Friday 30 March 2012

Muhammad Yasin Malik, Chairman JKLF Murtaza Shibli

Muhammad Yasin Malik, Chairman JKLF
Murtaza Shibli, contact@kashmiraffairs.org

https://mail.google.com/mail/?shva=1#inbox/13664a4e475f19fa

Yasin Malik is a very strange and intriguing character. In fact, I find him the most interesting to study and he epitomizes the character of Kashmiris – confused, guileful, opportunist, emotional, brave, cautious and full of tantrums.

As a militant commander he rose above the ranks of others despite his shortcomings in formal education and disadvantaged family background. He survived many splits within his party as well as militant threats and fully established himself and his JKLF – partly because of the tacit support of the Indian establishment and security agencies. He is the only Kashmiri separatist who has pockets of support within the intelligence agencies of both India and Pakistan and now he is courting Americans with the blessings from both India and Pakistan.

Yasin Malik is a great survivor. He surrendered in the early 1990s and gave hundreds of JKLF arms and ammunition to the Indian forces which raised the Special Operations Group (SOG) from that using the same arms to kill fellow militants, some from his own group. Yet he called it a cease-fire and got away with it at a time when surrender meant sure death from separatist militants. Then he established a network of informers for the Indian security agencies to overcome the influence of Hizbul Mujahideen and Jamiatul Mujahideen, particularly in the Srinagar district. Despite the Hizb’s opposition to him, he not only survived but surged ahead. Later, he established direct contact with Indian Prime Ministers – Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh – both clandestinely and openly and when the news was out, he managed it very well. He had very good contacts with Indian leaders Rajesh Pilot and George Fernandes as well.

Last year, when the trans-Kashmir bus service was inaugurated and Pakistan’s then Information Minister Sheikh Rashid was planning to visit his ancestral family in Kashmir, Yasin Malik betrayed Sheikh Rashid and said publicly that he offered help and shelter to the Kashmiri militants. As a result, Rashid was refused visa. There are reports which suggest that Yasin Malik spilled the beans at the behest of Indian intelligence, as they were not happy for Sheikh Rashid to come being certain that he would have received an overwhelming public reception, undermining the Indian position in Kashmir. More recently, Yasin Malik courted a bigger controversy in Washington when he and Ghulam Nabi Fai of Kashmiri American Council openly supported the Indian position on Kashmir by opposing the right of self-determination. This was so-far Yasin’s biggest shift and that too in public. Despite huge outcry, he seems to have survived it though Fai’s appeal for both Kashmiri separatists and the Pakistani establishment has eroded. Yasin Malik has ever since refused to comment on the Washington Conference, but Afzal Guru’s death sentence seems to have provided him with a new opportunity to divert public attention and use the occasion to his maximum advantage like other Kashmiri politicians from all persuasions.

Yasin Malik is intelligent as well. Despite not being much educated, he speaks good English and has studied immensely to develop a good understanding about the situation around him. After the return from his first visit to the US in 2001, he lied to the Hurriyat leaders in Srinagar to have met with Condolezza Rice, now Foreign Secretary to seek concessions. He is a ‘drama queen’ too, throwing tantrums every now and then to seek sympathy and secure attention. Some people believe that he is an incarnation of the legendary Sheikh Abdullah though on a much smaller scale. Despite all this, Yasin Malik is still uncontrollable at times and loses his temper. On one occasion he assaulted his fellow Hurriyat leader Prof. Abdul Ghani Bhat during a Hurriyat session. He also attacked popular weekly ‘Chattan’ for publishing an article against him and destroyed its office. He is known for his bad language – he swears and smokes regularly despite a heart condition.

He has tremendous support within the Indian establishment. Currently he is close to Ghulam Nabi Fai who is busy to sell ‘an American solution’ to Kashmiris that is without self-determination. Yasin Malik comes from Maisuma in the heart of Srinagar’s Lal Chowk – a place that has seen umpteen upheavals and is witness to the tumultuous history of Kashmir.

This interview was conducted at his Maisuma residence in May this year.

How do you view the current situation in Kashmir?
The situation is pretty bad. In fact, there is no improvement as claimed by both India and Pakistan. The Kashmiri people are suffering as usual.

If nothing has changed as you say, why are you supporting this ‘peace process’ between India and Pakistan?
Well we have to move forward. If we do not work towards peace, Kashmir can slide into another Iraq and we could become the breeding ground for Al-Qaeda terrorists and other fundamentalist Islamic forces.

Who is a bigger threat to Kashmiris – India or what you call Islamic fundamentalist forces?
I personally think Islamic fundamentalism is a bigger threat, though many may not agree with me.

And why is it so?
You can talk to India, negotiate with it, but not with the fundamentalism.

The Second Round Table Conference is a few days away and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has invited all the Kashmiris. Are you attending it?
No, I am not attending it as this is not going to solve any problems.

Isn’t it strange that you meet the Indian Prime Minister one to one in New Delhi, but not in the Round Table Conference which at least has some agenda. What kind of message does that give to Kashmiris?
Well as I said it is not the right time and therefore I don’t think I should go.

Does that mean you support the point of view of Syed Ali Geelani who says that all such exercises are useless?
I didn’t say that. All I say is that I don’t think this round table business will help anyway. When I feel something is helpful for the Kashmiris and our cause, I will certainly support it and participate in it.

Earlier you said that the present India – Pakistan Peace Process has not helped Kashmiris, but still you support it?
Listen! I said it has not helped, but I also said that such things are important to break the ice or we will further slide into chaos.

I have noticed something very strange about you. You have many cases of killings registered against you and yet India is very lenient with you allowing you to move freely within India and abroad all the time?
They realize that they can not put me behind bars all the time. They have tried it previously many a time, but failed.

Sorry am I missing anything here? You are free to go anywhere in the world you like, but Syed Ali Shah Geelani can’t even move within Kashmir. He is more influential than you and a more senior politician; why is India doing this?
I don’t know. May be they think Geelani sahib is a fundamentalist and they don’t like that.

So in other words you are saying that the Indian government likes you?
I don’t know, I didn’t say that.

I find it strange, because it was your organization JKLF that killed most of the innocent Kashmiri Pandits and yet the blame goes to the so-called fundamentalists.
[No answer]

What do you say about the brutal killings of the Pandits? They were all innocent.
What can I say…. that is a dark phase of our history when everybody was killing each other. It was never our policy to kill Pandits. But some of our boys thought they were legitimate targets because they were pro-Indian and perceived as conspiring against the majority community.

You are saying that you never killed any Pandits?
Of course not.

But I have heard that as JKLF Chief Commander you ordered such killings?
That is simply not true.

So who killed them?
I don’t know.

But you are responsible for such killings as Chief Commander?
No I am not… and I don’t want to talk about it further.

Okay let us talk about the killings of the Indian Air Force men. You have a case registered in this regard.
I said that I don’t want to talk about it. I am no more a militant. In fact I left the gun soon after and now I believe in non-violence. I am following Gandhi and he is my inspiration.

Does that mean you are against the militant struggle in Kashmir?
Well I don’t believe in it and that is all I want to say. What other people want to do is their business.

Recently another faction of JKLF was launched by Javaid Mir; how many factions has JKLF now got?
You should ask that to Kashmiris as to how many JKLFs do they recognize. You will get the answer.

There is a lot of dissatisfaction among Kashmiris against the so-called separatist leadership. What is your opinion?
Well I think people are angry against them for not being able to do anything. In addition, they believe that these leaders have amassed wealth which is partly true as well. The people are not happy about that.

Many people have the same opinion about you as well. When you went to Pakistan after the earthquake last year, you claimed to have taken one crore rupees with you for the relief work. Where did that money come from?
People donated it to me for the relief operations.

Who are those people? I heard reports that the money came from Indian agencies.
That is not true. This is propaganda launched by these fundamentalists and Jamaatis.

Even Hajj has not changed Yasin Malik, Dr Shabir Choudhry

Even Hajj has not changed Yasin Malik
Dr Shabir Choudhry 30 March 2012

Yasin Malik had a turbulent childhood. He developed this image of a young angry man; and was very proud of it. He always looked for a change and better life. He moved on from one step to the other; and did not hesitate to accept new challenges. Many of his colleagues believe he used friends and others around him as a stepping stone to move up the social and political ladder.

I am not privy to his childhood life, as I only met him in November 2000; however, his friends and former childhood colleagues claim that he had no set ideology or political philosophy. His only motive was to move on and ‘make hay while the sun shines’.

Before being recruited as a militant to wage a militant war against India occupation in Kashmir Valley, Yasin Malik was a poling agent of a candidate of Muslim United Front and Hizb Ul Mujahideen Commander and Chairman of Mutahida Jihad Council (alliance of militant groups fighting war against India and that is based in Pakistan and controlled by Pakistani secret agencies).

General elections in 1987 were rigged and Yasin Malik’s leader (a man belonging to Jamat e Islami) also lost elections; and that provided the spark, as people thought they could not bring about change peacefully. Yasin Malik always looked for a change. Strategic experts in the Inter Service Intelligence were closely monitoring the situation in Kashmir. They knew they lost in 1965 because they did not do their home work properly and people of the Kashmir Valley were not taken in to confidence.

This time situation was ripe and people of the Kashmir Valley were angry with India and wanted a change. The ISI was not going to sit idle and waste this opportunity. Services of top leaders of Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front were hired to recruit potential militants from the Valley to be trained and indoctrinated. Yasin Mailk, a man looking for a constant change was in the first batch to be ‘honoured’ with this status of being ISI trained militants.

During ISI training, Yasin Malik and his colleagues must have been told that you can make history and become heroes of the nation, if they start this struggle to liberate Kashmir; and people will regard you as Mohammed Bin Qasim, a legendary Muslim commander who invaded parts of India in 7th Century. With dreams of becoming a national ‘hero’ and Mohammed Bi Qasim of 20th Century, Yasin Malik and his colleagues, after graduating from the ISI military training camp crossed the Line of Control to wage a war against Indian occupation.

The ISI training, their indoctrination, their arms and money boosted his moral and he bravely and dutifully implemented the plan known as “Operation Topac” in letter and spirit; and, at times, risked his life and lives of others. No one question his bravery, ability to fight and manipulate things to advance his agenda. Question, however is, the agenda he is espousing, is it a Kashmiri agenda? Has that agenda brought about positive changes to lives of ordinary people? Has that agenda improved quality of life of ordinary people? Above all, are we people of Jammu and Kashmir part of this agenda; or are we only victims of that agenda? I leave that question to thinking people of Jammu and Kashmir to answer, as it is they who have been through hell since 1989.

