Evolving relations between Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan

WASHINGTON, DC: The opinion makers in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad-Kashmir (AJK) find themselves at odds in defining the relationship of Gilgit-Baltistan with the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. They also differ in views on how the lingering Kashmir dispute should be resolved. The majority of the people in Gilgit-Baltistan maintain that their forefathers liberated the region from the despotic rulers of Kashmir in 1947 and subsequently declared allegiance with the newly created state of Pakistan. Therefore they expect Pakistan to merge their region as its fifth province. However, there is a significant minority which promotes the idea of an independent republic. It points to the fact that UN resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir require Pakistan to withdraw from Gilgit-Baltistan and transfer control to local powers. It therefore maintains that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan have the right to rule their land without any interference from Pakistan.

            On the other hand, the people of AJK, often considered the voice of the ongoing separatist movement in Indian Kashmir, consider Gilgit-Baltistan an integral part of Kashmir and vehemently oppose its merger with Pakistan. Similar views prevail across the line of control (LOC), wherein both the pro-Indian Kashmiri leadership and the separatists claim Gilgit-Baltistan as part of Kashmir.

            Recently, Molvi Umar Farooq, the leader of the separatist Hurriyat Conference, while talking to the media in Pakistan’s capital Islamabad, reiterated Kashmir’s claim over Gilgit-Baltistan. Similar assertions have come from the political and religious leaders of Diamer district of Gilgit-Baltistan including the members of Gilgit-Baltistan National Alliance. These differing thoughts on the fate of Gilgit-Baltistan strain the already polarized and charged discussion among various stakeholders who strive to build alliances across sectarian, linguistic and ethnic lines.

Pro-Pakistan leadership in Gilgit-Baltistan has repeatedly condemned Kashmiris for such overarching claims over their region. However, the same leaders have also been unsuccessful in convincing successive Pakistani regimes to amend the country’s constitution and merge Gilgit-Baltistan. Even today, Pakistan’s federal institutions including the Supreme Court, Office of the President, Office of the Prime Minister, cabinet members, chiefs of the armed forces, and heads of different parliamentary committees maintain that Gilgit-Baltistan is a UN declared disputed area and her residents cannot be declared citizens of Pakistan until India and Pakistan resolve the issue of accession of Jammu and Kashmir.

            Interesting yet ironic, India, unlike Pakistan, claims Gilgit-Baltistan as a constitutional part of the country and declares the people of Gilgit-Baltistan as her citizens. In 1994, both houses of the Indian Parliament passed a unanimous resolution reiterating that Pakistani controlled parts of AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan are integral parts of India. However, given that physical control of the region remains with Pakistan; such constitutional provisions are futile in doing any good for the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.

            iven India’s claim over Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, an amicable solution between the two countries is indeed a Herculean task. For Pakistan to retain permanent control over Gilgit-Baltistan, it will have to withdraw the issue from the UN and persuade India to amend its constitution to redefine the international boundary between both countries. Given the fragmented nature of the parliament, no Indian government is in a position to muster a two-third majority and convince lawmakers to concede almost 90,000 square kilometers of land to Pakistan. Another source of ire for India is Pakistan’s unwillingness to discuss the issue bi-laterally and its insistence on a larger multilateral role. Hardened attitudes have hindered ability of both countries to successfully engage in conclusive dialogue on the dispute.

            hile India and Pakistan have established constitutional frameworks in their respective areas of Kashmir; Islamabad rules Gilgit-Baltistan through ad-hoc presidential ordinances which are subject to periodic renewals. At this time, Gilgit-Baltistan has no representation in federal judicial and political institutions. Lacking constitutional legitimacy, Gilgit-Baltistan’s overall development and social fabric have suffered and the situation hinders justice and equal human rights.

            ow, as the people in Gilgit-Baltistan slowly awaken to the reality that they will not become Pakistan’s citizens anytime soon, they are starting to demand the same rights the people of AJK have enjoyed since 1949. This includes the establishment of a constitutional framework, the offices of the President and Prime Minister, a Supreme Court and reinstatement of State Subject Rule.

The Gilgit-Baltistan Democratic Alliance, a leading political conglomerate of eight nationalist parties favors such a setup till the resolution of the Kashmir dispute. To advance such demands, prominent political figures of Gilgit-Baltistan including the Vice Chairperson of Pakistan Workers’ Party, Babajan Hunzai and member of Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly, Raziuddin Rizvi, recently visited AJK and shared their views with the local leadership there. An encouraging gesture came from the legislative assembly of AJK afterwards which passed a unanimous resolution demanding a separate constitutional framework for Gilgit-Baltistan.

            Gilgit-Baltistan has gone through twelve political and administrative experiments since 1948. It is about time that Gilgit-Baltistan receives a constitutional framework of its own. The leaders of Gilgit-Baltistan, AJK and Pakistan should work towards a win-win solution rather than accepting an impasse. Merging with Pakistan or AJK are paths fraught with obstacles. Creating a constitutional framework similar to AJK will therefore allow Gilgit-Baltistan to retain her identity while helping to defuse opposition from different quarters in New Delhi, Islamabad and Kashmir.

Source:. Sering is the President of Washington D.C. based Institute for Gilgit Baltistan Studies. He hails from Shigar valley of Gilgit-Baltistan.

http://www.balawaristan.net/

Gilgit-Baltistan: Khaplu Palace Receives UNESCO Award

The ceremony was held earlier this month [September] in Bangkok to award initiatives which restored and conserved structures that are at least 50 years old.  The palace, built in the 1840s by Yabgo Raja of Khaplu, is now known as Khaplu Palace and Residence and is managed by Serena Hotels. It also won commendations in Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards’ ‘best for poverty reduction’ category in November 2012.

The selection of the palace for the UNESCO award was made in June this year [2013] after a panel of eight international conservation experts congregated from June 10 to June 12 [2013] in Bangkok to review and deliberate on 47 entries received from 16 countries across the Asia-Pacific region.  “By the grace of God, our project has won this honour,” said Salman Beg, the Aga Khan Cultural Service Pakistan (AKCSP) Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The NGO renovated Khaplu Palace which is located north of Khaplu Town, about 400 kilometres from Gilgit.

