pok jan 2017 · january 2017 1 jammu & kashmir. a monthly newsletter on pakistan occupied...

Other Developments

Cultural Ambivalence in Gilgit-Baltistan

Urdu Media

Why is Gilgit-Baltistan Neglected in CPEC?

CPEC in GB and the Responsibility of the Government

Political Developments

Removing CPEC Bottlenecks: Tunnels May Smoothen Trade in Winter

Indian Firing Victims to Get Rs 100 Million, National Assembly Body Told

PoK Erupts with 'azadi' Slogans; Pakistan Army Brutally Thrashes Protesters

Pakistan Pays Rs 1 cr per Terrorist to Cross LoC: PoK Leader

Land Compensation: Clash Between Two Chilas Tribes Leaves 13 Injured

People of AJK, GB Tied in Deep Historic Relations: Haider

Share in CPEC: G-B Scholars Demand Education, Health Facilities in Region

Economic Developments

AJK Seeks Federal Govt Help to Fight Fiscal Woes

LCCI Suggests Launching of Shares of Bhasha, Other Dams in Stock Markets

International Developments

JKSDM will hold Weeklong Activities on Kashmir in UK

Pakistan to Protest World Bank's Incorrect Map Excluding GB, AJK

Russia to Install 60 LPG Air Mix Plants in Murree, Gilgit, AJK

POK A MONTHLY NEWS DIGEST ON PAKISTAN OCCUPIED KASHMIR

News Digest Compiled & Edited by Dr Priyanka Singh

Dr Yaqoob-ul Hassan

Volume 10 | Number 1 | January 2017

No. 1, Development Enclave, Rao Tula Ram MargNew Delhi-110 010

January 2017 1

Jammu & Kashmir

2A Monthly Newsletter on Pakistan Occupied Kashmir

In this Edition

India-Pakistan relations hit a rough patch in 2016 in the wake of the Uri attack and the subsequent surgicalstrikes conducted by India. Since then, the two countries have not been actively engaging with each other. Theshadow of discord between the two neighbours is also reflecting in the news reports on Pakistan occupiedKashmir, some of which are included in the current issue. On an average, there is a persistent effort on part ofthe Pakistani establishment to portray India as a belligerent country that is staging attacks on the Line ofControl (LoC) and causing loss of lives there. While this is far from reality, truth is that Pakistan for years hasperpetrated militancy in Jammu and Kashmir. This has not only caused unprecedented damage in terms of liveslost but has more than often derailed the dialogue process between the two countries. Despite efforts to persuadePakistan to give up militancy as an instrument of state policy, including from several quarters in internationalcommunity, the country has relentlessly pursued the agenda of using proxy tactics against India. In one of thereports in the current issue, a leader from PoK acknowledges how Pakistan is spending hefty amount to launchterrorists inside India. Ironically, PoK region is in dire need for development. Instead of spending money on thewelfare of the people, Pakistan is misusing it to fulfil its ulterior purposes against India.

Gilgit Baltistan's constitutional limbo is continuing as the committee headed by Sartaj Aziz has failed to makea headway in this direction. The people of the region have waited in anticipation about the outcome of thecommittee's report. However, the wait of the people continues inordinately and there is not much hope at themoment regarding any progress being made on the region's political status. In view of the CPEC, the undefinedconstitutional status of Gilgit Baltistan is being hotly debated as a major portion of the corridor cuts across theregion before getting into Pakistan.

Priyanka Singh

January 2017 3

Political Developments

“OPF Chairman orders provision of facilities toKashmiri expatriates”

Pakistan Observer, December 1, 2016

The Chairman OPF Board of Governors BarristerAmjad Malik on November 30 directed officials ofhis department to provide all facilities to Kashmiriexpatriates and gear up colonization process at OPFHousing Scheme Chitarpari Mirpur. He was on a visitto OPF Regional Office Mirpur, Azad Jammu andKashmir (AJK). The chairman also addressed theopen house “khuli kahchahri” at the Regional Officeand issued directions on the spot for resolution ofproblems being faced by visiting expatriates. TheChairman was accompanied by Chairman OPFHousing Committee, Muhammad Jahangir Minhas,Director General (Housing), Sajid Mehmood Qaziand other high officials of OPF. Barrister Malik statedthat OPF considers initiating a pilot project of 50houses at Mirpur Housing Scheme to be distributedamong families of deceased Kashmiri expatriates.

http://pakobserver.net/opf-chairman-orders-provision-of-facilities-to-kashmiri-expatriates/

“AJK cabinet expands to 12 members today”

The Nation, December 1, 2016

The expansion in AJK cabinet will be made onDecember 1 with induction of three more ministersin the existing 9-member cabinet of Prime MinisterRaja Farooq Haider, sources noted. “Three newministers, one each from Mirpur city, Jammu andKashmir valley’s constituencies (meant for Pakistan-based J & K refugees) will sworn-in in a simple butimpressive ceremony to be held in the capital city ofMuzaffarabad on Thursday - December 1st,” AJKgovernment spokesperson confirmed. AJK PresidentSardar Masood Khan will administer oath to thenewly-elected ministers. The new ministers to beadded in the cabinet included Ch Muhammad Saeed,

newly-elected member of AJK Legislative Assemblyfrom Mirpur city constituency, Syed Shoukat AliShah, newly-elected MLA from Jammu constituencyand Nasir Dar, the newly-elected MLA from Kashmirvalley constituency. Twelve of Jammu and othersand Kashmir valley constituencies in 49-seat AJKLegislative Assembly are meant for the Pakistan-based refugees of Jammu and Kashmir state, besidesthe residents of AJK settled in various parts of thecountry.

http://nation.com.pk/national/01-Dec-2016/ajk-cabinet-expands-to-12-members-today

“Rush to build bunkers in Azad Kashmir as fearsgrow”

Business Recorder, December 1, 2016

Residents in Azad Kashmir are racing to buildunderground bunkers for the first time since the1990s, frightened by what they say is the worst cross-border violence since a cease-fire was agreed in 2003.Months of tension between India and Pakistan haveerupted into shelling and gunfire across the frontier,claiming the lives of dozens of people, includingcivilians. People in Azad Kashmir’s Neelum Valleysay the attacks come once or twice a week, and theynever know when they might have to dive for cover.Chand Bibi has concrete and steel rods waiting to betransformed into an underground bunker where herterrified family can take shelter as the monstrousboom of shelling reawakens old nightmares.

http://www.brecorder.com/general-news/172/108921/

“Admin evicts Indian firing ‘victims’ from stateland”


The district authorities foiled a bid made by “Indianfiring victims” to occupy the state land near


Khaliqabad on Mirpur Jatlan Road. Theadministration uprooted their huts on the landbelonging to the State Forests Department, officialsstated. Assistant Commissioner Raja QaiserAurangzeb noted that at least 250 people had erectedthe huts on the land. He alleged that they belong tothe professional land grabbers and land mafia.However, the people were of the view that theybelonged to the Indian firing-hit areas of Line ofControl in Bhimbher and Kotli districts, However,the hundreds of the people with 15 to 20 familiesfled away from the scene leaving their tents-resortabandoned as the authorities launched the operationclean up.

http://nation.com.pk/multan/02-Dec-2016/admin-evicts-indian-firing-victims-from-state-land

“Tourism Policy being Formulated to PromoteTourism Industry in GB: Fida”

Radio Pakistan, December 2, 2016

Minister Tourism Sports and Culture Fida Khan statedTourism policy is being formulated to promotetourism industry in Gilgit-Baltistan. He noted this inan interview on December 2. The minister stated thatone million tourists visited GB previous year whileone point two million tourists target was fixed forthe next year. He also stated that tourist informationcenters would be set up in Gilgit and Skardu airportsand in all district to facilitate them. Calendar of eventswould be implemented and steps will be taken fordevelopment of sports and culture. He pointed outthat thirty three polo grounds have been upgradedthroughout Gilgit-Baltistan.

http://www.radio.gov.pk/02-Dec-2016/tourism-policy-being-formulated-to-promote-tourism-industry-in-gb-fida

Shabbir Mir, “Blackouts galore: As glaciersrefreeze, power outages abound”

The Express Tribune, December 2, 2016

People in Gilgit are angry over a spike in powershortages owing to a shortfall of seven megawatts inthe region. Deputy Commissioner Hamza Salick, ina press briefing on December 1, explained that power

generation in the city had fallen from 35 megawattsto 28 megawatts because the glaciers had frozen andthe flow of water in the rivers had reduced. Theshortage of power has severely impacted the routinelife of Gilgit’s residents, particularly for heatingpurpose. They have subsequently been forced topurchase and burn firewood.

http://tribune.com.pk/story/1250837/blackouts-galore-glaciers-refreeze-power-outages-abound/

“AJK Govt Working in Accordance with PartyManifesto: Haider”