However, life of our ‘hero’ ISI trained militant, changed once again. He was arrested by the Indian troops and brutally manhandled. He suffered in prison cells; but he knew prison life was not for him, as the man believed in moving forward, make compromises and accept new challenges. He agreed to under go further training. The ISI trained him in the art of militancy; and he and his colleagues and other militants brought chaos in the Valley of Kashmir that resulted in death and destruction and human rights abuses.

The Indian intelligence wanted to use the same weapon – people like Kuka Parey and Yasin Malik to fight back Pakistani sponsored militancy. Kuka Parey was used to fight back militancy; but since Yasin Malik had other skills to offer, so he was launched on the political front. He was accused of many murders, including killings of Indian air force personnel. If the Indians wanted they could have nailed him down, and sentence him; but they decided to use him as their tool; and trained him in art of politics and diplomacy.

After years of training under watchful eyes of Indian experts, he was released – it must be noted that still many true militants who did not make deal are still suffering in jails. They told him that militancy has no role in the Kashmiri politics; and that he should adopt Gandhi style politics – hunger strikes, peaceful tasks like signature campaign, and candle light walks up and down the Valley which would help India to send this message to the world community that India only kills people with guns. Yasin Malik and his hundreds of colleagues walked from village to village in various parts of the Valley of Kashmir and no harm was done to them. They assured him that once peace returned to Jammu and Kashmir, he would, apart from other rewards will also get political rewards.

Yasin Malik, according to the agreement promoted a peaceful struggle. Even though some critics asked him where is that gun, which you proudly introduced in Kashmir; and that has resulted in death of a generation and human rights abuses, he continued with Gandhi style activities and thought he would be remembered as a Gandhi of Kashmir.

When he declared a cease fire with India and positioned himself on Gandhian approach to politics, Amanullah Khan and ISI did not appreciate that, as it was done without consulting Amanullah Khan who was, after all, the Chairman of the party. Amanullah Khan, as the Chairman of JKLF accused Yasin Malik for working for India and expelled him from the JKLF. Yasin Malik’s colleagues (Revolutionary Command Council), in retaliation expelled Amanullah Khan and accused him for working for the ISI.

Last year both Amanullah Khan and Yasin Malik decided to forge a unity and work together. Both declared this unity without consulting their respective Central Committees; and Amanullah Khan did not consult Chairman of his party Sardar Saghir Khan. Rumour has it that ISI handlers of both JKLF Groups wanted them to declare this immediately to prevent any possible opposition from the members who hitherto had been calling each other ‘agents’ and ‘traitors’.
People of Jammu and Kashmir have right to seek this clarification: Amanullah Khan declared Yasin Malik for working for India and in return Amanullah Khan was accused for working for the ISI, please tell the confused nation, who is working for who now? Do you work for the same employer? Or does Yasin Malik have more than one employer?

Furthermore, Memogate had no links with Kashmiri politics. Mansoor Ijaz claimed that Yasin Malik met RAW Deputy Chief; and that time Yasin Malik was on Hajj pilgrimage. He issued a statement condemning that claim and denied ever meeting RAW Deputy Chief. To people of Jammu Kashmir, whether the claim was true or not, it was end of the matter; and Yasin Malik did not express his desire to take any further. Then question arises why all of sudden Yasin Malik decided to become part of the Memogate two weeks ago.

The reason is politics of Pakistan and appointment of new ISI Chief in Pakistan. Politics of Pakistan related to the Memogate demanded that Yasin Malik should be called to refute Mansoor Ijaz’s claim and prove that he is not trustworthy. They hoped the task would boost Yasin Malik’s declining fame, as it would give a message to people of Jammu and Kashmir that Yasin Malik has contacts in international circles; and what the ISI, IB and MI of Pakistan don’t know and Rehman Malik (Home Minister of Pakistan) does not know, Yasin Malik knows it.

Yasin Malik had added attraction: an opportunity to meet the new ISI Chief, and negotiate new terms and ask for more ‘fundus’ – funds. It is believed that because of inflation and growing monetary demands he wanted them to ‘do more’ for him. It is believed that the ISI, in return asked him to ‘do more’ for them; and sever his contacts with the Indians. The demand also included to teach me (Dr Shabir Choudhry) a lesson by defaming me through his interview and with help of his touts and followers.

When Muslims go for Hajj, it is expected that on return they will be better Muslims and better human beings. I expected same for Yasin Malik. I phoned him about two months ago and congratulated him for performing Hajj. He thanked me for this. In a friendly way I said, ‘I hope after Hajj you will become a better person and that you will abandon some of your past activities’. Yasin Malik did not say anything to this but laughed. I did not understand reason for this laugh.

Yasin Malik appeared before the Memogate Commission in Islamabad. Years of training enhanced his natural skills, and he, on oath, lied with confidence. Now I understand why he laughed, he meant he would change the myth associated with Hajj and continue with what he did before the Hajj. The Hajj has not changed him; and now that he is a father of a beautiful girl, let us hope that he will prove to be a good father and good husband. I pray his daughter, Razia Sultana, becomes a good daughter, a decent human being and a source of pride and luck to the family.

Writer is a Chairman of Diplomatic Committee of KNP and author of many books and booklets. Also he is Director Institute of Kashmir Affairs. Email: drshabirchoudhry@gmail.com

From Abbas Butt

From Abbas Butt
Reply to Press Release by Ex-Zonal President of KNP, Mr Nazim Bhatti

After reading the recent press release by Ex- Zonal President of KNP, Mr Nazim Bhatti I have no option to release this reply to state the facts.

All Senior Members of Kashmir National Party including Sect general and member PAK zone have agreed this statement.

I would firstly like to state that when Mr Nazim Bhatti was a member of KNP as Zonal President he would not even then have the authority to dismiss Dr Shabir Choudhry as a member of the KNP. This is because Dr Shabir Choudhry is the Chairman of the Diplomatic Committee and member of central committee and per the constitution of KNP a zonal president has no such authority. At present Mr Nazam Bhatti is not even basic member of KNP how he can such action. This right lies with the Chairman and the Central Committee Members alone.

On the 25th March 2012 a meeting was held between Senior KNP Members. The people at this meeting were Mr Nazim Bhatti (Ex-Zonal President), Mr Zubair Ul-Haq Ansari (Spokes Person), Asim Mirza (Chief Organiser), Mr Mumtaz Mirza (Ex-Member Central Committee) and Myself.
At this meeting it was mutually agreed that any person who does not see the works of KNP being part of there works should leave the party and pursue there own goals as the goals of the Kashmir National Party continue to be an Independent, United, Secular and Peaceful Kashmir.

Unfortunately in this meeting Mr Nazim Bhatti and Mr Mumtaz Mirza regretfully decided to leave the Kashmir National Party. All senior party members were informed of this outcome.

I would lastly like to point out that Dr Shabir Choudhry is and continues to be a loyal and hard working member of the KNP and continues to hold his post as Chairman of the Diplomatic Committee.
One more agreement made between departing members was not to spread filth on each other but unfortunately some members could not keep this gentleman’s agreement.
The actions of Mr Nazim Bhatti, has but only stained himself and I see no need for such actions.

The Kashmir National Party will always take the true path in the struggle for an Independent, Secular and Peaceful Kashmir.

Regards,

Abbas Butt
Chairman KNP

Real face of Yasin Malik

Real face of Yasin Malik

All those who want to know real Yasin Malik, kindly listen to part 5 and part 6 of this video

http://youtu.be/D5Cs8yWjMz8

http://youtu.be/nw-mkX8AFzQ

Thursday 29 March 2012

Yasin Malik's allegation against me and my reply

Yasin Malik's allegation against me and my reply

http://www.sadaechanar.com/epaper/?dt=MDMtMjgtMjAxMg%3D%3D

http://www.sadaechanar.com/epaper/?dt=MDMtMjctMjAxMg%3D%3D

Wednesday 28 March 2012

Shabir Choudhry’s speech in Delhi Kashmir Conference in November 2000

Shabir Choudhry’s speech in Delhi Kashmir Conference in November 2000

A few months ago some critics ‘fuelled’ by sentiments of tribalism and secret agencies started a vicious campaign against me for attending aKashmirconference held inNew Delhiin November 2000. Some of these critics worked with me while I was President of Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front; but their tribal loyalty proved to be stronger than the party loyalty and ideological commitment. My speech, as it was delivered in the conference is produced below; and neutral people will note that it is not antiJammu and Kashmir. Dr Shabir Choudhry

Text of a speech made by Shabir Choudhry, President Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front UK & Europe, in the conference jointly organised by International Centre for Peace Initiatives, Delhi; Chr. Mitchelson Institution, Oslo; and Institute of Regional Studies, Islamabad, held in New Delhi on 25/6 November 2000.



Theme of the Conference: Next steps in Jammu and Kashmir – Give Peace A Chance”.



Session title: “Inter-Regional Factors in J & K’s pluralistic society”.



Introduction



Before we begin to discuss and understand theKashmirdispute and peace we must establish what do we mean byKashmir. When we talk ofKashmirdo we mean a strip of land that is 84 miles long and 27 miles wide; or we mean the State ofJammu and Kashmirwhich existed on15 August 1947.



The fact that the present struggle started in theKashmirValleydoes not mean that only this area is disputed. As the JKLF and I see it, the entire State ofJammu and Kashmiris disputed; and our aim is the unification and independence of the State. When we talk of the State we mean theKashmirValley,Jammu, Ladakh on this side of the Line of Control, and areas known as Azad Kashmir and Gilgit and Baltistan on the other side of the LOC. At this stage I would like to make it clear that JKLF Chairman is honourable Yasin Malik, and he is in better position to elaborate on this and explain the JKLF ideology and future strategy.



The fact that the present struggle started on the Indian side of the LOC does not make these areas more disputed than the areas on the Pakistani side of the LOC. And the fact that there is no visible unrest on the Pakistani side of the LOC does not mean that the people of these areas are happy with the current situation. It must be clear to all concerned that all these areas are disputed and for peace and stability ofKashmirand that of theSouth Asia, it is imperative that a mechanism is worked out that people ofKashmircould determine their future.



