Friday, December 9, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Gilgit Baltistan: Human rights violation rising in the region day by day
Human rights violations, sectarian targeted killings and state-led terrorism continue in Gilgit under government patronage. After one hundred days of the tragedy of Hunza, where a father and his son were killed by law enforcement agents, government has failed to arrest the murderers. It has rather resorted to arresting and torturing political leader Babajan Hunzai and twelve other activists, which shows absence of law and justice in the region. This was stated by chairperson of Gilgit-Baltistan United Movement, Engineer Manzoor Parwana. He claimed that Gilgit-Baltistan ranked top in South Asia when counting the number of incidents of human rights violations in the year 2011. He accused the so-called provincial government for not only failing to control but intentionally supporting and promoting state-led terrorism, sectarianism, lawlessness, targeted killings and corruption which has engulfed Gilgit-Baltistan. He said that GBUM will issue white paper in this regard and details will be sent to the international human rights organizations including the UNO.
Manzoor accused the government of Mehdi Shah for arresting him on false charges and keeping in the lock up for several weeks. He stated that the government established false cases of sedition and terrorism to malign him and hurt his political career. He said that political activists associated with GBUM are being harassed and face political revenge. “Progressive leaders like Babajan and his dozens of fellows continue to linger in jail. There is complete censorship on freedom of speech and expression in Gilgit-Baltistan. Barring workers of Pakistan Peoples Party, all other political activists and social workers face harassment from government agencies.”
Parwana requests the international community to pressure Pakistan to pay attention to human rights violations in the disputed territory of Gilgit-Baltistan, so that natives could live a free life, a life of their choice, and a life with dignity and basic rights. He warned that a large scale human catastrophe awaits us if international community fails to pay attention to political and constitutional impasse in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Manzoor Parwana
Chairperson of Gilgit-Baltistan United Movement
November 30, 2011
Manzoor accused the government of Mehdi Shah for arresting him on false charges and keeping in the lock up for several weeks. He stated that the government established false cases of sedition and terrorism to malign him and hurt his political career. He said that political activists associated with GBUM are being harassed and face political revenge. “Progressive leaders like Babajan and his dozens of fellows continue to linger in jail. There is complete censorship on freedom of speech and expression in Gilgit-Baltistan. Barring workers of Pakistan Peoples Party, all other political activists and social workers face harassment from government agencies.”
Parwana requests the international community to pressure Pakistan to pay attention to human rights violations in the disputed territory of Gilgit-Baltistan, so that natives could live a free life, a life of their choice, and a life with dignity and basic rights. He warned that a large scale human catastrophe awaits us if international community fails to pay attention to political and constitutional impasse in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Manzoor Parwana
Chairperson of Gilgit-Baltistan United Movement
November 30, 2011
Monday, November 21, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Babajan Hunzai: Latest victim of Pakistani Brutality
Babajan Hunzai is chairperson of Progressive Youth Front of Pakistan occupied Gilgit-Baltistan and member of central executive committee of Pakistan Labor Party. He has remained in the forefront supporting the cause of thousands of neglected flood victims of Hunza who await financial assistance from the occupied regime. Given his popularity, secret service agencies framed him for sedition and tortured for three days, which has caused severe physical and psychological trauma.
According to a local journalist, Akbar Shah, the jail authorities have refused medical treatment to Babajan. His kidneys are severely affected due to beating. Other types of physical torture include forceful removal of toe and finger nails, and body hair, and repeated heavy blows on chest and stomach. The doctor who examined Babajan has recommended transferring him to Gilgit District Hospital but the police continue to resist the move. There are 34 other political and social activists who remain in custody of the police and security forces and face unabated torture and insults.
Meanwhile, several family members and relatives of Engineer Manzoor Parwana, who is the chairperson of Gilgit-Baltistan United Movement, have been suspended from their jobs. Manzoor has recently been released on bail after spending one month in Gilgit jail. He was charged for supporting the refugees who demand opening of the line of control and travel across into Indian Ladakh. The district deputy commissioner is using his influence on voters and family members of Parwana to pressure and discourage him from political activities.
Senge Sering
Manzoor Parwana Welcome in Baltistan
A large number of people in Rondu welcomed Chairman Gilgit-Baltistan United Movement (GBUM) Manzoor Hussain Parwana when he arrived there after his release from the central jail Gilgit.
People from all walks of life including nationalist leaders from other areas of the region garlanded Parwana. Rose petals were showered on his motorcade as it passed through the streets of the town. The GBUM leader addressed public gatherings at two points and said his arrest and honorable release was a victory for the entire people of Gilgit-Baltistan. He said he was put behind bars for raising voice for the rights of the masses and against the injustices of the rulers.
He said when armed security personnel surrounded him outside a hotel to arrest him for his speech in Gilgit city, he realized that the movement launched by the nationalist parties was nearing victory. And your presence here today establish the fact that we will get our rights which have been denied to us for the last over six decades.
He said if raising voice against injustices and for the achievement of people's basic rights was a crime he would continue to commit it. The GBUM chief said that the rulers had thought that by intimidation and arm twisting, they could suppress the people of the region. However, he added, they would never succeed in suppressing the voice of the masses anymore.
Speaking on the occasion, nationalist leader Ghulam Shehzad Agha said that by ordering the arrest of Manzoor the Mehdi Shah government has established its anti-people policies. He said his arrest was aimed at suppressing the truth. He said Mehdi Shah government had failed in all fronts and to conceal his failures he was staging one drama after the other by arresting nationalist leaders.
Muslim League Rondu chapter's president Haji Suleman said that Manzoor was a brave son of Rondu and by remaining in jail he has proved that he will never leave the people of the region alone at times of trial and tribulation.
Balawaristan National Front (BNF) leader Aslam Inqilabi paid tributes to Mr Parwana and said that his sacrifice was a symbol of victory and determination for the nationalist parties in the region. He said people like Manzoor were a beacon of hope for the entire masses of the region.
Manzoor Parwana Welcome in Baltistan
Manzoor Parwana Welcome in Baltistan after his released form Gilgit Prison .
