Black Day for Kashmiris on 22 October
Kashmir National Party is holding one day conference on Kashmir in Watford, England. The conference aims to examine what importance of 22 October has in history of Jammu and Kashmir.
Some people encouraged by Pakistani establishment hold a Black Day on 27 October every year to coincide with the landing of the Indian army in Kashmir which came there on the request of the then Ruler of Jammu and Kashmir.
KNP leaders however believe that we have to look at the root cause. Jammu and Kashmir had a Standstill Agreement with Pakistan and in contravention of that Agreement, government of Pakistan managed a ‘tribal invasion’ which not only violated Kashmiri sovereignty but also committed serious human rights abuses and killed innocent people and raped women.
This looting and pillaging continued for many days and the Maharaja and his forces were unable to defend the State territory or the people of Kashmir; and had no other choice but to seek outside help.
KNP Spokesman Dr Shabir Choudhry said, our miseries and troubles started with that tribal invasion. It caused death and destruction in Kashmir, and forced the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir to seek outside help, which resulted in provisional accession and subsequent arrival of the Indian army.
We believe the State of Jammu and Kashmir is not part of India or Pakistan and we strongly oppose policies of both countries; but as for as Black Day is concerned we should have a Black Day on 22 October because this is the day when our troubles and miseries started.
We expect writers and leaders to explore this aspect of our history and educate people rather than treading on the path shown to us by those who have interest in occupying us and exploiting us.
Details of the conference are as follows:
Titles:
• Why 22 October matters in Kashmiri history?
• What are our grievances against Pakistan?
Venue: Watford
Time: 2pm
Date: Sunday 18 October 2009
Saturday, 3 October 2009
Sunday, 20 September 2009
States must also provide justice and equality
States must also provide justice and equality
Dr Shabir Choudhry 17 September 2009
While speaking to a seminar organised in Palais Des Nations in Geneva by International Institute for Peace, Dr Shabir Choudhry said:
Whereas I agree violence and terrorism is evil and must be opposed and condemned, but we also need to look at reasons why people resort to violence. Sometimes when people have exhausted all peaceful and political means to achieve their legitimate rights then some feel violence is the only way to get their voice heard.
I am not condoning or supporting terrorism as that leads to misery, loss of human life and destruction; and very often leads to more violence. Conflicts and disputes should be resolved through a process of dialogue, but when all avenues of peaceful means are closed to them; and people are unfairly treated and pushed against wall, it is expected that some will lose patience and resort to violence.
Violence and terrorism is bad, whether it is individual terrorism, group terrorism or state terrorism; but people will say state terrorism is worst as it is generally the main cause of grievances and has capacity to cause more destruction under the cover of law and order and fighting terrorism. Then situation comes when a man killing people and destroying homes and villages from safety of his jet fighter or helicopter gun ship is called a brave soldier; and person who is defending his basic human rights, his family and his home is labelled as a terrorist.
Every human society has problems and it is not possible to resolve problems of society with use of gun; and this message needs to be understood by the states and groups who have grievances and want to resolve political matters with use of violence. Violence should not be used to advance a political agenda by groups; and governments and their agencies should not deny people of their fundamental rights.
Using his right of reply Dr Shabir Choudhry said, I have lived in England for past 43 years and I have not seen any mosque used as a base to commit terrorism. It is totally wrong assumption. Mosques are places of worship and peace. They are used for praying, teaching religion and spreading peace and harmony not hatred and violence. It is however possible that a terrorist could be using that mosque for praying, but it must not be construed that the mosques has any role in terrorism or its promotion.
He further said I have not condoned terrorism, if anything I have been campaigning against terrorism for many years. Some people say it is wrong to kill civilians but it is appropriate to target army personnel to advance legitimate rights, as they represent a state against which people have grievances.
I do not even support violence against what are called ‘legitimate targets’ like army men and police men, as they also have families, children and parents. Terrorism must not be condoned under any context, but at the same time states must also adopt reasonable and acceptable attitude and treat all citizens equally. They must provide justice and protect fundamental rights of all citizens. When states or some of their organs become a source of inequality, injustice and oppression, people resort to terrorism.
We people of Jammu and Kashmir fought for our right of self determination by using peaceful methods and after 40 long years of peaceful struggle some of them got frustrated and resorted to violence. I know what destruction and misery this policy of using violence to advance the Kashmiri cause has brought to my countrymen. Despite loss of tens of thousands lives, destruction and misery our goal of independence is not in sight yet – we are not any nearer to our destination; if anything we are more divided and further from our goal of independence.
Those powers which are fighting terrorism by using jet fighters and justify it under collateral damage really need to rethink of their strategy as they are creating more people ready to take them on. We have seen the trauma of old men, women and children who were uprooted from their homes in millions in name of fighting terrorists and Talibans in Pakistan. The way their homes were destroyed and the way they were humiliated it will surely lead to more violence and more people will be ready to take up the cause of fighting the oppressors; or take revenge for loss of their love ones. End
Dr. Shabir Choudhry, Director Institute Kashmir Affairs
Tel: 0044 77909 42471 Email: drshabirchoudhry@gmail.com
My blog: www.drshabirchoudhry.blogspot.com/
Dr Shabir Choudhry 17 September 2009
While speaking to a seminar organised in Palais Des Nations in Geneva by International Institute for Peace, Dr Shabir Choudhry said:
Whereas I agree violence and terrorism is evil and must be opposed and condemned, but we also need to look at reasons why people resort to violence. Sometimes when people have exhausted all peaceful and political means to achieve their legitimate rights then some feel violence is the only way to get their voice heard.
I am not condoning or supporting terrorism as that leads to misery, loss of human life and destruction; and very often leads to more violence. Conflicts and disputes should be resolved through a process of dialogue, but when all avenues of peaceful means are closed to them; and people are unfairly treated and pushed against wall, it is expected that some will lose patience and resort to violence.
Violence and terrorism is bad, whether it is individual terrorism, group terrorism or state terrorism; but people will say state terrorism is worst as it is generally the main cause of grievances and has capacity to cause more destruction under the cover of law and order and fighting terrorism. Then situation comes when a man killing people and destroying homes and villages from safety of his jet fighter or helicopter gun ship is called a brave soldier; and person who is defending his basic human rights, his family and his home is labelled as a terrorist.
Every human society has problems and it is not possible to resolve problems of society with use of gun; and this message needs to be understood by the states and groups who have grievances and want to resolve political matters with use of violence. Violence should not be used to advance a political agenda by groups; and governments and their agencies should not deny people of their fundamental rights.
Using his right of reply Dr Shabir Choudhry said, I have lived in England for past 43 years and I have not seen any mosque used as a base to commit terrorism. It is totally wrong assumption. Mosques are places of worship and peace. They are used for praying, teaching religion and spreading peace and harmony not hatred and violence. It is however possible that a terrorist could be using that mosque for praying, but it must not be construed that the mosques has any role in terrorism or its promotion.
He further said I have not condoned terrorism, if anything I have been campaigning against terrorism for many years. Some people say it is wrong to kill civilians but it is appropriate to target army personnel to advance legitimate rights, as they represent a state against which people have grievances.
I do not even support violence against what are called ‘legitimate targets’ like army men and police men, as they also have families, children and parents. Terrorism must not be condoned under any context, but at the same time states must also adopt reasonable and acceptable attitude and treat all citizens equally. They must provide justice and protect fundamental rights of all citizens. When states or some of their organs become a source of inequality, injustice and oppression, people resort to terrorism.
We people of Jammu and Kashmir fought for our right of self determination by using peaceful methods and after 40 long years of peaceful struggle some of them got frustrated and resorted to violence. I know what destruction and misery this policy of using violence to advance the Kashmiri cause has brought to my countrymen. Despite loss of tens of thousands lives, destruction and misery our goal of independence is not in sight yet – we are not any nearer to our destination; if anything we are more divided and further from our goal of independence.
Those powers which are fighting terrorism by using jet fighters and justify it under collateral damage really need to rethink of their strategy as they are creating more people ready to take them on. We have seen the trauma of old men, women and children who were uprooted from their homes in millions in name of fighting terrorists and Talibans in Pakistan. The way their homes were destroyed and the way they were humiliated it will surely lead to more violence and more people will be ready to take up the cause of fighting the oppressors; or take revenge for loss of their love ones. End
Dr. Shabir Choudhry, Director Institute Kashmir Affairs
Tel: 0044 77909 42471 Email: drshabirchoudhry@gmail.com
My blog: www.drshabirchoudhry.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, 16 September 2009
Speech of Dr Shabir Choudhry on Gilgit Baltistan in Geneva
Speech of Dr Shabir Choudhry in a seminar arranged by INTERFAITH INTERNATIONAL in Geneva on 16 September 2009.
How Constitutional, Political, Cultural and Economic rights are violated in Gilgit and Baltistan?
Mr Chairman, friends and colleagues aslamao alaykam and afternoon.