AJK Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider Khan statedthat his government is working in accordance withthe party manifesto in the State. Talking to variouspublic delegations in Muzaffarabad on December 2,he noted government is focusing on the transparencyof the institutions. He also assured that problems ofMirpur including the supply of potable water wouldbe addressed. Raja Farooq Haider also stated stepsare being taken for promoting tourism in Mirpur. ThePrime Minister assured that modern hospitals forcardiac treatment would be constructed in AzadKashmir.

http://www.radio.gov.pk/02-Dec-2016/ajk-govt-working-in-accordance-with-party-manifesto-haider

“Nawaz promises development in AJK”


Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif termed the victory ofparty leaders, Sardar Abdul Khaliq Wasi andChaudhry Mohammad Siddique as members of theAJK Council as the confidence of the people of thearea in the policies of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led government in Azad Kashmir.Greeting both these leaders with a thumping majorityin the AJK Council elections, Prime Minister NawazSharif hoped that they would come up to theexpectations of the people of their area by takingforward the development agenda of the PML-N.Sharif noted that his government wanted to extendthe development policies of his government to the

January 2017 5

AJK as well, so that the people of Kashmir couldalso reap the benefits of the development agenda ofthe federal government.

http://nation.com.pk/national/03-Dec-2016/nawaz-promises-development-in-ajk

Shabbir Siham, “Probe begins against influentialsover ‘exploitation’ of young girls”

Daily Times, December 3, 2016

The law enforcement agencies including the policehave commenced an investigation against theblackmailing and exploitation of young girls hailingfrom the northern areas by five members of theLegislative Assembly and senior bureaucrats of theGilgit Baltistan government. The cruelty with theconstrained girls of Gilgit Baltistan was revealedwhen a case No 23/2016 was registered at ShalimarPolice Station after the kidnapping of a 14-year oldgirl and the police had arrested two accused Wasifand Nadeem and unearthed many hidden facts in thecase. During the course of the investigation both theaccused told the police that some powerfulpersonalities from Gilgit Baltistan were involved inthe heinous crime. The abducted girl was recoveredfrom the farm house of a wealthy and influentialbusinessman of the federal capital.

http://dailytimes.com.pk/islamabad/03-Dec-16/probe-begins-against-influentials-over-exploitation-of-young-girls

“Karachi police illegally detains 10 Shia students”

ABNA, December 4, 2016

Karachi police raided residential flats and roundedup at least 10 Shia students originally belonging toGilgit-Baltistan and booked 5 of them without anyjustification in false cases. Raid was conducted inJohar Complex near Safoora Goth on main UniversityRoad late on last night. They picked up 10 studentsnamely Sajid Ali, Shamsur Rehman, Jafar, Tehzeeb,Tahir, Wajib Iqbal and others. Ziauddin also statedthat he was not at his flat last night but police wronglydetained two of his roommates. He also stated thatthey were students and not criminals and neighbours

should have been contacted for confirmation of theintegrity of the students because they all know thatthose students were peaceful and noble.

http://en.abna24.com/service/centeral-asia-subcontinent/archive/2016/12/04/795867/story.html

“PM gives Green Signal to Basha Dam’s FinancingPlan”

Daily Times, December 5, 2016

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif approved the financingplan for Diamer-Basha Dam which was presented bythe Secretary Water and Power on December 5.According to Radio Pakistan’s transmission, theproposed plan, on self-reliance basis, will fund theDam’s portion of the project from PSDP allocationsand WAPDA generated resources. Allocated portionof the dam will be independent from the rest of thefinancing for the power generation portion, whichwill be arranged on commercial basis by the ministryeither through WAPDA or by leasing its existingprojects. PM Nawaz directed the water and power,planning and finance secretaries to expeditecompletion of financial proposal.

http://dailytimes.com.pk/pakistan/05-Dec-16/pm-gives-green-signal-to-basha-dams-financing-plan

“Nawaz-Modi friendship disintegrated Pakistan:Bilawal”


Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto onDecember 5 demanded development projects forGilgit-Baltistan, saying Punjab was getting OrangeLine Train project that cost around Rs2 billion.Addressing a gathering of party activists at BilawalHouse, the PPP chief once again warned thegovernment in case his four demands were not metuntil December 27. Bilawal noted his party wouldwin mandate of the people across the country in 2018.“PPP will democratically occupy politics of Punjab,”stated the PPP chairman. Bilawal also stated thepeople of Pakistan were fighting terrorism and notthe government of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz


(PML-N). PPP was the only political organisation inthe country that initiated a war against terrorism, headded.

http://nation.com.pk/national/05-Dec-2016/bilawal-demands-development-projects-for-gilgit-baltistan

“PML-N won elections in AJK & GB throughNRO with terrorists”

The News, December 5, 2016

Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal BhuttoZardari stated that PML-N had been winningelections under an NRO with terrorists and the recentnexus between them has been exposed again recentlyin Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. PPPChairman was addressing the PPP workers fromGilgit-Baltistan at Party’s 49th Foundation Daycelebrations being held at Bilawal House, Lahore.The day was reserved for PPP workers from GB.“PML-N and its interior minister were applying andexploiting NAP for political targets and victimizationinstead of targeting terrorists. Bilawal Bhutto Zardarinoted that it was only his family, party and theworkers who were fighting the terrorists andembracing martyrdoms while all others are doingpolitics over NAP and terrorism policy. He alsopointed out that PML-N fielded terrorists against hisparty in Gilgit-Baltistan elections and blamed PML-N for hiding its extremism behind the clean-shavenfaces.

https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/169942-PML-N-won-elections-in-AJK-GB-through-NRO-with-terrorists

“Skill development workshop for GB youth”

Dawn, December 6, 2016

The Directorate of Training and Research (Customs),Islamabad, and Model Customs Collectorate, Gilgit-Baltistan, organised a five-day training programmefor awareness and professional capacity building ofeducated youth of Gilgit-Baltistan in collaborationwith Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP).The main aim of the programme was to createawareness and tap the skill potential of the youth of

Gilgit-Baltistan. A large number of participants fromvarious sections of life participated in the capacitybuilding programme, stated a press release.

http://www.dawn.com/news/1300783/skill-development-workshop-for-gb-youth

“NA Body briefed about ongoing Projects in AJK,GB”


The meeting of the National Assembly StandingCommittee on Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistanwas held in Islamabad on December 6 under theChairmanship of Malik Ibrar Ahmed. The Committeewas briefed about the ongoing projects in AzadKashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. The Committee wasalso briefed about the losses caused by continuousunprovoked firing by the Indian Army at NeelumValley. The Additional Chief Secretary highlightedthe damages and effects on environment due to heavyfiring and fencing of the border by the Indian sideacross the line of control in the last few months.

http://www.radio.gov.pk/06-Dec-2016/na-body-briefs-about-ongoing-projects-in-ajk-gb

Shabbir Mir, “Removing CPEC bottlenecks:Tunnels may smoothen Trade in Winter”


Steps will soon be taken to keep the flow of containersnonstop on the CPEC route even in extreme winterconditions, official spokesperson for the Gilgit-Baltistan government Faizullah Faraq stated onDecember 5. Expressing optimism regarding removalof bottlenecks in bilateral trade with China, Faraqhinted at the possibility of excavating a series oftunnels along the CPEC route. “The first convoy thatreached Gwadar via Sost was a test case,” noted thespokesman. “It was a success and now (the flow) willnot stop.” Keeping in line with decades-old traditions,the border between the two countries closed onDecember 1. The border closure, lasting till April 1next year, is observed under an agreement signed byboth countries in 1985 to avoid losses in harsh

January 2017 7

weather conditions in this mountainous and ruggedregion. A month earlier, the multi-billion-dollarChina-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) wasformally launched as hundreds of Chinese trucksloaded with goods rolled into the Sost dry port inGilgit-Baltistan on November 1, 2016.

http://tribune.com.pk/story/1254649/removing-cpec-bottlenecks-tunnels-may-smoothen-trade-winter/

Sarfraz Ali , “AJK prime minister calls on PMNawaz Sharif”

Daily Pakistan, December 7, 2016

Prime Minister Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK)Farooq Haider Khan December 7 called on PrimeMinister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif at the PM House.According to press release issued by prime ministerhouse both leaders discussed matters pertaining todevelopment projects and current political situationin AJK during the meeting. Tensions betweenPakistan and India have been running high followingan alleged ‘surgical strike’, unrest in Kashmir andthe Uri army base attack in September 2016. Sincethen there have been repeated outbreaks of cross-border firing in Kashmir, with both sides reportingdeaths and injuries including of civilians. Pakistanand India have, most recently, locked horns overKashmir since Indian forces stepped up a crackdownagainst protesters after Hizbul Mujahideencommander Burhan Wani was killed by governmentforces in July 2016.

https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/pakistan/ajk-prime-minister-calls-on-pm-nawaz-sharif/

Fazel Sher, “Indian firing victims to get Rs 100million, National Assembly body told”


The government announced Rs 100 millioncompensation package for the victims of Indiantroops’ unprovoked firing along Line of Control(LoC), as Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will soon visitAzad Jammu and Kashmir to distribute compensationcheques among the affectees. Briefing the National

