15-member PaK delegation to attend Allahabad conference

NISAR AHMED THOKAR

Islamabad, Dec 28: A 15-member delegation comprising legislators, mediamen, leaders of political parties and representatives of civil society from Pakistani administered Kashmir (PaK) and Gilgit Baltistan on Wednesday left for Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh   to attend a 2-day conference scheduled to begin on December 29.
 The conference organized by Pakistan India Peoples Forum for Peace and Democracy (PIPFPD), would enable hundreds of peace activists, academicians and intellectuals from both the neighbouring countries to share their expertise and observations regarding the issues relating to peace and security of the region.
 Delegates would also deliberate on the issue pertaining to demilitarization, strengthening of democracy and peaceful resolution of political conflicts in the region.

Sources told Greater Kashmir that besides former PaK legislative Assembly speaker Shah Ghulam Qadir, the PML-N legislator Shoukat Ali Shah, Advocate Chudhary Munir Hussain, Altaf Ahmed Rao and a woman legislator from Gilgit Baltistan have been issued visas by the Indian High Commission. Latter talking to Greater Kashmir on phone the spokesman of PML-N Shah Ghulam Qadir said, “About 15 people, hailing from AJK and Gilgit Baltistan, who have been granted visa by the Indian authorities will attend the conference”.
 The spokesman of PML-N Shah Ghulam Qadir while talking to Greater Kashmir said, “It  is a good opportunity wherein the Kashmiri delegates from all the three regions can present their point of view regarding the settlement of Kashmir imbroglio, which has been major hurdle in the way of peace and root cause of tension in the region.”
 Shah said that he would try his level best to present Kashmiris’ principled stance regarding the amicable settlement of the long-pending dispute. “Kashmiris are not averse of friendly relations between the two countries however we strongly believe that without resolving the long outstanding issue of Kashmir there will be no peace in the subcontinent”. Shah said adding that the history of the subcontinent was witness to the fact. He said that the resolution of Kashmir dispute would open of new vistas of peace and prosperity in the entire South Asian region besides putting an end to years-long hostility and the prevailing hate-syndrome between the two countries.

الہ آباد کانفرنس: شاہ غلام قادر سمیت متعدد کشمیری رہنمااترپردیش روانہ

نثار احمد ٹھوکر

راولپنڈی// پاک زیر انتظام کشمیر اور گلگت بلتستان سے مختلف سیاسی ،سماجی تنظیموں اور صحافی برادری کے نمائندوں پر مبنی 15رکنی وفدبھارت کے شہر الٰہ آباد میں پاک بھارت پیپلز فورم کے زیر اہتمام منعقد ہونے والی کانفرنس میں شرکت کرنے کے لئے روانہ ہوگیا۔ وفد میںپاکستان مسلم لیگ (ن) کے مرکزی رہنماء اور سابق سپیکر شاہ غلام قادر،ممبر اسمبلی شوکت علی شاہ، چودھری منیر ایڈوکیٹ ،الطاف احمد رائو جبکہ گلگت بلتستان سے قوم پرست رہنمائوں کے علاوہ ایک خاتون ممبراسمبلی بھی شامل ہے۔سابق سپیکر شاہ غلام قادر نے کشمیر عظمٰی کو بتایا کہ پاک بھارت پیپلز فورم کے زیر اہتمام دوروزہ کانفرنس29دسمبر کو شروع ہورہی ہے جس میں پاکستان اور بھارت کے مندوبین کے علاوہ گلگت بلتستان اورحد متارکہ کے دونوں جانب تعلق رکھنے والے کشمیری رہنماء اور سول سوسائیٹی کے نمائندے شرکت کریں گے۔انہوں نے کہا کہ کانفرس میں شریک مندوبین خطے کو درپیش مسائل اور انکے ممکنہ حل کے حوالے سے تبادلہ خیال کریں گے ۔انہوں نے کہا کہ پاک بھارت مشترکہ فورم میںوہ کشمیر اور کشمیری عوام کے بنیادی موقف اورحصول حق خودارادیت کے حوالے سے کشمیریوں عوام کی پرامن سیاسی جدوجہدکے مختلف پہلوئوں کو اجاگر کرنے کی بھر پور کوشش کریں گے۔انہوں نے کہا کہ جہاں تک کانفرنس کے ایجنڈے کا تعلق ہے تو اس میں جمہوریت، امن و سلامتی کے معاملات کے ساتھ ساتھ سیاسی تنازعات اور انکے پر امن حل کے بارے میں گفتگو ہوگی جو ایک اہم پیش رفت ہے۔انہوں نے کہا کہ جب خطے میں امن و سلامتی اور خوشحالی کے حوالے سے بات ہوتی ہے توکشمیر کے مسئلے کو کسی صورت نظر انداز نہیں کیا جاسکتا ہے۔انہوں نے کہا کہ بھارت میں بھی ایسے لوگ موجود ہیں جو مسئلہ کشمیر کے فوری حل اور کشمیریوں کے بنیادی حقوق کے حوالے سے بات کرتے ہیں۔انکا کہنا تھا کہ کشمیری پاکستان اور بھارت کے درمیان بہتر تعلقات کے مخالف نہیں لیکن کشمیری عوام اپنا بنیادی حق چاہتے ہیں جو انکا مسلمہ حق ہے جس کا وعدہ انہیں اقوام عالم کے ساتھ ساتھ پاکستان اور بھارت کی لیڈرشپ نے بھی کیا ہے۔ایک سوال کے جواب انہوں نے کہا کہ مسئلہ کشمیر کا حل جنوبی ایشیا ء میں امن و سلامتی اور پاک بھارت کشیدگی کو مستقل طور پر ختم کرنے میں مدد دے گا۔