Pakistan will fail to silence me:Manzoor Parwana
Recently released from the prison, chairperson of Gilgit-Baltistan United Movement, Manzoor Hussain Parwana, has stated that he will continue his struggle for an independent Gilgit-Baltistan. He requested the UNO to intervene and take control of the law and order situation in the occupied region.
He was commenting on the targeted killing of two residents of Gilgit on august 29th, which has brought the entire city to a standstill. He said, "Looking at the worsening situation in Karachi, Pakistani regime has failed to maintain law and order in its own country. Yet, it aspires to expand its frontiers into Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Afghanistan and Iran. Targeted killing has become a routine in Gilgit and Pakistani security forces and secret service agencies are directly involved in it. The situation in Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan invites direct intervention from the UNO forces."
Like Manzoor Parwana, hundreds of other political activists of Gilgit-Baltistan remain either in prison or incognito fearing reprisal from Pakistani occupying regimes. Parwana was framed under sedition in 2004 for publishing a magazine called Kargil International, which revealed information about military's mishandling of Kargil war against India. Recently, he was arrested for demanding opening of the line of control and resumption of trade and travel between Ladakh and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Reference:www. rangyul.com
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
GBUM will continue struggle for free Gilgit-Baltistan: Manzoor Parwana
Washington DC, DC Thursday, August 04, 2011
The Chairperson of Gilgit-Baltistan United Movement (GBUM), Manzoor Parwana, has vowed to continue the struggle for freedom of Gilgit-Baltistan. He was talking to the media from the Gilgit jail, where he is being held indefinitely for demanding cross line of control (LOC) travel and trade between Gilgit-Baltistan and Ladakh and withdrawal of Pakistani security forces from the disputed region. Gilgit-Baltistan is a UN-declared disputed territory which remains in Pakistani occupation since 1947.
He criticized Pakistani rulers for suppressing the voices of local people who have been demanding their constitutional rights since last six decades. He said, "Our freedom struggle will remain peaceful despite government's intentions of using brutal force against us. Our goal is to gain fundamental human rights including political emancipation. We are fighting against an apartheid regime and will be able to liberate this last surviving colony of the world". He thanked his party workers and friends for supporting him and braving Pakistani brutality.
The Chairperson of Gilgit-Baltistan United Movement (GBUM), Manzoor Parwana, has vowed to continue the struggle for freedom of Gilgit-Baltistan. He was talking to the media from the Gilgit jail, where he is being held indefinitely for demanding cross line of control (LOC) travel and trade between Gilgit-Baltistan and Ladakh and withdrawal of Pakistani security forces from the disputed region. Gilgit-Baltistan is a UN-declared disputed territory which remains in Pakistani occupation since 1947.
He criticized Pakistani rulers for suppressing the voices of local people who have been demanding their constitutional rights since last six decades. He said, "Our freedom struggle will remain peaceful despite government's intentions of using brutal force against us. Our goal is to gain fundamental human rights including political emancipation. We are fighting against an apartheid regime and will be able to liberate this last surviving colony of the world". He thanked his party workers and friends for supporting him and braving Pakistani brutality.
Islamabad: APNA condemns the arrest of Manzoor Parwana
Thursday, 25 August 2011 00:00
Rawalapindi, August 25: The leadership of All Parties National Alliance (APNA), an alliance of nationalist and progressive elements, groups, organizations and political parties of Pakistan-Administered-Jammu Kashmir (PAJK) and Occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (OGB), Mr. Sabir Kashmiri, Advocate, Mr. M. Iqbal, Advocate, Mr. Shahid Hussain, Advocate, Farooq Niazi, Arif Shahid, Prof. MARK Khaleeque, Mirza Nadir Hassan Khan, Mr. Mehmood Baig, Advocate, Wajid Ali Wajid, Advocate, Mehfooz Tahir, Burhan Ullah, Safdar Ali and some others have, in a joint statement, highly condemned the persecution and arrest of Engineer Manzoor Parwana, an activist and leader of APNA, at the hands of agencies, while speaking in a function arranged by the BSO at Skardu (OGB) a few days ago.
They said that Mr. Parwana was just giving voice to his conscience regarding the political, economic, social and human rights of the people of OGB and was not involved in any subversive activity. The leadership of APNA said that OGB, being disputed territory like other units of Jammu Kashmir, could not be considered part of Pakistan and hence its citizens could not be treated like that by the institutions of Pakistan and its puppets at OGB. Any citizen of OGB had a right to speak for and protest against the deprivation of the people of this territory, they said. They demanded immediate release of Mr. Parwana and an impartial inquiry into his persecution and arrest which is quite illegal and unconstitutional.
Issued By APNA
Rawalapindi, August 25: The leadership of All Parties National Alliance (APNA), an alliance of nationalist and progressive elements, groups, organizations and political parties of Pakistan-Administered-Jammu Kashmir (PAJK) and Occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (OGB), Mr. Sabir Kashmiri, Advocate, Mr. M. Iqbal, Advocate, Mr. Shahid Hussain, Advocate, Farooq Niazi, Arif Shahid, Prof. MARK Khaleeque, Mirza Nadir Hassan Khan, Mr. Mehmood Baig, Advocate, Wajid Ali Wajid, Advocate, Mehfooz Tahir, Burhan Ullah, Safdar Ali and some others have, in a joint statement, highly condemned the persecution and arrest of Engineer Manzoor Parwana, an activist and leader of APNA, at the hands of agencies, while speaking in a function arranged by the BSO at Skardu (OGB) a few days ago.
They said that Mr. Parwana was just giving voice to his conscience regarding the political, economic, social and human rights of the people of OGB and was not involved in any subversive activity. The leadership of APNA said that OGB, being disputed territory like other units of Jammu Kashmir, could not be considered part of Pakistan and hence its citizens could not be treated like that by the institutions of Pakistan and its puppets at OGB. Any citizen of OGB had a right to speak for and protest against the deprivation of the people of this territory, they said. They demanded immediate release of Mr. Parwana and an impartial inquiry into his persecution and arrest which is quite illegal and unconstitutional.