Assembly Standing Committee on Kashmir Affairsand Gilgit-Baltistan about the losses caused due tounprovoked firing by the Indian army at NeelumValley along the LoC, Additional Chief Secretary ofthe AJK Farhat Ali Mir noted that Prime MinisterSharif is visiting AJK to distribute the compensationamount among the affectees as well as to expresssolidarity with Kashmiris. MNA Malik Ibrar Ahmedpresided over the meeting. He apprised the committeethat 39 people, including 29 males and 10 females,were killed and 128 others got injured because ofunprovoked firing of Indian army.

http://www.brecorder.com/general-news/172/110798/

“GOVT Taking Steps to Rehabilitate LoCaffectees: AJK PM”


Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister RajaFarooq Haider Khan stated that government is takingtangible steps to rehabilitate Line of Control (LoC)affectees in the state. Addressing a compensationcheques distribution ceremony in Muzaffarabad onDecember 8, he noted that federal and stategovernments are taking concrete measures tominimize the sufferings of people residing at the Lineof Control. On the occasion, AJK Prime Minister onthe behalf of Prime Minister of Pakistan distributeddonation cheques among the victims’ families.

http://www.radio.gov.pk/08-Dec-2016/govt-taking-steps-to-rehabilitate-loc-affectees-ajk-pm

Asim Yasin, “Khursheed questions ATR servicefor Gilgit, Chitral”


Opposition Leader in the National Assembly SyedKhursheed Shah on December 8 asked why the sixnew ATR flights were started for Gilgit and Chitralwhen it had been decided that the plane won’t fly tothese areas. “These ATRs were facing problems andwere not fit to fly at high attitude,” he noted whiletalking to newsmen at the Parliament House.Khursheed demanded action against the PIA


managing director on the tragic crash resulting in lossof precious human lives. To a question, he noted thechairman PIA only headed the board and the realadministrative powers rest with the MD.

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/170857-Khursheed-questions-ATR-service-for-Gilgit-Chitral

“GOVT to Announce 30 years Forest WorkingPlan soon: Official”


An official of Federal Ministry of Kashmir Affairsand Gilgit-Baltistan says government is takingrevolutionary steps for developing the area andallocated billions of rupees for development projectslike universities and hospitals in GB. The officialnoted the government will also soon announce a 30years Forest Working Plan, Timber Policy and TouristPolicy for the region with the collaboration of GBcouncil. He also stated that the renovation of SkarduAirport was in progress and feasibility report for thewidening of Gilgit Airport had been prepared. Hefurther stated that the government has allocated moreland for the expansion of Karakoram InternationalUniversity to provide better education facilities.

http://www.radio.gov.pk/08-Dec-2016/govt-to-announce-30-years-forest-working-plan-soon-official

“Zero Tolerance Policy being Observed againstCorruption: HAIDER”


The AJK Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider Khannoted that zero tolerance policy is being observedagainst corruption and nepotism in Azad Jammu andKashmir. He was talking to cabinet, legislativeassembly’s members and various public delegationson the eve of World Anti-Corruption Day at KashmirHouse in Islamabad on December 9.

Raja Farooq Haider Khan urged the civil society toextend its cooperation in elimination of corruptionand other bad practices in the state. He also statedthat a comprehensive strategy is being evolved towipe-out corruption and nepotism in Azad Kashmir.

AJK Prime Minister further stated that AccountabilityBureau would be thoroughly reformed to set aprecedent for transparent accountability process inthe state.

http://www.radio.gov.pk/09-Dec-2016/zero-tolerance-policy-being-observed-against-corruption-haider

Biplob Ghosal, “PoK Erupts with ‘azadi’ slogans;Pakistan Army brutally thrashes protesters”

Zee News, December 10, 2016

In huge trouble for Pakistan Prime Minister NawazSharif, locals in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK)have hit the streets to protest against theadministration. The protesters are demandingfreedom from the clutches of Pakistan. To thwart theprotests, Pakistani Army was ordered to clamp downon the agitators. Ever since July, PoK region has beenwitnessing unrest, with hundreds of people comingout in the open to protest against the Pakistaniestablishment. The locals in PoK have alleged thatthe July 21 election, which saw Nawaz Sharif’sPakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) winning32 out of 41 seats, was rigid. The protesters havemaintained that they were not allowed to cast theirvotes, and Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)agency and others rigged the polls in favour ofSharif’s PML-N. Besides PoK the Sharif governmenthas also been entangled in the Balochistan area, wherethe freedom movement has gained momentum. Eversince Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted thehuman rights violations in Balochistan, severalBaloch leaders living in exile have been aggressivelyadvocating for freedom of the restive region fromthe clutches of Pakistan.

http://zeenews.india.com/news/india/pok-erupts-with-azadi-s l o g a n s - p a k i s t a n - a r m y - b r u t a l l y - t h r a s h e s -protesters_1957215.html

Masood, “Dar Discuss Financial Matter,Developmental Budget of AJK”


Finance Minister Ishaq Dar held a meeting withPresident of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Sardar

January 2017 9

Masood Khan in Islamabad on December 11 anddiscussed financial matters and developmental budgetof AJK. The President AJK briefed the minister aboutthe financial problems of the state. Ishaq Dar alsoensured that all the financial issues of Azad Kashmirwill be resolved on priority basis. He also assured offull cooperation in developmental progress in AJK.

http://www.radio.gov.pk/10-Dec-2016/sardar-masood-ishaq-dar-discuss-financial-matter-developmental-budget-of-ajk

“Pakistan pays Rs 1 cr per terrorist to cross LoC:PoK leader”

Business Standard, December 12, 2016

Even as Pakistan keeps pleading its innocence atinternational forum regarding it not being involvedin terror-related activities, particularly when it comesto India, Sardar Raees Inqlabi, a leader of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir-based Jammu and Kashmir AmanForum, has rubbished that claim by saying thatIslamabad is paying hefty amount of cash to sendterrorists across the Line of Control (LoC). “You(Pakistan) are hiring killers and murderers; you paythem one crore rupees and turn them into a bomband make them cross LoC, which is the main reasonof tension.

We condemn this terrorism. If you are so fond offiring, you must fight army to army,” stated Inqlabi.Further exposing Pakistan’s state-support to terroroutfits and questioning Islamabad’s ulterior motives,he asked, “Those terror outfits which are banned inPakistan in accordance with the National Action Plan,why are they being allowed to operate from ‘Azad’Kashmir (PoK), and why are the banned groups beengiven a free hand in PoK?” “Those organisationswhich are banned by Pakistan have been given freehand here and along the LoC, and thus, we demandthat Islamabad must impose a blanket ban on suchoutfits akin to the National Action Plan in Pakistan,”adds Inqlabi.

http://www.business-standard.com/article/international/pakistan-pays-rs-1-cr-per-terrorist-to-cross-loc-pok-leader-116121200067_1.html

“Form Mirpur, Muzaffarabad, Poonch scouts tocounter terrorism: Chuni”

State Times, December 12, 2016

SOS International exhorted upon the CentralGovernment to constitute Mirpur, Muzaffarabad andPoonch battalion which will prove quite productivein countering terrorism along this side of Line ofControl (LoC).

While addressing a rally at Maheshpura Chowk onDecember 11, SOS International Chairman, RajivChuni noted that presently, there is conflict betweenIndia and Pakistan and the stated conflict can’t bringto an end till ages. He also stated that to tackle theongoing scenario of terrorist activities in State andcountry, Government must constitute three battalionsi.e, Mirpur Scouts, Muzaffarabad Scouts and PoonchScouts. “The logic behind such a demand is that sinceyouth of these areas from refugees are familiar withlanguage, culture and topography will proveproductive in countering terrorism along LoC. Themove would also help the financial condition of PoKrefugees’ youths by providing employment”, Chuninoted.

http://news.statetimes.in/form-mirpur-muzaffarabad-poonch-scouts-counter-terrorism-chuni/

“People Protests Against NHA in Gilgit-Baltistanto Demand Compensation for Their Land”

Bihar Prabha, December 13, 2016

Poverty and misery is something the people of Gilgit-Baltistan have been putting up with several decades.Against the backdrop of extreme poverty, theunemployment is on the rise. Their safety is at stake.The people were protesting to demand compensationfor the land taken away from them for a nationalhighway project.

http://news.biharprabha.com/2016/12/people-protests-against-nha-in-gilgit-baltistan-to-demand-compensation-for-their-land/


“AJK governance: New minsters in Haider’scabinet given portfolios”


The Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir(AJK) Raja Farooq Haider Khan on December 13allotted portfolios to the three newly-appointedmembers of his cabinet, a notification stated.According to the notification, Chaudhry MohammadSaeed has been given the portfolio of Minster forTourism, Culture, Mangla Dam affairs and MirpurDevelopment Authority. Syed Shukat Shah has beenmade Minster for Food Department while Nasar Darthe Minister for Rehabilitation. The prime ministerhad expended his cabinet from nine to 12 membersby inducting three new ministers earlier this month.However, they had not been assigned portfolios.Among the new ministers, sources stated, ChaudhryMuhammad Saeed is a former president of theFederation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce andIndustry. Saeed, who hails from Mirpur, had defeatedPakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) AJK head and formerAJK prime minister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhryduring the legislative elections in July 2016.