ڈاکٹرفائی اور لارڈ نذیرمزاحمتی تحریک کے بلاتنخواہ سپاہی

کشمیر زیادتیوںپرعالمی برادری کوجنجوڑنے کی کوشش کی:بیرسٹرچودھری

نثار احمد ٹھوکر

اسلام آباد//پاکستانی زیر انتظام کشمیر کے سابق وزیراعظم بیرسٹر سلطان محمود چوہدری نے کہا ہے کہ انکے دورہ امریکہ، یورپ ، برطانیہ اور متحدہ عرب امارات سے مسئلہ کشمیر ایک دفعہ پھر بین الاقوامی کمیونٹی کے ایجنڈے پر سر فہرست آگیا ہے ۔ان خیالات کا اظہار انھوں نے اسلام آباد ائیرپورٹ پر اپنے تین ہفتے کے بین الاقوامی دورے سے واپسی پراستقبال کے لئے آنے والے استقبالی ہجوم سے خطاب کرتے ہوئے کیا۔بیرسٹرنے کہا کہ انہوں نے اپنے دورے کے دوران مسئلہ کشمیر اور بالخصوص کشمیر کے اندرانسانی حقوق کی پامالی کے حوالے سے  بین الا قوامی برادری کو آگاہ کیا ۔انکا کہنا تھا کہ انہوں نے ہر فورم پر جا کر کشمیریوں کی آواز کو بلند کیا ہے اور اقوام عالم پر یہ واضع کیا کہ جب تک مسئلہ کشمیر حل نہیں ہو گا اس وقت تک نہ تو مسئلہ افغانستان حل ہو گا اور نہ ہی اس ریجن میں امن قائم ہو سکے گا۔انھوں نے اپنے دورے  کے دوران ممتاز کشمیری رہنماء ڈاکٹر غلام نبی فائی سے ملاقات کا ذکر کرتے ہوئے کہا کہ انکے خلاف امریکی حکومت نے پاکستانی ایجنٹ ہونے کے چارجز واپس لے لئے ہیں اور اب صرف معمولی الزامات باقی ہیں۔انہوں نے کشمیر کے حوالے سے ڈاکٹرغلام نبی فائی کے رول کو سراہتے ہوئے کہا کہ کشمیری انکی عظمت اور ہمت کو سلام پیش کرتے ہیں۔بیرسٹر سلطان محمود چوہدری نے کہا کہ لارڈ نذیر احمد نے برطانوی پارلیمنٹ میں قائم کشمیر کمیٹی کی صدارت سے استعفیٰ دے دیا تھا لیکن میرے اور پچیس ممبران برطانوی پارلیمنٹ کی درخواست پر اپنا استعفیٰ واپس لے لیا اور اب وہ بدستور اپنا کام جاری رکھیں گے ۔لارڑ احمد کو کشمیر کی آزادی کے لئے بلا تنخواہ سپاہی قراردیتے ہوئے انہوں نے انہیں خراج تحسین پیش کیا۔ انکا کہناتھا کہ اندرون و بیرون ملک تمام کشمیری حکومت پاکستان اور بہادر افواج کے ساتھ ہیں کہ انھوں نے ملکی سلامتی پر جرات مندانہ موقف اختیار کیا۔صدر آصف علی زرداری کے ساتھ ملاقات کے حوالے سے انہوں نے کہا کہ وہ جلد صحت یاب ہو کر وطن واپس آئیں گے اور عوام کی خدمت کریں گے۔انہوں نے کہا کہ انکے خلاف افواہیں پھیلانا غیر اخلاقی فعل ہے۔