“Recognition through such awards points to the cultural richness and plural heritage of Gilgit-Baltistan, where myriad influences such as Buddhist, Tibetan, Central Asian, Mughal, Kashmiri, and Iranian combined and brought into harmony a very unique Karakoram culture,” Beg told The Express Tribune. The winners were selected based on the projects understanding and application of various criteria, such as articulation of the spirit of place, technical achievement, appropriate use or adaption, and the project’s contribution to the surrounding environment and the local community’s cultural and historical continuity. “The jury highly commends your achievements and hopes you will continue to share the lessons learned from the project to encourage heritage conservation efforts in your country and the Asia-Pacific region,” UNESCO Bangkok Chief of Culture Unit Tim Curtis wrote in his letter to Beg.

The other projects which received Awards of Distinction included ‘The Great Serai, Kabul, Afghanistan’ and ‘Lal Chimney Compound, Mumbai, India’. AKCSP, which is part of Aga Khan Development Network, won the first international award after it restored the historic Baltit Fort in 1996. Since then, it has won 16 awards, including 11 consecutive UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards for Culture Heritage Conservation, two Pacific Asia Travellers Association Awards, two Virgin Responsible Tourism Awards, and two British Airways Tourism for Tomorrow Awards.

Source: The Express Tribune:

Gilgit Baltistan: Pakistan Pushes For Mega Dam Construction

Despite the lack of financial support from international monetary organizations and banks and the disastrous consequences for its population, the Pakistani government continues the construction of megadams in the disputed region of Gilgit-Baltistan. Manzoor Hussain Parwana, the chairman of the Gilgit-Baltistan United Movement, declared to the media that after international monetary organizations and banks refused to provide funds to Pakistan for the construction of the Diamer dam, the Pakistani government launched the construction of the Bunji dam.

Mr. Parwana added that “the people of Rondu would not even allow Pakistan to build a small lake in the area let alone a mega dam”. With the construction of the Bunji dam, the historic town of Shingus would be severely damaged including partial flooding of the area and the loss of traditional lands rich in minerals and precious stones. Local residents would also be deprived of grazing grounds, a major environmental issue compelling the indigenous populations to migrate to other areas.

The GBUM leader said that without allaying the reservations of the people to be affected by the mega dam project, “if the government of Pakistan launches the project, it will face a strong resistance movement. He added that his party would continue its efforts to safeguard the interest and the rights of the local people and would resist any move to construct the dam.

Source: http://www.unpo.org/

SP, army colonel, captain killed in Gilgit-Baltistan ambush

GILGIT: Gunmen sprayed bullets on a police vehicle early Tuesday, killing a senior policeman and two army officials in Gilgit-Baltistan’s (G-B) Chilas town.  “Two guards also sustained injuries in the predawn ambush on the security officials posted there,” said deputy inspector general (DIG) police sharing initial information. Those killed included Senior Superintendent Police (SP) Hilal Ahmed, an army colonel identified as Gulam Mustafa, and a Captain.  Colonel Mustafa was reportedly responsible for internal security issues in the town that shares boundaries with the Kohistan district of Khyber – Pakhtunkhwa (K-P). “The officials were returning to the rest house from  the deputy commissioner house when they were ambushed by armed men,” DIG told The Express Tribune by phone. Police cordoned off the area immediately and launched a search operation to trace the killers.

According to officials privy to the development, SP Hilal was driving the vehicles while the army colonel was sitting beside him on the front seat when the vehicle came under fire. SP Hilal died on the spot while Colonel Mustafa and the captain breathed their last at the government hospital in Chilas, headquarter of district Diamer.  “This is an act of sheer terrorism and we will get to them at all cost,” said DIG, adding that it was too early to speculate who could be behind the attack. Tuesday’s shooting occurred almost a month after armed men dressed as Gilgit Scouts killed 10 foreign tourists and their Pakistan guide near the base camp of Nanga Parbat, Pakistan’s second highest peak located in Diamer district. SP Hilal was a resident of Swat valley and was posted to the district sometime back. He was reportedly investigating the tourists killing case. In a similar incident this year, unidentified gunmen had killed a DSP and his two guards in the valley.

Source: http://tribune.com.pk/story/

Rajnath rakes up rights violation issue in Gilgit–Baltistan

Jul 24, WASHINGTON: On a five-day visit to the US, BJP president Rajnath Singh has raked up the issue of human rights violations and oppression of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan in the illegally occupied parts of Jammu and Kashmir. "India and Afghanistan have traditionally been tied together by the Silk Route. If India does not share a land border of 106kms with Afghanistan today, it is because of Pakistan's illegal occupation of this historical part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir since 1948," Rajnath Singh said in a keynote address at a conference on Afghanistan held at the Capitol Hill. "The northern regions of Gilgit and Baltistan, whose people are subjected to massive oppression and human rights violations today, are a gateway for India to Central Asia with which we have had millennia-old relations. India should get rightful access to Central Asia through the Gilgit-Baltistan region, with connectivity being established between Kargil in India and Skardu in Gilgit," Singh said.

The conference was jointly organised by the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies; US India Political Action Committee and American Foreign Policy Council. The organisers had also invited Senge Sering, president of Institute of Gilgit-Baltistan Studies, a Washington-based thinktank to the conference. In his speech, Sering said of late China has been making undue inroads inside Gilgit-Baltistan, Claiming that thousands of Chinese workers and security personnel have entered the disputed region endangering the well-being of locals and placing an extra burden on resources. It is estimated that China will invest more than USD 30 billion in Gilgit-Baltistan in the coming years to build dams and connect Xinjiang with Gwadar via rail and road, Sering said.