If we are serious and sincere in finding a solution acceptable to all three parties to the dispute then we have to abandon rhetoric and emotional attitude. We have to abandon slogans of “Atoot Ang” and “Sha – Rag”, and adopt a pragmatic attitude by taking the ground realities into consideration. In the words of Pundit Jawarhalal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India: “Kashmir has been wrongly looked upon as a prize for India or Pakistan. People seem to forget that Kashmir is not a commodity for sale or to be bartered. It has an individual existence and its people must be the final arbiters of their future“ (Report to All Indian Congress Committee on6th July 1951).



Similarly Mohammed Ali Jinnah in an interview on17 June 1947, said:



” After the lapse of paramountcy the Indian States would be constitutionally and legally Sovereign States and free to adopt for themselves any course they wished. It is open to the States to join the Hindustan Constitutional Assembly or to decide to remain independent. In my opinion they are free to remain independent if they so desire.”



These statements of two great leaders show legal and realistic approach to theKashmirdispute – approach that was not clouded by emotions. But it is unfortunate to note that theKashmirdispute, as we see it today, is a direct result of competing national interests and designs of bothIndiaandPakistan. In other words we Kashmiris are suffering because both countries were at a state of war and competing against each other. This competition and animosity has continued through out these years.



Whereas other countries in the world have moved on bothIndiaandPakistanare still in a state of war. As a result, apart from the Pakistani and the Indian people, we Kashmiris are also suffering. We are still forcibly divided, tortured, uprooted and deprived of our basic human rights. May be we (the people of Indian Sub Continent) have reached that stage where it would be suicidal to continue this situation. For the sake of peace and stability in theSouth Asiawe have to leave the past, with all its tragic events, behind us and make a new start. Up till nowKashmirhas been a source of competition and rivalry betweenIndiaandPakistan, and may beKashmircould become a bridge of friendship, a source of peace, stability and inspiration.



Problems faced by people



Many people say theKashmirdispute is easy to resolve. In their view all what is needed is the withdrawal of the Indian forces fromKashmir. This view is unrealistic and naïve. Much more than that is required, if we are serious about resolving the dispute. It is true the United Nations Resolutions askIndiato withdraw ‘bulk’ of her forces fromKashmir; but it is also true that the same Resolution askPakistanto withdraw her forces first. We know that demilitarisation, as asked by the Resolution, could not take place because of differences betweenIndiaandPakistan. As a result of this failure our motherland,Kashmir, is forcibly divided with troops ofIndiaandPakistanfacing each other on LOC.



Apart from that we have to look at regional, cultural and religious issues. It must be noted that the people ofKashmir, despite recent endeavours to communalise the Kashmiri politics, by and large see their nation as a multi-cultural and multi religious – one with a strong tradition of mutual co-existence.Kashmirhas its own proud history with diverse and rich cultures and unique sense of toleration and brotherhood. In stark contrast to the religious intolerance and violence found in other places of the Indian Sub Continent,Kashmirbecame a land of mutual acceptance and tolerance. BothIndiaandPakistanneed to learn to respect this, and must not try to alter this by communalising the issues. In fact they can learn lessons from the Kashmiri culture of co existence, toleration and respect for each other’s religion and culture.



Kashmiri people also have a strong tradition of decentralised internal political rule. This decentralised system of politics helped each region to develop its own culture and traditions; and also helped to develop individual agricultural and economic systems. Previous foreign rules did not too much disrupt the internal geographical, cultural, and economic interconnections which have existed for centuries. But the occupation and the forced division since 1947 has greatly affected the Kashmiri way of life, and completely alienated the people from each other. Indiaoccupies the KashmirValley, Ladakh, and Jammuregions. While Pakistanoccupies areas known as “Azad Kashmir”, and Gilgit-Baltistan (approximately 32,000 square miles). China also occupies two portions of the Kashmiri land, Aksai Chin in Ladakh, and a portion given to China by Pakistan from Gilgit-Baltistan This forced division controlled by a large concentration of troops has absolutely barricaded the social, economic, and cultural relations that existed through the internal routes for thousands of years.

Apart from disrupting economic and social interaction between people of different regions, the effect of the “Line of Control” has been so devastating that families living just on opposite sides of the same little valley have been unable to see each other for more than 53 years. The only chance these unfortunate people have is to make a difficult and expensive trip to the capital of either India or Pakistan and then apply for a visa to the other occupying country. If one is fortunate enough to make it to the other side of the dividing line, he or she must then make equally difficult trip back home. This is time consuming, expensive and exhausting, as the journey is more than thousand miles. Worse still when these people go from one place to the other they are treated badly and often with suspicion. More than likely a poor visitor will be branded as either “Indian agent” or “Pakistani agent”. They will have to live with the burden of this allegation for the rest of his life.



A re-unified and independentKashmirwould re-open the internal routes and unite all the inhabitants of the divided country. This would end the isolation of places like Ladakh and Gilgit and Baltistan, and this interaction between different communities would help in nation building.
It is deemed proper and acceptable that apart from businessmen and ordinary people, journalists, diplomats, lawyers etc fromIndia andPakistan could visit each other’s country without too many problems, but how unfortunate that poor Kashmiris cannot. Many legal and bureaucratic hurdles are created for them, and if some how they manage to get relevant travel documents they are likely to be accused of being a “spy” of either one country or the other



Even though I live inLondonand have a 30 years track record of working for a united and independentKashmir, I know what I had to go through to come toDelhito attend this conference. I don’t know what would be the outcome of this conference, but I know for sure that I will have to face a barrage of criticism and baseless allegations for the “crime” of attending this conference. But my response to all this is who cares I know what I am doing, and what is right for my organisation and country. We have to adopt a new strategy and move forward, and in doing so we will have to face many challenges, and not be intimidated by those who benefit from the status quo.



The way forward



It should be clear from the above that the people of Kashmirno matter which side of the LOC they are living are facing huge problems. On the Indian side of LOC their problems are different because of the armed struggle and large-scale human rights violations. The armed struggle and subsequent excessive actions by the armed forces have greatly affected the social fabrics of the Kashmiri civil society. All sections of the Kashmiri community have suffered because of this, of course some have suffered more than others – I mean Muslim members of the Kashmiri community have suffered more; but aim of this paper is not to go into details of these sufferings, and make any comparison. Whether the sufferers are Muslims or Hindus they are all Kashmiris and sons and daughters of the soil. And their suffering is regrettable; it is a loss to the Kashmiri nation. Whereas I feel sorry for the families of those who have lost their loved ones, we have to think of those who are still alive; and who could be saved.



It is becoming increasingly clear that there could be no military solution to theKashmirconflict. No party is in a position to dictate terms militarily. The cost of any military expedition, especially betweenIndiaandPakistanwith nuclear capability on both sides, would be disastrous for not only Kashmiris but all people ofSouth Asia.



Similarly UN resolutions, whatever their worth, have failed to provide any solution acceptable to all parties to the dispute. Moreover there was no Kashmiri input into these resolutions. Both Indian and Pakistani delegates at the UN only represented their national interests, with little care or concern for the people ofKashmir. In any case a series of Agreements such as Tashkant, Shimla, and Lahore Declaration have greatly influenced the position of UN resolutions.



UN resolutions and all these Agreements and Declarations accept that State ofJammu and Kashmiris disputed, and we could use this as a starting point and start trilateral talks to resolve the issue. Before we reach that stage there has to be inter -Kashmirdialogue- a dialogue between various regions and communities to build some consensus. We have to accept that due to forced division and other factors there is some mistrust and misunderstandings between different Kashmiri communities. We have to work out a strategy for rehabilitation of all those who have been uprooted because of this struggle, this includes Muslims, Pandits and other Kashmiri minorities.



It must be clear to all that theKashmirissue is not a territorial dispute betweenIndiaandPakistan; and nor it is a religious issue, or fight of one religion against the other. The dispute is about the Kashmiri peoples unfettered right of self-determination. Our struggle is for unification and independence of the State, we don’t want to be part of any other country; nor we are doing this on behest of anyone else. Here it would be appropriate to quote JKLF Chairman, Mr Yasin Malik, who responded to a question in an interview:



’No. It is not a religious issue. We want a total reunification of the whole of Jammu and Kashmir. It is not a religious issue. We are not demanding the right of self-determination on the basis of religion. When we speak about the self- determination of the people of Kashmir we say that the right of self- determination must be given to 12 million people of the united Jammu and Kashmir’.



Kashmirhas seen enough suffering. The Kashmiri people also have right to live peacefully, and live with honour and dignity. But we don’t want peace at any cost. We wantIndiaandPakistanto realise that they have also suffered because of theKashmirdispute, and they will continue to suffer if they don’t resolve the issue according to the wishes of theKashmirpeople. Peace has to come toSouth Asia. We have to move forward and become a political and economic force; andKashmircould provide the necessary ingredient to move forward.



If we want to avoid a permanent division ofKashmirthen we have to win confidence of each other. And Kashmiri Muslims being a dominant political force and being in majority have to ensure other Kashmiri minorities that it is safe for them to live inKashmir, and that their rights would be protected by law. We have to ensure each other that for peace, stability and prosperity of the Kashmiri people we have to live together in peace and harmony.

Mansoor Ijaz as I saw him, Dr Shabir Choudhry

Mansoor Ijaz as I saw him, Dr Shabir Choudhry

Mansoor Ijaz is a central figure in the Memogate controversy which engulfed politics ofPakistanand very nearly resulted in toppling of the Pakistani government. Subsequently, it resulted in bringing Yasin Malik and Kashmiri politics in it as well. Yasin Malik absolutely had no role in this matter, and common sense dictated that he should have kept quiet after refuting Mansoor Ijaz’s claim that Yasin Malik met RAW Deputy Chief.

However, he jumped in the ring and joined the fray, as it was wish of his ‘hosts’, who call shots in the Kashmiri politics from various platforms. In any case, it was clear the opportunity would also provide huge publicity to Yasin Malik who desperately needed it to boost his declining fame.

Yasin Malik’s close contacts withPakistan’s ISI were known to all; and many of his colleagues felt proud of this fact. Yasin Malik also appreciated their protocol, rewards and ‘hospitality’; however, some Kashmir watchers knew of his close contacts with the RAW as well.