آرپار تجارت مظفر آباد کے تاجروں پرسرکاری محکمے بھاری

ٹیکس نہیں تو نذرانہ وصولی،رضاگیلانی سے انصاف کی فریاد

نثار احمد ٹھوکر

اسلام آباد//آرپار تجارت سے جڑے کشمیری تاجرین کی مشترکہ ایکشن کمیٹی نے پاکستان کے وزیر اعظم سید یوسف رضا گیلانی سے اپیل کی ہے کہ وہ آرپار تجارت سے تاجرین کو درپیش مشکلات کا ازالہ کرتے ہوئے کسٹم محکمہ سے وابستہ ان اہلکاروں کے خلاف تعدیبی کارروائی کا حکم صادر کریں جوانکے مطابق کشمیر پر مرکوز اعتمادسازی اقدامات کونقصان پہنچانے پر تُلے ہوئے ہیں۔بدھ کے روز اسلام آباد کے مقامی ہوٹل میں پریس کانفرس سے خطاب کرتے ہوئے ایڈوکیٹ پرویز احمد شاہ ، خورشید احمد میر اورٹریڈرس باڈی کی پریس اور پالیسی کمیٹی کے دیگر نمائندوں نے تاجربرادری کو درپیش مشکلات اورحد متارکہ کے دونوں جانب تجارت اور اعتماد سازی کے دیگر اقدامات کی اہمیت کا ذکر کرتے ہوئے کہا کہ6دہائیوں کے بعد 21اکتوبر2008کو ریاست جموں و کشمیر کو دو لخت کرنے والی ڈی فیکٹو لائن آف کنٹرول کو تجارت اور مسافروں کیلئے جب باضابطہ طور پر کھو ل دیا گیا تو اس وقت تجارتی پہیہ کو چالو کر نے کے لئے مقامی لوگوں نے موثر کردار ادا کیا ۔انہوں نے افسوس کا اظہار کرتے ہوئے کہا کہ جن لوگوں نے اس اعتمادسازی کے عمل کوآگے بڑھانے میںاہم رول ادا کیا وہ آج خسارے میں ہیں۔انہوں نے کہا کہ پاکستان کسٹمز کے کچھ مفاد پرست عناصر کیوجہ سے کشمیری تاجر انتہائی پریشان ہیں اور انہیں روزانہ لاکھوں کا نقصان اُٹھانا پڑتا ہے۔انہوں نے کہا کہ تاجروں کو غیر قانونی طور پربھاری رقم بطور ٹیکس ادا کرنے پڑتے ہیں ۔انکا کہنا تھا کہ لائن آف کنٹرول پرہی گاڑی سے 7500روپے وصول کیے جاتے ہیں پھرہرچنگی سے 1000روپے جبکہ پولیس ناکے کے اخراجات الگ ہیں ۔انہوں نے کہا کہ جب FBRکی نظرمیں معاملہ آگیاتوانھوںنے آرپارتجارت کوہی اسمگلنگ کانام دیکرباضابطہ پرچے کرنے شروع کیے اوریوںہرگاڑی سے پچاس ہزار روپے تک جرمانہ ٹھونک دیاگیا۔انہوں نے کہا کہ انہیںفی گاڑی پندرہ سے بیس ہزارروپے تکFBRکے اہلکاروں کو بطور بھتہ ادا کرنا پڑتا ہے جو انتہائی افسوسناک ہے۔انہوں نے کہا کہ ایف بی آراورکسٹم انٹیلی جنس کے اہلکاروں کے جیبوںمیں جب تک باضابطہ طورپرایڈوانس جمع ہوتاگیاسب کچھ عین جائزتھااورجونہی منڈی غیرمستحکم ہوئی تاجروںکانقصان ہوگیا،تاجروں میںبھاری رقم دینے کی سکت نہ رہی توایف بی آرنے پھرپکڑدھکڑشروع کرکے درجنوںگاڑیاںضبط کیںاورتجارت آناًفاناًاسمگلنگ قرارپائی ۔انہوں نے کہا کہ کنٹرول لائن سے لیکرراولپنڈی منڈی تک تاجروںسے غیر قانونی طور پر ٹیکس وصول کیا گیا جو سرکاری خزانے کے بجائے کسٹمز ڈیپارٹمنٹ کے اہلکاروں کے جیبوں میں جات تھا۔انہوں نے کہا کہ تاجروںنے جب مشترکہ طور پرسامان سے بھری گاڑیاںوزیراعظم سیکرٹریٹ مظفرآبادکے سامنے سامنے کھڑی کردیں توایک ہفتہ کاریلیف مل گیا مگرٹیکس بھتہ ،چنگی ٹیکس ،پولیس ناکے پھرسرگرم ہوگئے۔انہوں نے حکومت پاکستان سے مطالبہ کیا کہ تجارت کی راہ میں حائل تما م رکاوٹوں کو ختم کیا جائے اور غیر قانونی طورپر ٹیکس کی آڑ میں بھتہ وصول کرنے والے محکمہ کسٹم اور ایف بی آر کے اہلکاروں کے خلاف کارروائی کی جائے۔انہوں نے کہا کہ ارباب اقتدارواختیارپاک بھارت معاہدے کی روشنی میں Barter Tradeکوریگولیٹ کریںاوراسلام آبادیک طرفہ طوپررکاوٹیںختم کریں۔انہوں نے کہا کہ زیروٹیر ف ٹریڈکے باوجودجورقم مافیاکے جیبوںمیں چلی گئی اسکوواگزارکرکے مقروض تاجروںکواداکردیاجائے۔جس کے مدمیں جومنڈی میں قرض داروںکودی جائے اورجومال ایف بی آرکی تحویل میں ہے اسکوفی الفورواگزارکرایاجائے۔انہوں نے مطالبہ کیا کہ تاجروںکے نمائندوںکومرکزی تجارتی ورکنگ گروپ اورTATAکے بورڈمیں نمائندگی دی جائے۔ انہوں نے واضع کیا کہ جائزمطالبات کے عملدارآمدتک تاجرآرپار تجارت بند رہیگا۔