A comment was made earlier that we are here to look at ‘legal’ acts of Pakistan in Gilgit Baltistan. Since Gilgit Baltistan is not legally part of Pakistan, and article 257 of Pakistani constitution makes that clear; so any action they take is extra constitutional and illegal. I want to say that we are here to examine ‘illegal’ acts of Pakistan and oppose them, as they are illegal and undemocratic.
It is generally agreed that democracy is a form of government where people can democratically elect their rulers and hold them accountable for their actions. In other words it is a government of people and for the people - a government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation in which free and fair elections are held. In all democracies a right of political expression, a right of speech and freedom of press is essential. Furthermore political pluralism, equality before law and respect for human rights of all citizens is must.
But in Pakistan and especially in areas of Jammu and Kashmir occupied by Pakistan, this rule does not apply. Here it is a government of bureaucrats and for the interest of the bureaucrats. Their main aim is to protect and enhance their interest and interest of the establishment they represent. By establishment I mean bureaucrats - civil and military, secret agencies, top army elite, political elite which has always been there in one form another for many decades.
Pakistan always had imperialist designs towards State of Jammu and Kashmir; they wanted to grab the State by hook or by crook. After failing to convince the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir to accede to Pakistan they resorted to military means and managed a tribal invasion on 22 October 1947. This military adventure resulted in first direct military clash between India and Pakistan. When a cease fire was arranged on 1st January 1949, Pakistan was in control of a large territory of the State, which was further divided in to so called Azad Kashmir or Free Kashmir and ‘Northern Areas’ which is constituent part of the State and was officially known as Gilgit and Baltistan.
Whereas areas of Pakistani Administered Kashmir got some political rights and semi autonomous status in 1970, areas of Gilgit Baltistan were directly ruled by Islamabad with draconian laws without any civil and political rights. The present government of Pakistan which claims to be a champion of democracy and fundamental human rights has pronounced a new package for the people of Gilgit Baltistan and has hailed it as ‘empowering people’ and ‘granting people independence’.
People of Gilgit Baltistan have rejected this package as ‘old wine in new bottles’. There has been strong opposition to this Package from various parts of the State, especially from Pakistani Administered Kashmir. Having said that I want to confess, that like in other oppressed and colonised nations, we also have collaborators on both sides of the LOC and they have welcomed the Package.
Mr Chairman
In my view the package has one positive thing – recognition of the fact that this territory is not ‘Northern Areas’ of Pakistan; and they have officially been recognised as Gilgit Baltistan. Apart from that the Package has given some more rights to the people, but aim of Islamabad is not to give more rights to people, but to annex this area by electing a docile Assembly and ask them to sign on a dotted line to complete the task of division of the State. First PPP government in 1970s tried to make Azad Kashmir a ‘Province’ of Pakistan; and abandoned it only after fiercely opposition.
Islamabad has already appointed PPP Stalwart as a ‘Governor’, who will ensure that desired results are achieved in the elections which are due to be held on 12 November 2009. Even Pakistani political parties are not happy on this appointment, as they fear a PPP ‘Governor’ could not be impartial in the forthcoming elections and he will rig them to elect or select people who are loyal to him and his Party.
This Package was prepared by a Committee that consisted of Pakistani bureaucrats and political activists, and was headed by a man called - Qamar Zaman Qaira who has become a new ‘Governor’ of the area. In other words as a head of this Committee he promoted himself to become a ‘Governor’; and this act alone shows this man cannot be impartial as he has vested interests.
This Governor is called a ‘Viceroy’ of Gilgit Baltistan, and he will be a political master of the area; and he won’t be accountable for what he does in an area more than 29 thousand Sq miles; and to more than two million people. People of the area will have no role in his selection. This unelected Pakistani man will have enormous powers. He will even select a cabinet for Chief Minister. He will also have senior Pakistani Office Bearers, again selected by Islamabad to help him to accomplish his task of ruling this colony of Pakistan to promote interest of Pakistan at the expense of the local people.
This Committee did not consult any person from the area. Even their supporters and collaborators were not taken in to confidence, as they were not deemed suitable to be consulted on this crucial matter even though it was to have great impact on lives of millions of people. Thinking in Islamabad is that of an old grandma who claims to know everything; and who wants to assert her control in her own home and in homes of her neighbours.
Even not all Pakistanis are in favour of this new package. A member of Pakistan National Assembly, Marvi Memon wrote in the News International on 14 September, and I quote:
‘What is most misleading in all government statements on the package is the assertion that this package gives most autonomy. But the fact is that it is the Council which has all the powers. The Council of eight un-elected representatives will be ruling Gilgit-Baltistan from Islamabad. These eight include the prime minister and his cabinet members. Even when the rest of the seven elected Gilgit-Baltistan members are elected onto the Council they will be in minority. This is not autonomy. The new Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly has no concept of an opposition as described in the Order. Moreover, all material powers are vested either with the prime minister through the Council or with the governor who is vice chairman of the Council. Since the chief minister, the elected representative of the people, does not have the same powers, it is in effect governor’s rule’. Unquote
The ‘Council’ Marvi Menon has mentioned is Gilgit Baltistan Council which will hold all the powers and Prime Minister of Pakistan will be its Chairman. All the major decisions will be taken in this Council which will have majority of unelected Pakistanis who have no direct link or interest in the area. They will decide what is good for the people of the area. They will decide who should be promoted and who should be appointed; and these decisions could not be challenged any where. This is a democracy in a Pakistani style.
I have plenty to say on the new package. I can also quote many things from critics from Gilgit Baltistan, and other parts of Jammu and Kashmir; but in my view it is better to quote criticism of a Pakistani. So once again I want to quote Marvi Memon, who says:
‘No amount of paid articles to ridicule the valid criticisms can win the people of Gilgit-Baltistan over. No amount of paid welcome parties for non-Gilgit-Baltistan governors can give the impression that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan are with the PPP government. The protests of the nationalists, the political parties and the disgruntled youth are a testament to the actual feelings of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan’.
Even a Pakistani politician and a legislator believe that people of the region are not happy with this new package, even though it has some good points in it. They know that it is a trap in a name of democracy. Like people of other civilised countries, people of Gilgit Baltistan also want to enjoy fruits of democracy. They want rule of law, political and economic rights, equality, accountability and transparency, but not at the cost of their freedom and submission to Islamabad.
Mr Chairman
Today the world appears to be united in their fight against terrorism and fight against Talibans, who it is claimed are major source of terrorism and instability in the region. As a result of this war on terrorism Afghanistan has suffered enormously and tens of thousands of innocent people have perished even though Afghanistan had no role in tragic event of 9/11. Moreover the Talibans are not an Afghan phenomenon. They were exported to Afghanistan to accomplish certain tasks.
Talibans are a product of a deliberate policy which has its own mechanism, source of inspiration and source of training and funding. It is wishful thinking to defeat this ideology and this creature while the infrastructure that created this monster is still alive and kicking; while it is still pursuing policies which create more Talibans. Brains and policy that produced Talibans have only changed their tactics; their real goals and strategic thinking has not changed.
Whereas I am seriously concerned about peace and stability of the region, my fear is that forces of violence and destruction could be unleashed in my homeland – areas of Gilgit Baltistan. This will help Islamabad to strengthen their hold and strangulate those forces which believe in democratic rights for all citizens and which regard Islamabad as a colonial ruler.
Furthermore this policy of talibanisation of Gilgit Baltistan will help Islamabad to protect and promote interest of the elite which controls and runs Pakistan in name of national interest. In view of this, we totally reject this new package and demand that Islamabad should relinquish its control and let people of the region run their affairs according to their interests and aspirations.
I thank you Mr Chairman for your patience.
Dr. Shabir Choudhry, Director Institute Kashmir Affairs
Tel: 0044 77909 42471 Email: drshabirchoudhry@gmail.com
My blog: www.drshabirchoudhry.blogspot.com/
How Constitutional, Political, Cultural and Economic rights are violated in Gilgit and Baltistan?
Mr Chairman, friends and colleagues aslamao alaykam and afternoon.
A comment was made earlier that we are here to look at ‘legal’ acts of Pakistan in Gilgit Baltistan. Since Gilgit Baltistan is not legally part of Pakistan, and article 257 of Pakistani constitution makes that clear; so any action they take is extra constitutional and illegal. I want to say that we are here to examine ‘illegal’ acts of Pakistan and oppose them, as they are illegal and undemocratic.
It is generally agreed that democracy is a form of government where people can democratically elect their rulers and hold them accountable for their actions. In other words it is a government of people and for the people - a government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation in which free and fair elections are held. In all democracies a right of political expression, a right of speech and freedom of press is essential. Furthermore political pluralism, equality before law and respect for human rights of all citizens is must.
But in Pakistan and especially in areas of Jammu and Kashmir occupied by Pakistan, this rule does not apply. Here it is a government of bureaucrats and for the interest of the bureaucrats. Their main aim is to protect and enhance their interest and interest of the establishment they represent. By establishment I mean bureaucrats - civil and military, secret agencies, top army elite, political elite which has always been there in one form another for many decades.