Yasin Malik calls Ijaz Malik a liar because he exposed Yasin Malik and told the world that Yasin Malik was in close contact with the RAW, and had a meeting in his presence with the RAW Deputy Chief in November 2000. The following piece I wrote in 2000, soon after the Kashmir Conference held in New Delhiin which, apart from Mansoor Ijaz and Yasin Malik and other Kashmiri leaders I was also present. This piece was part of my booklet on the visit of New Delhi,Srinagar,Islamabad and Mirpur, but I had to stop its publication on a personal request of Yasin Malik in 2001. I have not made any changes to the original text written nearly 12 years ago; and producing it for the benefit of people who have some interest in this matter

Dr Shabir Choudhry 28 March 2012

…………………………………………………………………………………………..

Mansoor Ijaz who made headlines because of his behind the scene diplomacy to resolve theKashmir dispute, was a special guest in the Kashmir Conference. Before the evening meal he was called in to address the Conference. He enlightened the audience about his role, and what he said to the Pakistani Chief Executive, General Pervaiz Musharaf and Indian Prime Minister, Vajapayee to start peace process and resolve theKashmir dispute. He also explained problems faced by both leaders.

Salient points of his speech are as follows:

Economic power is a powerful tool of politics and trouble inKashmiris badly hurting both countries economically;
No businessman is prepared to invest in a place where there is danger to his wealth, and may be to his life as well;
Kashmirhas to be resolved through a process of dialogue, and the Kashmiri people must be part of this process;
Indiahas changed to some extent, but needs to do more to the resolve all outstanding disputes between the two countries;
IfIndiadoes not resolve these issues, then the danger is that this ‘violence’ may spill over to other countries; and wrong kind of Islam might spread;
This will in turn give rise to Islamic extremism and will empower the Jihadi groups who are threat to liberal and democratic structures;
Kashmiri struggle, over the years has become a big business and money is pouring in from various sides. Huge amount of money is coming from the Arabs, and the ‘petro dollars are prolonging the conflict. Those who are benefiting from this struggle do not want it to end;
If we want to avoid anotherAfghanistanat our doorsteps then we all have to work together to resolve theKashmirdispute.
Mr Yasin Malik was asked to respond to the points raised by Mansoor Ijaz’s speech. Yasin Malik went up to the podium and dealt with them in appropriate manner. Most people thought Yasin Malik dealt with this in a matured manner, but some one had to spoil everything, and a gentleman from the audience started screaming and verbally abusing Mansoor Ijaz. His uncivilised behaviour brought shame and embarrassment to other Kashmiris as all the day we were praising the Kashmiri culture of tolerance and friendship. This showed that we could only tolerate something we agree with, and refuse to listen to other people who may have opposing or different views. This unwarranted nuisance brought the meeting to early end.

During this uproar, artificially created by this Kashmiri gentleman, many people were trying to control the situation, and Mansoor Ijaz saw me as one of the peacemaker as well. I was also doing my bit to calm down the situation, and at one time this angry man had heated conversation with me. When I said to him, we are also Kashmiris, and we don’t agree with everything he has said; but we should not take right of expression away from him, and we need to show more tolerance and maturity.

He retaliated by saying that you may be a Kashmiri but you live inLondon, and we have to face the consequences here. At that time Dr Nazir Gilani who was listening to the conversation, intervened in my support and said the fact that Shabir Choudhry lives inLondon, does this make him any less Kashmiri than you are? He is just as a good Kashmiri as anyone else, and has his own importance and contribution to the Kashmiri struggle.

During the luxurious evening meal I had an opportunity to discuss matters with Mansoor Ijaz, and my role as a peacemaker helped me to establish a friendly contact with him. We agreed to keep in touch with each other, and we exchanged visiting cards. We both agreed that people of Kashmirneed outside help and support to get out of this tragic impasse. And thatIndiaandPakistanhave entrenched positions and both need help to create conducive environment and a ladder to gradually climb down from their stated positions. He had a longer and detailed discussion with Yasin Malik, and agreed on a future strategy. END

Email: drshabirchoudhry@googlemail.com

http://k4kashmir.com/

Tuesday 27 March 2012

Yasin Malik challenged by Dr Shabir Choudhry writes to Memogate Chairman for hearing

Yasin Malik challenged by Dr Shabir Choudhry writes to Memogate Chairman for hearing
Date: 26 March 2012

To Chairman Memogate Commission
Islamabad High Court
Islamabad

Dear Sir

1. My name is Dr Shabir Choudhry and I live in England. I am a very dedicated and true political activist; and have a long association with the Kashmiri struggle. I have been part of the Kashmiri struggle since 1973. I am one of the founders of Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front; and have held responsible posts, including the posts of Secretary General and President of JKLF.

2. Also I am Diplomatic Head of Kashmir National Party, Director Institute of Kashmir Affairs, a writer, political analyst and author of more than forty books and booklets on different aspects of Jammu and Kashmir, terrorism, Jihad and India Pakistan relations.

3. According to a Kashmiri newspaper Sada e Chanar report (internet link provided http://www.sadaechanar.com/pages/page1.php?category=kash), Mr Yasin Malik, a Chairman of one group of Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front stated to the Memogate Commission that Mansoor Ijaz and I, Shabir Choudhry, urged him to meet RAW Chief; and that he did not meet him.

4. Sir, Yasin Malik was not a party to Memogate enquiry, and he was granted a right to appear before the Commission when Mansoor Ijaz claimed that he arranged a meeting between him (Yasin Malik) and RAW Deputy Chief.

5. Sir, now that Yasin Malik has tarnished my name and reputation by implicating me in his bundle of lies, I should also be given an opportunity to put forward my side of the story. I am willing to travel to Islamabad on a short notice and present my case.

6. Sir, I strongly feel that the enquiry will not be complete without hearing my version of the events, especially when my name is mentioned in the Memogate Commission enquiry; and a person who is habitual liar and has come forward to do someone’s bidding and mislead the Commission with his lies.

7. Sir, you might know that Yasin Malik was a trained ISI militant who started militancy in Kashmir with help of his bosses in Pakistan; and who later surrendered his gun to Indian RAW and became a ‘politician’ after gaining some ‘training’ in a Farm House near New Delhi. Once he was on board with the Indian agencies and the Indian establishment, he began to preach Gandhi style politics; and was ‘launched’ in the Delhi Conference in which Mansoor Ijaz was also present.

8. Buzzword in the Conference was that the whole show was arranged to honour and ‘launch’ Yasin Malik on a ‘national stage’. It must be remembered that the Conference titled “Next Steps in Jammu and Kashmir: Give Peace A Chance” was jointly organised by an Indian Think Tank ‘International Centre for Peace Initiatives’; and Pakistani Think Tank ‘Institute of Regional Studies’, headed by Brigadier Bashir Ahmed. Reliable sources confirm that Yasin Malik might have had many meetings with RAW senior officers to be selected for this ‘honour’, where he was presented as a special guest.

9. I attended the Conference as the President of Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front; and Yasin Malik was the Chairman. If for a moment we accept Yasin Malik’s assertion that I urged him to meet RAW Chief; then it surely links me with the Indian Intelligence. A question may be asked what action did he take against me after ‘discovering’ this fact.

10. Not only I continued to serve the JKLF as the President until I decided not to contest the next elections, also Yasin Malik was my guest when he visited Britain in 2001; and I made arrangements for most of his meetings with various people, Think Tanks and the British Government officials.

11. Furthermore, when I decided no to contest the forthcoming elections of the JKLF due to my research and academic work, Yasin Malik urged me to continue as the President. I declined his request and did not contest the elections.

12. However, what does that speak about Yasin Malik’s allegation – either he is a liar, which he is; or he was also hooked by the RAW.

13. He claims that people have been killed because of allegation against them of being RAW agents; and because of this threat he wants to clear his name. If what he says is true, then clearly the killers cannot be the Indian army or their secret agencies, as they will not kill their own agents who protect and promote Indian interest. Inherent meaning of that is, Yasin Malik is accusing Pakistani agencies for killing Kashmiri people who are accused of being ‘RAW agents’.

14. Furthermore, if Yasin Malik is accused of being a ‘RAW agent’ (ironically, former JKLF Chairman and present Chief Executive of JKLF Mr Amanullah Khan also accused Yasin Malik of being a ‘Raw agent’ when he expelled him from the JKLF in 1995), then he should have presented himself in the court of people of Jammu and Kashmir rather than running to Islamabad to give explanations to the Pakistani establishment.

15. Sir, Mansoor Ijaz might have lied about other issues regarding the Memogate, but as far as Delhi Kashmir Conference is concerned whatever he has said is true. It is Yasin Malik who is telling lies. Apart form me there were many other Kashmiri leaders present in that Kashmir Conference; and I solemnly and sincerely confirm that Mansoor Ijaz did not use foul language for the people of Kashmir.

16. However, he said that Kashmir dispute should be resolved by a process of dialogue; but because of ‘petro dollars’ coming from the Middle Eastern states some people are hurdle in the peace process.

17. Mansoor Ijaz’s assertion upset Yasin Malik and some other people from the Valley of Kashmir. Some of them went to attack him. I ran out from the audience to protect Mansoor Ijaz. At no time Yasin Malik threw his shoe at Mansoor Ijaz, which he claims to have done.

18. Even if that was true, what does it speak of Yasin Malik who is presented by a powerful lobby as a leader? This street boy attitude speaks volumes about his character and personality. It shows he is intolerant and not a suitable person to be engaged in a process of dialogue. Civilised people and especially sensible leaders listen to views of other people, put forward their view point logically and do not throw shoes at others or intimidate and harass opponents.

19. Sir, in view of all the above, I request you to allow me to present my case before the Commission; and unlike Yasin Malik, I will present my case in open session.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.


Yours faithfully




Dr Shabir Choudhry

Monday 26 March 2012

Yasin Malik is a liar and dishonest person

Yasin Malik is a liar and dishonest person, Dr Shabir Choudhry

Dr Shabir Choudhry
While talking to Murtaza Ali Shah, correspondent of The News, Dr Shabir Choudhry said, Mansoor Ijaz might have lied about other issues regarding Memogate, but as far as Delhi Kashmir Conference is concerned whatever he has said is true. It is Yasin Malik who is telling lies. Apart form me there were many other Kashmiri leaders present in that Kashmir Conference; and I solemnly and sincerely confirm that Mansoor Ijaz did not use foul language for the people of Kashmir.