http://tribune.com.pk/story/1262488/ajk-governance-new-minsters-haiders-cabinet-given-portfolios/

Shabbir Mir, “Land compensation: Clash betweentwo Chilas tribes leaves 13 injured”


At least 13 people were injured when two tribes inChilas, Diamer region of Gilgit-Baltistan, clashed onDecember 12. Subsequently, the local administrationon December 13 imposed Section 144 in the areawhile heavy contingents of security forces weredeployed to maintain peace in the volatile town. OnDecember 12, the local Soniwal tribe had held aprotest outside the Water and Power DevelopmentAuthority (WAPDA) colony. They were demandingtheir share of compensation for the lands which thegovernment had acquired to build the 4,500megawatts Diamer-Bhasha dam in the area.According to members of the Soniwal tribe, the

government had treated them unfairly out of pressurefrom the dominant tribe of the region– Boto tribe.

http://tribune.com.pk/story/1262504/land-compensation-clash-two-chilas-tribes-leaves-13-injured/

Tehzeeb Hussain Bercha, “Laudable efforts”


For long, Gilgit had been a victim of pollution due tothe negligence of concerned authorities. Now, thegovernment of Gilgit-Baltistan has taken severaladmirable steps to make Gilgit a garbage-free city.The Gilgit-Baltistan government also orchestrated asolid-waste management project, first time in thehistory of GB, as well as upgraded the municipalcommittee as the municipal corporation. This stepwas helpful to open new opportunities to unemployedpersons as well as increased the efficiency of thedepartment.

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/171945-Laudable-efforts

“Govt promoting tourism in AJK”


AJK Secretary Information and Tourism MansoorQadir Dar noted on December 13 that all the availableresources would be utilised for the promotion oftourism. Addressing the Tourism Department officialsin Kotli, Dar noted that Azad Jammu & Kashmir wasenriched with huge natural potential of tourism. Thestate government, he added, will turn AJK into themost attractive spot for the tourists. He also statedthat under-construction projects of tourism in variousparts of AJK will be completed on priority groundssince it was the top priority of the government topromote tourism. Dar also directed the authoritiesconcerned that the land reserved for a tourism parknear Poonch River in Tattapani in Kotli district shouldbe made viable for the attraction of tourists.

http://nation.com.pk/national/15-Dec-2016/govt-promoting-tourism-in-ajk

January 2017 11

“1100 officers to be inducted through FPSC in nextone and half year: CM”


Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Hafeez-ur-Rehmannoted eleven hundred officers would be inductedthrough Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC)in the next one and half year. This he stated whileaddressing the Gilgit Baltistan Legislative Assemblyproceeding in Gilgit on December 15. The ChiefMinister stated that the PML-N government hasfulfilled its promises made with people during theelection campaign. He also stated that the PML-Nhas set up four new districts with twelve hundred newvacancies. He further stated that the FederalGovernment has awarded Gilgit -Skardu road projectcosting 46 billion rupees and work on it would beinitiated soon. Referring promotions, he stated twothousand four hundred employees in educationdepartment were promoted to the next grade.

http://www.radio.gov.pk/15-Dec-2016/1100-officers-to-be-inducted-through-fpsc-in-next-one-and-half-year-cm

“Masood underlines need of British assistance inresolving Kashmir dispute”


President Azad Kashmir, Sardar Muhammad MasoodKhan, underlined the need of British assistance inresolving the longstanding Kashmir dispute andenhancing the quality of education in the state. Hewas talking to a delegation of British Council led byRoze Merry Hill which called on him, inMuzaffarabad, on December 15. He also talked abouta million people from Mirpur and Kotli districts ofAzad Kashmir who are settled in the United Kingdomand playing their positive role for the progress anddevelopment of the country. He also stated that a largenumber of Kashmiris are the members of Europeanand British Parliaments and also representing localbodies’ institutions. On this occasion, country headof the British Council informed that the council willsign a memorandum of understanding with the AJKgovernment soon for the development of different

sectors including formal and technical education.

http://nation.com.pk/national/15-Dec-2016/masood-underlines-need-of-british-assistance-in-resolving-kashmir-dispute

“TAJK holds Kashmir conference inMuzaffarabad”

Kashmir Watch, December 15, 2016

Leadership of political, religious, Kashmiriorganizations and Huriyyat leaders stated thatKashmir will not be freed from talks but freed fromJihad Fee Sabilillah. India did not accept resolutionsof the UN. We do not accept cease fire line. The UNhas played double role to solve the problems ofMuslim Ummah including Kashmir. Unit of Islamiccountries should be made to solve Muslim Ummah’sproblems. Leaders of political, religious and Kashmirorganizations expressed these views while addressingKashmir Conference organized by Tehreek e AzadiJammu Kashmir (TAJK).

http://kashmirwatch.com/tehreek-e-azadi-jammu-kashmir-holds-kashmir-conference-in-muzaffarabad/

Shabir Choudhry, “CPEC – A potential threat toturn Gilgit-Baltistan a battleground – II”

The North Lines, December 16, 2016

Apart from economic aspects, Gwadar also has a greatstrategic and military significance. Astonishingly, notmuch attention is given to this; and even not muchhas been stated about a deal of eight submarines tobe supplied by China to Pakistan, which will surelyelevate Pakistan’s naval military strength. Chinesemilitary ships and submarines have already takentheir positions in and around Gwadar. PanosMourdoukoutas writes in Forbes that ‘Chinadesperately needs the China-Pakistan EconomicCorridor (CPEC). It’s part of that nation’s vision towrite the rules of the next stage of globalization andhelp its export and investment engines grow for yearsto come…China has to either appease India or“forget” about the CPEC project’. The article furthersuggests: “If pro-Indian forces in Pakistan sabotage


China’s CPEC route,” China should expect an openconfrontation against India, because that raises thepossibility of an open confrontation between Chinaand Pakistan on the one side, and India and its allieson the other.

http://thenorthlines.com/cpec-potential-threat-turn-gilgit-baltistan-battleground-ii/

“AJK govt stops NGOs from working”


The AJK government directed all the non-governmental organizations working inMuzaffarabad division to cease their activitiesimmediately and apply for new registration withSocial Welfare Department, official sourcesconfirmed. Through a notice, which was alsopublished in a local newspaper, all the NGOs weredirected to cease their projects till renewal of theirregistrations, stated the AJK government. Anyorganisation acting in contravention of law will bedealt with accordingly, the official sources noted onDecember 15 quoting the official notice. At the sametime, the announcement has shocked the alreadyregistered civil society organisations across the AJK.Various registered NGOs while unanimouslyrejecting the reported restrictions have termed thereportedly unilateral order uncalled for anunwarranted and an obstacle in serving the sickhumanity including poor and drown-trodden.

http://nation.com.pk/national/16-Dec-2016/ajk-govt-stops-ngos-from-working

“Provision of Better Health Services to MassesGovt’s top Priority: AJK PM”


The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister RajaFarooq Haider Khan stated that provision of betterhealth services to masses is the top priority of thegovernment. Addressing an inauguration ceremonyof Free Medical Camp organized by Pakistan IslamicMedical Association in Muzaffarabad on December16, he noted that health sector is being reformed in

the state. Raja Farooq Haider Khan also stated thatemergency health services are being introduced inAzad Kashmir to provide timely medical facilities topoor and destitute people.

http://www.radio.gov.pk/16-Dec-2016/provision-of-better-health-services-to-masses-govt-s-top-priority-ajk-pm

“Diamer-Bhasha dam work to start next year”

Pakistan Observer, December 17, 2016

Minister of State for Water and Power Abid Sher Alion December 16 noted the process of land acquisitionfor Diamer-Basha dam had almost been completedand physical work would start from next year. ‘We’veacquired the required land for the dam and work onit will start next year by all means,’ Abid Sher Aliinformed the National Assembly in response to asupplementary question asked by Aisha Syed duringthe question-hour session. He also stated no practicalstep for construction of dams was taken by theprevious governments adding that the presentgovernment initiated work on eight to nine new dams,with each of them producing over 50 megawatts ofelectricity. He further stated that after the 18thAmendment provinces could build dams, which couldproduce electricity upto 50 megawatts.

http://pakobserver.net/diamer-bhasha-dam-work-to-start-next-year/

“Boosting tourism: Gilgit-Ghizer road to beturned into an expressway”


Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) Chief Minister HafeezurRehman on December 18 noted that they woulddevelop the Gilgit-Ghizer road as an expressway.Talking to Radio Pakistan, Rehman noted the G-Bgovernment would start work on projects which havebeen funded and supported by the federalgovernment. By developing the road on the patternof an expressway, the G-B chief minister hoped itwould facilitate and promote tourism. Thethoroughfare connecting two major cities of theregion would allow locals to travel easily for trade