Pakistan always had imperialist designs towards State of Jammu and Kashmir; they wanted to grab the State by hook or by crook. After failing to convince the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir to accede to Pakistan they resorted to military means and managed a tribal invasion on 22 October 1947. This military adventure resulted in first direct military clash between India and Pakistan. When a cease fire was arranged on 1st January 1949, Pakistan was in control of a large territory of the State, which was further divided in to so called Azad Kashmir or Free Kashmir and ‘Northern Areas’ which is constituent part of the State and was officially known as Gilgit and Baltistan.
Whereas areas of Pakistani Administered Kashmir got some political rights and semi autonomous status in 1970, areas of Gilgit Baltistan were directly ruled by Islamabad with draconian laws without any civil and political rights. The present government of Pakistan which claims to be a champion of democracy and fundamental human rights has pronounced a new package for the people of Gilgit Baltistan and has hailed it as ‘empowering people’ and ‘granting people independence’.
People of Gilgit Baltistan have rejected this package as ‘old wine in new bottles’. There has been strong opposition to this Package from various parts of the State, especially from Pakistani Administered Kashmir. Having said that I want to confess, that like in other oppressed and colonised nations, we also have collaborators on both sides of the LOC and they have welcomed the Package.
Mr Chairman
In my view the package has one positive thing – recognition of the fact that this territory is not ‘Northern Areas’ of Pakistan; and they have officially been recognised as Gilgit Baltistan. Apart from that the Package has given some more rights to the people, but aim of Islamabad is not to give more rights to people, but to annex this area by electing a docile Assembly and ask them to sign on a dotted line to complete the task of division of the State. First PPP government in 1970s tried to make Azad Kashmir a ‘Province’ of Pakistan; and abandoned it only after fiercely opposition.
Islamabad has already appointed PPP Stalwart as a ‘Governor’, who will ensure that desired results are achieved in the elections which are due to be held on 12 November 2009. Even Pakistani political parties are not happy on this appointment, as they fear a PPP ‘Governor’ could not be impartial in the forthcoming elections and he will rig them to elect or select people who are loyal to him and his Party.
This Package was prepared by a Committee that consisted of Pakistani bureaucrats and political activists, and was headed by a man called - Qamar Zaman Qaira who has become a new ‘Governor’ of the area. In other words as a head of this Committee he promoted himself to become a ‘Governor’; and this act alone shows this man cannot be impartial as he has vested interests.
This Governor is called a ‘Viceroy’ of Gilgit Baltistan, and he will be a political master of the area; and he won’t be accountable for what he does in an area more than 29 thousand Sq miles; and to more than two million people. People of the area will have no role in his selection. This unelected Pakistani man will have enormous powers. He will even select a cabinet for Chief Minister. He will also have senior Pakistani Office Bearers, again selected by Islamabad to help him to accomplish his task of ruling this colony of Pakistan to promote interest of Pakistan at the expense of the local people.
This Committee did not consult any person from the area. Even their supporters and collaborators were not taken in to confidence, as they were not deemed suitable to be consulted on this crucial matter even though it was to have great impact on lives of millions of people. Thinking in Islamabad is that of an old grandma who claims to know everything; and who wants to assert her control in her own home and in homes of her neighbours.
Even not all Pakistanis are in favour of this new package. A member of Pakistan National Assembly, Marvi Memon wrote in the News International on 14 September, and I quote:
‘What is most misleading in all government statements on the package is the assertion that this package gives most autonomy. But the fact is that it is the Council which has all the powers. The Council of eight un-elected representatives will be ruling Gilgit-Baltistan from Islamabad. These eight include the prime minister and his cabinet members. Even when the rest of the seven elected Gilgit-Baltistan members are elected onto the Council they will be in minority. This is not autonomy. The new Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly has no concept of an opposition as described in the Order. Moreover, all material powers are vested either with the prime minister through the Council or with the governor who is vice chairman of the Council. Since the chief minister, the elected representative of the people, does not have the same powers, it is in effect governor’s rule’. Unquote
The ‘Council’ Marvi Menon has mentioned is Gilgit Baltistan Council which will hold all the powers and Prime Minister of Pakistan will be its Chairman. All the major decisions will be taken in this Council which will have majority of unelected Pakistanis who have no direct link or interest in the area. They will decide what is good for the people of the area. They will decide who should be promoted and who should be appointed; and these decisions could not be challenged any where. This is a democracy in a Pakistani style.
I have plenty to say on the new package. I can also quote many things from critics from Gilgit Baltistan, and other parts of Jammu and Kashmir; but in my view it is better to quote criticism of a Pakistani. So once again I want to quote Marvi Memon, who says:
‘No amount of paid articles to ridicule the valid criticisms can win the people of Gilgit-Baltistan over. No amount of paid welcome parties for non-Gilgit-Baltistan governors can give the impression that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan are with the PPP government. The protests of the nationalists, the political parties and the disgruntled youth are a testament to the actual feelings of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan’.
Even a Pakistani politician and a legislator believe that people of the region are not happy with this new package, even though it has some good points in it. They know that it is a trap in a name of democracy. Like people of other civilised countries, people of Gilgit Baltistan also want to enjoy fruits of democracy. They want rule of law, political and economic rights, equality, accountability and transparency, but not at the cost of their freedom and submission to Islamabad.
Mr Chairman
Today the world appears to be united in their fight against terrorism and fight against Talibans, who it is claimed are major source of terrorism and instability in the region. As a result of this war on terrorism Afghanistan has suffered enormously and tens of thousands of innocent people have perished even though Afghanistan had no role in tragic event of 9/11. Moreover the Talibans are not an Afghan phenomenon. They were exported to Afghanistan to accomplish certain tasks.
Talibans are a product of a deliberate policy which has its own mechanism, source of inspiration and source of training and funding. It is wishful thinking to defeat this ideology and this creature while the infrastructure that created this monster is still alive and kicking; while it is still pursuing policies which create more Talibans. Brains and policy that produced Talibans have only changed their tactics; their real goals and strategic thinking has not changed.
Whereas I am seriously concerned about peace and stability of the region, my fear is that forces of violence and destruction could be unleashed in my homeland – areas of Gilgit Baltistan. This will help Islamabad to strengthen their hold and strangulate those forces which believe in democratic rights for all citizens and which regard Islamabad as a colonial ruler.
Furthermore this policy of talibanisation of Gilgit Baltistan will help Islamabad to protect and promote interest of the elite which controls and runs Pakistan in name of national interest. In view of this, we totally reject this new package and demand that Islamabad should relinquish its control and let people of the region run their affairs according to their interests and aspirations.
I thank you Mr Chairman for your patience.
Dr. Shabir Choudhry, Director Institute Kashmir Affairs
Tel: 0044 77909 42471 Email: drshabirchoudhry@gmail.com
My blog: www.drshabirchoudhry.blogspot.com/
Monday, 7 September 2009
KNP to hold Black Day on 22 October
KNP to hold Black Day on 22 October
London 07 September 2009
Supreme Council of KNP held an important meeting in Luton on Sunday 6th September, which was presided by the party Chairman Abbas Butt. The meeting discussed and analysed the current situation of the Kashmiri struggle and made important decisions.
The Supreme Council strongly condemned the government of Pakistan’s latest attempts to grab territory which is legal part of State of Jammu and Kashmir. The SC said Pakistani governments have never been sincere with the cause of Kashmir and always have formulated policies to snatch Kashmir; and have deliberately deprived people of their fundamental human rights.
The SC said people of Gilgit Baltistan deserve to have their basic human rights which have been denied since 1947; but no one should be allowed to implement their imperialist designs in name of giving rights to people of the region. The KNP leaders said, if Pakistani authorities were sincere they could have discussed the issue with the people of the region and given these rights without making the region a ‘province’ of Pakistan.
PPP government claims to advance rights of people and democracy, but their policies are designed to deprive people of basic rights and advance undemocratic and unconstitutional practises. They tried to make Pakistani Administered Kashmir a province after the Shimla Pact and they plan to make Gilgit Baltistan a province and pave way for division of Jammu and Kashmir.
KNP leaders said some people of Jammu and Kashmir hold Black Day on 27th October, as that is the day when Indian army landed in Kashmir. KNP leaders said in our opinion their wisdom is misdirected. We have to look at the root cause. Indian army came after the tribal invasion and subsequent ‘Provisional Accession’.
KNP Supreme Council said, ‘It was the Pakistani tribesmen supported by the Pakistani government of the time which violated the Standstill Agreement and invaded parts of the State territory. It was these tribesmen which contravened the State sovereignty and killed thousands of innocent Kashmiri men and women. It was because of this unprovoked and unjustified attack on our sovereignty which seriously threatened life, honour and property of people that the Maharaja was compelled to seek help from India.
KNP leaders said we have serious issues with India on their Kashmir policy, as we believe Kashmir is not their internal part; but as for the Black Day is concerned we should have Black Day on 22 October because this is the day when our troubles and miseries started.
KNP SC has decided to take a lead on this matter and hold a BLACK DAY on 22 October; and in this regard various responsibilities have been given to Dr Shabir Choudhry and Nawaz Majid who will liaise with other like minded people and parties. The meeting was addressed by ZubairAnsari, Nazam Bhatti, Nawaz Majid, Asim Mirza, Abbas Butt and Dr Shabir Choudhry.