Cross-LoC traders suspend trade

Seek Pak PM’s intervention to remove impediments

NISAR AHMED THOKAR

Islamabad, Dec 14: The cross LOC traders in Pakistan Administered Kashmir have suspended trade with other part of Kashmir, making a passionate appeal to the Prime Minister of Pakistan to take effective cognizance of what they call as highhandedness of some elements of Customs department who they said were hell bent on damaging the intra-Kashmir trade.
 “Since the opening of cross LOC trade some elements of Pakistan Custom anti-smuggling squad and Custom intelligence have been creating hurdles and hindrances causing severe damage to this only Kashmir-centric CBM”, the Press and Policy Committee of LOC Traders Joint Action Committee members said while addressing a press conference at a local hotel in Islamabad.
 Keeping these facts into consideration, they said the traders’ body has unanimously agreed to suspend the cross LOC trade till their problems are resolved.
 They said that under the given circumstance trade was not practically possible. “The Government of Pakistan should announce in writing whether the barter trade between the two sides of LOC is smuggling or has any legal sanctity. If barter trade is being declared smuggling by the Custom officials then there is no fun to continue this CBM as it will be against the basic sprit of the CBM signed by India and Pakistan”, they pleaded.
 Highlighting the importance of the trade, Advocate Pervaiz Ahmed Shah and Khurshid Ahmed Mir said that opening of LOC after six decades of extensive hostility between Pakistan and India was the first Kashmir-centric confidence building measure (CBM). “It was a dream and its implementation on ground was a great challenge”, they said adding that traders’ community across the divide transformed this dream into reality bearing huge losses at the beginning.
 “The opening of LOC is not only a vital Kashmir-centric CBM to bridge the gap and minimize trust deficit but has political and socio-economical dimensions also,” they said adding that the trade and travel provided opportunities to thousands of Kashmiris to meet their kiths and kin, near and dear ones after six decades despite the fact that they were living just yards away but LOC stood like a Berlin Wall.
 They said that opening of LOC also broke years-long status-quo and the so-called sanctity of the LOC, “It has nullified the Indian claim of de facto border and is considered as means to an end in the resolution of long standing issues between the two neighbouring countries.” They said “Teri Mandi Meri Mandi Rawalpindi Rawalpindi” has been popular slogan and demand of Kashmiri people since 1947 that historic Rawalpindi-Srinagar road shall be opened for traffic because it is the only natural route connecting Kashmir to Pakistan.
 They regrettably noted that this pioneering CBM was under serious threat saying some elements of Pakistan Custom were putting hurdles in the way of traders thereby imposing undue taxes. “The goods traded from LOC are seized and the traders are forced to pay huge amount of bribe during the transportation of goods from LOC to Rawalpandi which is a serious concern.”
 Referring to the CBM signed between the two countries they said that it clearly states that the cross LOC trade is barter trade between the two divided parts of Jammu and Kashmir with zero tariffs. “Even then the traders pay Rs 7000 at the time of crossing the terminals at Chakothi and Titrinote”, they said adding that their counterparts on the other-side of the LOC have to pay one percent tax to Government of India during the transportation of goods to other states.
 They said that the traders body has tried its level best to convince the authorities regarding the legal and political dynamics of the trade but all their efforts were in vain.
 “They are in a habit of seizing the trucks and imposing heavy custom duty and fine on the stakeholders which is up to 500,000 per truck”, they alleged.
 “It is very unfortunate that the traders are dubbed as smugglers and sometimes fine and custom duty charged is more than the actual cost of goods traded from LOC”, they maintained.
 They said that the problems were brought into the notice of PAK Prime Minister, Chief Secretary and Ministry of Commerce Government of Pakistan but every attempt was a cry in wilderness.
 Traders who have suffered heavy losses have knocked every door, staged rallies, press conferences and even sit-in and hunger strike at Muzzafarabd to get this issue resolved and in the last week of November parked their trucks in front of PAK Legislative Assembly as a mark of protest but the grievances were not addressed.
 “The FBR and its sister organization Custom intelligence are making their hay while sun shines. They continue to grease their palms while imposing “Jagga Tax” and Batta of Rs 15000 to 40000 per truck. This way the corrupt elements of Custom Anti-Smuggling Squad and Custom intelligence are making  millions of rupee a week which is more than the amount of custom duty if charged legally,” the traders said.
 While brushing away the impression that the trade was affecting the economy of the country, they said that they were ready to suspend the trade once and for all if it was in any way against the interests of the people of Kashmir and Pakistan. They made it clear that they were not against government or any institution but they wanted that the impediments should be removed as per the law of the land to make the trade go through smoothly.
 They urged the Government of Pakistan to take cognizance of the negligence which has brought the important CBM under severe stress. “If the Government of Pakistan still wants to impose any kind of tax then the example of Indian side of LOC should be the guideline where 1% tax is imposed at Madavpur Crossing”, they said.
 They said that government should also notify the trade policy according to the Indo-Pak CBM and should issue the directive to the FBR for releasing seven trucks apprehended illegally and with out any justification.