Sering said not long ago, Gilgit-Baltistan was considered the hub of international trade, connecting Afghanistan and Central Asia to India and beyond. Free movement and commerce created a culture of co-existence and tolerance, he said. "Today, we have a choice to carry forward that tradition or to allow a darker scenario to emerge with global security implications. Ignoring Gilgit-Baltistan's strategic value puts the entire region on a brink for political isolation, economic vulnerability and the growth of extremism and authoritarianism. "The only tenable solution is to help transform Gilgit-Baltistan from the linchpin of terror to a hub of international trade, commerce and prosperity where all stakeholders have an incentive to maintain free movement between South and Central Asia," Sering said.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/

Gilgit Baltistan wants end to Pakistani occupation, activist says

Pip Hinman

Mirza Abdul Salam, former Rawalpindi/Islamabad president of the Balawaristan National Student Organisation (BNSO), is now studying in Sydney. He is keen to do what he can to let the world know about the plight of his people in the remote nation of Gilgit Baltistan, which has been occupied by Pakistan since 1948. Before the independence and partition of India in 1947, Gilgit Baltistan was occupied by the British-supported feudal rulers of Kashmir. Bordering Pakistan, China, Afghanistan, and India, the area is claimed by both Pakistan and India.

However, Salam told Green Left Weekly the people of Balwaristan reject both these claims. “Gilgit Baltistan has a separate national identity. Gilgit Baltistan is not Kashmiri nor Pakistani. It was an independent state occupied by the Raja of Kashmir in the 19th century. “We are proud of the thousands-of-years-old civilisation of Baltistan. Our language, script, architecture, clothing, cuisine, festivals, dances and epic stories of Baltistan are unique.”

Salam said the United Nation allowed Pakistan to assume temporary control over Gilgit Baltistan. The UN stationed officials representing the UN Military Observer Group for India and Pakistan in both Gilgit and Skardu cities.

However, this has “turned into a permanent occupation and our people have been denied our self-determination”, Salam said. “This has had a bad impact on local culture, traditions, religion, language and our territory. The culture of Gilgit Baltistan [has been] largely destroyed and supplanted by the dominant Punjabi and Pathan culture which came with Pakistani occupation. “Pakistan has damaged our indigenous socio-political institutions which evolved over thousands of years, and this has left a political vacuum and weakened the community. “Administrators in all key offices of the police, civil service and judiciary are imported from Pakistan. Gilgit Baltistan is subject to the military tribunals [with wide repressive powers that are regularly abused] instead of the ordinary judicial system.”

Although Pakistan considers Gilgit Baltistan as part of the disputed State of Jammu and Kashmir, Salam said the region is denied even the political, judicial and administrative rights granted to other parts of that state, such as Azad Kashmir. The forceful separation of the Ladakh and Kargil has also directly impacted on Baltistan.

Along with denial of socio-political rights to Gilgit Baltistan, the Pakistani government also terminated State Subject Rule (SSR) under which no non-local can take up permanent residence and acquire property in Gilgit Baltistan. The SSR system has been abolished by the Pakistani government in Gilgit Baltistan. “The termination of SSR ― still enforced in other parts of the State of Jammu and Kashmir ― helped the Pakistani establishment's attempt to permanently change the regional demography and settle non-locals into the region. “With the passage of time, well-off settlers have increased their political influence in the region. This shift hurts the region as the unskilled and largely illiterate masses of Gilgit Baltistan once again are living in virtual slavery. “Preferential hiring of non-locals for jobs further threatens the local economy. “The move will affect the historical balance of ethnic and religious groups co-existing peacefully in the region.”

A rampantly corrupt de facto provincial government of Gilgit Baltistan, established by Pakistan in 2009, has divided the people of the region on the lines of sectarianism and ethnicity, Salam added. “Interference by Pakistani political and religious parties in the affairs of Gilgit Baltistan is further pushing the region into chaos and instability, depriving the 2 million people of their right to live in peace.” The plight of the people of Gilgit Baltistan came to the attention of many people around the world last year through an international campaign for the release of jailed popular local leader Baba Jan.

The campaign helped secure the release of Baba Jan, but other local leaders remain imprisoned. “Manzoor Parwana, chair of Gilgit Baltistan United Movement (GBUM), has been arrested for demanding withdrawal of Pakistani forces and supporting the refugees from Ladakh in the region, on July 31, 2010, in Gilgit. “Parwana was held during a concerted operation of the Pakistan Rangers, Khyber Rifles and secret service personnel on July 28 when he had just finished addressing the annual convention of BNSO in Gilgit. “He was arrested for expressing support for the refugees of Ladakh in Gilgit Baltistan who want opening of the Line of Control [the militarised border between Pakistani and Indian occupied Kashmir] and demanding reinstatement of State Subject Rule in the region, withdrawal of Pakistani security forces and basic human rights for the people. “Parwani was taken to the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Centre at Sonikote Gilgit for interrogation. He was tortured and, while he has since been released, he will undoubtedly be framed in a fake case to malign the nationalist movement.”

Parwana was the editor and publisher of a weekly newspaper Kargil International, which was banned a few years ago when he published interviews of the Northern Light Infantry [local] soldiers used as mercenaries against India in the Kargil war with India in 1999. Salam said the longstanding demands of the people of Gilgit Baltistan were:

* For the UN Security Council to ensure genuine political, judicial, economic and cultural autonomy in Gilgit Baltistan as obligated under the UN resolution of January 5, 1949.

* Given that Pakistan has failed to ensure security in Gilgit Baltistan, the UN should station peace-keeping troops in the disputed region

* Pakistan must be asked to open traditional trade routes leading towards India and Tajikistan which can help sustain the local economy and provide alternate safe routes to travel as, currently, travel on the Karakoram Highway is too dangerous.

* The UN should ask Pakistan respect SSR and remove its citizens who have damaged the social fabric by spreading religious sectarianism in the region.

* The UN should demand Pakistan to withdraw the fake sedition cases and release all political prisoners.

* A UN commission must be sent to Gilgit Baltistan to assess gross human rights violations, killings, detentions and torture of political workers.

Source: http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/54238

GB govt plans to raid hideouts of tourists’ killers

GILGIT, June 27: The district administration of Diamer has requisitioned troops for raiding hideouts of suspected terrorists who are believed to have killed 11 foreign climbers on June 22. Officials said the culprits had been identified. They belong to Diamer, Kohistan and Mansehra. “We will arrest them soon and the grand jirga has been told to cooperate with the government,” senior administration and police officials said. They said personnel of Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts had been camped in schools and other places and they would go into action soon after receiving a green signal.