Earlier KNP held an Iftar Party in which more than eighty people were present; among them were leaders and political activists of various Kashmiri parties who spoke against the new package for Gilgit and Baltistan and condemned designs of Pakistani government. In the meeting pro Pakistan and nationalist leaders were present, and they all strongly spoke against this new package and demanded that it must be taken back.
A unanimous resolution was passed which strongly criticised the new package and demanded from government of Pakistan to withdraw it as it will seriously damage our struggle for right of self determination. The resolution fully supported fundamental rights of people of Gilgit Baltistan; but added that the State of Jammu and Kashmir is one political entity and it must not be divided. END
Issued by Dr Shabir Choudhry: drshabirchoudhry@googlemail.com
London 07 September 2009
Supreme Council of KNP held an important meeting in Luton on Sunday 6th September, which was presided by the party Chairman Abbas Butt. The meeting discussed and analysed the current situation of the Kashmiri struggle and made important decisions.
The Supreme Council strongly condemned the government of Pakistan’s latest attempts to grab territory which is legal part of State of Jammu and Kashmir. The SC said Pakistani governments have never been sincere with the cause of Kashmir and always have formulated policies to snatch Kashmir; and have deliberately deprived people of their fundamental human rights.
The SC said people of Gilgit Baltistan deserve to have their basic human rights which have been denied since 1947; but no one should be allowed to implement their imperialist designs in name of giving rights to people of the region. The KNP leaders said, if Pakistani authorities were sincere they could have discussed the issue with the people of the region and given these rights without making the region a ‘province’ of Pakistan.
PPP government claims to advance rights of people and democracy, but their policies are designed to deprive people of basic rights and advance undemocratic and unconstitutional practises. They tried to make Pakistani Administered Kashmir a province after the Shimla Pact and they plan to make Gilgit Baltistan a province and pave way for division of Jammu and Kashmir.
KNP leaders said some people of Jammu and Kashmir hold Black Day on 27th October, as that is the day when Indian army landed in Kashmir. KNP leaders said in our opinion their wisdom is misdirected. We have to look at the root cause. Indian army came after the tribal invasion and subsequent ‘Provisional Accession’.
KNP Supreme Council said, ‘It was the Pakistani tribesmen supported by the Pakistani government of the time which violated the Standstill Agreement and invaded parts of the State territory. It was these tribesmen which contravened the State sovereignty and killed thousands of innocent Kashmiri men and women. It was because of this unprovoked and unjustified attack on our sovereignty which seriously threatened life, honour and property of people that the Maharaja was compelled to seek help from India.
KNP leaders said we have serious issues with India on their Kashmir policy, as we believe Kashmir is not their internal part; but as for the Black Day is concerned we should have Black Day on 22 October because this is the day when our troubles and miseries started.
KNP SC has decided to take a lead on this matter and hold a BLACK DAY on 22 October; and in this regard various responsibilities have been given to Dr Shabir Choudhry and Nawaz Majid who will liaise with other like minded people and parties. The meeting was addressed by ZubairAnsari, Nazam Bhatti, Nawaz Majid, Asim Mirza, Abbas Butt and Dr Shabir Choudhry.
Earlier KNP held an Iftar Party in which more than eighty people were present; among them were leaders and political activists of various Kashmiri parties who spoke against the new package for Gilgit and Baltistan and condemned designs of Pakistani government. In the meeting pro Pakistan and nationalist leaders were present, and they all strongly spoke against this new package and demanded that it must be taken back.
A unanimous resolution was passed which strongly criticised the new package and demanded from government of Pakistan to withdraw it as it will seriously damage our struggle for right of self determination. The resolution fully supported fundamental rights of people of Gilgit Baltistan; but added that the State of Jammu and Kashmir is one political entity and it must not be divided. END
Issued by Dr Shabir Choudhry: drshabirchoudhry@googlemail.com
Thursday, 3 September 2009
New Package old policy
New Package old policy
Dr Shabir Choudhry 03 September 2009
Pakistani government and a large section of Pakistani media hailed the new package on Gilgit and Baltistan as a big ‘reward’ for the people of the region; and some even said that these areas have got khud mukhtari – meaning independence. If these areas got ‘independence’, that means they were occupied before; which means the country that granted this ‘independence’ occupied them.
Pakistani control and rule in Gilgit Baltistan was not legal and had no moral justification. As a matter of policy resources were plundered and people were deprived of their basic rights since 1947. All the packages given to Gilgit Baltistan by different Pakistani governments ensured that Pakistani control and influence remains intact; and people do not get their fundamental rights or enjoy fruits of democracy.
Pakistani love for democracy and rights of the local people could be seen from the fact that the Committee which recommended this package, and which will have great impact on lives of more than two million people had no representation from Gilgit Baltistan.
The existing system was set up by Pakistan not long ago; and was pro Pakistan. The Chief Executive in that system was a local man - Meer Ghazanfar, even he was not consulted on this matter. He, like other people heard it through the press conference. Similarly so called ‘Northern Areas Legislative Council’ or any of its members was not consulted.
Even East India Company consulted some local people before taking any major decision regarding its colony – India. Pakistani rulers take it as an insult to consult people of Jammu and Kashmir under their control; and if people complain or criticise they are declared anti Pakistan or pro India.
Leaving claims of Pakistani officials aside, let us look at what the new package brings to people of Gilgit Baltistan; and how it differs from Pakistani Administered Kashmir. One good thing in the package is that, at last, Pakistani officials have acknowledged that these areas are not ‘Northern Areas’ and that they should be called Gilgit Baltistan.
Existing ‘Northern Areas Legislative Council’ will be replaced by a Legislative Assembly, which will have 24 Member directly elected. These elected Members will elect 6 women Members and 3 Technocrats. This Assembly of 33 will elect a Chief Minister instead of a Chief Executive. The Chief Minister will be responsible for the government and chair meetings of the Cabinet, but interestingly will have no right to select his Cabinet.
In the existing set up the Chairman holds lion’s share of powers, and he is replaced by a Governor who will be appointed by Islamabad (President). The post of the Governor will go to a Pakistani who has to be more than 35 years old; and has the qualifications to become a member of the National Assembly of Pakistan. The tenure of the Governor will not be fixed and he will be holding the office as desired by the President. This Pakistani Governor will select a Cabinet for the Chief Minister. The constitutional head of the region will be the Governor who will have enormous powers but won’t be accountable to anyone for his actions.
The Governor will convene a meeting of the Assembly 30 days after the election to elect a Speaker, Deputy Speaker and the Chief Minister. The Governor will also appoint Advocate General. It is believed that, like in case of PAK, Gilgit Baltistan will also ‘benefit’ from a Pakistani Chief Secretary, Finance Secretary and IG Police to ensure that Pakistani interests are protected.
On a model of Pakistani Administered Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan will also have a Council which will be headed by Prime Minister of Pakistan just like in case of PAK; and Governor of Gilgit-Baltistan will be its Vice-Chair. The Gilgit-Baltistan Council will consist of 15 members. Six members will be selected by the President, Prime Minister of Pakistan and the Governor of Gilgit-Baltistan. Six members proposed by the Chief Minister and the Legislative Assembly of Gilgit Baltistan. The Minister for Kashmir Affairs will be a member of the Council; however he will not have right to vote.
Although Gilgit Baltistan will have its own Legislative Assembly, but in practise it won’t have much work to do as the Council Chaired by Prime Minister of Pakistan and outnumbered by Pakistani members will take most decisions; and the Assembly will have no power to challenge any of the decisions.
Apart from that the Governor and other Pakistani officials, like in case of PAK will wield tremendous power. They will ensure that only pro Pakistan people are elected to the Assembly; and that elected people do not cross the line, as the ‘elected’ Members don’t cross the line in PAK.
The Gilgit Baltistan Assembly or Council won’t be allowed to discuss or legislate on issues relating to defence, foreign affairs, finance, security and interior. It will have no power to legislate against the principles of Sharia, and in case of any confusion it can approach the Islamic Ideology Council of Pakistan. Furthermore, just like in PAK, no one will be allowed to legislate or work against the ideology of Pakistan.
It is because of all this the people of Gilgit Baltistan have rejected this package, although some pro Pakistan and insignificant people have welcomed it. Hamid Khan, Chair of BNF said: "I strongly condemn this type of setup which further strengthens Pakistani occupation”. He said the package is designed to ‘strengthen the bureaucracy and unelected forces which rule on the people of Gilgit-Baltistan. He calls it a ‘governor rule’.
It is a ‘New Package with old policy’, which aims to maximise Pakistani gains at the expense of the local people. Aim of Pakistani policy makers has always been to subjugate people, deprive them of fundamental rights, strengthen undemocratic forces, and promote communalism, extremism and hatred to divide people and plunder resources of this area.