However, he said that Kashmir dispute should be resolved by a process of dialogue; but because of ‘petro dollars’ coming from the Middle Eastern states some people are hurdle in the peace process.

Mansoor Ijas’s assertion and straight talk upset Yasin Malik and some other people from the Valley of Kashmir. Some of them went to attack him. I ran out from the audience to protect Mansoor Ijaz. At no time Yasin Malik threw his shoe at Mansoor Ijaz. He is making stories to promote him as a ‘hero’.

Even if this claim of throwing shoe is true, what does it speak of Yasin Malik who is presented by a powerful lobby as a leader? This street boy attitude speaks volumes about his character and personality. It shows he is intolerant and not a suitable person to be engaged in a process of dialogue. Civilised people and especially sensible leaders listen to views of other people, put forward their view point logically and do not throw shoes at others or intimidate and harass opponents.

In reply to another question, Dr Shabir Choudhry said, ‘I never asked Yasin Malik to meet RAW Chief. I didn’t know who RAW Chief was anyway and had no contact with him.

However, Buzzword in the Conference was that the whole show was arranged to honour and ‘launch’ Yasin Malik on a national stage. It must be remembered that the Conference titled “Next Steps in Jammu and Kashmir: Give Peace A Chance” was jointly organised by an Indian Think Tank ‘International Centre for Peace Initiatives’; and Pakistani Think Tank ‘Institute of Regional Studies’, headed by Brigadier Bashir Ahmed. So, more than likely Yasin Malik might have had many meetings with RAW senior officers to be selected for this ‘honour’, where he was presented as a special guest.

Dr Shabir Choudhry further said, he will also write to the Chairman of the Memogate Commission that his side of the story could also be heard.

Dr Shabir Choudhry said, he will request the Commission that:
Yasin Malik has tarnished my name and reputation by implicating me in his bundle of lies; I should also be given an opportunity to put forward my side of the story. I am willing to travel to Islamabad on a short notice and present my case.

Now that my name is mentioned in the Memogate Commission enquiry, Sir, I strongly feel that the enquiry will not be complete without hearing my side

Sunday 25 March 2012

This is true Pakistan, as discussed on Pakistan TV, don't believe on what agents of establishment and propagandists tell u:

This is true Pakistan, as discussed on Pakistan TV, don't believe on what agents of establishment and propagandists tell u:
http://www.zemtv.com/2012/03/25/in-session-dr-shahid-masood-hassan-nisar-on-duniya-news-25th-march-2012/

Yasin Malik’s memo entry is a dangerous gambit, Murtaza Ali Shah

Yasin Malik’s memo entry is a dangerous gambit

Murtaza Ali Shah
Sunday, March 25, 2012

http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-2-99405-Yasin-Malik%E2%80%99s-memo-entry-is-a-dangerous-gambit

LONDON: As Yasin Malik, the leader of his own faction of Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), looks set to attempt to depose before the Supreme Court’s judicial commission probing the Memogate scandal, new details have come to light of the volatile meeting on Kashmir in which both Malik and Mansoor Ijaz, the central character of the Memogate scandal, took part.
During cross-examination, Zahid Bokhari confronted Ijaz with an article in which Yasin Malik claimed he had never met with the RAW head.

Ijaz said Malik was lying and insisted that Malik had been a key participant in a late November 2000 meeting at a New Delhi hotel that included Malik, Chander Sahay, then deputy director of RAW who went on to head India’s premier spy outfit from 2003 until 2006, and Ijaz, who arranged that meeting.

More than a decade after that fateful meeting, the duo are now engaged in a duel involving the reputation and credibility of the both. Malik denies meeting Sahay but Mansoor Ijaz is adamant that he arranged the meeting between the two and has the evidence.

Malik and Ijaz first met at the sidelines of a conference in late 2000 that had been arranged by the International Institute for Peace Initiatives in collaboration with the Jinnah Institute, headed by the Karan Sohny and mainly attended by Kashmiris from Indian occupied Kashmir and certain members of the Diaspora Kashmiris, including Pakistani and Indian speakers.

For that meeting, Mansoor Ijaz had travelled on “out of passport visas” granted to him by the Indian government for travel into and out of India and Indian-held Kashmir from December 1999 until November 2000.

Some of the key people in that meeting other than Mansoor Ijaz and Yasin Malik were, amongst others, Amitab Matto, Kashmir Bar Association President Nazir Randa, Yousaf Targami, Dr Nazir Gilani, Dr Shabir Chaudhry, Dr Nazir Nzish, Naeem Khan, Dr Siraj Shah, and Mumtaz Khan.

Dr Nazir Gilani told The News that it was Kashmiri leader Shabir Shah who was originally billed to headline the event but at the last moment Yasin Malik was brought in. Gilani said he and others were woken up at 3 a.m. for an emergency meeting by the organisers about the meeting but refused to give names of who had woken him up and for what purpose.

Toronto based Sardar Mumtaz Khan recalled in a conversation with this correspondent that Mansoor Ijaz was shouted upon by a group of hawkish

Kashmiri activists who were angered at his criticism of the armed militant struggle and his belief that Azad Kashmir was being increasingly infiltrated by Arab influence and money, and that there was a need to redress the jihadist influence.

Khan claims that he stood between Ijaz and those wanting to attack him physically.

Yasin Malik opposed this view of Mansoor Ijaz but the two met on the sidelines of the meeting and were seen together more than once, according to Kashmiri witnesses, including a 30 minutes long meeting.

Ijaz claims that it was after the first meeting that led to a series of several other meetings and conversations with Malik by telephone that enabled him to arrange the meeting with Chander Sahay.

Ijaz says that he made it clear to Malik who he would be meeting with, and that Malik laid down strict conditions for the meeting given the sensitivities involved. Ijaz refuses to discuss what was discussed during that alleged meeting between but it’s believed the participants discussed ceasefire in Kashmir.

Sahay, who has now retired from the service, has not denied holding meeting with Malik on Ijaz’s persuasion, describing being in that conference as being “at the right place at the right time”.

He told the Gulf News in a June 2005 interview that he “trusted” Ijaz’s “judgment” and described their first meeting as a “turning point” for efforts to make peace in violence-torn Indian occupied Kashmir.

But the Kashmiri leader’s entry into the fray is interesting for many reasons and it’s a dangerous gambit.

It will provide many scandalous new details as what happened around that conference and the alleged meeting with the RAW boss.

Malik’s denial provides the defence opportunity to paint a RAW connection around Mansoor Ijaz’s neck - an Indian agent working to destabilise Pakistan.

But if Mansoor Ijaz’s cross-examination before the commission is anything to go by then it is certain that he will produce evidence - and yet unknown details - of Malik’s alleged meeting with the RAW chief. It is believed that Mansoor Ijaz has kept full record of his citizen diplomacy of those years.

Saturday 24 March 2012

Gilgitis cannot be MP, Chief Secretary army or police chiefs in Pakistan

Gilgitis cannot be MP, Chief Secretary army or police chiefs in Pakistan
OCTOBER 21, 2011
http://theterrorland.blogspot.co.uk/2011/10/gilgitis-cant-be-mp-chief-secretary.html
The Terrorland Report - [UPDATED]
GILGITI is a random term for a person from Gilgit-Baltistan, a region known as the Orphaned Land of Pakistan. The Pakistani government is controlling this mountainous region with iron-fists since 1947 as the over two million people of the region has no constitutional rights or a geographical status within the country.

The people of this region have no representation in the Pakistani Parliament, and they say: "We are treated by the civilian and military bureaucracy, especially secret agencies, worse than animals for the last 64 years."

People of Gilgit-Baltistan are being terrorized, locals say. The situation of human rights has worsened over the years in the region. Locals are exploited in every way -- economically, socially and intellectually -- by the "Stalin-like" bureaucrats, appointed from Islamabad.

Locals can't be Member of Parliament (MP), chief secretary of the region, army or police chief, they complain and demand constitutional status as the Fifth Province of Pakistan. Recently, this demand has got momentum as every member of the new generation is getting frustrated by the traditional tyrant strategy of the federal government of Pakistan.

Recently, a member of The Terrorland Team was invited to a cyberspace discussion among the youths of the region, which is being published here so that the "kept-ignorant people" of Pakistan and intoxicated authorities in Rawalpindi (Pakistan Army) and Islamabad (President and Prime Minister) get a "real view" of the situation. The government depends only on false official reports that "everything is under-control". This traditional mantra, being repeated for decades, can't see the volcano ready to erupt!

In the said discussion, the initiator, Sarmad Saeed Khan, is said to be a policeman working in Lahore. Earlier, he had reportedly worked as Inspector-General Gilgit-Baltistan Police. Rais Kamil Jan Baigal is the admin/owner of the group. Here is the discussion without any comment or editing:

Sarmad Saeed Khan: Rais Kamil Jan, I have been invited by the National Institute of Management Lahore to give a talk on Challenges of Gilgit Baltistan on 24th of this month. After my leaving GB the system of government has changed which would have resolved some problems and created new ones. I would like you to help me in preparing my presentation by enlisting some special problems which the administration and people of GB are presently facing. I shall be waiting for your response. Officers of Grade 18 will be attending the occasion. Regards.
Ehsan Jamil Sandrana: Loved the way how you utilise your liaison in collecting key notes for seminars. Great sir
Masood Karim: Dear Mr. Sarmad Saeed Khan! I really appreciate your thoughtful approach towards identifying the problems in Gilgit-Baltistan. Although there are several cross-cutting areas need to be focused and to be addressed from policymakers, Littering is one of the major area that needs to be addressed. I believe, in years to come this beautiful piece of land would be deluged with garbage, seen as we don't have any result-oriented policy to address the said dilemma. Therefore, I humbly endorse my idea to look into this matter meticulously, so that your audience could come up with an effective and prolific resolution to the problem.

Ali Taj: Dear Sir, Issues are multidimensiona: Social, economical, political and and Adminstrative! IA! I will come up with a comprehensive essay about these by mid night or tomorrow!