Earlier, Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Secretary Munir Ahmed Badini and Inspector General of Police Usman Zakria said at a press conference that the culprits had been identified and they would be arrested soon. “The culprits are within the territorial jurisdiction of Diamer and we will arrest them,” they said. “We have traced the attackers with the help of intelligence agencies, Pakistan Army and Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts.”

They said the grand jirga had been given names of the suspected assailants and expressed the hope that it would help the administration in arresting them. They said the incident had deeper links, but did not name the organisation which the culprits belonged to.

JIRGA: A leader of the grand jirga criticised the government and said: “They want us to arrest the suspects, but it is not our job”. A former speaker of the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly, Malik Mohammad Miskeen, who heads the jirga, told Dawn by phone that it was the duty of the government to arrest the killers of foreign climbers. The jirga would fully cooperate with the government. Mr Miskeen said the jirga strongly condemned the attack on foreign climbers and wanted the government to take the incident seriously. “I wish the government arrests the real culprits, but its track record is not encouraging. It is looking for scapegoats,” he said. He said foreign money had flooded the region and local agents were easily found. He regretted that the incident had earned a bad name for Pakistan across the globe.

Source: http://x.dawn.com/2013/06/28/gb-govt-plans-to-raid-hideouts-of-tourists-killers/

Changing landscape?: PPP faces dilemma with coalition partners in Gilgit-Baltistan

June 5, 2013 GILGIT:  In the aftermath of the May 11 elections and the emergence of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) as the largest party at the centre, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) is in a fix whether to retain its coalition partners in Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B). Current PPP coalition partners include the JUI-F, PML-Q and Muttahida Qaumi Movement. PPP loyalists are advising G-B Chief Minister Mehdi Shah to give opportunities to his party leaders instead of coalition partners for the remaining one and half year of the current government’s term.

If the PPP decides to continue partnering with the existing coalition, it is bound to face criticism from party workers. But if the PPP decides to end the coalition, its former allies will end up sitting on the opposition benches. A tough opposition such as this can further test the party’s credibility, which has already been marred by allegations of corruption, misrule and nepotism. Recently, G-B Assembly Speaker Wazir Baig demanded an inquiry into the alleged corruption scams within his own government. “Pressure from within the party is mounting on the PPP leadership to relieve the coalition partners,” said G-B Minister for Local Bodies Mohammad Ismail. “The PPP’s leadership will decide in the end, but we respect the views of party jiyalas,” he added.

Coalition parties seem to have realised the threat, but are adamant the partnership remains strong. “Our alliance is indispensible for the PPP’s strength in G-B,” said Rahmat Khaliq, the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) lawmaker from Diamer Valley. “If we part ways, the PML-N will benefit.” Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid’s (PML-Q) senior leadership in the region expressed similar views. “We want to extend a helping hand to the PPP. Those making claims against us are agents of the PML-N,” said the party’s MPA from Nagar Valley, Mirza Hussain. The opposition constitutes two lawmakers from the PML-N and a nationalist MPA, Nawaz Khan Naji. Regardless of whether the PPP sustains its partnership, the PML-N’s regional leaders have hinted at replacing G-B Governor Pir Karam Ali Shah with one of their own stalwarts.

Source: http://tribune.com.pk/story/558911/changing-landscape-ppp-faces-dilemma-with-coalition-partners-in-gilgit-baltistan/

Demise: Gilgit-Baltistan lawmaker passes away in Islamabad

Mufti Abdullah, a senior lawmaker of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), passed away late Friday night in Islamabad. 82-year-old Abdullah was a resident of Khaplu, Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) and had been elected a member of the G-B legislative assembly in the 2009 elections. He was also a recognised religious scholar and had written several books. Following Abdullah’s demise, PML-N’s strength in the G-B assembly has been reduced to only one member.

However, the party gained another member on Saturday when Agha Ahmad Shah of the Pakistan Peoples Party joined the PML-N. The announcement was made during a public rally held in Skardu. The rally was addressed by PML-N G-B chief Hafizur Rahman while central leader Siddiqul Farooq also spoke to the gathering from Islamabad via telephone.

Source: http://tribune.com.pk/story/557661/demise-gilgit-baltistan-lawmaker-passes-away-in-islamabad/

PML(N) threatens to bowl over Gilgit Baltistan government

Gilgit Baltistan government and Pakistan Muslim Leaague-Nawaz (PML-N) have locked horns on the issue of holding new election in the region before completion of tenure of provincial assembly. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz(PML-N) hinted that Gilgit Baltistan government could be dismissed because all the departments and institutions in the region had become a hub of corruption and people wanted change. In his telephonic speech during a public meeting in Skardu a central leader of PML(N) Siddique Al Farooq said that people of Gilgit Baltistan were waiting for change very anxiously therefore the upcoming federal government could rap up the provincial government to full fill the people’s desire.

He said that the federal government would not allow anybody to loot and plunder the exchequer and all the corrupt elements would be brought to justice. The provincial chief organizer of PML(N) Hafeez ur Rehman and  Ex Deputy Chief Executive Fida Nashad said that the time of regional government was over and now all those who used government resources for personal needs would   face the law. “The people who were hand to mouth now have become millionaire and all those people now will have to the consequences of their misdeeds” they said. Provincial Minister for Local Government Engineer Ismail said that the government was not afraid of any threat of Pakistan Muslim Leaague-Nawaz(PML-N) and provincial government would complete its five years tenure.

Talking to media he said that the demand of dissolving the provincial assembly and holding new election before completion of the term of present government was undemocratic. “PML-N will have to wait till 2014 for holding new election and people who are thinking about election before next year are living in a world of dream” he said.