Malika Baltistani, Chairperson Gilgit Baltistan National Alliance, in a letter to PM of Pakistan said: ‘It is a mournful reality that you have further continued a tradition to prolong our slavery by only altering the titles of the portfolios of our future "masters" than transforming our constitutional, democratic and basic rights from darkness to enlightenment. What you have "endowed" upon us is a provincial set up but without a provincial status, a political system without political empowerment, a constitutional package without constitutional rights, a constitutional draft for Gilgit Baltistan without the input or suggestions by Gilgitis and Baltis’.
Only thing which people have appreciated is the change of name; otherwise all those who matter have rejected the package and called it ‘an eye-wash’; and a gimmick of words to perpetuate the bureaucratic rule over the region. Manzoor Hussain Parwana, Chairman Gilgit-Baltistan United Movement said, “The so called provincial set up aims at concealing the human rights violations and continue the colonial control over the region”.
Advocate Ehsan Ali, Chief of Labour Party Pakistan Gilgit Chapter rejected the package and said that it would increase the sense of deprivation among the people. “The real powers rest with the governor, who is President’s appointee and not answerable to Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly,” said Mr Ehsan. There is no constitutional protection to the provincial setup.
One can see the strength of feelings against this undemocratic package given to people of Gilgit Baltistan by a government which brags about its love for democracy and rights of people. If leaders of PPP are sincere with cause of democracy and human rights then they should consider withdrawing this package and take people of the area in confidence before declaring anything.
Writer is a Spokesman of Kashmir National Party, political analyst and author of many books and booklets. Also he is Director Institute of Kashmir Affairs. Email: drshabirchoudhry@gmail.com
To view other articles see my blog: www.drshabirchoudhry.blogspot.com
Dr Shabir Choudhry 03 September 2009
Pakistani government and a large section of Pakistani media hailed the new package on Gilgit and Baltistan as a big ‘reward’ for the people of the region; and some even said that these areas have got khud mukhtari – meaning independence. If these areas got ‘independence’, that means they were occupied before; which means the country that granted this ‘independence’ occupied them.
Pakistani control and rule in Gilgit Baltistan was not legal and had no moral justification. As a matter of policy resources were plundered and people were deprived of their basic rights since 1947. All the packages given to Gilgit Baltistan by different Pakistani governments ensured that Pakistani control and influence remains intact; and people do not get their fundamental rights or enjoy fruits of democracy.
Pakistani love for democracy and rights of the local people could be seen from the fact that the Committee which recommended this package, and which will have great impact on lives of more than two million people had no representation from Gilgit Baltistan.
The existing system was set up by Pakistan not long ago; and was pro Pakistan. The Chief Executive in that system was a local man - Meer Ghazanfar, even he was not consulted on this matter. He, like other people heard it through the press conference. Similarly so called ‘Northern Areas Legislative Council’ or any of its members was not consulted.
Even East India Company consulted some local people before taking any major decision regarding its colony – India. Pakistani rulers take it as an insult to consult people of Jammu and Kashmir under their control; and if people complain or criticise they are declared anti Pakistan or pro India.
Leaving claims of Pakistani officials aside, let us look at what the new package brings to people of Gilgit Baltistan; and how it differs from Pakistani Administered Kashmir. One good thing in the package is that, at last, Pakistani officials have acknowledged that these areas are not ‘Northern Areas’ and that they should be called Gilgit Baltistan.
Existing ‘Northern Areas Legislative Council’ will be replaced by a Legislative Assembly, which will have 24 Member directly elected. These elected Members will elect 6 women Members and 3 Technocrats. This Assembly of 33 will elect a Chief Minister instead of a Chief Executive. The Chief Minister will be responsible for the government and chair meetings of the Cabinet, but interestingly will have no right to select his Cabinet.
In the existing set up the Chairman holds lion’s share of powers, and he is replaced by a Governor who will be appointed by Islamabad (President). The post of the Governor will go to a Pakistani who has to be more than 35 years old; and has the qualifications to become a member of the National Assembly of Pakistan. The tenure of the Governor will not be fixed and he will be holding the office as desired by the President. This Pakistani Governor will select a Cabinet for the Chief Minister. The constitutional head of the region will be the Governor who will have enormous powers but won’t be accountable to anyone for his actions.
The Governor will convene a meeting of the Assembly 30 days after the election to elect a Speaker, Deputy Speaker and the Chief Minister. The Governor will also appoint Advocate General. It is believed that, like in case of PAK, Gilgit Baltistan will also ‘benefit’ from a Pakistani Chief Secretary, Finance Secretary and IG Police to ensure that Pakistani interests are protected.
On a model of Pakistani Administered Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan will also have a Council which will be headed by Prime Minister of Pakistan just like in case of PAK; and Governor of Gilgit-Baltistan will be its Vice-Chair. The Gilgit-Baltistan Council will consist of 15 members. Six members will be selected by the President, Prime Minister of Pakistan and the Governor of Gilgit-Baltistan. Six members proposed by the Chief Minister and the Legislative Assembly of Gilgit Baltistan. The Minister for Kashmir Affairs will be a member of the Council; however he will not have right to vote.
Although Gilgit Baltistan will have its own Legislative Assembly, but in practise it won’t have much work to do as the Council Chaired by Prime Minister of Pakistan and outnumbered by Pakistani members will take most decisions; and the Assembly will have no power to challenge any of the decisions.
Apart from that the Governor and other Pakistani officials, like in case of PAK will wield tremendous power. They will ensure that only pro Pakistan people are elected to the Assembly; and that elected people do not cross the line, as the ‘elected’ Members don’t cross the line in PAK.
The Gilgit Baltistan Assembly or Council won’t be allowed to discuss or legislate on issues relating to defence, foreign affairs, finance, security and interior. It will have no power to legislate against the principles of Sharia, and in case of any confusion it can approach the Islamic Ideology Council of Pakistan. Furthermore, just like in PAK, no one will be allowed to legislate or work against the ideology of Pakistan.
It is because of all this the people of Gilgit Baltistan have rejected this package, although some pro Pakistan and insignificant people have welcomed it. Hamid Khan, Chair of BNF said: "I strongly condemn this type of setup which further strengthens Pakistani occupation”. He said the package is designed to ‘strengthen the bureaucracy and unelected forces which rule on the people of Gilgit-Baltistan. He calls it a ‘governor rule’.
It is a ‘New Package with old policy’, which aims to maximise Pakistani gains at the expense of the local people. Aim of Pakistani policy makers has always been to subjugate people, deprive them of fundamental rights, strengthen undemocratic forces, and promote communalism, extremism and hatred to divide people and plunder resources of this area.
Malika Baltistani, Chairperson Gilgit Baltistan National Alliance, in a letter to PM of Pakistan said: ‘It is a mournful reality that you have further continued a tradition to prolong our slavery by only altering the titles of the portfolios of our future "masters" than transforming our constitutional, democratic and basic rights from darkness to enlightenment. What you have "endowed" upon us is a provincial set up but without a provincial status, a political system without political empowerment, a constitutional package without constitutional rights, a constitutional draft for Gilgit Baltistan without the input or suggestions by Gilgitis and Baltis’.
Only thing which people have appreciated is the change of name; otherwise all those who matter have rejected the package and called it ‘an eye-wash’; and a gimmick of words to perpetuate the bureaucratic rule over the region. Manzoor Hussain Parwana, Chairman Gilgit-Baltistan United Movement said, “The so called provincial set up aims at concealing the human rights violations and continue the colonial control over the region”.
Advocate Ehsan Ali, Chief of Labour Party Pakistan Gilgit Chapter rejected the package and said that it would increase the sense of deprivation among the people. “The real powers rest with the governor, who is President’s appointee and not answerable to Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly,” said Mr Ehsan. There is no constitutional protection to the provincial setup.
One can see the strength of feelings against this undemocratic package given to people of Gilgit Baltistan by a government which brags about its love for democracy and rights of people. If leaders of PPP are sincere with cause of democracy and human rights then they should consider withdrawing this package and take people of the area in confidence before declaring anything.
Writer is a Spokesman of Kashmir National Party, political analyst and author of many books and booklets. Also he is Director Institute of Kashmir Affairs. Email: drshabirchoudhry@gmail.com
To view other articles see my blog: www.drshabirchoudhry.blogspot.com
Saturday, 29 August 2009
Another step to annex Gilgit and Baltistan
Another step to annex Gilgit and Baltistan
Dr Shabir Choudhry 29 August 2009
Pakistan has finally come out with its plan to annex areas of former Princely State of Jammu and Kashmir - Gilgit and Baltistan. Some Kashmiri activists have always provided benefit of doubt to Pakistani designs on Kashmir dispute; and urge people to concentrate only on ‘liberating’ areas of the State from India.
Among this category of political activists include some so called nationalist leaders who are based in Rawalpindi and around chandni chowk, and who have been working under cover for the agencies of Pakistan to further the interest of Pakistan. It is still time for this class of people to abandon their past policies and advance the cause of people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Pakistan always had eyes on the State of Jammu and Kashmir; and has made many unsuccessful attempts to grab whole of Jammu and Kashmir. Areas of Gilgit and Baltistan and Pakistani Administered Kashmir are under direct and indirect control of Pakistan since 1947. Gilgit and Baltistan was directly ruled and was known as Northern Areas of Pakistan – a term always opposed and denounced by the people of the area.