Raees Kamil Jan Baigal: Dear Sir, I am working on your Given Assignment, I request Ali Taj, Junaid Abdullah, Atif Khurshid, Khurshid Ahmad Jan, Javed Akber, Nur Momad, Ali Ahmad Jan, Alam Anjum, Adil Jan Baigal, Zaeem Zia and all to present their Suggestion in this wonderful Gathering, Dear Sarmad Saeed Shb I will prepare Power point Presentation also in this regard. I hope GBVM (name of the group/forum) will bring real Issues. ‎Shah Adil Shah, Nasir Ullah Biag, Abdul Hakim, Snow Leopard, Farooq Ahmed Khan need your help in this. ‎Nasir Ullah Biag dear Please share your Ideas

Alam Anjum: ‎Raees Kamil Jan Baigal i will call you for this... i am coming on 24th evening to ISB also

Raees Kamil Jan Baigal: I suggest that all can paste that on in this discussion sessions so that we can know what are real Burning Issues of GB. ‎Nur El Amyn, Noor Akbar, Fida Ali Shah Ghizri, Peer Muhammad, Abdul Jahan, Abbas Ali Khan, Aliya Gul, Gul Afshan, Jhoolay Laal, Irshad Kamal. Your input need. ‎Ghazanfar Ali, Aslam Khan Ghalib, Almurtazabooks Gilgit, Alinawab Gilgiti, Asad Ullah Gilgiti, Bagrote Gilgit-Baltistan, Brett Lee Gilgit, Farzand E GilgitBaltistan, Gilgit-Baltistan Intellectuals, Gilgit Baltistan, Please Share your Ideas. ‎Asad Ullah Gilgiti, Aslam Gilgiti, Emma Varley, Bagrote Gilgit-Baltistan, Habib Sulemani, Ali Ahmad Jan, Aziz Ahmed, Atif Khurshid, Abeed Nazar, Nazir Ahmed Bulbul GBVM would Appreciate your Comments. ‎Nazar Muhammad Bozdar, Zameer Abbas, Naseem Zafar, Sanam Zafar, Zafar Iqbal, Zafar Iqbal, Zafar Iqbal @Ali Shah, Naeem Durrani, Gilgit Baltistan Newz GBVM would Appreciate your Comments. ‎Akbar Khan Hillbi, Badar Muneer Khan, Jalal Ali, Muhammad Zaman, Raja Shahid Zaman, Abdul Rahman Bukhari, Alinawab Gilgiti, Tasawur Ul Karim Baig, Adnanullah Baig, Moin Ali Baigal GBVM Appreciates your Comments.

Jhoolay Laal: the biggest problem is sectarian, people getting killed in the name of religion. The other problem is lack of representation in the upper house of the country. the third problem is emerging concern of people that they are left at the mercy of consequences, after the Atta-abad lake outburst. Their is not a proper city planning with the TMA of Gilgit. The solid wastes are not dumped at their proper sites. they are thrown in open spaces, which can pose great threat to environment in future. the other most important problem is the lack of awareness among people regarding the glacial receding and the consequences. one need to remember the greatest glaciers present in the region. I think the KIU must incorporate syllabus at higher level regarding GLOF (Glacial Lakes Outburst Floods). Tourism industry has been paralysed due to lack of a coherent policy in hand. I think these are some problems as far I can say. Thanks..

Sarmad Saeed Khan: Please divide your comments in Political, Economic, Legal, Constitutional, Social, administrative, Environmental, Law and Order and other categories. It will make my task easier. There was serious sectarian problem during the first six months of my job in GB but during the last year and a half there was not a single incident of sectarian violence. What went wrong after 2007 and how did the new political set up tackle this problem?

Almurtazabooks Gilgit: sarmad shahib regarding politics the main issue is insufficient legal powers to politicians ...social and moral conditions greatly depends on the educational system specially on quality elementary education our experienced team is of point of view that specially governments schools pattern and courses are not according to standards... an educated society is vital and is like back bone for any economic , social, development .... constitutional changes are just cosmetic changes as there is no such legal rights given to the people of GILGIT-BALTISTAN.

sectarian rampant clashes in gilgit is due to late justice... you know justice delayed is justice denied otherwise this area is the piece of heaven as you are well aware.. cont.........there is a need to educate people for environmental care as there is no such activity is on notice... political awareness is zero in public indeed there is a need to educate public .... one major issue which is erecting hurdles on way towards a peaceful, developed gilgit is SECTARIAN war between muslims ....well police role is appreciate-able still there is a need to train them more and to motivate them to keep away there religious believes during there duty... regards ..AMBC gilgit

Nur Momad: ‎@ Sarmad sb - Although your question was directed to Kamil, I think these critical, but factual, observations may help you in understanding how an increasingly higher number of people are looking at GB. There are several opportunities (either in potential or practice) but, unfortunately, the challenges are also immense)

Legal and Constitutional - GB is, still, not a legal/constitutional part of Pakistan. It may never become one, if we look at the lack of progress on the resolution of Kashmir dispute, to which we were forcefully connected by the state.

Law and Order - Despite of the heavy presence of military/para-military and police force, the terrorists can kill anyone anywhere. The region has been, systematically, turned into a hub of smuggled/stolen vehicles and goods (coming from China).

Political - The current political set-up is a face-saving gimmick, staged to muffle the dissent that would otherwise emerge.

Cultural - The rarest and smallest languages are endangered because of cultural onslaught, intentional or unintentional. The indigenous Wakhi Burushaski and Doomaki population of Gojal Valley are jeopardized , because of the present and future massive Chinese investments. All efforts on the cultural front are either sponsored by NGOs or the local civil society, with little or no patronization from the authorities. A local living legend, Ustad Jan Ali, is forced to work as a peon/gardener at a school.

Environment - Expansion of KKH, the plan for future rail-road and gas-pipe plans, are serious threats for the fragile ecosystem of Khunzhrav National Park. Similar issues are being faced by other national parks and human settlements. The mining/exploration leases to foreign companies is likely to further threaten the environment, while also creating some jobs. History teaches that all corporations investing in "museum-like" lands, end up messing with the natural/social environment of the region.

Administrative - Raft with corruption and nepotism (sectarian, ethnic, regional). Everybody in GB today talks about appointments in the GB Education Department, by paying a certain amount (PKR 300,000). No one dares, or is interested in, raising the issue or investigating the talk of the town. A minister hires around 400 employees on contract basis in a single department in a single district. Bureaucracy (read CS) jumps in to annul some of the appointments.

Social - Suicides are rising. There is a major issue of unemployment. The society is threatened by fragmentation and compartmentalization, where identities are either sectarian or ethnic. As i mentioned earlier, this is a critical depiction of the current state of affairs in GB. I think the positives should be shared by some other friends, as a response to my observations.

Asad Shah: agree Noor kka

Raees Kamil Jan Baigal: ‎Fauzia Wali Khan, Zizi what do you think and whats your research regarding Suicide cases in GB and Other.

Sarmad Saeed Khan: Please comment on the conflict over land acquisition in Diamer for Bhasah Dam. I have heard that people have got huge sums of money for their arid land and have now bought lands in Ghizer and Gilgit which has brought about some demographic changes. What about presence of Taliban between Phunder and Shandur? What about the boundary dispute between Chitral and Ghizer? How about influence of the MQM? Has Nulter power project started working satisfactorily? What about one Secretary holding two or more charges? Did you get equipment like MRI, CT Scan etc? How's the issue of the nationalist forces going on? How about sectarian polarization among the government servants? Is the road of Kargah Nala in tact or washed away? The material used in constructing that road was very poor and I had reported it to the Chief Secretary of that time. I have heard that the US forces have established a base in Wakhan belt. Is it true? If yes, what implications it may have on GB's geopolitical status?

Fauzia Wali Khan: sarmad saab.. this is wonderful.. let me get my thoughts organized- will comment on the lack of Mental Health Facilities in GB.. and the High incidence of Depression in pple of our region.. ‎Raees Kamil Jan Baigal.. my dear GBVM members.. i have taken on a new post.. apart from working at a major inpatient psych unit in Boston, I am also on Faculty at Boston University Scoolof Medicine now.. i had previously been on Faculty at Tufts University.. it is my honor to represent the woman of GB..

Raees Kamil Jan Baigal: ‎Asad Jan, come up with any real issues which u think is important!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ali Taj: Starting of with Nur Bhai's comment about Constitutional and Legal Limbo: The implications are economical, political, and social. First of all, it has resulted into an identity crisis and political vacuum. Identity crisis has direct impact on educated youth, studying principles of political science and human rights, we get quite frustrated about our constitutional status, adding to severity of the issue, our countrmen include us either in KPK or Kashmir directly offending our right of preserving individual identity within fabric of our beloved country Pakistan. I would like to say that, the majority of our countrymen are unaware about the status of GB whether educated or uneducated.

Secondly, political vacuum: the experementation of dummy and psuedo political setup strongly controlled by beauracracy leaves littles room for fullfillment of popular will and nurturing of political insitutions. Uptil now, I have followed three elections, and in all I saw a government orchestrated by federation. And, it generally held theory that bearaucracy always work for maximising its power and interests instead of effectively working. With absence of civilian check on them they are free to do whatever they want to in GB. The identity crisis and political vacuum has quite social and economical consequences: frustrated youth is going to be an easy pray for pan nationallists, pursuing irrational agendas like separatism, and political vacuum alonwith absenceof healthy political insitutions forces youth to shift their frustration to sectarian and regional conflicts.

Economically, less vibrant political insitutions and powerless Govt leaves no hope for well studied and calculated policies and programs for employment, education and health acounting for very delayed developmental work and growth. I want to give example of Konodass Bridge, it took 9 years to get it done, I was in 8th class, when work was in progess, I was in 2nd year, work was in progess, I was in fourthteenth year, work was in progress, I am now, in 16th years, Its almost almost completed(The road on either side of bridge has not been yet carpeted). Similarly, strong beaucratic controll causes the moral hazardous behavious in our politicians, they acquit themselves from any electoral accountability living masses with problems of daily lives. Classic example of Failure of Political leadership from fulfilling popular demands is " Issue of Atabad Lake" I want to highhilght an issue specific to women: NO Women Police Station in GB. I have good information and can retrieve more about problems faced by women police in GB.

Raees Kamil Jan Baigal: ‎Yasir Abbas, I am waiting for your comments

Ali Taj: As far as Talibans are concern, their is no chance of infiltration from shandoor or phander, successful and peacful Shandoor Polo festival attended by foriegners as well locals is good example to prove it.. MQM actively participated in Election 2009, It has been able to secure a seat as well and to my information a runner up in Hunza and region 3 of Gilgit. The main reason for it, is a good chunk of GBianz use to live karachi, creating a dependancey relationship with MQM. Also, to my knowledge I heard that MQM encouraged young, educated and people from lower classes to run for elections, fully backing them up with finance and publicity. It is a good sign of healthy political activity in the region.