When asked about the warnings of PML-N leaders to government officers, he said that  PML-N leaders and workers were spreading harassment among the government officers after their party’s victory in the general of Pakistan. The people of Gilgit Baltistan have no say, critics opine, in forming and supporting their own government. Whichever party wins in the center, forces persons of their choice in this politically and constitutionally deprived region. President Musharaf had his people in GBLA, Zardari inducted his own. PML(N) already has started harassing and attacking offices in this region.

Source: http://www.dardistantimes.com/News/1080641162/pml-n-threatens-bowl-over-gilgit-baltistan-government:

Petition, in GB Chief Court, to Challenge Exploration License to Mohsin Industries

The Chief Court of Gilgit-Baltistan has admitted a Writ Petition on Monday for regular hearing wherein the issuance of Exploration Licenses to Mohsin Industries by the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan has been challenged; a Press note, released by Sargin Law Associates, stated. The petitioners, M/S Pan Euro International, Bilchar Trade Internation and Skardu Gems and Minerals, have objected that the issuance of licenses to the Hong Kong based company is ‘illegal, unlawful and against national interest’. Shehbaz Khan a senior Advocate of the region appeared in the court to argue on behalf of the petitioners. The government of Gilgit-Baltistan was represented by the Deputy Advocate General while Mohsin Industries was represented by Avocate Mir Ikhlaq. The Petitioners charged that Explorations Licenses to Mohsin Industries is an abuse of process, act of discrimination and encroachment on local property rights.

The government of Gilgit-Baltistan has ignored several applications submitted by local, national and international companies — including those of the petitioners — pending for the last three years. While, issuing the licenses to Mohsin Industries, the government has shown extra legal and judicial leniency.

The petitioners charge that in the matter of issuance of the Exploration Licenses, the fundamental rights of the local people — granted in the Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self Governance Order 2009 — have been violated.  The petitioners also contend that the GB government has betrayed its own Cabinet decision that has sought ban on issuance of exploration licenses and mining leases until further orders.

On June 7th this year, the GB Legislative Assembly has passed a resolution that sought an immediate ban exploration and export of precious mineral resources from the region. But the government continued contravening the GB Rules of Business (2009) too.

The petition pointed out the gross violations of Northen Areas Mining Concession Rules 2003 that, according to the petitioners, has been committed by the Mineral Department of Gilgit Baltistan

The petition further contends that Wang Zunyu’s application was processed and approved through extra-ordinary processes despite his application being defective and incomplete. More than 200 other applications, including those of the petitioners, passed through nobody’s table.

Once of the interesting points of the petition was the claim that Mr. Wang Zunyu’s company had submitted a proposal for investment of 70 million Pakistani Rupees in Exploration as foreign national company while section 106 of NA Mining Concession Rules (2003) declares investment at least 300 million Rupees at a small scale mining restricted for Pakistani nationals only.

The petition outlines several provisions of Mining rules abrogated by the Mining Department of Gilgit-Baltistan and Mohsin Industries. The petition also maintains that the controversial company has mined, processed and transported sensitive metals to unknown locations. In support of the petition the parties have produced several documents that the court may take into consideration. The court adjourned the proceedings for next hearing in February 22, next year.

Source: http://www.dardistantimes.com/

Democracy and rule of law for Gilgit Baltistan

Speech of Manzoor Parwana delivered ONLINE in a Gilgit Baltistan Conference held in the George University Washington USA organized by “The Central Asia Program of the George Washington University” “ The Foundation for democracy and Rule of Law for regions in conflict” and “The Institute for Gilgit Baltistan Studies” , on 25 April 2013. Mr. Chairman, Honorable Chief guests and Distinguish participants. I am thankful to the Central Asia Program of the George Washington University the Foundation for democracy and Rule of Law for regions in conflict and the Institute for Gilgit Baltistan Studies for giving me an opportunity to share my views in this historical event on the longstanding issues of Gilgit Baltistan. I have derived my topic “Democracy and rule of law for Gilgit Baltistan” from the name of co-host organization “The Foundation for democracy and Rule of Law for regions in conflict”.

I want to introduce myself to the participants of this workshop before my speech. My name is Manzoor Hussain Parwana. I am the chairman of Gilgit Baltistan United Movement (GBUM). The Gilgit Baltistan United Movement (GBUM) is an indigenous representative party which has been struggling for right of self determination of the disenfranchised people of the Gilgit Baltistan. I was imprisoned, harassed and tortured several times because of my unflinching resolve to work for achievement of the basic rights and freedom for the people of the disputed region.

Gilgit Baltistan is the Conflict region for six decades between India and Pakistan within the frame of Kashmir dispute. On 1st November 1947, the local population of Gilgit Baltistan overthrew the Dogra regime in Gilgit Baltistan on their own and formed an independent government .This is supposed to be the real local authority of the indigenous people of the region i.e. one out of the three interim governments recognized by the United Nation to be functioning in the disputed former state of Jammu & Kashmir. The other two Governments are at Muzaffarabad and Srinagar.

Unfortunately, the Govt. of Pakistan has mishandled and misrepresented to the international community and colonized the Gilgit Baltistan portion of disputed. This conflict region Gilgit Baltistan under the de- facto administration of Pakistan has no identity, no constitution, no system, no free expression, no impartial judiciary, no free media, no free movement, no human rights, no rights of vote and no freedom of expression but which is called the last colony of 21st century what Baroness Emma Nicholson, MEP in her report to European Union in 2007, has rightly described it at one stage that Gilgit Baltistan is like a “Black Hole” in the world.

The unnoticed gross violations of human, political and religious rights perpetuated on our people for the last six decades are obscured, unnoticed and unheard. Gilgit Baltistan is not represented in constitution of Pakistan and thus not in its legislative apparatus, but unfortunately, all possible and cruel laws including FCR have been applied on the people of Gilgit Baltistan with full force. Gilgit Baltistan was trampled and wide-spread environmental, resulting in deforestation, overgrazing, uncontrolled mining, and extinction of wildlife, soil erosion, landslides and other perils. The government of Pakistan continues to extract various natural resources without any environmental safeguard; as a result, Gilgit Baltistan is facing an environmental crisis, the ramifications of which will be felt far beyond its borders.