Whereas areas of Pakistani Administered Kashmir, known as Azad Kashmir enjoyed some social and political rights; areas of Gilgit and Baltistan were denied all basic rights and were ruled with iron fist. The situation in Gilgit and Baltistan was so bad that some conscientious Pakistani and some Pakistani human rights activist called it a colony of Pakistan.
Pakistani government knows that legally these areas are not part of Pakistan. Famous constitutional expert Abid Hassn Minto said: “The people of this important region are administered under the Citizenship Act but the territory is not a constitutional part of Pakistan. Pakistan’s Constitution does not say a single word about Gilgit-Baltistan. This is a worst example of human rights violation.” He further said, Gilgit-Baltistan was not constitutional part of Pakistan and people of region had been deprived of all fundamental human rights.
Pakistan has made enormous economic and political gains from these areas since 1947. With help of China they have started many mega projects in the area which benefit both countries – China and Pakistan, and not the people of the area. Pakistan has finalised construction of Diamer Basha Dam, which is the biggest and most expensive project ever taken up by Pakistan. So Pakistani investment and gains in the area are in billions of dollars; and there is no way they will let go this gold mine.
It was expected that before committing to these mega projects, Pakistan would like to take legal control of these areas. In order to provide a legal cover to this land grabbing they have announced (29 August 2009) a new package. While addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Prime Minister of Pakistan Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said, ‘Nortehrn Areas’ now will be called Gilgit and Baltistan, which will have 15-member Administrative Council which will choose the Chief Minister. There will be six Ministers along with three Technocrat seats and two women seats.
The Cabinet of Gilgit-Baltistan, according to the news, will approve their budget, but it is not clear who will make the budget. In the past it is always Islamabad who has run the show with help of some local puppets; and it is believed that it will be the case of old wine in new bottles and not much will change. They simply want to change names of different office bearers and give them some additional rights.
Previously Islamabad appointed Chairman, and now his post has been upgraded with a title of Governor, which will be appointed by Islamabad. Similarly the Northern Areas Legislative Council will be upgraded to the status of Assembly; and existing NALAs Advisors will become Ministers. The post of the Chief Executive will be upgraded to the post of Chief Minister.
Furthermore Gilgit and Baltistan will have Auditor General and Election Commissioner, but it is not clear who will appoint them and if they will be local people or they will be Pakistanis, as is the case with Lent Officers in Pakistani Administered Kashmir.
Governors are appointed in provinces and Gilgit and Baltistan is not a province of Pakistan, then what is logic of appointing a governor for these areas. Minister of Kashmir Affairs, Qamar Zaman Kaira has been appointed Governor, and it looks that Islamabad wants to legalise its occupation of these areas.
According to the game plan a new elections will be held in November 2009. Islamabad based bureaucracy and agencies have mastered the art of rigging elections and they will get a result which is desired by Islamabad. Call it Cabinet, Council or group of puppets they will rubber stamp the process ‘accession to Pakistan’. In the past there has been no accession to Pakistan or any kind of election or plebiscite to ascertain the views of the people, yet Islamabad has always relied on lies and claimed that these people have acceded to Pakistan.
Different Kashmiris have shown their reaction to this new move of Islamabad. Abbas Butt, Chairman of Kashmir National Party, expressed his anger and requested all Kashmiris to oppose this annexation of our territory, as it would lead to division of Jammu and Kashmir. Nawaz Majeed, Secretary General of KNP Britain Zone said, it is time that KNP take a lead on this matter and invite all like minded parties to oppose designs of Pakistan. He said if we remain quiet then it will encourage Pakistan to continue with its policy of grabbing Kashmir, and one day same thing will happen to Azad Kashmir.
While talking to BBC, former Prime Minister of Pakistani Administered Kashmir Sardar Atiq Khan said: he is in favour that people of Gilgit and Baltistan should get their fundamental rights to redress their lack of freedom and other rights, but the way positions of Governor and Chief Minister have been announced indicate that Pakistan wants to make it a province. It shows some kind of conspiracy to divide Kashmir. He further said Gilgit and Baltistan is part of Jammu and Kashmir State, and its future should be decided in accordance with the UN resolutions.
Even Amanullaah Khan could not remain quiet on this. While talking to BBC, he said: Pakistan has brought itself to the level of India. India calls Kashmir as its integral part and Pakistan has annexed a Kashmiri territory and practically divided Kashmir. He said he will oppose this decision of Pakistan. (We know he won’t oppose Pakistan or any of its policies on Kashmir, but in order to stay alive politically he also has to pay some lip service. May be his services will be used to further demoralise and divide Kashmiris).
Manzoor Hussain Parwana, Chairman Gilgit Baltistan United Movement said: “The so-called provincial set is fraudulent and blackmailing offers of the government which aimed to conceal the political atrocities and brutal colonial control on the people in the occupied region”.
He further said: ‘The government of Pakistan’s empowerment act granted to the people of Gilgit Baltistan is illegal and holds no ground at all because Gilgit Baltistan does not fall under the constitution of Pakistan’. The people of Gilgit Baltistan reject the cosmetic package to the region; and demand ‘Azad Kashmir Like set up, to run the region as a country’.
Now that government of Pakistan has put its cards on the table and has once again shown that they have no interest in independence or territorial integrity of the State of Jammu and Kashmir; is it not time for people of Jammu and Kashmir to open their eyes and formulate a new policy to counter threat of division of the State.
Writer is a Spokesman of Kashmir National Party, political analyst and author of many books and booklets. Also he is Director Institute of Kashmir Affairs. Email: drshabirchoudhry@gmail.com
To view other articles see my blog: www.drshabirchoudhry.blogspot.com
Dr Shabir Choudhry 29 August 2009
Pakistan has finally come out with its plan to annex areas of former Princely State of Jammu and Kashmir - Gilgit and Baltistan. Some Kashmiri activists have always provided benefit of doubt to Pakistani designs on Kashmir dispute; and urge people to concentrate only on ‘liberating’ areas of the State from India.
Among this category of political activists include some so called nationalist leaders who are based in Rawalpindi and around chandni chowk, and who have been working under cover for the agencies of Pakistan to further the interest of Pakistan. It is still time for this class of people to abandon their past policies and advance the cause of people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Pakistan always had eyes on the State of Jammu and Kashmir; and has made many unsuccessful attempts to grab whole of Jammu and Kashmir. Areas of Gilgit and Baltistan and Pakistani Administered Kashmir are under direct and indirect control of Pakistan since 1947. Gilgit and Baltistan was directly ruled and was known as Northern Areas of Pakistan – a term always opposed and denounced by the people of the area.
Whereas areas of Pakistani Administered Kashmir, known as Azad Kashmir enjoyed some social and political rights; areas of Gilgit and Baltistan were denied all basic rights and were ruled with iron fist. The situation in Gilgit and Baltistan was so bad that some conscientious Pakistani and some Pakistani human rights activist called it a colony of Pakistan.
Pakistani government knows that legally these areas are not part of Pakistan. Famous constitutional expert Abid Hassn Minto said: “The people of this important region are administered under the Citizenship Act but the territory is not a constitutional part of Pakistan. Pakistan’s Constitution does not say a single word about Gilgit-Baltistan. This is a worst example of human rights violation.” He further said, Gilgit-Baltistan was not constitutional part of Pakistan and people of region had been deprived of all fundamental human rights.
Pakistan has made enormous economic and political gains from these areas since 1947. With help of China they have started many mega projects in the area which benefit both countries – China and Pakistan, and not the people of the area. Pakistan has finalised construction of Diamer Basha Dam, which is the biggest and most expensive project ever taken up by Pakistan. So Pakistani investment and gains in the area are in billions of dollars; and there is no way they will let go this gold mine.
It was expected that before committing to these mega projects, Pakistan would like to take legal control of these areas. In order to provide a legal cover to this land grabbing they have announced (29 August 2009) a new package. While addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Prime Minister of Pakistan Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said, ‘Nortehrn Areas’ now will be called Gilgit and Baltistan, which will have 15-member Administrative Council which will choose the Chief Minister. There will be six Ministers along with three Technocrat seats and two women seats.
The Cabinet of Gilgit-Baltistan, according to the news, will approve their budget, but it is not clear who will make the budget. In the past it is always Islamabad who has run the show with help of some local puppets; and it is believed that it will be the case of old wine in new bottles and not much will change. They simply want to change names of different office bearers and give them some additional rights.
Previously Islamabad appointed Chairman, and now his post has been upgraded with a title of Governor, which will be appointed by Islamabad. Similarly the Northern Areas Legislative Council will be upgraded to the status of Assembly; and existing NALAs Advisors will become Ministers. The post of the Chief Executive will be upgraded to the post of Chief Minister.
Furthermore Gilgit and Baltistan will have Auditor General and Election Commissioner, but it is not clear who will appoint them and if they will be local people or they will be Pakistanis, as is the case with Lent Officers in Pakistani Administered Kashmir.