January 2017 13

and employment and also extend their access to healthand education. Rehman noted the federal governmentwould provide Rs1.2 billion to build the road. Thechief minister further stated that his government wasworking on building capacity of various departmentsso that they can efficiently utilise development funds.

https://tribune.com.pk/story/1267366/boosting-tourism-gilgit-ghizer-road-turned-expressway/

“LG Polls to be held after Population Census inGB”


In Gilgit-Baltistan, Local Bodies Election would beheld after population census. This was stated byGilgit-Baltistan Information Minister Iqbal Hassanwhile talking to media in Gilgit on December 20. Henoted a strategy is being devised to carry outpopulation census in Gilgit-Baltistan smoothly.

http://www.radio.gov.pk/20-Dec-2016/lg-poll-to-be-held-after-population-census-in-gb

“GBLA Pays Tributes to Former COAS”


The 13th Session of Gilgit-Baltistan LegislativeAssembly (GBLA) after 5-day proceedingsconcluded in Gilgit on December 21. The Assemblyduring its session paid tributes to former Chief ofArmy Staff General (Retd) Raheel Sharif for hisremarkable services against terrorism. The househoped that General Qamar Javed Bajwa will continuewar against terror till its complete elimination.Another resolution the house demanded was theconstruction of protective bounds in banks of riversand streams to stop desalting, soil erosion andincrease the life of dams. The Assembly alsodemanded stop illegal cutting of forest and ensureenvironmental protection. In another resolution, theAssembly emphasized maintaining customary lawsand ensure ownership of pastoral rights.

http://www.radio.gov.pk/21-Dec-2016/gbla-session-after-5-day-proceedings-concludes-in-gilgit

“PML-N vows to turn AJK into welfare state”


Top PML-N AJK leader and ex-advisor togovernment Ch Haq Nawaz noted that AJK will beturned into a true welfare state under the spirit of theparty’s manifesto. “The recent land-slide victory ofPML-N in general elections-2016 in Azad Jammu &Kashmir is primarily the manifestation of faith andtrust by the people in the leadership and healthypolicies of the party in line with the vision of PrimeMinister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif and the AJK PrimeMinister Raja Farooq Haider Khan,” Haq Nawaznoted. He is former Advisor to the outgoing PrimeMinister Ch. Majeed-led PPP AJK government. Hehad parted ways from the PPP much before the July21 general elections in AJK after opposing thepolicies of the party and its government and joinedthe PML-N.

http://nation.com.pk/national/22-Dec-2016/pml-n-vows-to-turn-ajk-into-welfare-state

“Punjab decision cheers up Kashmiris”


The Punjab government cheered up the Kashmirirsby deciding to grant the ownership rights of theproperty temporarily allotted to Kashmiri refugeessettled in the Gujranwala and Rawalpindi divisionssince 1947, during December 2016. The Settlementand Rehabilitation Wing of the Board of RevenuePunjab directed the divisional commissioners ofGujranwala and Rawalpindi to complete the processby December 31, 2016 as per target fixed by the ChiefMinister of Punjab Shahbaz Sharif, sources noted.The chief minister made the decision under section(3) of the Evacuee Property and Displaced PersonsLaws (Repeal) Act 1975. “In pursuance of theapproval accorded by the Chief Minister of Punjab,the Settlement and Rehabilitation Wing of Board ofRevenue Punjab decided to confer proprietary rightsupon the non-claimant Jammu & Kashmir refugeeswho had earlier been temporarily allotted evacueeland for maintenance purpose,” sources quoted thedirective circulated by the Board of Revenue Punjab


to the divisional commissioners as well as districtcollectors of Sialkot, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Hafizabad,Mandi Bahauddin, Narowal, Rawalpindi, Attock,Chakwal and Jhelum. To implement the abovedecision, the Punjab government constituted aDivisional Committees for the conferment of therights to the refugees.

http://nation.com.pk/national/22-Dec-2016/punjab-decision-cheers-up-kashmiris

“People of AJK, GB tied in deep HistoricRelations: Haider”


The AJK Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider Khannoted that people of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan are tied in deep historic relations. He wastalking to Chairman Public Accounts CommitteeLegislative Assembly Gilgit Baltistan Saeed Afzalin Islamabad on December 22. The AJK PrimeMinister noted that the steps are afoot to enhancecontacts and coordination between people of AJK andGilgit-Baltistan. He further stated people of AzadKashmir are keen for the progress and prosperity ofpeople of Gilgit-Baltistan.

http://www.radio.gov.pk/22-Dec-2016/people-of-ajk-gb-tied-in-deep-historic-relations-haider

Shabbir Mir, “G-B governor distances himselffrom disparaging remarks”


Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) Governor Mir Ghazanfar Alion December 22 distanced himself from a statementattributed to him. The statement, reported in thevernacular press, had the governor reportedlyreferring to the people of Diamer as being “Taliban-minded” and needing “madrasas but not a university”.The comment sparked unrest in Diamer valley. OnDecember 22, he attempted to clear the airsurrounding the statements and the status of auniversity which is supposed to be built in the valley.“Let me be clear that the words attributed to me aren’tmine,” Ali told media at his office. “I am being

blamed for the delay in the [construction of a]university campus in Diamer, but that is not thereality,” he noted, adding that he was ready to supportlawmakers from Diamer in their endeavour.

https://tribune.com.pk/story/1272217/hot-water-governor-distances-disparaging-remarks/

“Nisar, Hafeez discuss law and order situation inGilgit-Baltistan”


Interior Minister Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan statedthat the federal government will continue itscooperation with Gilgit-Baltistan for the developmentof the territory. He was talking to Gilgit-BaltistanChief Minister Hafiz Hafeez-ur-Rehman who calledon him in Islamabad on December 24. The Ministeralso stated that the government is committed toresolve the problems being faced by the people ofGilgit Baltistan. During the meeting, law and ordersituation also came under the discussion.

http://www.radio.gov.pk/24-Dec-2016/nisar-hafeez-discuss-law-and-order-situation-in-gilgit-baltistan

Tariq Naqash, “AJK urges PM to grant water usecharges”


The PML-N government in Azad Jammu andKashmir (AJK) called upon Prime Minister NawazSharif to ask the authorities concerned to takemeasures for grant of water use charges at a rate ofRs1.10 per unit from the Mangla power project and‘soon-to-be commissioned’ Neelum-Jhelumhydropower project (NJHP). According to officialsources, AJK Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider haswritten a letter to Mr Sharif, urging him to considerthe region’s case on the basis of equality and justicein the same manner and rates which have beenadopted for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in case of theTarbela power project or for Punjab’s Ghazi Barothahydropower project. He wondered how agreementssigned with AJK at the time of the construction ofthe Mangla dam in 1967 and its raising in 2003 had

January 2017 15

been overlooked to “falsely present AJK as adefaulter” of the Water and Power DevelopmentAuthority and distribution companies.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1304180/ajk-urges-pm-to-grant-water-use-charges

Shabbir Mir, “Share in CPEC: G-B scholarsdemand education, health facilities in region”


Scholars in Gilgit-Baltistan on December 25demanded that health and education sectors in theregion should be made a part of the megainfrastructure projects under the China-PakistanEconomic Corridor (CPEC). “Obviously CPECwould pass through G-B and people are bound tosuffer from dust and other pollutants once the trafficstarts flowing through it,” asked Mujahid Shah, a PhDscholar while addressing a seminar in Gilgit onDecember 25. The seminar, titled “CPEC andprospects of development in education and health inG-B”, was organised by Striving Towards EducationAnd Progress (STEP), a local NGO. Shah stated thatas the multibillion dollar project is built in the region,it should be accompanied by well-equipped hospitalsand doctors to deal with health issues. Furthermore,quality educational institutes should be built whicheducate locals to take advantage of the growing tradeenvisioned under CPEC.

https://tribune.com.pk/story/1274896/share-cpec-g-b-scholars-demand-education-health-facilities-region/

Shabbir Mir, “CPEC benefits: Gilgit-Baltistan toget economic zone”

The Express tribune, December 27, 2016

Gilgit-Baltistan will be drawing greater benefit fromthe multibillion dollar China-Pakistan EconomicCorridor (CPEC) as the region is set to get a sizeableeconomic zone to boost trade and commerce. “Theeconomic zone, spreading over 250 acres, will havescope for economic activities at larger scale,” stateda government official while referring to a jointcoordination committee meeting on CPEC which was

held in Islamabad recently. The meeting had beenchaired by Federal Minister for Planning andDevelopment Ahsan Iqbal. Representatives of allprovinces and Azad Jammu and Kashmir werepresent in the meeting. G-B was represented in themeeting by Chief Minister Hafeezur Rehman. “Theeconomic zone will have [designated] industries foragriculture, livestock, minerals and handicrafts,” theofficial informed the media on December 26, whileasking not to be named as he was not authorised tospeak to the media. He added that the details andmodalities discussed in the Islamabad meeting wouldbe shared with authorities in China when PrimeMinister Nawaz Sharif visits there with a delegationin near future.