The construction of the Diamar Bhasha Dam and Bunji Dams should be abandoned immediately where deadly explosive are being used. The construction of huge Dams in the vicinity of glaciers, by China, Pakistan and India should be stopped, particularly Pakistan must restrain from the construction of Basha/Diamar dam, Bonji dam and Katzura dam , so that the eco-system may be saved from the effects of dams. The Chinese companies and firm has been working on mineral extraction in Gilgit Baltistan. Increased mining activities further reduces vegetation cover and thus increase the chance for severe landslides, massive soil erosion, loss of wildlife habitat and the pollution of streams and rivers. The use of highly flammable explosive is not only destabilizing the high altitude mountains but also diminishing the rare birds and animals from this region. This causes heavy toll to the echo-system of the nature.

The environmental issue of Gilgit Baltistan is not an inconsequential regional issue, but has huge global significance to warrant international attention The termination of State Subject Rules changed the demography of the conflict region. The main responsibilities of this pathetic state of affairs lie on the government of Pakistan but we can not exempt India from shunning her responsibilities as government of India claims Gilgit-Baltistan as hers but failed to raise befitting voice against human rights violations here. The opening of Kargil Skardu road is a longstanding and indigenous demand from both sides of LOC but India and Pakistan is showing reluctance to accept this demand, as both are accommodating the demands from the Kashmir Valley and discriminating against Gilgit Baltistan and Ladakh.

At this historical event on the behalf of two Million of people of Gilgit Baltistan , I appeal to the United Nation, USA, European Union , Human rights watch, freedom house, Amnesty International and civilized countries of the world to pay attention to the plight of Gilgit Baltistan for their just cause of freedom. We urged the international community especially the offices of the United Nations to support the right of self-determination for the oppressed and poverty stricken natives of the disputed region of Gilgit-Baltistan,

We request the international community to offer equal treatment and attention to both Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistani Kashmir, or the natives of Gilgit-Baltistan will continue to live an impoverished life with complete denial of freedom of expression, press and political activity. We appeal that since Pakistan has no capacity or the will to solve constitutional and economic problems of Gilgit-Baltistan, therefore, the international community must pay immediate attention to address this impasse. We suggested to the US government to initiate programs in Gilgit-Baltistan to help promote human rights, cultural and economic wellbeing, improved communication and transportation links, freedom of speech, press and political activity, and enhanced literacy and women development.

We request the international community to persuade Pakistan to end 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. I once again thank the organizers and participants for this wonderful evening

Soutre: http://k4kashmir.com/democracy-and-rule-of-law-for-gilgit-baltistan/

PM to open critical Jammu and Kashmir rail link

Four and a half months after the hanging of Afzal Guru, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will extend an olive branch to the Kashmir valley by inaugurating the 17.7 km railway line from Banihal to Quazigund. The line will realise the 114-year-old dream of connecting Kashmir valley with Jammu and enable a much reduced travel time of approximately 20-25 minutes.

In what will be his first-ever visit to Kashmir since Guru’s execution, Singh will ‘dedicate’ the rail link to the people - which includes the country’s longest transportation tunnel through the Pir Panjal range. The 11.2 km long tunnel – called the T-80 or the Pir Panjal tunnel – has been constructed using the New Austrian Tunnel Method (NATM) for the first time

The rail link, part of Udhampur Srinagar Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project, has been executed by the Ircon International, a railways PSU. “This method has paved way for many more transportation tunnels now being undertaken in the country,” Ircon officials said. The Prime Minister’s visit is tentatively scheduled for June 25. With the PM set to visit the Valley amid peace overtures by the Prime Minister-designate of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif, New Delhi is all set to broaden the ambit of consultations on Kashmir to start a “constructive dialogue” with all shades of opinion.

During the visit, the PM is also scheduled to release a stamp in the name of Kashmir’s famed poet Ghulam Ahmed Mehjoor, while inaugurating the Mughal Road. It was the late Maharaja Pratap Singh, who in 1898, had first toyed with the idea of connecting Jammu with the Kashmir valley.

Source: http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/PM-to-open-critical-Jammu-and-Kashmir-rail-link/Article1-1067516.aspx

Gilgit-Baltistan

The race begins: PML-N leaders eye Gilgit-Baltistan governor slot

 May 16, 2013 A change in the government at the centre has brought forth many aspirants for the slot of Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) governor after regional chief of the victorious Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) hinted at sending the incumbent governor packing.  Hafizur Rahman expressed his desire to replace the existing governor with one from PML-N a day after his party emerged as the largest force in the May 11 polls. The shift of power at the centre is bound to affect G-B’s government as it is dependent on the federal government for funds and budget.  Presently, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) is the ruling party in G-B, with Mehdi Shah the chief minister and Pir Karam Ali Shah the governor. “We will not accept an imported governor for G-B,” said Janbaz Khan of PML-N, who is currently the opposition leader in the G-B Assembly. “We have made sacrifices for the party, therefore we will not tolerate any cheating,” he said, indirectly proposing himself for the post.

Source: http://tribune.com.pk/story/

Lahore Police thinks of Gilgiti and Balti students as terrorists

I am writing from Lahore. Today we witnessed the height of biased attitude at the hands of police in Lahore. We live on the 3rd floor of a 6-story building in Lahore. At around 11:20 p.m some officials of the Police saw one of our roomates in the streets and asked about his name and address. He introduced himself, telling them his name and that he is from Gilgit-Baltistan, studying at university in the city. On hearing this they came to our rooms without any reason and started an unexplained search. We asked for a warrant but they refused to answer and instead used highly unacceptable language. They threatened us that they will put us in jail.

We were all surprised to see biased attitude because there are six floors in the building and they singled out our home for the search, without any reason. All of us are simple and hardworking students of a prestigious University of Lahore. The police officials humiliated us by using vulgar language, entering our home without a warrant and searching our belongings without giving any reason. They took our CNIC copies and didn’t check University IDs although we provided them with. They searched only our rooms.