Issued By APNA
Manzoor parwana Arrest deplored
GILGIT: In order to conceal its own failures and misdeeds and afraid of the rising popularity of nationalist parties, the government of Pakistan is perpetrating injustices on the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and arresting local leaders without any justification.
This was stated by the participants of a meeting attended by leaders of the Balawaristan National Front (BNF) and the Balawaristan National Students Organization (BNSO) here.
The meeting said one example of the arbitrary and illegal actions against nationalist leaders in the region was the arrest by elite police and Rangers of Manzoor Hussain Parwana, the chairman of Gilgit-Baltistan United Movement in Gilgit the other day.
The participants of the meeting said that the only crime Mr Parwana had committed was that during his recent public meetings he had spoken in support of the affected people of Kargil and Laddakh and demanded immediate withdrawal of mining licence awarded to Mohsin Industries in Gilgit-Baltistan.
The participants of the meeting demanded that Mr Parwana should be released without any delay otherwise the government would be responsible for any untoward incident.
Speaking on the occasion, former chairman of the BNSO Khurshid Alam said that Pakistan had continued its injustices with the two million people of Gilgit-Baltistan. He said the people of the region were even not allowed the right of expression and their resources were being plundered by outsiders.
The participants of the meeting warned the government of Pakistan to mend its ways otherwise the people of the region, especially the youth, will rise against it.
Meanwhile, people of Rondu held a protest gathering and deplored the arrest of Mr Manzoor Parwana. They asked the government to release the nationalist leader otherwise the masses would take to the streets against the blatant violation of human rights and illegal act of the rulers.
They said that Mr Parwana had been raising voice for the rights of the masses and the registration of a concocted case against him was an insult with the peaceful people of the region.
They said that if Mr Parwana was not released immediately, the people of the region would launch a movement for safeguard of their rights and against government’s continued violations of human rights.
Free Manzoor Hussain Parwana
Written by
Waqas Ahmed
Manzoor Parwana, the Chairman of Gilgit Baltistan United Movement (GBUM) was detained during a concerted operation of Pakistan's law enforcement, Pakistani Rangers, Khyber Rifles and secret service personnel on July 28, 2011 at approximately 2 PM when he had just finished addressing the annual convention of Balawaristan National Students Organization (BNSO) in Gilgit. Later he was shifted to an unknown place by the secret service personnel for interrogation. According to the FIR, he was arrested for expressing support to the refugees of Ladakh in Gilgit-Baltistan who demand opening of the line of control; demanding re-instatement of State Subject Rule in the region; demanding withdrawal of Pakistani security forces from the region; and demanding basic human rights for the occupied nation of Gilgit-Baltistan.
KWA requests International Human Rights organizations including Freedom House, Human Rights Watch, and Amnesty International to take immediate action.KWA also requests the United Nations, American Congress, the European Parliament and SAARC to take immediate notice of the failing human rights situation in occupied Gilgit Baltistan.
KWA calls for demilitarization of Gilgit-Baltistan, promotion of genuine autonomy and democracy, withdrawal of extremist elements, re-instatement of state subject rule and people to people contact between Ladakh and Gilgit-Baltistan. It asks the United Nations to play its role in empowering local political institutions and ensuring freedom of expression and political activity. Wahid Kashir London
KWA requests International Human Rights organizations including Freedom House, Human Rights Watch, and Amnesty International to take immediate action.KWA also requests the United Nations, American Congress, the European Parliament and SAARC to take immediate notice of the failing human rights situation in occupied Gilgit Baltistan.
KWA calls for demilitarization of Gilgit-Baltistan, promotion of genuine autonomy and democracy, withdrawal of extremist elements, re-instatement of state subject rule and people to people contact between Ladakh and Gilgit-Baltistan. It asks the United Nations to play its role in empowering local political institutions and ensuring freedom of expression and political activity. Wahid Kashir London
The Kashmiri Workers Association Britain condemned the incident and termed it an attack on freedom of expression and political activity and illegal interference of Pakistani security forces in a UN-declared disputed region. They stated that his arrest was an effort of Pakistani occupying forces to promote state-led terrorism in Gilgit-Baltistan; derail India-Pakistan peace process and defame the nationalist forces, which demand complete withdrawal of occupying forces from their land.
Wahid Kashir the Spokesperson of KWA stated that Manzoor has been charged under section 123A, 124A and 153A of Pakistan penal code, which is an immoral and illegal act of the law enforcement agencies since these sections do not apply to the permanent residents of a disputed territory which lie outside the constitutional boundary of Pakistan. Pakistan is a signatory to the resolutions passed by the United Nations Commission on India and Pakistan assuring withdraw of her forces and citizens from Gilgit-Baltistan and other parts of Kashmir. However, it has continued military escalation, amassing more than forty thousand personnel in the region, which is a clear violation of international laws.
KWA has demanded release of all political prisoners of Gilgit-Baltistan and an end to apartheid era in South Asia. Similar appeal has come from political activists of Kargil district in Indian Ladakh, requesting opening of the line of control and reunification of Gilgit-Baltistan with the rest of Ladakh.
Manzoor is currently fighting a sedition case for criticizing Pakistani military for their misgivings during the Kargil War of 1999. His publication called Kargil International Magazine was also banned during the same time for exposing military crimes. He remains vocal demanding freedom for Gilgit Baltistan which remains in Pakistani occupation since 1947.We at Kashmiri Workers Association In support of local political parties; Gilgit Baltistan National Congress (GBNC) condemns abduction of Manzoor Parwana who is a seasoned politician and voice of the two million voiceless people of occupied Gilgit Baltistan.
Waqas Ahmed
Manzoor Parwana, the Chairman of Gilgit Baltistan United Movement (GBUM) was detained during a concerted operation of Pakistan's law enforcement, Pakistani Rangers, Khyber Rifles and secret service personnel on July 28, 2011 at approximately 2 PM when he had just finished addressing the annual convention of Balawaristan National Students Organization (BNSO) in Gilgit. Later he was shifted to an unknown place by the secret service personnel for interrogation. According to the FIR, he was arrested for expressing support to the refugees of Ladakh in Gilgit-Baltistan who demand opening of the line of control; demanding re-instatement of State Subject Rule in the region; demanding withdrawal of Pakistani security forces from the region; and demanding basic human rights for the occupied nation of Gilgit-Baltistan.