Governors are appointed in provinces and Gilgit and Baltistan is not a province of Pakistan, then what is logic of appointing a governor for these areas. Minister of Kashmir Affairs, Qamar Zaman Kaira has been appointed Governor, and it looks that Islamabad wants to legalise its occupation of these areas.
According to the game plan a new elections will be held in November 2009. Islamabad based bureaucracy and agencies have mastered the art of rigging elections and they will get a result which is desired by Islamabad. Call it Cabinet, Council or group of puppets they will rubber stamp the process ‘accession to Pakistan’. In the past there has been no accession to Pakistan or any kind of election or plebiscite to ascertain the views of the people, yet Islamabad has always relied on lies and claimed that these people have acceded to Pakistan.
Different Kashmiris have shown their reaction to this new move of Islamabad. Abbas Butt, Chairman of Kashmir National Party, expressed his anger and requested all Kashmiris to oppose this annexation of our territory, as it would lead to division of Jammu and Kashmir. Nawaz Majeed, Secretary General of KNP Britain Zone said, it is time that KNP take a lead on this matter and invite all like minded parties to oppose designs of Pakistan. He said if we remain quiet then it will encourage Pakistan to continue with its policy of grabbing Kashmir, and one day same thing will happen to Azad Kashmir.
While talking to BBC, former Prime Minister of Pakistani Administered Kashmir Sardar Atiq Khan said: he is in favour that people of Gilgit and Baltistan should get their fundamental rights to redress their lack of freedom and other rights, but the way positions of Governor and Chief Minister have been announced indicate that Pakistan wants to make it a province. It shows some kind of conspiracy to divide Kashmir. He further said Gilgit and Baltistan is part of Jammu and Kashmir State, and its future should be decided in accordance with the UN resolutions.
Even Amanullaah Khan could not remain quiet on this. While talking to BBC, he said: Pakistan has brought itself to the level of India. India calls Kashmir as its integral part and Pakistan has annexed a Kashmiri territory and practically divided Kashmir. He said he will oppose this decision of Pakistan. (We know he won’t oppose Pakistan or any of its policies on Kashmir, but in order to stay alive politically he also has to pay some lip service. May be his services will be used to further demoralise and divide Kashmiris).
Manzoor Hussain Parwana, Chairman Gilgit Baltistan United Movement said: “The so-called provincial set is fraudulent and blackmailing offers of the government which aimed to conceal the political atrocities and brutal colonial control on the people in the occupied region”.
He further said: ‘The government of Pakistan’s empowerment act granted to the people of Gilgit Baltistan is illegal and holds no ground at all because Gilgit Baltistan does not fall under the constitution of Pakistan’. The people of Gilgit Baltistan reject the cosmetic package to the region; and demand ‘Azad Kashmir Like set up, to run the region as a country’.
Now that government of Pakistan has put its cards on the table and has once again shown that they have no interest in independence or territorial integrity of the State of Jammu and Kashmir; is it not time for people of Jammu and Kashmir to open their eyes and formulate a new policy to counter threat of division of the State.
Writer is a Spokesman of Kashmir National Party, political analyst and author of many books and booklets. Also he is Director Institute of Kashmir Affairs. Email: drshabirchoudhry@gmail.com
To view other articles see my blog: www.drshabirchoudhry.blogspot.com
Monday, 24 August 2009
Pakistan uproots more Kashmiri people by dam plan
Pakistan uproots more Kashmiri people by dam plan
Dr Shabir Choudhry 25 August 2009
How sweet of Pakistani government - they have given us two pieces of news in one week, and both are related to construction of dams and uprooting of tens of thousands people of Pakistani Occupied Gilgit Baltistan.
On 21 August 2009, after meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council, federal ministers Qamar Zaman Kaira and Raja Pervez Ashraf told reporters that the plan to construct Diamer Bahsha Dam is final and that ‘the government was working on war footing to resolve the energy crisis in the country’. The dam will generate 4,500 megawatts (MW) of electricity and store 6.4 million acre feet of water; and for that Pakistani officials don’t care if tens of thousands of people of Gilgit and Baltistan are uprooted to meet energy needs of Pakistan.
They claimed that the nation is ‘united’ on this issue, and that people of Gilgit and Baltistan also have no objections to this. May be people of Pakistan are united on this issue as they don’t have to construct Kala Bagh dam to meet their water and energy requirements and uproot Pakistani people, but surely people of Gilgit and Baltistan are not happy with this project.
The respected ministers did not say what method they used to ascertain agreement or no objection certificate from the people of Gilgit and Baltistan. Did they have a referendum, a survey; or they assumed this by sitting in their luxurious offices in Islamabad.
Before people of the area could digest this news another bombshell was thrown at them that Pakistan will construct Bunji Dam in Astore district of Gilgit and Baltistan. Like the Diamer Bahsha Dam, China will provide help and finance to construct Bunji Dam, which will have a capacity of generating 7,000 megawatts of electricity.
As expected the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council has not resolved the issue of royalty; and has left it for the authorities to resolve this issue. Bureaucrats of Pakistan have mastered the art of exploiting their colony in such a style that the people feel the Pakistani officials have done them a favour by this exploitation. Some sincere nationalists who try to expose the designs of Islamabad are silenced with help of puppets in the area.
Diamer Basha Dam will submerge vast areas of Gilgit and Baltistan; and will take only a tiny bit of area from North West Frontier Province. These technical experts who planned the dam knew what exactly they were doing. They selected the site that a small village called Basha in district Kohistan plays a key role on the issue of royalty and profit sharing. According to article 161 (2) of the Constitution:
‘The net profits earned by the Federal Government, or any undertaking established or administered by the Federal Government from the bulk generation of power at a hydro-electric station shall be paid to the Province in which the hydro-electric station is situated’.
The technical bureaucrats of Pakistan planned the project in such a way that Hydro – electric station is situated in Basha village of NWFP, that royalty is paid to a Pakistani province rather than Giglit and Baltistan, which is not legally part of Pakistan. In other words, Tens of thousands of people of Gilgit and Baltistan get uprooted for this project, their history, culture and graves of their love ones submerge in water; and Pakistan gets water for irrigation and electricity to run their factories, and a Pakistani province of NWF bags the royalty. Isn’t that a great deal for Pakistan and rough deal for people of Gilgit and Baltistan based on exploitation and oppression?
The rate of royalty is to be determined by inter-provincial forum known as Council of Common Interest (CCI); and because Gilgit and Baltistan is not legally part of Pakistan and therefore has no representation in CCI, so it is clear that the decision will go in favour of NWFP. The article 161 (2) further explains that ‘For the purposes of this clause "net profits" shall be computed by deducting from the revenues accruing from the bulk supply of power from the bus-bars of a hydro-electric station at a rate to be determined by the Council of Common Interests’.
However, the Parliament of Pakistan, if they wish, can make a specific amendment to the above and enable a province or a territory hosting the dam to get the royalty or share it with another territory. But isn’t that a wishful thinking? Pakistani governments abandoned all plans to construct Kala Bagh dam, even though these plans were made as far back as in 1950s, and have cost millions to the exchequer, just because they did not want to annoy their political allies.
In view of this can Islamabad government annoy politicians of NWFP and give royalty to Gilgit and Baltistan, especially when these areas have no representation in Pakistani Senate or National Assembly?
Once completed the Daimer Basha Dam will be able to store more water and produce more electricity than Tarbela dam. That means it should get more royalty than the Tarbela Dam, which brings around 8 billion per annum in royalty to government of NWFP; and that is more than the total annual budget for Gilgit and Baltistan.
A Legislative Council in Gilgit and Baltistan, known as ‘Northern Areas Legislative Council’ passed a resolution requesting the government in NWFP to withdraw its demand for royalty in favour of Gilgit and Baltistan in accordance with Islamic jurisprudence of justice, equality and benefit sharing. This won’t happen because one cannot expect from a lion to promote equality in jungle and ban eating of meat.
In the past Pakistani governments have uprooted people of Jammu and Kashmir more than once to meet energy and water needs of Pakistan. It is ironic that this so called ‘friend and big brother’ of Kashmiris did that very callously and without any care for welfare of the people of the area; and without paying appropriate compensation or any royalty, which is normally paid to provinces of Pakistan.
Despite strong protests from people of Mirpur Mangla Dam was constructed in 1967, but no royalty for the dam was paid to the government of Pakistani Administered Kashmir until few years ago; whereas government of North West Frontier Province is receiving royalty for Tarbela Dam ever since its completion in 1976. After repeated requests from government of Pakistani Administered Kashmir government of Pakistan set up a Committee in 1987 under Chairmanship of Mehboob Ul Haq to look in to the royalty issue.
The Committee recommended that government of NWFP should get royalty of 3 billion rupees per annum for the Tarbela Dam; and the government of Pakistani Administered Kashmir should get 2 billion for the Mangla Dam. Despite this no royalty was paid to the Pakistani Administered Kashmir until few years ago, and it was at much reduced rate – less than one billion; whereas government of NWFP gets 8 billion for the Tarbella Dam now.