https://tribune.com.pk/story/1275732/cpec-benefits-gilgit-baltistan-get-economic-zone/

“Efforts underway for Promotion of Tourism inGilgit-Baltistan: Fida”


Minister Tourism Fida Khan stated that efforts areunderway for the promotion of tourism in GilgitBaltistan. Talking to media at Gahkuch in Ghizer onDecember 27, he noted GB government has plannedto renovate existing rest houses to overcome shortageof accommodation for the tourists. Over one billionrupees would be spent on this project. The ministernoted that the government will organize seminars andother program to attract international and domestictourists towards the area. He noted that the youth willalso be imparted training as tourist guide aimed at tofacilitate tourists and generate employment.

http://www.radio.gov.pk/27-Dec-2016/efforts-underway-for-promotion-of-tourism-in-gilgit-baltistan-fida

“JKLL blasts India’s water terrorism”


Jammu and Kashmir Liberation League (JKLL)President Justice (retd.) Abdul Majeed Mallick statedthat India could not succeed in its nefarious designsby suspending the water supply to Pakistan. The


people of the state will never allow Pakistan to bebarren at any cost, he noted. Mallick, also the formerchief justice of AJK High Court, categorically statedwhile addressing the convention of his party held inMirpur on December 25. Delegates of the party,besides the top intellect class from various parts ofPakistan, AJK and United Kingdom attended the day-long convention. JKLL leader from United KingdomMafsar Hussain, ex member AJK Council ChSuleman Advocate, Khawaja Manzoor QadirAdvocate, District President JKLL Shahid MajeedMallick and others also addressed the convention.

http://nation.com.pk/national/28-Dec-2016/jkll-blasts-india-s-water-terrorism

Shabbir Mir, “Revival of magisterial system yieldsresults”


The magisterial system, recently revived in Gilgit-Baltistan after decades, has started yielding effectiveresults as people seem satisfied with the quickdispensation of justice. The system was revived bythe government this year in an effort to ensure speedyjustice to the public. Nowadays, cases of price hike,black marketing, encroachments, and lesser law andorder issues are heard and decided in the courts ofdeputy commissioners and assistant commissioner,providing quick relief to the people. The executivemagisterial powers of deputy and assistantcommissioners were abolished under the LocalBodies Ordinance 2002, issued by the then PresidentGen (retd.) Pervez Musharraf. Under the new law,deputy commissioners and assistant commissionersare empowered to hear cases in which the accusedcould be sentenced for up to three years.

https://tribune.com.pk/story/1276932/quick-justice-revival-magisterial-system-yields-results/

Shabbir Mir, “A year of highs and some lows forGilgit-Baltistan”


The year 2016 brought a mixed bag for Gilgit-Baltistan. Development work resumed and the firstshipments under the China-Pakistan EconomicCorridor rolled through with a host of foreign anddomestic tourists, but there were times when itseemed that the powderkeg of sectarianism was aboutto blow up. After the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz(PML-N) was voted into government during the June2015 elections, the party promised to pave over 80kilometres of roads within the first 100 days of itsgovernment. While it may have missed that targetlast year, it did manage to accelerate developmentefforts during 2016. Work on paving Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam from Sakwar to Jutial Chowk wascompleted, while roads in Ghari Bagh and other partsof the city were fully or partially laid. Likewise, roadsin various parts of Skardu town were metalled.Despite the promises made, the constitutional limbo,which has haunted the region since its independence,continued this year. A committee formed by PrimeMinister Nawaz Sharif to look into the options ofmaking G-B a constitutional part of Pakistan alsofailed to deliver. The committee, headed by SartajAziz, held several meetings, but without results.

https://tribune.com.pk/story/1279868/year-highs-lows-gilgit-baltistan/

January 2017 17

Economics Developments

Tariq Naqash, “AJK seeks federal govt help tofight fiscal woes”


The newly installed PML-N government in AzadJammu and Kashmir (AJK) is looking for an‘institutionalised support’ from the federalgovernment rather than any one-time grant to tackleits fiscal woes. In this regard, the AJK governmentprepared a detailed briefing for Prime MinisterNawaz Sharif about what Muzaffarabad wants fromIslamabad in the pursuance of two federalgovernment notifications, issued in 1971 and 1992by the cabinet and finance divisions, respectively.Mr Sharif was scheduled to fly to Muzaffarabad onDecember 8 to chair the budget session of the AJKCouncil, have a meeting with the ruling PML-Nparliamentary party and attend a briefing on AJK’soverall requirements. All the arrangements for hisengagements were ready, but the visit was put off atthe last moment due to inclement weather.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1301594/ajk-seeks-federal-govt-help-to-fight-fiscal-woes

“Government to give Incentives to Investors inGB: Iqbal”


Minister Information, planning and DevelopmentIqbal Hassan stated that the federal government willgive incentives to the national and internationalinvestors for investment in Gilgit-Baltistan. Talkingto media men in Gilgit, he noted there are vastopportunities for investment in Power, Mineral andTourism sectors. The minister further stated that theGB government has made first ever Gilgit-BaltistanInvestment Board functional and this will help tosmoothen the economic activity and create jobopportunities.

http://www.radio.gov.pk/11-Dec-2016/government-to-give-incentives-to-investors-in-gb-iqbal

“LCCI suggests Launching of shares of Bhasha,other dams in Stock Markets”


Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI)on December 14 suggested the Ministry of Financeto launch shares of Diamer Bhasha and otherproposed dams in domestic and international stockmarkets to generate funds for the mega projects. LCCIPresident Abdul Basit and Vice President MuhammadNasir Hameed Khan, in a statement, noted that thecountry needed over $30 billion for the constructionof Diamer Bhasha and other dams, and to make themoperational for power generation. The governmentwould have to generate funds from it own resourcesin the absence of funds from international donors, headded. Elaborating the point, the LCCI office-bearersstated around $14 billion would be required for theconstruction of Diamer Bhasha Dam other while otherexpenses would also be incurred besides the cost.Around 150 kilometer area of Karakorum Highwaywould have to be reconstructed at a cost of $6 to 7billion. Around $3 billion more would be requiredfor erection of transmission line from Diamer Bhashato the national grid. Hence collectively more than$20 billion would be required for the construction ofBhasha Dam, they added.

http://www.brecorder.com/pakistan/business-a-economy/331688-lcci-suggests-launching-of-shares-of-bhasha-other-dams-in-stock-markets.html

MA Mir, “Benefiting labourers: AJK govt raisesminimum wage to Rs14,000”


The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) governmenton December 20 set Rs14, 000 as the minimum wage


for unskilled workers. According to a notificationissued by Labour and Welfare Department inMuzaffarabad on December 20, all unskilledlabourers working in private sector would be paid aminimum salary of Rs14,000 from July 2016. Thenotification further stated that the new wage policywill have to be implemented at all industrial,commercial, private schools, colleges, hotels, petrolpumps, private security companies, and other semi-autonomous bodies in letter and spirit. The policywill also extend to labourers working on the Neelum-Jhelum Hydro Power Project. The notification addedthat any institution which does not implement thenew wage policy would be prosecuted under theexisting Labour Laws of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.The labour and other unskilled workers organisationsappreciated the new wage policy.

https://tribune.com.pk/story/1269561/benefiting-labourers-ajk-govt-raises-minimum-wage-rs14000/

“AJK government approves Rs701 million formultiple projects”


The Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK)on December 27 approved three projects worthRs701million for the forest and InformationTechnology (IT) departments. The CabinetDevelopments Committee (CDC) has given approvalfor the projects. The three forest department projectsconsist of community-based water managementsystems in Mirpur, Rawalakot, and Muzaffarabad,while the IT department project is for thecomputerisation of land records in Dhirkot, HattainBala and Dhudial. The CDC meeting was chaired byAJK Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider Khan andwas also attended by ministers, the state’s chiefsecretary, and other government secretaries. PrimeMinister Khan further noted that the demarcation ofthe forest areas is the need of hour and the forest

department should utilise all available resources toensure the protection of wooded areas with help fromlocal communities. “The forest department shouldfirst demark the forest area and land in myconstituency, where illegal logging is at its highestlevel, before moving on to other areas,” the AJKpremier told the CDC meeting.

https://tribune.com.pk/story/1276941/forest-demarcation-ajk-government-approves-rs701-million-multiple-projects/

“Federal Government increases developmentbudget for AJK: PM”

Online News, December 31, 2016

AJK Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider Khan statedthat the federal government has increaseddevelopment budget of Azad Kashmir from Rs 12billion to Rs 21 billion. Addressing a news conferenceat Prime Minister House on December 30, he notedPrime Minister Nawaz Sharif during his visit toMuzaffarabad on December 29 had in principleaccepted a number of demands of AJK governmentthat include constituting a high level constitutionalreform committee to suggest amendments in theInterim AJK Constitution, Act 1974, increasingdevelopment and non-development budget to endfinancial crisis in the state, declaring AJK part ofChina Pakistan Economic Corridor, providingfinancial resources for construction of 1450kilometers roads, construction of Lower Topa-Muzaffarabad Express way, upgradition ofMuzaffarabad Mansehra Road, construction ofShunter Nullah Tunnel under CPEC and increase ofAJK’s share in federal taxes and the federalgovernment will implement the decision soon.