KWA requests International Human Rights organizations including Freedom House, Human Rights Watch, and Amnesty International to take immediate action.KWA also requests the United Nations, American Congress, the European Parliament and SAARC to take immediate notice of the failing human rights situation in occupied Gilgit Baltistan.
KWA calls for demilitarization of Gilgit-Baltistan, promotion of genuine autonomy and democracy, withdrawal of extremist elements, re-instatement of state subject rule and people to people contact between Ladakh and Gilgit-Baltistan. It asks the United Nations to play its role in empowering local political institutions and ensuring freedom of expression and political activity. Wahid Kashir London
KWA requests International Human Rights organizations including Freedom House, Human Rights Watch, and Amnesty International to take immediate action.KWA also requests the United Nations, American Congress, the European Parliament and SAARC to take immediate notice of the failing human rights situation in occupied Gilgit Baltistan.
KWA calls for demilitarization of Gilgit-Baltistan, promotion of genuine autonomy and democracy, withdrawal of extremist elements, re-instatement of state subject rule and people to people contact between Ladakh and Gilgit-Baltistan. It asks the United Nations to play its role in empowering local political institutions and ensuring freedom of expression and political activity. Wahid Kashir London
The Kashmiri Workers Association Britain condemned the incident and termed it an attack on freedom of expression and political activity and illegal interference of Pakistani security forces in a UN-declared disputed region. They stated that his arrest was an effort of Pakistani occupying forces to promote state-led terrorism in Gilgit-Baltistan; derail India-Pakistan peace process and defame the nationalist forces, which demand complete withdrawal of occupying forces from their land.
Wahid Kashir the Spokesperson of KWA stated that Manzoor has been charged under section 123A, 124A and 153A of Pakistan penal code, which is an immoral and illegal act of the law enforcement agencies since these sections do not apply to the permanent residents of a disputed territory which lie outside the constitutional boundary of Pakistan. Pakistan is a signatory to the resolutions passed by the United Nations Commission on India and Pakistan assuring withdraw of her forces and citizens from Gilgit-Baltistan and other parts of Kashmir. However, it has continued military escalation, amassing more than forty thousand personnel in the region, which is a clear violation of international laws.
KWA has demanded release of all political prisoners of Gilgit-Baltistan and an end to apartheid era in South Asia. Similar appeal has come from political activists of Kargil district in Indian Ladakh, requesting opening of the line of control and reunification of Gilgit-Baltistan with the rest of Ladakh.
Manzoor is currently fighting a sedition case for criticizing Pakistani military for their misgivings during the Kargil War of 1999. His publication called Kargil International Magazine was also banned during the same time for exposing military crimes. He remains vocal demanding freedom for Gilgit Baltistan which remains in Pakistani occupation since 1947.We at Kashmiri Workers Association In support of local political parties; Gilgit Baltistan National Congress (GBNC) condemns abduction of Manzoor Parwana who is a seasoned politician and voice of the two million voiceless people of occupied Gilgit Baltistan.
Manzoor Parwana's letter to his son from Gilgit Prison
Manzoor Hussain Parwana is charged for sedition and detained in central jail, Gilgit-Baltistan. Recently he wrote a letter to his three years old son, Anchan Sengge, which is reproduced here.
Dear Anchan Sengge
My earnest apologies for staying away from you all and failing to arrange a medical checkup for your five-month old sister, Tongo Zazo. For all these ten days, I didn’t have access to the phone either since I am detained in a jail in Gilgit.
Your father is struggling for socio-economic and political rights for the disenfranchised people of Gilgit-Baltistan. Pakistani authorities use brutal force and colonial tactics to suppress such movements. On July 28, 2011, they had once again planned to create bloodshed and mayhem in Gilgit-Baltistan by arresting the political workers. However, your father and his colleagues exposed their conspiracies by remaining peaceful.
Dear Anchan!
On that day, I was invited as a guest speaker to talk to the students of Gilgit-Baltistan. During my speech, I talked about corruption, financial embezzlement, nepotism and social injustices which the colonial apartheid regime promotes in the region with impunity.
I demanded power to the people, genuine autonomy and a governance system based on justice and therefore I was abducted by the security forces.
I demanded re-instatement of State Subject Rule and cancellation of mining licenses to foreign companies including Mohsin Industries and desired locals of Gilgit-Baltistan regaining control over our land and resources and that is why they arrested me.
I demanded cross-LOC trade and travel between Gilgit-Baltistan and Ladakh which could also help ten thousand divided family members and they implicated me for treason.
I demanded provision of adequate health, education, drinking water and jobs for the local youth and they put shackles on me. My demands offended Pakistani military establishment, bureaucrats and security service agents and they decided to shut me down.
My son!
As I was coming out of Palace Hotel, peaceful and unarmed, hundreds of para-military and police personnel lurking on the streets encircled me and put me in the ISI detention center to prove their valor and loyalty to the occupiers.
You continue questioning your mom about my whereabouts. May be the concept of jail will become clearer to you once you grow up. It is like a state guest house where no one enters and exits with free will.
Hopefully one day, I will reunite with you, the way Ladakhi refugees of Gilgit-Baltistan will reunite with their loved ones. For the time being, just know that your loving father is in custody of an unjust apartheid regime, which has no constitutional rights to be in Gilgit-Baltistan in the first place.
I will continue to oppose state-led brutality and occupation. I intend to help natives of Gilgit-Baltistan gain freedom from militancy, extremism, terrorism, slavery, religious and ethnic discrimination, corruption, poverty and injustice; and have already placed the burial shroud on me. My path is challenging and long and the destination awaits us impatiently. In this struggle for rights for our nation, we will be victorious.
I expect you and Zazo to receive me with garland of flowers and optimism as and when the opportunity arises.