Just because we are Gilgitis or Baltistani doesn’t mean that we are terrorists. Singling us out for random checks and unexplained home searches will have negative repercussions because we are forced to study in cities of Pakistan due to lack of facilities in our region. Discouraging the entire GBian student community by putting us through undue psychological stress is an injustice of the highest order. We request Chief Minister Syed Mehdi Shah, members of his cabinet, Chief Secretary and other officials of Gilgit-Baltistan to help the students of Gilgit Baltistan in Lahore and other cities and save us from this unfair treatment.

Kamaluddin

Lahore

Source: http://pamirtimes.net/2013/05/03/lahore-police-thinks-of-gilgiti-and-balti-students-as-terrorists/

Lahore Police thinks of Gilgiti and Balti students as terrorists

I am writing from Lahore. Today we witnessed the height of biased attitude at the hands of police in Lahore. We live on the 3rd floor of a 6-story building in Lahore. At around 11:20 p.m some officials of the Police saw one of our roomates in the streets and asked about his name and address. He introduced himself, telling them his name and that he is from Gilgit-Baltistan, studying at university in the city. On hearing this they came to our rooms without any reason and started an unexplained search. We asked for a warrant but they refused to answer and instead used highly unacceptable language. They threatened us that they will put us in jail.

We were all surprised to see biased attitude because there are six floors in the building and they singled out our home for the search, without any reason. All of us are simple and hardworking students of a prestigious University of Lahore. The police officials humiliated us by using vulgar language, entering our home without a warrant and searching our belongings without giving any reason. They took our CNIC copies and didn’t check University IDs although we provided them with. They searched only our rooms.

Just because we are Gilgitis or Baltistani doesn’t mean that we are terrorists. Singling us out for random checks and unexplained home searches will have negative repercussions because we are forced to study in cities of Pakistan due to lack of facilities in our region. Discouraging the entire GBian student community by putting us through undue psychological stress is an injustice of the highest order. We request Chief Minister Syed Mehdi Shah, members of his cabinet, Chief Secretary and other officials of Gilgit-Baltistan to help the students of Gilgit Baltistan in Lahore and other cities and save us from this unfair treatment.

Kamaluddin

Lahore

Source: http://pamirtimes.net/2013/05/03/lahore-police-thinks-of-gilgiti-and-balti-students-as-terrorists/

Gilgit-Baltistan people deprived of their basic rights' pak elections

 People of the Gilgit-Baltistan, currently under illegal occupation of Pakistan, have been "deprived" of their basic constitutional rights, the US lawmakers were told this week ahead of the historic elections in the country. "Millions of Pakistanis will cast their votes on the 11th of May to choose their congress members.However, on this day, the residents of the UN-declared disputed region of Gilgit-Baltistan, which is my birth place,will have no chance to choose their national representatives, president or the prime minister," Senge Sering, president of the Washington-based Institute for Gilgit Baltistan, said.

  "Ruled by Pakistan like a colony since 1948, the people of Gilgit-Baltistan continue to live without their basic constitutional rights, including the right to choose their political future," Gilgit-Baltistan born Sering said at an event held at the US Congress on the 19th Commemoration of Vietnam Human Rights Day. "I appreciate Secretary (of State, John) Kerry for stating that all governments have a responsibility to protect the universal human rights but the fact remains that the residents of Gilgit-Baltistan are a country-less people and both India,which claims the region, and Pakistan, which physically controls it, have refused to grant the constitutional rights to them," Sering alleged.

Source: http://english.samaylive.com/world-news/676529485/gilgit-baltistan-people-deprived-of-their-basic-rights-.html

Gilgit Baltistan National Congress hold event in Baltimore, Maryland

PRESS RELEASE

On May 4, 2013, Gilgit Baltistan National Congress held an event in Baltimore, Maryland. Senge Sering, Director of Gilgit Baltistan National Congress, moderated the event. Abdul Hamid Khan, Chairperson of Balawaristan National Front, gave the keynote speech. Other speakers included Sardar Ishak Sharif and Sardar Zahoor Khan. Speakers discussed the impact of Pakistan’s ongoing electoral process, cross-border trade, and Shia killings on the disputed region of Gilgit-Baltistan. 

Abdul Hamid Khan talked about the role of Balawaristan National Front in promoting political, socio-economic and environmental rights of Gilgit-Baltistan. He shed light on the growing extremism and militant activity in the region, and denial of constitutional rights to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan. He said, “The land of Gilgit-Baltistan could be disputed but the humans who are its citizens deserve basic rights.” He asked both Indian and Pakistani governments to resume travel over Astore-Srinagar, Kargil-Skardo, Chorbat-Nubra, Ishkoman-Badakhshan and Drass-Gultari roads. 

Sardar Ishak Sharif expressed his support to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan in the struggle for their rights. He condemned on-going human rights violations and attack on political activists in both Pakistan controlled Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. He asked the government of Pakistan to restore State Subject Rule in Gilgit-Baltistan and end attacks on the Shias of the region. He criticized the authorities in Pakistani Kashmir for their involvement in the gang rape and torture of a teenage student, who is now forced to go in hiding and withdraw the rape case against the government officials. 

Sardar Zahoor, Chairperson of Kashmir American Welfare Society of Maryland, reiterated his support for the on-going democratization process in Gilgit-Baltistan. He stated that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan have an exclusive right to govern their land and decide about their political future, and no one should try to dictate them in this regard. He asked the government of Pakistan to grant political rights and genuine autonomy to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan until the solution of the Kashmir dispute.  In the end, Senge Sering thanked the participants for their support to the activities of Gilgit Baltistan National Congress

Source: http://www.unpo.org/article/15867

Gilgit-Baltistan's politically inclined residents are keeping an eye on who wins elections come May 11.

Gilgit-Baltistan might be the last thing on the minds of Pakistan’s election-contesting parties — none of them have included these far-flung northern areas in their manifestos — but its more politically inclined residents are keeping a close eye on who gets to form a government in Islamabad come May 11. “Our fate-politically, economically, legally — remains in the hands of Islamabad, thanks to the quirks and tragedies of history,” says Tahir Hussain, a Skardu resident. “We might have nothing to say — we will not be voting — but the next election will matter. The new government in Islamabad could help enshrine, or remove, our rights.”  While the rest of the country goes to the polls, the two million-strong population in this northern mountain range will have nothing to say when it comes to deciding who gets to sit in power in Islamabad.