http://www.onlinenews.com.pk/index.php?page=newsdetail&news_id=6204

January 2017 19

International Developments

“JKSDM will hold weeklong activities on Kashmirin UK”

Kashmir Media Service, December 4, 2016

Jammu and Kashmir Self Determination MovementUK Chapter is organizing a full week of activitiesstarting on December 2 evening from HalifaxYorkshire meeting Yorkshire and East MidlandsMembers of the European Parliament and Dinnerwith Conservative party officials in the area.International Human Rights Day will be observed inBradford on December 10. Lunch meeting will beheld with the Pakistani media and evening dinnerwith Lord Nazir Ahmed, Shadow Minister BarristerImran Hussain, Naz Shah MP and Amjad BashirMember European Parliament Foreign Affairs andHuman Rights Committee and former Lord Mayors,councillors and community leaders. On December11, a lunch meeting will be held with Afzal KhanMEP and Shadow Justice Minister Barrister YasminQureshi MP in Jammu & Kashmir InformationCentre Manchester followed by Community meetingwith Kashmiri and Pakistani organizations inBirmingham in the evening.

http://www.kmsnews.org/news/2016/12/04/jksdm-will-hold-weeklong-activities-on-kashmir-in-uk.html

“WFP decides to Extend Anemia ReductionProject in AJK”


World Food Program (WFP) on December 9 decidedto extend its wheat and flour fortification project inAzad Kashmir (AJK) for further one year with theaim to overcome the anemia problem in the poor classin collaboration with Micro-nutrient Initiative (MI),Secretary Food Department Raja Muhammad Abbasnoted. Abbas stated that this was decided in a high

level meeting attended by WFP officials, SeniorTechnical Adviser MI headquarter Dr. Noor Ahmadand Policy officer MI, Dr. Masood Abbasi besidesofficials of the food department to review the impactof the project.

The meeting also discussed in detail the sustainabilityof the project, fortification of wheat and flour as perWorld Health Organization (WHO) standards andpost withdrawal strategy and emphasized the FoodDepartment to take over the project on sustainablebasis to achieve the goals on permanent basis.

http://www.brecorder.com/pakistan/general-news/331169-wfp-decides-to-extend-anemia-reduction-project-in-ajk.html

“Pakistan to protest World Bank’s incorrect mapexcluding GB, AJK”

Pakistan Today, December 14, 2016

Pakistan has decided to lodge an official protest withthe World Bank (WB) after the lending agency useda map of Pakistan without the territories of Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).World Bank’s Lead Economist for African RegionVincent Palmade used the map in his presentationduring the official ceremony of a book launch inIslamabad on December 13. The book titled ‘SouthAsia’s Turn: Policies to Boost Competitiveness andCreate the Next Export Powerhouse’ was launchedduring the annual general meeting and conference ofthe Pakistan Society of Development Economists.Ministry of Planning & Development and PakistanInstitute of Development Economics (Pide) jointlyorganised the three-day conference. The WB hasdefended its decision to use the ‘incorrect’ map.

http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2016/12/14/pakistan-to-protest-world-banks-incorrect-map-excluding-gb-ajk/


Hamza Rao, “Russia to install 60 LPG AirMixplants in Murree, Gilgit, AJK”

Daily Pakistan, December 30, 2016

In a new development, Russia will install 60 LPGAirMix plants in Pakistan out of which 24 will be setup in Balochistan. The rest will be set up at Murree,in Gilgit-Baltistan and AJK. Experts stated that theLPG AirMix plants would assist in sorting out thedeficiency of the gas in the country. “We are in talkswith Russian firm and are very close to finalisationof the deal for setting up 60 LMP AirMi plants in

various parts of the country,” Federal Minister forPetroleum and Natural Resources confirmed. Thiswill be the second deal on natural gas with Moscowbeing finalised as Russia will construct 1,100kilometre LNG pipeline from North to South too. Itis pertinent to mention that the EconomicCoordination Committee (ECC) that met on October31 accorded approval to the plan for setting up of theLPG Air Mix Plants at Murree (Kurbagla, Dewal,Company Bagh and Tret), Awaran and Bella at anestimated cost of Rs1.353 billion.

https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/pakistan/russia-to-install-60-lpg-airmix-plants-in-murree-gilgit-ajk/

January 2017 21

Other Developments

Aziz Ali Dad, “Cultural ambivalence in Gilgit-Baltistan”


Humans are the only living beings that havesucceeded in overcoming the limits imposed byinstinct. This has helped them develop a worldviewthat fuels a better understanding of self, society andthe world. It is this worldview that knits everydimension of society into a symbolic whole calledculture. The traditional culture of Gilgit-Baltistandeveloped in an organic way in a situation of relativeisolation from the rest of the world. However, theisolated position of Gilgit-Baltistan started to changewith the growing exposure to the outside world inmodern times. It has exposed the region to exogenous

lifestyles, people, ideas and institutions. Coupledwith these elements, the process of modernisationduring the last four decades has brought aboutdrastic changes in perception. In the cultural contextof Gilgit-Baltistan, the rupture with continuity wasnot a uniform process across different spheres oflife. It has rather occurred in a hybrid form wherebysome spheres of life experienced rapid changes andgave way to new things while some elements oftraditional worldview have been reinvigorated bythe very forces of modernity.

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/172676-Cultural-ambivalence-in-Gilgit-Baltistan


Extracts From The Urdu Media

“‘Pro-government’ opposition leader Elected inAzad Kashmir”

Daily Mahasib, December 4, 2016

The Azad Kashmir government in an unprecedenteddevelopment voted in favour of an opposition leader.This was done only to favour a particular oppositionparty so that the opposition leader can be used forpolitical expediency. This has happened first timein the history of a parliamentary form of government.Therefore, the government has succeeded in electing‘pro-government’ opposition leaders. This will dentthe spirit of democracy. How can a pro governmentopposition leader criticise or question governmentpolicies? It is not difficult to comprehend it. It becameclear during the election of Kashmir Council when agovernment’s candidate got three votes and theopposition leader grabbed 6 votes. One has to waitand watch that how a pro-government oppositionleader performs? Will he be able to undertake hisfunctions smoothly or will he be just a governmentagent in the form of opposition, only time will tell.

http://mahasib.com.pk/epaper/page.php?id=4&edition=muzzaffarabad&dt=04-12-2016

“PPP is not against CPEC, Want equal share”

Daily Baade-e-Shimal, December 10, 2016

The PPP-GB President Amjad Advocate stated thatit is under the Chinese pressure that Islamabad iswilling to give constitutional rights to Gilgit Baltistan.He further stated that China is reluctant to invest in adisputed territory. Therefore, it wants legal hurdlesto be removed. While talking to the media, Amjadstated that the Sartaj Aziz led Committee has finalisedits report and in which he has proposed to give GilgitBaltistan complete constitutional rights. GilgitBaltistan would be given representation in theNational Assembly and in Senate as well. Accordingto Advocate, it was only during PPP rule when Gilgit

Baltistan was given provincial setup under theGovernance Order 2009. He also stated that the CPECdream cannot be fulfilled without making GilgitBaltistan a partner in it. The PPP is not against CPECbut only wants an equal share for the people of GilgitBaltistan in the corridor.

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“AJK’s Financial Crisis: Irrepressible”

Daily Mahasib, December 11, 2016

Azad Kashmir’s financial vows are not ending. It islingering in this mess since a very long time. Financialcrisis does not only affect employers and pensionersbut its impact can be seen in the developmental sectoralso. Those labours who are working in these projectsalso get affected. One expected that the financial crisiswould be addressed after Prime Minister NawazSharif’s recent visit to Muzaffarabad. People werehoping that Nawaz Sharif will announce a hugepackage for the region. Unfortunately, weatherconditions did not allow this to happen. His trip toAJK was postponed. Nawaz Sharif had a talk withFarooq Haider on phone and promised that he willsoon visit AJK. When will Nawaz Sharif visit theregion no one knows yet? But work on the projectswhich have been already discussed should start assoon as possible so that AJK does not descent furtherinto financial crisis. Islamabad should prioritise thiscrisis as it is affecting the common people also.

h t t p : / / m a h a s i b . c o m . p k / e p a p e r / p a g e . p h p ? i d = 4 &edition=muzzaffarabad&dt=11-12-2016

“Decision on Gilgit-Baltistan’s ConstitutionalStatus not Easy”

Daily Baad-e-Shimal, December 16, 2016

The Senate has given full consent on another reporton CPEC. Members of the Senate stated that GB is

January 2017 23

the gateway of the corridor but it got no economiczones under CPEC. In the CPEC report, memberssuggested that apart from the KKH, construction ofother alternative routes should be built within thecorridor. Report also stressed that resentment andpessimism of the Gilgit Baltistan people should beaddressed. The report further noted that there has beenno development for the people of Gwadar also. Itsuggested that curfew should not be imposed on roadswhile transporting containers. On Gilgit Baltistan’sconstitutional identity, the Senate membersmaintained that any decisions regarding GilgitBaltistan’s identity is not easy to take. According tothe report, Gilgit Baltistan’s status is entwined withthe Kashmir cause.

http://www.dailybaadeshimal.com/popup.php?r_date=12-16-2016&img=12-16-2016page-1-1

Arif Nawaz, “Why is Gilgit-Baltistan Neglectedin CPEC?”