With Love,
Your Father
Manzoor Hussain Parwana
Central Jail, Gilgit
August 6, 2011
Baltistan United Movement GBUM, Engineer Manzoor Parwana, was arrested in Gilgit
Gilgit: Chairman of the Gilgit – Baltistan United Movement GBUM, Engineer Manzoor Parwana, was yesterday . He was arrested after he made a speech at the convention of Balawaristan National Students Organization (BNSO).
According to government sources Parwana spoke against the state and supported the people who have threatened to march towards the Indian border, in favour of their demands for opening of roads.
Arrest of Manzoor Parwana has been criticized by nationalist and liberal forces, who have termed it to be equal to suppression of the freedom of speech and expression.
It is pertinent to note that Parwana has been arrested on several occasions on different charges, including treason and conspiring against the state, charges that Parwana has negated.
Gilgit-Baltistan: Increased ISI Presence Leads to Unfair Detention
August 2, 2011
Manzoor Parwana, an outspoken politician opposed to Pakistani occupation, was arrested on 28 July 2011 for challenging military encroachment in the region.
Below is a article published by Expert Click:
Manzoor Parwana is one of the leading politicians in Gilgit-Baltistan who opposes Pakistan's unilateral occupation of the disputed region, which is also claimed by India. He was abducted on July 28 by Pakistani security forces for raising voice for more than ten thousand Ladakhi refugees, who reside in different parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, and desire reunification with their relatives in India.
This happened at the time when Pakistani foreign minister, Ms. Khar, was on her visit to India. With no realization of detention and torture of political leaders in Gilgit-Baltistan, she was lecturing India on promoting freedom of expression and political activity in Kashmir. She was also provided with the relaxed environment to join Hurriyat leaders in their demand for the right of self-determination for Kashmir; something that Pakistan categorically denies for Gilgit-Baltistan and Balochistan. These two occupied regions are tightly controlled and largely out of bounds, which restricts both political and international humanitarian work.
Manzoor was arrested for expressing something which adds to the insecurities of Pakistani champions of democracy and self-rule. During his speech at the annual convention of Balawaristan National Students Organization in Gilgit, which became the basis for his detention, he challenged Pakistani presence in Gilgit-Baltistan based on constitutional grounds. He stated that Pakistan lacks the sovereign rights over Gilgit-Baltistan and therefore must withdraw her troops and citizens from the region. He drew parallels between Pakistani troops stationed in Gilgit-Baltistan to Syria's presence in Lebanon and said, "Just because some elements desire to see a permanent Pakistani presence in Gilgit-Baltistan does not mean that Pakistani troops have gained the legitimacy to continue the occupation. Pakistan is violating international laws and UN resolutions on Gilgit-Baltistan, which exposes her true face viz. a viz. Kashmir issue."
For all these years, Manzoor has been critical of military's involvement in the political affairs in Gilgit-Baltistan. He was under surveillance since last few months for approaching international policy and rights organizations to garner support for Gilgit-Baltistan. In June, Manzoor was going to be the key note speaker at a conference in the European Parliament; however, he was barred from travelling abroad.
According to his attorney, Advocate Ehsan Ali, who is also the president of Gilgit-Baltistan High Court Bar Association, Manzoor has been booked for sedition and questioned for his connection with those among the Ladakhi refugees who declared a long march towards the Indian line of control in protest of Pakistani reluctance to open the LOC on humanitarian grounds. In reality, he is being punished for his networking skills to disseminate information to individuals and institutions in Europe and America.
Advocate Ehsan and others within political organizations of Gilgit-Baltistan have requested Human Rights Watch, Freedom House and Amnesty International to take immediate notice of the grave political situation in Gilgit-Baltistan and demand of Pakistani authorities to release Manzoor Parwana and respect freedom of expression and political activity in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Pakistani civil society must realize that Pakistan's double standards on Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan only make the CBMs futile and overburden rapidly depleting resources. Only the people of Pakistan and not the outsiders can force the military establishment discard its colonial era tactics and work for social and economic integration within South Asia.
Gilgit Baltistan: Detainment of Manzoor Parwana is the latest of political activists
August 1, 2011
Manzoor Parwana arrested for expressing support for refugees of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Below is an article published by Balawaristan National Front:
Manzoor Parwana, the Chairman of Gilgit Baltistan United Movement (GBUM) was detained during a concerted operation of Pakistan's law enforcement, Pakistani Rangers, Khyber Rifles and secret service personnel on July 28, 2011 at approximately 2 PM when he had just finished addressing the annual convention of Balawaristan National Students Organization (BNSO) in Gilgit. Later he was shifted to an unknown place by the secret service personnel for interrogation. According to the FIR, he was arrested for expressing support to the refugees of Ladakh in Gilgit-Baltistan who demand opening of the line of control; demanding re-instatement of State Subject Rule in the region; demanding withdrawal of Pakistani security forces from the region; and demanding basic human rights for the occupied nation of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Right after his arrest, Advocate Ehsan Ali, President of Gilgit-Baltistan Bar Association, Engineer Amanullah, Chairman of Gilgit-Baltistan Democratic Alliance, Safdar Ali, President of Balawaristan National Front, Ghulam Shehzad Agha, General Secretary of GBUM, Babajan Hunzai, Coordinator of Progressive Youth Front, and Tauseef Hassan, President of BNSO held press conferences condemning the incident and termed it an attack on freedom of expression and political activity and illegal interference of Pakistani security forces in a UN-declared disputed region. They stated that his arrest was an effort of Pakistani occupying forces to promote state-led terrorism in Gilgit-Baltistan; derail India-Pakistan peace process and defame the nationalist forces, which demand complete withdrawal of occupying forces from their land.
Safdar Ali stated that Manzoor has been charged under section 123A, 124A and 153A of Pakistan penal code, which is an immoral and illegal act of the law enforcement agencies since these sections do not apply to the permanent residents of a disputed territory which lie outside the constitutional boundary of Pakistan. Pakistan is a signatory to the resolutions passed by the United Nations Commission on India and Pakistan assuring withdraw of her forces and citizens from Gilgit-Baltistan and other parts of Kashmir. However, it has continued military escalation, amassing more than forty thousand personnel in the region, which is a clear violation of international laws.