‘Govt committed to facilitate cross LoC traders’

NISAR AHMED THOKAR

Islamabad, Dec 13: The Prime Minister of Pakistani administered Kashmir (PaK) Chudhary Majeed has said that all out efforts would be made to enhance the cross-LoC trade besides addressing the grievances of business community.
  “The government is taking all possible measures to improve trade across LoC and to rid the traders of the problems they face”, the PaK premier said this while talking to a delegation of Kashmiri traders who called on him at Kashmir House on Tuesday.
 He said that all concerned departments and authorities would be taken into confidence to let the trade go through smoothly.
 Chudhary told the delegates that the Pakistan Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani had also assured him full support to get problems of the traders resolved.
 He said his government was committed to facilitate the cross LoC trade saying that the trade along the line of control would open up new vistas of prosperity on both sides of the divide.
 He said people of Kashmir should also have the opportunity to meet freely without any hindrance.

‘Appoint special representative in Kashmir’

APHC (M) Pak Chapter asks UN

Islamabad, Dec 10: All Parties Hurriyat Conference (M) Pak chapter has expressed serious concern over what it termed as deteriorating human rights situation in Kashmir and urged the United Nations to appoint a special representative to monitor situation in the region
 During a seminar organised by the amalgam to mark the World Human Rights Day, the speakers demanded immediate end to what they termed as gross violation of human rights allegedly perpetrated by forces.
 “India should revoke the black laws enforced in the State which are in contravention to the international law. The discovery of unnamed mass graves in the territory, enforced disappearances and extra-judicial killings were a great challenge for the international community. In view of the deteriorating human rights situation in Kashmir, the United Nations should appoint a special representative to monitor situation in the region,” they said.
 The function was chaired by the amalgam’s convener, Mehmood Ahmad Saghar and attended by many others including Sheikh Muhammad Yaqoob and Manzoor-ul- Haq Butt.
 Meanwhile, Hizbul Mujahideen and Kashmiri Refugees staged a protest rally in Muzaffarabad to mark the World Human Rights Day. The participants denounced human rights violations in Kashmir and sought world community’s role to mitigate sufferings of Kashmiri people.

PaK leaders to attend conference at Allahabad

NISAR AHMED THOKAR

Islamabad, Dec 10: The former speaker of PaK Legislative Assembly Shah Ghulam Qadir and other leaders from PaK and Gilgit Baltistan are all set to attend a two day joint convention of "Pakistan India Peoples Forum for Peace and Democracy" scheduled to be held from December 29 to 31, 2011, at Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh.  
 Talking to Greater Kashmir the PML-N central leader Shah Ghulam Qadir said that he had received formal invitation and would leave for India in last week of this month.
 He said that he would be accompanied by other leaders of his party including the sitting legislator Showkat Ali Shah.
  He said that he had not received the visa yet but his case was under process.  
 Asked about other invitees Shah said that many people including Justice Majeed Malik of Liberation League, Advocate Chaudary Munir Hussain and others have been invited in the two-day conference adding that people from Gilgit Baltistan have also been invited to the event.
 Giving details of the conference advocate Chaudary Munir Hussain, the regional coordinator of PIPFPD, said that besides the leaders from both sides of Line of Control the event is likely to be attended by hundreds of delegates from both the neighboring countries.
 Sources said more than 200 Pakistani delegates would be attending the Allahabad conference. Participants would share their expertise and observations regarding the prospects of peace and prosperity besides discussing other regional issues.