Daily Baad-e-Shimal, December 17, 2016

Why is China investing so much in Pakistan? Whatwill they get from it? And what would Pakistan gainfrom CPEC? What is the importance of GilgitBaltistan in CPEC? These are the questions everyPakistani has in their minds. We know CPEC doesallow China to connect its region with the GwadarPort. CPEC will help Pakistan to address its energycrisis. There is no doubt that Pakistan’s future islinked with CPEC. In other words Pakistan’s dreamof becoming an Asian tiger is related to it. WithCPEC’s culmination, Pakistan will become a hub ofworld trade. Through CPEC, China will address itsMalacca dilemma. The Pakistani rulers are sayingthat every province will benefit from the corridor butno one is talking about Gilgit Baltistan. No one isready to talk about Gilgit Baltistan’s share. Thenquestion that arises: is Gilgit Baltistan not a part ofPakistan? Do people of Gilgit Baltistan not contributein Pakistan’s development? Have people of GilgitBaltistan not given sacrifices for Pakistan? Historytells how much the people of region sacrificed forthe defence of Pakistan. In spite of giving so manysacrifices for Pakistan, the rulers neglected Gilgit

Baltistan in CPEC. One cannot even understand thelogic behind it. I just want to remind the Pakistanirulers that Gilgit Baltistan people are also Pakistani.They should also be given equal rights and treated atpar with the people from other provinces so that thisregion will also step towards development.

http://www.dailybaadeshimal.com/popup.php?r_date=12-17-2016&img=12-17-2016page-4-4

“AJK Prime Minister is not Thwarting GB’sDevelopment”

Daily Salam, December 26, 2016

In a meeting with the members of the Gilgit BaltistanCouncil, Raja Farooq Haider assured them that hisgovernment will not hinder the development of GilgitBaltistan. Haider further stated that he wants GilgitBaltistan to get a bigger status than the AJK setup.Gilgit Baltistan and Kashmir share similar tradition,language and history. Our effort is to reduce thedifference and distance between the people of the tworegions. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is satisfied withthe work and development in both Gilgit Baltistanand AJK. This is a good gesture on part of AJK’sPrime Minister. He has offered a hand of friendshipto the people of GB. But one should take his statementon Gilgit Baltistan with a pinch of salt. Whatever hestated in past regarding Gilgit Baltistan was reportedin media. His predecessor Chaudhry Abdul Majeedonce stated that Gilgit Baltistan should not be madea province. JKLF leader Yaseen Malik also expressedhis reservation in a letter he wrote to Nawaz Sharif.Statements from the Kashmir leadership is the reasonwhy the differences and resentment have grownbetween these two regions. Gilgit Baltistan hassuffered more than anybody else for the Kashmircause. Without having a constitutional identity forthe last 69 years, people of Gilgit Baltistan stillcelebrate Kashmir day every year. On the other hand,Kargil and Ladakh is also part of a disputed regionbut India has given them representation in the LokSabha.

http://www.dailysalam.com/index.php


“CPEC in GB and the responsibility of theGovernment”

Daily Salam, December 30, 2016

Two big projects of Gilgit Baltistan, Chilmisdas andPhander power project have been inducted in CPEC.It was decided in meeting of JCC in China. Thismeeting was attended by the provincial headsincluding GB in Chin. Hafeez ur Rehman also madea presentation there and strongly highlighted GB’sconcerns and demands regarding CPEC. Hafeez urRehman further stated that if GB is not given its fullshare in CPEC, people will get distressed. This in

turn will help enemy to exploit this resentment amongthe people regarding CPEC. Therefore, theCommittee gave their consent to include four powerprojects in CPEC. This is a good step to address thepower woes. These projects if completed on time willaddress power crisis in the GB. Government of GBshould also take initiative to introduce eco-friendlyprojects so that the corridor along with developmentof the region does not affect the ecology. However,few people are raising their questions on CPEC andits implication on the region.

http://www.dailysalam.com/index.php

January 2017 25

Fact sheet on Pakistan OccupiedKashmir

Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK)

Administrative Divisions: Two, namely Mirpur-Muzaffarabad (referred to as Azad Jammu & Kashmiror AJK by Pakistan) and Federally AdministeredGilgit-Baltistan (FAGB).

Area ceded to China by Pakistan: 5180 sq.kilometres (Area of Shaksgam Valley)

(Source: Jammu & Kashmir Government website at http://www.jammukashmir.nic.in/, accessed on November 14,010)

Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK)

Area: 13,297 square km

Population: 2.973 million (1998 population census),Male, 1.850 million; Female, 1.832 million

Capital: Muzaffarabad

Kashmir (Muzaffarabad Division) comprises of 3districts: Bagh, Muzaffarabad and Neelum, Hattian

Jammu (Mirpur Division) comprising of 5 districts:Bhimber, Kotli, Mirpur, Sudhnati/Pallandari andRawalakot/Poonch, Haveli

President: Sardar Muhammad Masood Khan

Prime Minister: Raja Muhammad Farooq HaiderKhan

AJK Council: Total 17 members

AJK Legislative Assembly: Total seats are 49

Ethnic Groups: Gujjars, Jats, Mughal, Rajputs,Sudhan, Awan, Qureshi, Pashtuns, Shins, Ladakhi,Baltis etc.

Religious Groups: Sunni, Ahlehadith, Shia,Nurbakhshi, Christians, Qadianis, Hindus

Languages: Punjabi, Hindko, Pahari, Kashmiri,Balti, Puriki, Shina

Political Parties and Groups: United Jammu andKashmir Peoples' National Party, AJK MuslimConference, International Kashmir Alliance, JKNational Party, Jammu & Kashmir Liberation Front(Amanullah), Peoples United Action Committee, AllParties National Alliance (APNA)

(Source: Azad Jammu & Kashmir Government website at http://www. www.ajk.gov.pk/, accessed on November 14, 2010)

Gilgit-Baltistan

Area: 72,496 sq. kilometers

Population: 870,347 (1998 population census)

Capital: Gilgit

Districts: Nine

Baltistan Region (part of Ladakh) is divided intoGhanche, Skardu, Kharmang and Shigar districts

Gilgit Region is divided into Astore, Diamer, Ghizer,Hunza-Nagar and Gilgit districts

Ethnic Groups: Shin, Balti, Puriki, Ladakhi, Wakhi,Yashkun, Tibetan, Mongol, Tatar, Mon, Pashtun,Khowar, Dom, Gujjar, Rajput and Kashmiri

Religious Groups: Shia (Twelvers), Nurbakhshi(Twelvers), Ismaili, Sunni, and Ahlehadith

Languages: Shina, Balti, Wakhi, Khowar, Gujjari,Burushaski, Puriki, Kashmiri, Pashto

Gilgit-Baltistan Council: Total 15 members

Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly: Total 33members (24 members directly elected)


Governor of G-B: Mir Ghazanfar Ali Khan

Chief Minister G-B: Hafiz Hafiz-ur-Rehman

Political Parties and Groups: Balwaristan NationalFront (BNF), Gilgit-Baltistan Thinkers Forum, Gilgit-Baltistan, United Movement (GBUM), Baltistan

National Movement, Karakoram NationalMovement, Gilgit Baltistan Democratic Alliance(GBDA), Gilgit Baltistan

National Alliance (GBNA), All Parties NationalAlliance (APNA)

(Sources: Jammu & Kashmir Government website at http://www.gilgitbaltistan.gov.pk, & website of the BalwaristanNational Front, http://www.balawaristan.net, accessed onNovember 14, 2010)

POK NEWS DIGEST

INSTITUTE FOR DEFENCE STUDIES AND ANALYSESNo. 1, Development Enclave, Rao Tula Ram Marg

New Delhi-110 010Telephone: 91-11-26717983; Fax: 91-11-26154191Website: www.idsa.in; Email: [email protected]

Disclaimer

PoK News Digest is a collection of news reports and press releases published in various newspapers and local media related to Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), referred to as ‘Azad Kashmir’ and ‘Gilgit Baltistan’ by the government of Pakistan. The news reports have been abridged to provide clarity. IDSA is not responsible for the accuracy and authenticity of the news items.

A MONTHLY NEWS DIGEST ON PAKISTAN OCCUPIED KASHMIR

Volume 10 Number 1 January 2017

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