Babajan Hunzai has demanded release of all political prisoners of Gilgit-Baltistan and an end to apartheid era in South Asia. Similar appeal has come from political activists of Kargil district in Indian Ladakh, requesting opening of the line of control and reunification of Gilgit-Baltistan with the rest of Ladakh.
In his press release, Ghulam Shehzad Agha said, “Detention of political activists continues in Pakistan and its occupied regions despite assurances of the prime minister to the international community of upholding democracy and freedom of political activity and expression. People of Gilgit-Baltistan cannot be booked for treason since they are not citizens of Pakistan. If supporting the refugees of Ladakh to promote their birth right of free travel, and socio-economic activity is a crime, then GBUM will continue to commit it. GBUM will support rally of the Ladakhi refugees towards the line of control even after the arrest of Manzoor Parwana.” Agha also condemned Pakistani establishment for awarding illegal mining licenses to the Chinese companies, who have their eyes set on uranium rich mineral deposits of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Manzoor is currently fighting a sedition case for criticizing Pakistani military for their misgivings during the Kargil War of 1999. His publication called Kargil International Magazine was also banned during the same time for exposing military crimes. He remains vocal demanding freedom for Gilgit Baltistan which remains in Pakistani occupation since 1947.
In support of local political parties; Gilgit Baltistan National Congress (GBNC) condemns abduction of Manzoor Parwana who is a seasoned politician and voice of the two million voiceless people of occupied Gilgit Baltistan.
GBNC requests International Human Rights organizations including Freedom House, Human Rights Watch, and Amnesty International to take immediate action. GBNC also requests the United Nations, American Congress, the European Parliament and SAARC to take immediate notice of the failing human rights situation in occupied Gilgit Baltistan.
GBNC calls for demilitarization of Gilgit-Baltistan, promotion of genuine autonomy and democracy, withdrawal of extremist elements, re-instatement of state subject rule and people to people contact between Ladakh and Gilgit-Baltistan. It asks the United Nations to play its role in empowering local political institutions and ensuring freedom of expression and political activity.
Senge Sering
Gilgit Baltistan National Congress
1831 Belmont Road NW
Washington DC, DC
Gilgit Baltistan: Opposition Leader Arrested At Student Rally
http://www.unpo.org/article/12996
August 4, 2011
Chairman of the Gilgit Baltistan United Movement, Mr. Manzoor Parwana, has been arrested by Pakistani security forces without obvious charge following a speech to the Balawaristan National Students Organisation, Gilgit City.
Below is a Press Release from the Balawaristan National Front:
Manzoor Hussain Parwana, the Chairman of the Gilgit Baltistan United Movement has been arrested by Pakistan Rangers, FC and Gilgit City Police commandos after his speech in the convention of Balawaristan National Students Organization on 28th July 2011. He was already framed in sedition charges by the occupation regime of Pakistan, because he was exposing Pakistan Forces and their intelligence agencies’ illegal activities in Gilgit Baltistan, a newly created province of Pakistan.
It is reported that Mr. Manzoor has been taken to Inter Services Intelligence service (ISI) Centre at Sonikote Gilgit, where he will be interrogated by ISI, MI and other forces. It is obvious that he will be tortured and will be framed in any fake case to malign the nationalist movement in this disputed area, so the attention of arrest of ISI agent Ghulam Nabi Fai by FBI in Washington is neutralized. Mr. Fai was arrested in the USA on the charges of being a spy of Pakistan.
He was the editor and publisher of a weekly newspaper the Kargil International was banned few years ago when he published interviews of the Northern Light Infantry (NLI) soldiers who were used as mercenaries against India in Kargil war in 1999 by the former General Musharraf, by terming them as Mujahideen (holy warriors) and he (Musharraf) himself confessed that misadventure by giving awards to those who were killed on Kargil mountains. In that war he did accept the dead bodies of some Pakistani but denied to accept the dead bodies of the soldiers of Gilgit Baltistan in spite of the offer by government of India to take the dead bodies of NLI soldiers, whose bodies have been buried temporarily on the mountains of Kargil
Gilgit and Baltistan are treated as Pakistan occupied areas, where pro-Pakistani political parties and religious parties are free to address the public while nationalist parties who oppose the Pakistani occupation are under serious threat and their right of speech and free movement and political activities are restricted by all cruel acts. In the last elections of 2009 for the so-called empowerment package, the candidates of GBDA (Gilgit Baltistan Democratic Alliance) were arrested and some were sent exiled by force, while the pro-Pakistani parties were freed to right on their will.
We appeal for his immediate release and the withdrawal of all charges against him. The people of Gilgit and Baltistan should be allowed ascertain their right of self determination. We also appeal to the UN and Human Rights organizations to take urgent action to save his life.
Gilgit-Baltistan Movement Leader Arrested by Pak Army
PTI | Washington | Jul 31, 2011 PRINT SHARE COMMENTS
Manzoor Parwana, Chairman of Gilgit Baltistan United Movement (GBUM), has been arrested for demanding withdrawal of Pakistani forces and supporting the refugees from Ladakh in the region, an advocacy group here claimed today.
Parwana was held during a concerted operation of Pakistan's law enforcement, Pakistani Rangers, Khyber Rifles and secret service personnel on July 28 when he had just finished addressing the annual convention of Balawaristan National Students Organisation (BNSO) in Gilgit, the US-based advocacy group 'Gilgit Baltistan National Congress' said in a statement.
According to the FIR, he was arrested for expressing support for the refugees of Ladakh in Gilgit Baltistan who want opening of the Line of Control and demanding reinstatement of State Subject Rule in the region, withdrawal of Pakistani security forces from there and basic human rights for the people, it said.
The GBUM headed by Parwana demands a fully autonomous state consisting of Gilgit and Baltistan, also known as the Northern Areas.