No ban on Lord Ahmed’s entry in PaK: Govt

NISAR AHMED THOKAR

Islamabad, Dec 7: Pakistani administered Kashmir Government on Wednesday said that there was no ban on lord Nazir’s entry into the territory.
 In a statement issued here, the PaK Government spokesman said “in order to gain cheap publicity Lord Ahmed has been harping on self-created ban and levelling baseless accusations against the incumbent government of the region.”
 “Lord Ahmed should refrain from levelling unfounded and baseless allegations against the government”, the statement said adding that instead of indulging in controversies Lord Ahmed should focus and reinforce his abilities to highlight Kashmir issue besides dealing with the issues of Kashmiri expatriates who have lend him all out support to attain this prestigious position (lordship) in the House of commons.
 It may be recalled that the PPP government led by Chudhary Majeed had recently termed Lord Nazir Ahmed as persona-non-grata.

Hundreds rally in Muzaffarabad against MFN status to India

NISAR AHMED THOKAR

Islamabad, Nov 25: Hundreds of people from different walks of life rallied in Pakistan administered Kashmir’s capital city Muzaffarabad on Friday to show their resentment over Gilani led Government’s decision of granting MFN status to India.
 The rally was jointly organised and attended by the members of political and religious parties of the region including Jammat-e-Islami, Pakistan Muslim Leage-N, Jamiat-u-Dawa, Liberation League and several others. Marching through the main roads of the city, the participants raised slogans in favour of Kashmiris’ right to self-determination and demanded the Government of Pakistan to revisit its decision.
 Speakers on the occasion expressed their serious reservations and apprehensions regarding the federal cabinet decision and said that the move would adversely affect the years-long political struggle of the people of Kashmir. They maintained that granting most favoured nation status to India without resolving the issue of Kashmir was not only detrimental for Kashmir cause but it was against Pakistan’s principled stance over the issue.
  “There should be no trade with India unless the long-pending dispute was resolved in accordance with the Kashmiris’ aspirations. Government should revoke its decision. The MFN status to India would tantamount to causing huge injustice to the people of Kashmir who have rendered tremendous sacrifices for last several years,” the speakers said.
 Terming Kashmiris’ struggle as legitimate one, the speakers on the occasion urged the international community to discharge its moral and legal responsibilities to get the Kashmir issue resolved peacefully to ensure peace and prosperity in south Asia.
 Among those who spoke on the occasion included PML-N legislator Barrister Iftikhar Gilani, JI leader Nazir Ahmed Shah, Abdul Aziz Alwai. .
 Pertinently three hour symbolic strike was observed in the region against the granting of MFN status to India. eThe enraged protesters burnt tyres and blocked main road of the city for a couple of hours.

PaK cabinet endorses trade ties with India

NISAR AHMED THOKAR

Islamabad, Nov 25: The Pakistani administered Kashmir cabinet while endorsing the Pakistani government’s recent decision of granting MFN status to India termed it as a significant step towards regional peace, prosperity and welfare of the masses of the two countries.
 “The decision will have far reaching consequences for regional peace, prosperity and the welfare of the people of both India and Pakistan”, the PaK cabinet through a unanimous resolution resolved during an extraordinary meeting held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Chudhary Abdul Majeed in Muzaffarabad on Thursday.
  The cabinet meeting also reiterated their full support to Kashmiris’ cause for right to self-determination and said that the people and the government of region would lend all support to their Kashmiri brethren until they achieve their cherished goal. The meeting also took serious note of what they called the worsening human rights situation in Kashmir and appealed the international community to play its effective role to stop gross violation of human rights allegedly perpetrated by Indian troops in Kashmir. “The world community should play its much needed role to settle the lingering dispute to the satisfaction of Kashmiri people who have been struggling for a just cause for last several decades,” they stated.
 Terming the PM Gilani and Indian PM Dr. Manmohan Singh’s recent meeting at Maldives as a significant development, the cabinet meeting expressed the hope that it will pave a way for peaceful settlement of the Kashmir dispute.
  The cabinet also reposed their trust and confidence on the leadership of PaK premier and expressed satisfaction over the initiation of mega projects in the region.

PPP Govt to host APCK in Muzaffarabad

NISAR AHMED THOKAR

Islamabad, Nov 22: The Prime Minister of Pakistani administered Kashmir Chaudhary Abdul Majeed has said his government would be hosting an All Parties Conference on Kashmir (APCK) in Muzaffarabad to evolve a joint mechanism besides forging broader consensus on the issue of Kashmir.
 “At this very critical stage there is a dire need that all political parties from both sides of line of control (LOC) should have a unanimously agreed agenda and broad-base consensus on the issue of Kashmir so as to move collectively towards the final settlement of the lingering dispute,” Chaudhary said talking to a delegation of Kashmir Journalist Forum who called on him at Kashmir House here on Tuesday.
 Chaudhary was of the view that the APKC would be best platform wherein the political leadership across the divide can be able to share their wisdom. He said that the political leadership of all shades of opinion would be invited in the conference.
 Reiterating his party’s stance, the PaK premier said there was no change whatsoever in its Kashmir policy.  He said he was in touch with Hurriyat leadership and maintained that joint and co-ordinated efforts were being made to achieve the cherished goal.