Its marginalisation from Pakistani politics is nothing new. In 1948, when this area acceded to Pakistan, it was promised constitutional recognition by the Pakistani state. Instead, Pakistan linked Gilgit-Baltistan to Jammu and Kashmir, hoping to ensure a favourable vote for the latter to accede to the newly formed Muslim nation in case a United Nations-promised plebiscite, meant to clarify whether Jammu & Kashmir belonged to India or Pakistan, took place. “The people of the region have since been bearing the brunt of this flawed policy and resultantly, the constitutional status of Gilgit-Baltistan has been in limbo,” said Syed Ansar Hussain, a resident of Gilgit-Baltistan.

A long road to nothing?

Until 2009, the area had been governed directly by Islamabad — a state of affairs that many say continues until today. After accession in 1948, the government declared the area an agency of the central government, and deployed a political agent to administer its affairs through the Frontier Crimes Regulation — the notorious set of laws that allows collective punishments, outlaws political activity, and denies basic rights like appeal, wakeel and daleel (the right to appeal detention, the right to legal representation and the right to present reasoned evidence) in the tribal areas (Fata) today. Though the FCR was lifted by the former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in 1971, the region remained largely outside of Pakistani politics. Its development works were administered by a council with representatives from the centre and the region, that either did not function, or, say experts, remained dominated by a chief executive appointed by the Pakistan government.

An attempt to turn the fate of Gilgit-Baltistan around has also been met with scathing criticism. In 2009, the PPP passed the Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self-Governance Order, thereby introducing an ‘autonomy package’ meant to turn the fate of this area around. Other than renaming the region (it used to be called the Northern Areas) and establishing the Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly (GBLA), it gave Gilgit-Baltistan full internal autonomy. The package replaced direct rule from Islamabad with a 33-seat assembly that is supposed to function as a provincial legislature — with the right to formulate its own Rules of Procedures, legislate on 61 ‘subjects’ or areas, and allocate and invest development funds given by Islamabad.

However, internal autonomy never meant that Gilgit-Baltistan had the constitutional authority to function on a par with Pakistan’s provinces. As a result, the relative improvement in Gilgit-Baltistan’s status vis-à-vis the centre failed to convince the area’s more critical or nationalist voices — they rejected the package, calling it a “gimmickry of words”. “We want complete constitutional rights declaring this region as a fifth province of the country,” said Dedar Ali, a newly nominated provincial minister in the GBLA.

Ali and other critics also say that the governance package can be removed by the whiff of a presidential hand — or order. With no constitutional legitimacy as a province, its administrative status makes it especially vulnerable to the whims of the next party in power. Meanwhile, the chief minister has limited authority — like the appointments, postings and transfers of civil servants below grade 18. His financial powers are limited, and he finds himself having to “turn to Islamabad with a begging bowl” according to one critic, far too often.

Some critics go further, saying that the present administrative package is an obstacle in the region’s development. Some, like senior journalist and chief editor of Daily Siachen Gilgit Baltistan, Syed Bahadur Ali Salik, think that the present administrative package is an obstacle when it comes to the development of the region — half of the allocated budget goes to non-development spending, i.e. spending on the governor’s, chief minister’s and ministers’ salaries and perks. “That was why we have seen no development works being completed in this region over the last three years,” says Salik.

Keeping a close watch

“Why watch the general election? Because when the GBLA goes to elections in two years, we’re going to have to make sure that we elect a central party to power, so they can help us develop this region,” says Salik. In the run-up to elections, more pro-government factions find it realistic to align themselves with the party that will hold power in the centre, and therefore power over the development funds and ultimate future fate of the region. In the last election for the GBLA, the people of Gilgit-Baltistan fully supported the PPP and managed to establish a government under its party banner. The election result had many hoping that the PPP would solve its problems. Many, however, feel cheated.

“The former prime minister, Yousuf Raza Gilani, changed the 2009 ordinance into an executive order, which means Gilgit-Baltistan remains vulnerable to the whims of a central government,” says the former deputy chief executive of Gilgit-Baltistan, Haji Fida Mohammad Nashad. “They went ahead and disappointed a lot of those people who supported them — there were hardly any development projects to speak of. Gilgit-Baltistan is hoping for a political change in the country,” he said. Salik hopes that the PML-N will bring about a major change. “I hope Mian Nawaz Sharif will upgrade the administrative package of Gilgit-Baltistan — he has announced that he will if the PML-N wins. He has also promised to transform Gilgit-Baltistan into a constitutional province by converting the current order from 2009 into an ordinance,” says Salik.

Nationalists: Independence, not elections

Nationalist parties go much further, and say that the elections are a sideshow that remove focus from the real issue. The chairman of the Gilgit-Baltistan United Movement, Engineer Manzoor Hussain Perwana, is disappointed that the Pakistan government has deprived his people of basic human, constitutional and democratic rights. He says that the government has kept Gilgit-Baltistan in a conflict scenario for six decades — within the framework of the Kashmir dispute. The annexation, as he calls it, of Gilgit-Baltistan is illegitimate. Instead, the indigenous Gilgit-Baltistanis who overthrew the erstwhile Dogra regime on Nov 1, 1947, to form an independent government should be considered the real local authority of the region’s indigenous population — and thus be considered one of the three interim governments recognised by the UN as parts of the disputed former state of Jammu & Kashmir (the other two governments are at Muzaffarabad and Srinagar).

Instead, Perwana argues, the Pakistan government has colonised Gilgit-Baltistan, and mishandled and misrepresented the real situation to the international community. “This region Baltistan, which operates under the de facto administration of Pakistan, has no identity, no constitution, no system, no freedom of expression, no impartial judiciary, no free media, no free movement, no human rights, no rights of vote and no freedom of expression. Instead, it is one of the last colonies of the 21st century, and what Baroness Emma Nicholson, a member of the European Parliament, called a ‘Black Hole’,” says Perwana.

Source: the dawn