Yasir Abbas: I believe the nature of conference is "Problem identification oriented" so it makes no point to repeat the history by talking about the the rights or constitutional status of GB. You should better highlight the key issues mainly associated with the government and the masses.. the inability of government to deliver and at the same time the crisis with which the people of GB are currently going, is something worthy to be discussed. Highlight the core issue of transportation, the KKH and the plane issues.

Ali Taj: Regarding, health facility: I dont know exactly about MRI, CT Scan but to share; I visited DHQ Hospital Gilgit, I was little upset seeing long ques, however, at end of day recieved good health care for my mother.

Brett Lee Gilgit: To be perfectly honest with you and at the same time I hate to admit that my region is badly trapped among the lethal ills, everywhere there is complete darkness, we are in hopelessness, restlessness, helplessness situation. We do not know where we do stand? where we are heading? I can not see any becon of light all around to take the region out from the current standings,,,,,,,, I have been highlighting some core issues of GB on this plate form,Today I want to replicate my ideas as I have been asked,,,,,,,To touch very briefly The first stark and primordial challenge that our region GB confronting is the sectarian violence which was spreading and perforating gradually but after the dawn of 2000 it is accelerating at a very high pace,We need to diffuse it first of all,,,,,,

The second problem which I call without any hesitation "MOTHER OF ALL LETHAL ILLS" is the decelerating rate of illiteracy or v can call it ignorance which is the breeding threshold of any dispute which creates a state of confusion among the masses by disintegrating them,Secular and religious education must go parallel to combat with clash of ignorance,as it is one of the fundamental teaching of our faith,,,,,,The 3rd one is the presence of weak and irresponsible malfunctioned paramilitary forces in our region,Instead of injecting more rangers y dont we well train our own GB police,Bring the GB police & scouts up to the same mold n level of army,

Five forces are present there in glt Army, rangers, FC, GB scouts n GB police (I dnt mind calling the dilute forces) still the situation is not in control,I think if we train the local police and Gb scouts they can maintain peace (when I say well training I also mean the state of mind),,,,,,,,

The fourth one is the trust deficit of people of Pakistan,The people of the region are absolutely in a tumultuous situation whether we r Pakistanis or not,We need to define clearly the status of GB,,,,,!!!!! We need to take extra ordinary measurements & we have to defeat these issues at the center of gravity and to struck them from the roots whatever they cost,,,,there is no way of quitting or no any option of running away from the situation,,,,,,

I just hope and pray may God bless the sole leaders of GB with noble intention ,Blessed them vision,wisdom n a spirit of patriotism so that they may shunt down their personnel interests and do take judgments, measurements n decisions in the supreme interest of the region,,,,,,,

Ali Taj: ‎Yasir Abbas, We leav it to you:}, else Respectable sir requested for those issues too:]

Raees Kamil Jan Baigal: ‎Aziz Ali Faustus bai, can you comment on issues on Gilgit-Baltistan especially if you have finalized your Article on Poverty of Politics in Hunza. http://hisamullahbeg.blogspot.com

Sarmad Saeed Khan sir Above is the personal Blog of Brig. Hissam ullah baig regarding the Current Issues in Gilgit-Baltistan. ‎Hisamullah Beg, Dear sir can you Please elaborate Emerging Issues in Gilgit Baltistan.Hisam Hunzai, your views in this regard Please http://www.mygilgit.com/blog/2011/09/22/a-letter-to-gb-by-brig-rtd-hisamullah-beg

Nur Momad: ‎@ Yasir - how can there be a dichotomy between constitution and governance? I think the two are very intricately related, affecting all spheres of life. Terrorist - Return of the tournament of shadows !! The issue of a "new cold-war", as a former chief secretary had termed , seems to be depicted in the on-going, tacit, encircling of our region by Chinese and US/NATO forces. NATO needs a strong base in Afghanistan and they may never be able to establish it in the regions of Qandahar/Herat/Khost/Helmand, where the Taliban forces have powerful presence.

The most convenient space for them to establish a base is the region controlled by forces loyal to Ahmed Shah Masood (late), who have a soft-corner for the forces opposed to Taliban.

A journalist friend informed me that there have been "Taliban attacks" in the regions close to Wakhan/Pamirs. Such "attacks" by the "Taliban" (there are hundreds of stories of fake Talibs, prepared by Indians/Americans and other holy warriors) may be orchestrated by the powers that be to create conditions and justification for stronger military base in the northern Afghanistan region.

An interesting move has also been made by China, through the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, a semi-military, state-owned, corporation, which has played an important role in changing the demographic features of Xinjiang by bringing in hundreds of thousands of Huns to the region and creating new towns for them, since 1954.

The above named "Corporation" has brought in a flood of relief for the disaster hit Gojal region, directly connected to both, Wakhan and Xinjiang!

The politics of relief may not be as "humanitarian" and "simple", as it seems. Last year, when the Chinese sent thousands of tones of relief items, the USA "responded" by distributing biscuits and chocolate, of course through the WFP, with AusAID branding.

The competition in relief distribution may very well reflect the two powers' willingness to register their messages of "sympathy" with the people living in the border areas, who are most likely going to get affected by the war, either hot, or cold.

The "Taliban attack" in Chitral, which served to be a pre-text for deployment of military in Chitral and some parts of Chipursan Valley (Gojal) may also hint towards the changing military-dynamics of the region.

All these changes are likely to make the indigenous populations more vulnerable to exploitation, while causing a a lot of cultural, economic and social tension in the entire region.

Ali Taj: Finally, few good things: First, the youth is ready to work with state machinery volunteerily to tackle issues faced by GB, I myself running a student led initiative, similarly, Nur, Kamil Bhai and many others. We need back up from state machinary so, that we can engage others too in healthy activities driving GB out of problems. A good number of educated men and women will soon return to GB equipped with modern education and information to serve at their best, State must ensure opportunities for them. Also, the day by day improving image of GB internationaly as well as locally, might attract tourists and once again restore this key economic activty. State must take steps to speed up this process.

Nur Momad: sorry... not AusAID .. i meant USAID in my last comment.

Yasir Abbas: ‎Ali Taj, i wish

Zameer Abbas: Sarmad Sir! GB faces all the problems which any remote, out-of-mainstream and underdeveloped area of Pakistan could be facing. To name but few the area is challenged when it comes to government education, health facilities, employment opportunities and social security.

Unfortunately, the government is yet to reach out to the population which lives in far flung areas in virtually medieval conditions. During my service in Gilgit, Hunza, Astore and Skardu, I have come across people living in much below the poverty or other development indices. To these people, it hardly matters if there is a new chief minister or so and so has become the governor i.e. a major shake-up in the system.

So the biggest problem is governmental outreach in terms of bringing the population into the social net by providing facilities in the sectors mentioned here above.

Ancestral land ownership has accounted for relatively low level of poverty. Jobless heads of families have used their land as a last succor(mainly by selling it or growing cash crops on it). But this resource is fast diminishing in the face of an increasing population which is using it for construction instead of growing crops. For obvious reasons, the situation is more alarming in so-called big cities like Gilgit and Skardu.

Last but not the least, Gilgit has been reeling under sectarian violence since decades. The administration of the area can play a crucial part by bringing the “supreme” leaders of Shia and Sunni communities together as the scourge of sectarianism is an outside phenomenon in the region. . At the same time, those involved in acts of violence need to be punished which, sadly, hasn’t happened so far.

Rehman Pak: A friend says: "Sir...sir...sir... just look at... a Stalin-like policeman runs the intellectuals of Gilgit-Baltistan like herds of sheep... as the ISI does with the so-called local leaders... I'm ashamed... this policeman will now recycle these ideas before grade-18 clerical minds... this oppressive behavior is the basic reason for the suffering of the 2 million people of GB since 1947."

Sarmad Saeed Khan: Rais Kamil Jan Baigal, any comments on Rehman's comments?

Raees Kamil Jan Baigal: Sarmad Saeed Khan, Dear sir, out of 48 Comments I am happy that we got 47 logical Comments. As in Gilgit-Baltistan you better now Youth like Us Pro-Pakistani and real Nationalist are also considered as Traitors, our Nationalism is considered as ISI-Installed thoughts and Viz-&-Viz.

In Gilgit-Baltistan Raw Funded, and Great Game Players and their Local Agents have hijacked holy word of "Nationalist". I have asked many time from Many So called Nationalist's what is there Social, Political and economic Agenda. In our Intellectual Journey, Social Development Projects, Youth Mobilization, and Positive games, we have never found any of them around us. They are following some Hidden Agenda's which are now no more Hidden (i.e. Getting Dollars), Its clear that you can find them in baseless Activities, and Illogical thoughts cycles.

Let me Ask Rehman Pak what is the logic of ISI for all of this Issue Identification, and I have found this person new in our Plate form, This is his First comment. And i cannot Assured that he is from Gilgit-Baltistan (may be this is Fake Profiles). But we will leave his comments over there for Accepting his freedom of Speech, and mean while we will paste ours. But I expect respect for each others at-least keeping age and Culture of GB in due consideration.

@Sarmad sir, You must feel proud that in your single request we feel proud of you and took u as our voice and best Opportunity for raising our issues in National Plate form from where we can expect dividend in form of progress, Networking and development. so in all of the above we are in democratic Country and Majority by expressing their views have given you Full mandate of representing our Concerns and real issues in that plate form.

Form GBVM (www.gbvm.org) I am very grateful, Obliged and in debt for your Concerns and care for us: GBVM Salutes you for that. And in future we are ready for working and making Gilgit-Baltistan as one of the Peaceful, Organized, Pluralistic, Diversified and Strong Communal and Socially Well Connected Province in Pakistan.

Atif Khurshid: Raees Kamil Jan, you and your team are doing a great job - keep it up!

Raees Kamil Jan Baigal: ‎Sarmad Saeed Khan, Look Sir you got strong Voice of Support from Atif bai, He is working in UN-USA. thanks Atif bai.

Sarmad Saeed Khan: Thanks Raees Kamil Jan Baigal, we should not waste time on the self styled intellectual like Rehman Pak.

