as water storage body to provide irrigation to the deserts of Punjab in Pakistan; and the cost of destruction to farmland and pasture will be borne by the locals.
In the name of providing jobs to skilled people, thousands of Pakistanis will be settled in Diamer who will compete with locals for social services, and also cause demographic change in Pakistan’s favour.
GBUM urges the United Nations and human rights organizations to take strict action against those who killed and injured local protestors. Gilgit-Baltistan is part of the State of Jammu and Kashmir and currently under illegal occupation of Pakistan. In 1948, Pakistan was directed by the United Nations to withdraw from Gilgit-Baltistan within 90 days. Pakistani continued presence in the region is a clear violation of the UN resolutions on Kashmir.
GBUM reiterates that the protest against Pakistani illegal advancement will continue. The party will also approach International Court of Justice (ICJ) for due recourse.
Issued by
Manzoor Hussain Parwana
Chairperson, Gilgit-Baltistan United Movement (GBUM)
Skardu (Gilgit-Baltistan)
Date 14 March 2010
Gilgit Baltistan: Construction of Diamer Dam died bodies condemned
GBUM condemns state terrorism against the peaceful protestors of Chilas City, Diamer. GBUM called a public gathering in Skardu city to tribute the martyrs of Diamer Dam .On February 18, 2010, security forces shot at and killed three and injured seven innocent people of Gilgit-Baltistan who were demanding royalty and resource-loss compensation as a result of Pakistan’s decision to construct a dam in their district.
Manzoor Hussain Parwana paid tribute to the people of Diamer district and said that GBUM salutes those who received martyrdom while fighting for their just rights and guarantees that their sacrifices will not go waste. Pakistan cannot force the people of Gilgit-Baltistan to agree on the construction of the dam. Diamer dam is a disputed issue built on disputed land. Construction of the dam is a conspiracy and seen by locals as state-led ethnic extermination. In the guise of infrastructure development, Pakistan is destroying local cultural heritage, national identity, civilization, control over precious antiques, and elimination of local dwellings.
The people of Gilgit-Baltistan extend their support to the residents of Diamer to fight and fail Pakistan in her endeavours to destroy land, resources and identity of the region. Diamer dam is not an issue that pertains to geographical, economic and social security of the entire Gilgit-Baltistan. Through this press release, GBUM intends to give a wake up call to the natives of Gilgit-Baltistan to unite with the people of Diamer.
The Dam is being constructed in violation of international political and water-rights laws. The Dam is being built in Gilgit-Baltistan, which is not a part of Pakistan but the dam royalty will go to Pakistan’s North West Frontier Province. The inundation of several villages and valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan and farmland and pastures will thus benefit the people of Pakistan. The cities of Pakistan will be electrified and illuminated from Diamer while destroying the livelihood and resource base of local people. The dam is primarily built as water storage body to provide irrigation to the deserts of Punjab in Pakistan; and the cost of destruction to farmland and pasture will be borne by the locals.
In the name of providing jobs to skilled people, thousands of Pakistanis will be settled in Diamer who will compete with locals for social services, and also cause demographic change in Pakistan’s favour.
GBUM urges the United Nations and human rights organizations to take strict action against those who killed and injured local protestors. Gilgit-Baltistan is part of the State of Jammu and Kashmir and currently under illegal occupation of Pakistan. In 1948, Pakistan was directed by the United Nations to withdraw from Gilgit-Baltistan within 90 days. Pakistani continued presence in the region is a clear violation of the UN resolutions on Kashmir.
GBUM reiterates that the protest against Pakistani illegal advancement will continue. The party will also approach International Court of Justice (ICJ) for due recourse.
Issued by
Manzoor Hussain Parwana
Chairperson, Gilgit-Baltistan United Movement (GBUM)
Skardu (Gilgit-Baltistan)
Date 14 March 2010
Manzoor Hussain Parwana paid tribute to the people of Diamer district and said that GBUM salutes those who received martyrdom while fighting for their just rights and guarantees that their sacrifices will not go waste. Pakistan cannot force the people of Gilgit-Baltistan to agree on the construction of the dam. Diamer dam is a disputed issue built on disputed land. Construction of the dam is a conspiracy and seen by locals as state-led ethnic extermination. In the guise of infrastructure development, Pakistan is destroying local cultural heritage, national identity, civilization, control over precious antiques, and elimination of local dwellings.
The people of Gilgit-Baltistan extend their support to the residents of Diamer to fight and fail Pakistan in her endeavours to destroy land, resources and identity of the region. Diamer dam is not an issue that pertains to geographical, economic and social security of the entire Gilgit-Baltistan. Through this press release, GBUM intends to give a wake up call to the natives of Gilgit-Baltistan to unite with the people of Diamer.