I am no one to say whether Pakistan should construct Kala Bagh dam or not, but I have every right to say that Pakistani governments should learn to construct dams inside their own territory. Gilgit and Baltistan is part of the former Princely State of Jammu and Kashmir, and is not part of Pakistan; and Pakistani governments democratic or undemocratic have no right to violate State Subject Laws and illegally construct dams in a disputed territory.
At a time when plans to construct Kala Bagh dam were taking a serious shape, a Pakistani nationalist leader Wali Khan said: this construction is against the interest of his people; and if authorities went ahead with these plans they will blow up the dam with a bomb.
When plans for construction of Basha Dam were at early stage and people of the area also protested against the construction of the dam. A Kashmiri Khan (Amanullah Khan), who hails from Gilgit and Baltistan but lives in Rawalpindi for convenience, was on a visit to the area and had an opportunity to address a gathering.
He did not oppose the construction of the dam, rather demanded that the dam’s name should be changed to Diamer dam as it was to be constructed in that district. His second demand was about royalty for the dam. The authorities said we accept 50% of demands: change of name from Basha Dam to Diamer Basha Dam, and issue of royalty will be decided by relevant authorities.
The change of name does not change anything, as people still get uprooted and our history, culture and land gets submerged in water, but the Kashmiri Khan and his followers claimed this as a ‘victory’. I wish we people of Jammu and Kashmir had one Wali Khan, instead of so many ‘Khans’, Rajas, Choudhrys, Sardars, Maliks and puppets of those who occupy us.
Writer is a Spokesman of Kashmir National Party, political analyst and author of many books and booklets. Also he is Director Institute of Kashmir Affairs. Email: drshabirchoudhry@gmail.com
To view other articles see my blog: www.drshabirchoudhry.blogspot.com
Dr Shabir Choudhry 25 August 2009
How sweet of Pakistani government - they have given us two pieces of news in one week, and both are related to construction of dams and uprooting of tens of thousands people of Pakistani Occupied Gilgit Baltistan.
On 21 August 2009, after meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council, federal ministers Qamar Zaman Kaira and Raja Pervez Ashraf told reporters that the plan to construct Diamer Bahsha Dam is final and that ‘the government was working on war footing to resolve the energy crisis in the country’. The dam will generate 4,500 megawatts (MW) of electricity and store 6.4 million acre feet of water; and for that Pakistani officials don’t care if tens of thousands of people of Gilgit and Baltistan are uprooted to meet energy needs of Pakistan.
They claimed that the nation is ‘united’ on this issue, and that people of Gilgit and Baltistan also have no objections to this. May be people of Pakistan are united on this issue as they don’t have to construct Kala Bagh dam to meet their water and energy requirements and uproot Pakistani people, but surely people of Gilgit and Baltistan are not happy with this project.
The respected ministers did not say what method they used to ascertain agreement or no objection certificate from the people of Gilgit and Baltistan. Did they have a referendum, a survey; or they assumed this by sitting in their luxurious offices in Islamabad.
Before people of the area could digest this news another bombshell was thrown at them that Pakistan will construct Bunji Dam in Astore district of Gilgit and Baltistan. Like the Diamer Bahsha Dam, China will provide help and finance to construct Bunji Dam, which will have a capacity of generating 7,000 megawatts of electricity.
As expected the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council has not resolved the issue of royalty; and has left it for the authorities to resolve this issue. Bureaucrats of Pakistan have mastered the art of exploiting their colony in such a style that the people feel the Pakistani officials have done them a favour by this exploitation. Some sincere nationalists who try to expose the designs of Islamabad are silenced with help of puppets in the area.
Diamer Basha Dam will submerge vast areas of Gilgit and Baltistan; and will take only a tiny bit of area from North West Frontier Province. These technical experts who planned the dam knew what exactly they were doing. They selected the site that a small village called Basha in district Kohistan plays a key role on the issue of royalty and profit sharing. According to article 161 (2) of the Constitution:
‘The net profits earned by the Federal Government, or any undertaking established or administered by the Federal Government from the bulk generation of power at a hydro-electric station shall be paid to the Province in which the hydro-electric station is situated’.
The technical bureaucrats of Pakistan planned the project in such a way that Hydro – electric station is situated in Basha village of NWFP, that royalty is paid to a Pakistani province rather than Giglit and Baltistan, which is not legally part of Pakistan. In other words, Tens of thousands of people of Gilgit and Baltistan get uprooted for this project, their history, culture and graves of their love ones submerge in water; and Pakistan gets water for irrigation and electricity to run their factories, and a Pakistani province of NWF bags the royalty. Isn’t that a great deal for Pakistan and rough deal for people of Gilgit and Baltistan based on exploitation and oppression?
The rate of royalty is to be determined by inter-provincial forum known as Council of Common Interest (CCI); and because Gilgit and Baltistan is not legally part of Pakistan and therefore has no representation in CCI, so it is clear that the decision will go in favour of NWFP. The article 161 (2) further explains that ‘For the purposes of this clause "net profits" shall be computed by deducting from the revenues accruing from the bulk supply of power from the bus-bars of a hydro-electric station at a rate to be determined by the Council of Common Interests’.
However, the Parliament of Pakistan, if they wish, can make a specific amendment to the above and enable a province or a territory hosting the dam to get the royalty or share it with another territory. But isn’t that a wishful thinking? Pakistani governments abandoned all plans to construct Kala Bagh dam, even though these plans were made as far back as in 1950s, and have cost millions to the exchequer, just because they did not want to annoy their political allies.
In view of this can Islamabad government annoy politicians of NWFP and give royalty to Gilgit and Baltistan, especially when these areas have no representation in Pakistani Senate or National Assembly?
Once completed the Daimer Basha Dam will be able to store more water and produce more electricity than Tarbela dam. That means it should get more royalty than the Tarbela Dam, which brings around 8 billion per annum in royalty to government of NWFP; and that is more than the total annual budget for Gilgit and Baltistan.
A Legislative Council in Gilgit and Baltistan, known as ‘Northern Areas Legislative Council’ passed a resolution requesting the government in NWFP to withdraw its demand for royalty in favour of Gilgit and Baltistan in accordance with Islamic jurisprudence of justice, equality and benefit sharing. This won’t happen because one cannot expect from a lion to promote equality in jungle and ban eating of meat.
In the past Pakistani governments have uprooted people of Jammu and Kashmir more than once to meet energy and water needs of Pakistan. It is ironic that this so called ‘friend and big brother’ of Kashmiris did that very callously and without any care for welfare of the people of the area; and without paying appropriate compensation or any royalty, which is normally paid to provinces of Pakistan.
Despite strong protests from people of Mirpur Mangla Dam was constructed in 1967, but no royalty for the dam was paid to the government of Pakistani Administered Kashmir until few years ago; whereas government of North West Frontier Province is receiving royalty for Tarbela Dam ever since its completion in 1976. After repeated requests from government of Pakistani Administered Kashmir government of Pakistan set up a Committee in 1987 under Chairmanship of Mehboob Ul Haq to look in to the royalty issue.
The Committee recommended that government of NWFP should get royalty of 3 billion rupees per annum for the Tarbela Dam; and the government of Pakistani Administered Kashmir should get 2 billion for the Mangla Dam. Despite this no royalty was paid to the Pakistani Administered Kashmir until few years ago, and it was at much reduced rate – less than one billion; whereas government of NWFP gets 8 billion for the Tarbella Dam now.
I am no one to say whether Pakistan should construct Kala Bagh dam or not, but I have every right to say that Pakistani governments should learn to construct dams inside their own territory. Gilgit and Baltistan is part of the former Princely State of Jammu and Kashmir, and is not part of Pakistan; and Pakistani governments democratic or undemocratic have no right to violate State Subject Laws and illegally construct dams in a disputed territory.
At a time when plans to construct Kala Bagh dam were taking a serious shape, a Pakistani nationalist leader Wali Khan said: this construction is against the interest of his people; and if authorities went ahead with these plans they will blow up the dam with a bomb.
When plans for construction of Basha Dam were at early stage and people of the area also protested against the construction of the dam. A Kashmiri Khan (Amanullah Khan), who hails from Gilgit and Baltistan but lives in Rawalpindi for convenience, was on a visit to the area and had an opportunity to address a gathering.
He did not oppose the construction of the dam, rather demanded that the dam’s name should be changed to Diamer dam as it was to be constructed in that district. His second demand was about royalty for the dam. The authorities said we accept 50% of demands: change of name from Basha Dam to Diamer Basha Dam, and issue of royalty will be decided by relevant authorities.
The change of name does not change anything, as people still get uprooted and our history, culture and land gets submerged in water, but the Kashmiri Khan and his followers claimed this as a ‘victory’. I wish we people of Jammu and Kashmir had one Wali Khan, instead of so many ‘Khans’, Rajas, Choudhrys, Sardars, Maliks and puppets of those who occupy us.
Writer is a Spokesman of Kashmir National Party, political analyst and author of many books and booklets. Also he is Director Institute of Kashmir Affairs. Email: drshabirchoudhry@gmail.com
To view other articles see my blog: www.drshabirchoudhry.blogspot.com
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