It was easier for me to contact the CS and IGP of Northern Areas for their views or just repeat my old presentations but that would have been intellectual dishonesty. I want the latest input on issues of the GB. The forum I am going to speak to comprises officers from PSP, DMG, Accounts and other important professional groups.

I am repeating the possible areas of discussion. Please request your contacts to give their considered opinion: "Please comment on the conflict over land acquisition in Diamer for Bhasah Dam. I have heard that people have got huge sums of money for their arid land and have now bought lands in Ghizer and Gilgit which has brought about some demographic changes. What about the presence of Taliban between Phunder and Shandur? What about the boundary dispute between Chitral and Ghizer? How about influence of the MQM? Has Nulter power project started working satisfactorily? What about one Secretary holding two or more charges?The taxation Issue? Did you get equipment like MRI, CT Scan etc? How's the issue of the nationalist forces going on? How about sectarian polarization among the government servants?"

Masood Azam: I think people of GB are allowed to acquire land any where in GB, without any reservations or apprehensions. As all people of GB have same culture and traditions, well it will be appropriate to say the difference is negligible. As far change is a constant thing. :) There is no presence of Taliban specially places like Phunder and Shandur. Wish ya best of luck Sir.

Fauzia Wali Khan: sarmad saab.. thank you for your honest approach and interest.. stay strong sir- represent us at the forum..

Nur Momad: Taxation - I am, personally, in favour of taxation in view of its importance for the region's economy and autonomy.However, vast majority of the region's people have reservations against the imposition of taxes, mainly on the basis of "no taxation without representation" ideology. However, we need to understand that till resolution of the Kashmir dispute, we may never be able to get a representation in the Pakistani parliament. Till then, our economic dependency on the centre would also have political and social implications. Our policy makers may have to make many compromises, in order to come up to the growing needs of the region's populace. The Centre is highly unlikely to give hand-outs to GB in the years ahead.

Our dependence on the centre, currently, is such that if they withdraw the wheat subsidy, our region's economy may completely get destabilized.

I, personally, think that the current and future governments need to educate our people that for decreasing the economic dependence on Islamabad, we need to raise our own revenues, through taxation.

Shandur row - My personal opinion is that the issue is basically local in nature, not regional. The pasture of Shandur is disputed between the people of Phandar and Laspur (Chitral). All efforts should be made to stop the jingoists' efforts to broaden the scope of the row to inter-district, or worst, inter-'provincial' level.

Health facilities - Even if all the machines were available in GB, the lack of trained professionals would make their presence useless. There are several well equipped hospital building, not being utilized because of the dearth of doctors and paramedical staff. By and large, our health system is very weak, specially in the far-flung areas

MQM - I think this party is being promoted by the establishment as part of a broader strategy to weaken the nationalist movements. The major slogans of MQM are;

- "autonomy-in-the-ambit of Pakistan",
- "representative of the lower-middle and middle class",
- "representation for GB in the national assembly"
- "Promotion of regional cultures"
- "end to hereditary politics"
These slogans echo well with majority of the people of GB. Many are still wary of the party because of its various notorieties and "fascistic approaches."

With the downfall of PPP, which seems quite certain, the second majority would, seemingly, shift to the MQM and PMLN. The nationalists will, by and large, remain irrelevant for some time. The nationalists need to understand that majority people of GB, no matter how much against the oppressions and suppression, want to remain part of Pakistan. All separatists are, most likely, going to remain irrelevant in the broader political scenario, with some surprises, on and off.

Naltar Power Project - Gilgit is still faced with severe load-shedding, which may indicate that the project has yet to be effective, if ever.

Zafar Iqbal: Sarmad Saeed sb! Corruption, power shortage, infrastructure, education, health, religious xenophobia are the problems of GB

Sarmad Saeed Khan: Nur Momad, thank you very much for your valuable input.

Nur Momad: Secretaries holding multiple departments -

If modern management methods are relevant (which, I believe, they are), the more 'diverse work' you give to a manager (public or corporate), the lesser will be his/her efficiency.

Focused work has a greater performance yield and turnover.

In this context, if we look at GB, there are two secretaries (that I know of) holding 6/7 departments. The man responsible for Education, is also expected to look after Special Education, Social Welfare and Women Development. And the result is that a Special Education Complex in Gilgit city has been non-functional due to lack of funds.

Similarly, another secretary, is responsible for Planning and Development, Youth Affairs, Culture, Sports and Tourism.

No matter how efficient and dexterous, a public servant will always feel his hands tied, when asked to look after so many crucial departments, simultaneously.

The CM, who has 4 ministries, under his arm, should not only release the pressure off himself, but he shall also ease the government employees by making the relevant people available, by forcefully advocating the formation of GBPSC, as well as getting more people from other sources.
Thank you sir. It is my pleasure.

Raees Kamil Jan Baigal, About RehmanPak - I had blocked him for several months. Today I unblocked him to read his comments, after seeing his name come up in the discussion, and as usual he has only speculations to offer. So I am blocking him again on my personal profile :-)

Rehman Pak: ‎Raees Kamil Jan Baigal, thanks for the direct comment and showing the grace! Again the friend has sent me this comment:

"Why people like Nur Momad are not invited to organizations like National Institute of Management Sciences Lahore to present the real picture of Gilgit-Baltistan? Why officers from Gilgit-Baltistan are not given promotion to become Chief Secretary or Inspector General Police or Four-star generals in the armed forces? Why the talented locals, as seen here, are let to depend on Sarmad Saeed Khans? Why the 2 million people of Gilgit-Baltistan are not given the status of a Constitutional Fifth Province, plus representation in the National Assembly and Senate of Pakistan (even 64 years after the independence)? For how long this exploitation of the innocent people of Gilgit-Baltistan, who love Pakistan as their mother-land, will go on?

‎"From this representative forum, Gilgit Baltistan Volunteer Movement, let us write to the management of the National Institute of Management Sciences Lahore to invite Nur Momad or any other representative scholar from Gilgit-Baltistan to lecture the officers there... so that their "Stalin-like" behavior changes and they become public-servants not masters in our Pakistan, the land of the 184 million deaf, dumb and terrorized citizens."
Nur Momad: I appreciate Sarmad Saeed sb's initiative of asking the GBVM members for their opinions. He could have made his presentation without even letting us know! I am thankful to him for taking the initiative and considering our opinions worth it.

Sarmad Saeed Khan: Ali Taj, thank you for your valuable input.

Raja Hussain: Sarmad sahib give me ur email i will send u whats wrong with new sestem

Raees Kamil Jan Baigal: ‎Raja Hussain shb, Let it be Open secret in front of Public, we must know this.

Sarmad Saeed Khan: Raja Hussain, my email address is sarmadsaeedkhan@gmail.com. Thanks in anticipation.

Sarmad Saeed Khan: I have selected the following issues for discussion. You may please add more or advise me to exclude some: Constitutional confusion
Politicians are not empowered
Unemployment due to economic crunch and ban on recruitment
Economic crunch due to closure of KKH at Atta Abad
Amount of compensation to Atta Abad affectees remains unpaid
Worn out KKH and long distance to down country
Short airstrip and uncertain flight schedules
Lack of health facilities
Lack of excellent educational facilities
Administration from down country lacks commitment
Political parties of down-country have no stakes
Local bureaucrats lack capacity and neutrality
No revenue generation
Unsettled land acquisition problem for Bhasha Dam affectees
Demographic changes due to migration from Chillas
US presence in Wakhan Strip
Taliban presence in Hundrab National Park
Unsettled boundary disputes with KPK
Sectarian conflict remains unresolved
Ethnic and sectarian polarization
Corruption in bureaucracy
Non-local paramilitary have no respect for local traditions
Issue of nationalism
Lack of infrastructure
Wheat subsidy
Geopolitical vested interests

Nur Momad: Sir, can we think of nationalism, not as an issue, but a solution for the region's sectarian strife. The list is pretty comprehensive.

Rehman Pak: The friend has asked again: "Sarmad Saeed Khan, what do you mean by: 'Local bureaucrats lack capacity and neutrality'? Is this the reason that people from Gilgit-Baltistan reportedly can't be YOU, I mean IG police, chief secretory or a four-star general in Pakistan? If so then how come Mr. Shigri can become IG Sindh and NWFP polices or G.M. Sikander can become a leading officer in Punjab and Center?? Why are you guys using oppressive tactics with the local officers, whom you call 'frogs of the pound'? "

Rehman Pak: ‎"Isn't it true that bureaucrats from down are appointed in Gilgit as a reward who earn billions for themselves and their patrons from the Pak-China trade and other means? What was your assets before appointment in Gilgit? How you managed to buy houses in Islamabad and Lahore plus commercial plots? What was your working relationship with the ISI then and now? Didn't you once said to a colleague: whenever the Gilgitis demand Constitutional rights, just give guns in their hands they will start fighting... or beat a drum they will start dancing... and forget everything in the world?"

[There is a pin-drop silence!]

Rehman Pak: I have been told not to name ISI here… so tell me, do some Shia, Sunni and Ismaili leading people along with secret agencies "engineer" killing of their own people to get personal benefits. See:http://theterrorland.blogspot.com/2011/04/i-fear-no-one-on-earth-says-isi.html

[The moderator instantly removes this comment]

Rehman Pak: @ Raees Kamil Jan Baigal, if you are a true lover of Pakistan, not just working for personal gain, then don’t remove my comments let’s have dialogue.

[The moderator instantly removes this comment as well]

Rehman Pak: @ Raees Kamil Jan Baigal, is Sarmad Saeed Khan your father or brother because you both share the moustaches?

[Again the moderator instantly removes this comment]

Fauzia Wali Khan: Rehman saab.. i like this excerpt from your comment: "Whenever the Gilgitis demand Constitutional Rights, just give guns in their hands they will start fighting... or beat a drum they will start dancing... and forget everything in the world?".. somewhat accurate..

Sarmad Saeed Khan: Nur Momad, nationalism is not an issue but the audience has to be apprised of its nature in GB.

Sarmad Saeed Khan: I should not indulge in discussion with an odd person with deranged mind but I offer that all my residential and commercial plots and houses in Islamabad and Gilgit that I bought after my posting in GB stand donated for flood affectees of GB. I don't know whose quotation he has attributed to me. I came to the forum with sincere and positive intentions not for getting insulted. I think this is my last post.

[Before Rehman Pak could comment, he was blocked]