Filed On: Jul 31, 2011 13:31 IST , Edited On: Jul 31, 2011
Friday, July 1, 2011
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
Gilgit Baltistan: Provincial like setup hinders socio-economic growth
While talking to the media on April 27, Chairperson of Gilgit-Baltistan United Movement, Engineer Manzoor Hussain Parwana, drew attention to the fact that Pakistan controlled Gilgit-Baltistan is moving towards financial bankruptcy and authorities lack funds to pay salaries to the employees of energy, water, sanitation, civil supply, road and buildings, education and health departments. He said that the situation contradicts Pakistan's claims regarding effectiveness of the empowerment and self-governance ordinance of 2009. It is true that the ordinance may have created few hundred positions and designations of cabinet members and high ranking Pakistani bureaucrats. But these bureaucrats have largely worked to safeguard interests of Islamabad rather than serve poverty-stricken natives.
Parwana said that the civilian developmental budget has been redirected to the office of Chief Minister to pay for allowances and protocol expenditures of the entourage of ministers. He quoted the auditor general of Gilgit-Baltistan, that if non-developmental expenditure is not reduced, then the entire province-like set up will cease to function in the next few months.
Parwana said that the governmental departments like Local Government and Rural Development (LG&RD), which currently have no funds to undertake projects, are forced to falsely claim credit for the development projects initiated and completed by Aga Khan Developmental Network (AKDN). It is precisely because developmental budget of LG&RD is being spent on election rallies and buying loyalties of the politicians. He stressed that the government should stop relying on non-profit organizations to run the affairs of the region and fulfill their designated responsibilities. He lamented the fact that after completion of two years by the current regime, no annual development plan (ADP) has been presented, which hinders socio-economic growth. Today, targeted killings continue unabated and thousands of employees are protesting on the road demanding salaries, which shows that Pakistan has lost its writ in the region. A situation similar to Syria, Lybia and Yemen exists in Gilgit-Baltistan and international community needs to pay immediate attention.
In the context, thousands of affected people of Ataabad Lake disaster await funds for rehabilitation and compensation for the land and revenue losses. These people are victim of embezzlement, nepotism and in-efficiencies within government departments. He emphasized that eliminating Islamabad’s interference in Gilgit-Baltistan will help address these issues.
Manzoor Hussain Parwana
Chairman
Gilgit Baltistan United ovement
Skardu : 28 April 2011
Parwana said that the civilian developmental budget has been redirected to the office of Chief Minister to pay for allowances and protocol expenditures of the entourage of ministers. He quoted the auditor general of Gilgit-Baltistan, that if non-developmental expenditure is not reduced, then the entire province-like set up will cease to function in the next few months.
Parwana said that the governmental departments like Local Government and Rural Development (LG&RD), which currently have no funds to undertake projects, are forced to falsely claim credit for the development projects initiated and completed by Aga Khan Developmental Network (AKDN). It is precisely because developmental budget of LG&RD is being spent on election rallies and buying loyalties of the politicians. He stressed that the government should stop relying on non-profit organizations to run the affairs of the region and fulfill their designated responsibilities. He lamented the fact that after completion of two years by the current regime, no annual development plan (ADP) has been presented, which hinders socio-economic growth. Today, targeted killings continue unabated and thousands of employees are protesting on the road demanding salaries, which shows that Pakistan has lost its writ in the region. A situation similar to Syria, Lybia and Yemen exists in Gilgit-Baltistan and international community needs to pay immediate attention.
In the context, thousands of affected people of Ataabad Lake disaster await funds for rehabilitation and compensation for the land and revenue losses. These people are victim of embezzlement, nepotism and in-efficiencies within government departments. He emphasized that eliminating Islamabad’s interference in Gilgit-Baltistan will help address these issues.
Manzoor Hussain Parwana
Chairman
Gilgit Baltistan United ovement
Skardu : 28 April 2011
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Gilgit Baltistan : GB to stage a bloody uprising.
Gilgit Baltistan : GB to stage a bloody uprising.
Skardu,
March 26, 2011
Corruption, joblessness and lack of funds are forcing the natives of GB to stage a bloody uprising. Government's policy to continue Islamabad's colonial system is causing irreparable damage to the people of GB. These views were expressed Manzoor Hussain Parwana Chief of Gilgit Baltistan United Movement addressing a press conference at Skardu.
Parwana said Pakistan's autonomy package has failed to produce results as terrorism, targeted killing and corruption have made GB a hostage. The ad-hoc presidential ordinance is not the solution, as people want genuine autonomy. A Tunisian style uprising is in the offing as the regime has failed to pay attention to the genuine needs of the people. Although currently, poverty, ban on political activity, lack of freedom of expression, and fear is holding the people back but educated youth are more aware and ready to regain control over their land. They know that they are dealing with one of the most ruthless regimes and militaries in the world, which is not shy of killing their own people for paltry amounts of compensation and ransom.
"This regime does not work for their own citizens but rather work for money. What autonomy can we expect from such a regime. Main reason of target killing is denial of basic human rights. In the name of autonomy, thousands of security forces have arrived in the region, which oppress the natives with impunity. Instead of confronting the terrorists, they torture and harass nationalist political workers. The only solution acceptable to these issues is respect to the wishes of locals and withdrawal of Pakistani colonial masters from the region." Parwana added
Issued By
GBUM
Central Secretariat Skardu
Skardu,
March 26, 2011
Corruption, joblessness and lack of funds are forcing the natives of GB to stage a bloody uprising. Government's policy to continue Islamabad's colonial system is causing irreparable damage to the people of GB. These views were expressed Manzoor Hussain Parwana Chief of Gilgit Baltistan United Movement addressing a press conference at Skardu.
Parwana said Pakistan's autonomy package has failed to produce results as terrorism, targeted killing and corruption have made GB a hostage. The ad-hoc presidential ordinance is not the solution, as people want genuine autonomy. A Tunisian style uprising is in the offing as the regime has failed to pay attention to the genuine needs of the people. Although currently, poverty, ban on political activity, lack of freedom of expression, and fear is holding the people back but educated youth are more aware and ready to regain control over their land. They know that they are dealing with one of the most ruthless regimes and militaries in the world, which is not shy of killing their own people for paltry amounts of compensation and ransom.