MFN status to India detrimental for Kashmir cause

Pak government urged to revisit its wisdom

NISAR AHMED THOKAR

Islamabad, Nov 16: Speakers at a seminar hosted by Hurriyat Conference (M) Pak Chapter on Wednesday urged the Gilani led coalition government of Pakistan to review its decision of granting Most Favoured Nation status to India.
The seminar titled “Kashmiris’ freedom movement and responsibilities” was attended by the leaders hailing from both sides of the Line of Control including the Prime Minister of Pakistani administered Kashmir (PaK) Chudhary Abdul Majeed, president Sardar Yaqoob Khan, PPP—(PaK) president Khalid Ibraheem Khan, newly elected legislator Farzana Yaqoob, Sageer Chughtai of MC, JI Secretary General Mehmood ul Hassan, APHC convener Mehmood Ahmed Saghar, Ghulam Muhammad Safi, Muhammad Farooq Rehmani, Syed Yousuf Naseem, Majid Malik and others.
Expressing their resentment over the PPP government’s decision, speakers said that the decision was not only harmful for Kashmir cause but it was against the Pakistan’s vital national interest. They said that the incumbent regime should revisit its wisdom and reassert its traditional policy on the issue by lending all support to Kashmiris’ ongoing peaceful struggle for right to self-determination.
 The PaK premier Abdul Majeed Chudhary while reiterating his party’s stance on Kashmir, said that PPP was committed to Kashmir cause. He said that he won’t betray the people of Kashmir and the Kashmiri martyrs’ mission. He made it clear that PPP would stick to Zulfikar Ali Bhutoo’s political philosophy who he said had announced to “fight a thousand year war on Kashmir with India.” Regarding the Kashmiri leaders reservations and apprehensions over the issue of granting MFN status to India Chudhary assured the selected gathering that he would take up the matter with central leadership and would accordingly convey apprehensions of Kashmiri people to the central government.
Pak president Sardar Yaqoob while paying eulogizing tributes to martyrs’ of Jammu and Kashmir said that there would be no compromise on Kashmir whatsoever.
Newly elected legislator Farzana Yaqoob said that there was dire need that Kashmiris on both sides of LOC should evolve a joint strategy to take their struggle to its logical conclusion. She said that the disarray among Kashmiris give wrong impression at international level. “Let us unite and form our own strategy”, she added.
President PPP- (PaK) Sardar Khalid Ibraheem Khan flayed government’s decision and said that the incumbent regime was not sincere with Kashmiris’ just cause. “You talk about Kashmir, they (rulers) are not even sincere to Pakistan”, he said adding that the current ruling elite of Pakistan knows nothing about Kashmir.
Convener of Hurriyat (M) Mehmood Ahmed Saghar said that there was a dire need to have broader consensus on Kashmir issue. He said that dissenting voices emanating from the base camp were a matter of concern. He said that while talking about converting LOC into a line of commerce or into an economic hub we will have no moral justification whatsoever to stop other people.
He said that until yesterday we were demanding OIC to impose sanctions on India. “After granting MFN status to India, does the leadership of Kashmir or for that matter the government of Pakistan have any moral justification to ask OIC to impose economic sanctions on India”, he said adding that there were some important questions we should think upon seriously.
Ghulam Muhammad Safi said that the policy of appeasement had seriously dented the Kashm cause in the past and if this policy of appeasement continued in future it would adversely affect the ongoing struggle for right to self-determination. He said that Kashmiri issue should not be viewed through the prism of territorial dispute between India and Pakistan but it should be projected as an issue of inalienable right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
The others who spoke on the occasion included, Syed Yousuf Naseem, Mehmood-ul-Hassan, Muzafar Shah, Altaf Wani, Sageer Chugtai and others”
.

Move not at Kashmiri's cost: Sardar Attiuqe

NISAR AHMED THOKAR

  

Islamabad, Nov 3: The former prime minister of Pakistan administered Kashmir (PaK) and the president of Muslim Conference, Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan, has said that Kashmiris were desirous of good and friendly relations between India and Pakistan but it was not possible without improving the prevailing human rights situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

 “Granting most favoured nation status to India under the prevailing circumstances is tantamount to lend credence to bloodshed of innocent Kashmiris”, Khan said this while talking to Greater Kashmir on Thursday.