The Dam is being constructed in violation of international political and water-rights laws. The Dam is being built in Gilgit-Baltistan, which is not a part of Pakistan but the dam royalty will go to Pakistan’s North West Frontier Province. The inundation of several villages and valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan and farmland and pastures will thus benefit the people of Pakistan. The cities of Pakistan will be electrified and illuminated from Diamer while destroying the livelihood and resource base of local people. The dam is primarily built as water storage body to provide irrigation to the deserts of Punjab in Pakistan; and the cost of destruction to farmland and pasture will be borne by the locals.
In the name of providing jobs to skilled people, thousands of Pakistanis will be settled in Diamer who will compete with locals for social services, and also cause demographic change in Pakistan’s favour.
GBUM urges the United Nations and human rights organizations to take strict action against those who killed and injured local protestors. Gilgit-Baltistan is part of the State of Jammu and Kashmir and currently under illegal occupation of Pakistan. In 1948, Pakistan was directed by the United Nations to withdraw from Gilgit-Baltistan within 90 days. Pakistani continued presence in the region is a clear violation of the UN resolutions on Kashmir.
GBUM reiterates that the protest against Pakistani illegal advancement will continue. The party will also approach International Court of Justice (ICJ) for due recourse.
Issued by
Manzoor Hussain Parwana
Chairperson, Gilgit-Baltistan United Movement (GBUM)
Skardu (Gilgit-Baltistan)
Date 14 March 2010
Friday, March 12, 2010
Friday, March 5, 2010
Gilgit Baltistan: Leader welcomed to Challenge the Empowerment Package 2009 in Supreme Court.
Gilgit Baltistan: Leader welcomed to Challenge the Empowerment Package 2009 in Supreme Court.
Skardu: 6 March 2010
Manzoor Hussain Parwana Chairman Gilgit Baltistan United Movement (GBUM) has welcomed the petition of Shafqat Ali Inqalabi in Pakistan Supreme Court in which he has challenged the Empowerment and self Governance Ordinance 2009 for Gilgit Baltistan.
Manzoor Parwna said the petitioner has taken a brave step by challenging this Ordinance which aims to change the legal and constitutional position of the territory.
He said Gilgit Baltistan is not constitutional part of Pakistan and Pakistan has no right to legislate or formulate any constitutional Package to the people of the region. The establishment of de facto province of Gilgit Baltistan under the puppet Chief Minister is a shameful act of the government to strengthen the colonial control over the disputed area.
Parwana said we will provide moral political and technical support to Shafqat Inqalabi in his endeavors to seek justice for people of Gilgit Baltistan.
Issued by
Gilgit Baltistan United Movement
Skardu: 6 March 2010
Manzoor Hussain Parwana Chairman Gilgit Baltistan United Movement (GBUM) has welcomed the petition of Shafqat Ali Inqalabi in Pakistan Supreme Court in which he has challenged the Empowerment and self Governance Ordinance 2009 for Gilgit Baltistan.
Manzoor Parwna said the petitioner has taken a brave step by challenging this Ordinance which aims to change the legal and constitutional position of the territory.
He said Gilgit Baltistan is not constitutional part of Pakistan and Pakistan has no right to legislate or formulate any constitutional Package to the people of the region. The establishment of de facto province of Gilgit Baltistan under the puppet Chief Minister is a shameful act of the government to strengthen the colonial control over the disputed area.
Parwana said we will provide moral political and technical support to Shafqat Inqalabi in his endeavors to seek justice for people of Gilgit Baltistan.
Issued by
Gilgit Baltistan United Movement
Monday, March 1, 2010
Bunji dam a bid to pit locals against each other
The bids to pit the people of Rondu, Bunji and Haramush against each other in the name of Bunji dam will be foiled.This was stated by chairman of the Gilgit-Baltistan United Movement, Manzoor Hussain Parwana in a press statement issued here after meeting a delegation of the Bonju dam action committee. He asked Wapda to stop the policy of double standard and provide employment to the youth of the region keeping in view the boundary disputes and geographical facts in view. Otherwise, he warned, that the construction of the dam would be stopped by force. He said according to government documents the area stretching to Brum stream belonged to Baltistan. The point where the Bonju dam was being constructed was located on the right side of the Indus River and belonged to Rondu while on the right side it was the property of Bunji.He said the Gilgit-Skardu road was located on the side of Rondu and the construction of the dam would badly affect the Rondu area. He said that to bypass the people of Rondu in the construction of the dam would be highly unjustified and intolerable.Mr Parwana also said that setting up of a checkpost by the Gilgit police for the security of the dam was beyond his comprehension. It shows that the district administration of Skardu was ignorant of its administrative limits. In other words, it can be said that the local administration was in know of the establishment of the checkpost.He said the local administration of Skardu should deploy the Skardu police in the checkpost and also seek reply from the Gilgit police for setting up the picket outside its jurisdiction. He said if the local administration did not take care of the issue, the people of the area would themselves protect their boundary.He assured the delegation that the affected people of Rondu would be fully supported in getting their grievances resolved.
iSSUED BY
GBUM
iSSUED BY
GBUM
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Thursday, January 7, 2010
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