"This regime does not work for their own citizens but rather work for money. What autonomy can we expect from such a regime. Main reason of target killing is denial of basic human rights. In the name of autonomy, thousands of security forces have arrived in the region, which oppress the natives with impunity. Instead of confronting the terrorists, they torture and harass nationalist political workers. The only solution acceptable to these issues is respect to the wishes of locals and withdrawal of Pakistani colonial masters from the region." Parwana added
Issued By
GBUM
Central Secretariat Skardu
Gilgit Baltistan : GB to stage a bloody uprising.
Gilgit Baltistan : GB to stage a bloody uprising.
Skardu,
March 26, 2011
Corruption, joblessness and lack of funds are forcing the natives of GB to stage a bloody uprising. Government's policy to continue Islamabad's colonial system is causing irreparable damage to the people of GB. These views were expressed Manzoor Hussain Parwana Chief of Gilgit Baltistan United Movement addressing a press conference at Skardu.
Parwana said Pakistan's autonomy package has failed to produce results as terrorism, targeted killing and corruption have made GB a hostage. The ad-hoc presidential ordinance is not the solution, as people want genuine autonomy. A Tunisian style uprising is in the offing as the regime has failed to pay attention to the genuine needs of the people. Although currently, poverty, ban on political activity, lack of freedom of expression, and fear is holding the people back but educated youth are more aware and ready to regain control over their land. They know that they are dealing with one of the most ruthless regimes and militaries in the world, which is not shy of killing their own people for paltry amounts of compensation and ransom.
"This regime does not work for their own citizens but rather work for money. What autonomy can we expect from such a regime. Main reason of target killing is denial of basic human rights. In the name of autonomy, thousands of security forces have arrived in the region, which oppress the natives with impunity. Instead of confronting the terrorists, they torture and harass nationalist political workers. The only solution acceptable to these issues is respect to the wishes of locals and withdrawal of Pakistani colonial masters from the region." Parwana added
Issued By
GBUM
Central Secretariat Skardu
Skardu,
March 26, 2011
Corruption, joblessness and lack of funds are forcing the natives of GB to stage a bloody uprising. Government's policy to continue Islamabad's colonial system is causing irreparable damage to the people of GB. These views were expressed Manzoor Hussain Parwana Chief of Gilgit Baltistan United Movement addressing a press conference at Skardu.
Parwana said Pakistan's autonomy package has failed to produce results as terrorism, targeted killing and corruption have made GB a hostage. The ad-hoc presidential ordinance is not the solution, as people want genuine autonomy. A Tunisian style uprising is in the offing as the regime has failed to pay attention to the genuine needs of the people. Although currently, poverty, ban on political activity, lack of freedom of expression, and fear is holding the people back but educated youth are more aware and ready to regain control over their land. They know that they are dealing with one of the most ruthless regimes and militaries in the world, which is not shy of killing their own people for paltry amounts of compensation and ransom.
"This regime does not work for their own citizens but rather work for money. What autonomy can we expect from such a regime. Main reason of target killing is denial of basic human rights. In the name of autonomy, thousands of security forces have arrived in the region, which oppress the natives with impunity. Instead of confronting the terrorists, they torture and harass nationalist political workers. The only solution acceptable to these issues is respect to the wishes of locals and withdrawal of Pakistani colonial masters from the region." Parwana added
Issued By
GBUM
Central Secretariat Skardu
Friday, March 25, 2011
Gilgit Baltistan : Harassment of Nationalist leader intensifies
March 24, 2011
The ad-hoc self-governance and empowerment presidential ordinance, which was promulgated by President Zardari in June 2009 to solve political issues of Gilgit-Baltistan, has failed to garner any support among the natives of the region. The situation is favoring nationalists and separatists as thousands of youth have joined the ranks and demand genuine political autonomy and withdrawal of Pakistani security forces from the region. Nationalists assert that Gilgit-Baltistan is part of the disputed princely state of Jammu & Kashmir and therefore, Pakistan must withdraw from the region to honor the United Nations resolutions of 1948 and 1949. Further, they claim that natives of Gilgit-Baltistan have the same birth right to self-determination, which Pakistan currently prescribes for the people of Kashmir Valley.
Ironically, while Pakistan promotes the cause of the Kashmiri people and supports their right of freedom; it restricts political activity for the nationalists in Gilgit-Baltistan and encourages its security forces to brutally suppress similar aspirations. Human rights violations and attack on human right defenders have increased since the promulgation of Zardari ordinance in 2009. There is a complete ban on political activity and public gathering of the nationalists and many activists and leaders remain expelled from the region. It has become a routine for the agents of secret service agency of Pakistan, Inter-Services Intelligence or ISI to barge into the houses of political activists to threaten their family members. The situation needs immediate international attention as human right defenders are not safe in their own homes while the region remains in de-facto control of ISI personnel.
On March 10, 2011, a green pick-up truck belonging to the 411 command office of ISI in Skardu, carrying two agents arrived in Haji Bazaar of Thowar, Baltistan. The two personnel along with the driver Sipahi Muhammad Hussain, who originally belongs to Kharmang, Baltistan, then barged into the house of the Chairperson of Gilgit-Baltistan United Movement, Engineer Manzoor Parwana. They pretended to be his friends and inquired about his whereabouts and social activities. After failing to receive any information, they left the house threatening the family members of the consequences.
Manzoor Parwana, while talking to the crime reporter of the Weekly Baang condemned the cowardly act of Pakistani agencies. He said, “Pakistan is worried since nationalists are becoming popular in the region. I have personally received death threats but I continue my struggle for the independence for my nation”. He demanded that Field Command Office of Gilgit-Baltistan and the Brigade office in Skardu should take immediate notice of such unwarranted interferences by security agencies in the local socio-political matters and order investigation against the afore-mentioned personnel.
Reference: www.weeklybaang.blogspot.com
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Thursday, January 13, 2011
GILGIT BALTISTAN: FATHER DEMISED
The Chairman of GBUM Manzoor Hussain Parwana and his family thanked of all those sympathyser and friends to condole him on the sudden demise of his Father on 26 November 2010.
ISSUED
GBUM
ISSUED
GBUM
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