 Terming Kashmir as the major impediment between Indo-Pak relations, he said that both the countries should take effective measures to resolve this dispute for once and all. He said that India and Pakistan have taken several CBMs that include trade and travel across the LOC but one can’t deny the fact that there was no change in ground situation in Kashmir. “There has been no let up in the human rights violations, thousands of people have been killed by Indian army and even today more than half a million military and para-military troops are present in Kashmir”, he said adding that the valley has been turned into a slaughter house for Kashmiris. Under the given circumstances he said that ‘instead of rubbing salt on the wounds of Kashmir’ the two countries should take such steps that would alleviate the sufferings of the people of Kashmir.

 As an important party to the dispute, he said that Pakistan should take into confidence the people of Jammu and Kashmir as well as the leadership of All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC). He said that Kashmiris have expressed their grave concerned over the issue and made it clear to the government of Pakistan that Indo-Pak frienship could not be at the cost of Kashmiris’ sacrifices.

 Former PaK premier and the firebrand leader of Pakistan Muslim League-N, Raja Farooq Hyder Khan, expressed serious concern over the Federal Cabinet decision regarding India and said that the PPP government has stabbed Kashmiris in the back. Terming it as highly detrimental for Kashmir cause, he said that PPP was pursuing the policy of former ‘military dictator’ General (retired) Pervez Musharraf. He said that the incumbent regime befooled the people of Pakistan and took the decision at the behest of Americans just to save their government.

 Terming information minister Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan’s assertions as a white lie, Khan made it clear that Kashmiris were not taken into confidence on this important issue.

 It may be recalled here that the Federal Cabinet on Wednesday approved a proposal to grant most favourite nation status to India. The minister for information and broadcasting Firdous Ashiq Awan claimed that all the stakeholders were taken into confidence. He said that the decision would have no bearing whatsoever on the dispute of Kashmir.

Kashmiris across LoC hold seminars, protest rallies

OCTOBER 27

NISAR AHMED THOKAR

Islamabad, Oct 27: Kashmiris putting up on this side of Line of Control (LoC) on Thursday held seminars, symposiums and public rallies here and in Pakistan administered Kashmir (PaK) to draw attention of the international community towards the unresolved Kashmir issue.
 The United Jihad Council organized a protest rally at Aabpara Chowk in Islamabad, which was attended by a large number of people particularly the Kashmiri community settled in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

 Speakers on the occasion while highlighting the significance of October 27 said that it was  on this fateful day in 1947 that  India forces landed in Srinagar. “India had promised Kashmiris that it will provide them Right of Self Determination but till date they have been deprived of it,” they said, adding that “Internal autonomy, economic packages, or the so-called proposals of turning Line of Control into Line of Commerce is unacceptable to the people of Kashmir.”
 The militant leaders unanimously agreed to continue the “resistance struggle” on all fronts. They also flayed the international community’s policy of “indifference towards Kashmir.”
 Expressing anguish over Pakistani government’s possible decision of granting status of Most Favoured Nation (MFN) to India they said, “The decision will adversely affect Kashmiris’ ongoing struggle.”
 Urging the incumbent regime to review its decision they said it would be tantamount to adding insult to the injuries of Kashmiris.
 Meanwhile, the APHC (M) staged a protest demonstration in front of the UNMOGIP office at Islamabad. Led by the amalgam’s convener Mehmood Ahmed Saghar, the protest rally was attended by Shah Ghulam Qadir of PML-N, Abdul Razik advocate the advisor to PaK premier, leaders of Muslim Conference and Pakistan Peoples Party and representatives of the Kashmiri community.
 The APHC leaders later presented a memorandum to the UNMGIP officials seeking world body’s role to settle the long pending Kashmir issue. Similar protests organized by Hurriyat (G)’s PaK chapter-- were held at Muzaffarabad.
 Those who spoke on the occasion included, UJC Chairman Syed Salahuddin, Muhammad Usman, Bakat Zameen and others. Representatives of Lashkar-e-Toiba and Jaish-e-Muhammad were also present on the occasion
.

Nusrat Bhutto laid to rest at her family graveyard

Nisar Ahmed Thokar

Islamabad, Oct 24: Thousands of PPP workers and Bhutto loyalists from across the country thronged Garhi Khuda Baksh to participate in the funeral-ceremony of Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s widow Bugum Nusrat Bhutto who breather her last in Dubai on Sunday after a protracted illness.

Besides President Asif Ali Zardari the funeral ceremonial was attended by Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, federal ministers, legislators, leaders of political parties and a large number of people. PaK president Sardar Yaqoob Khan, Former premier Barrsiter Sultan Mehmood and other PPP leaders rushed to Nowdero to attend the funeral.

Earlier, the dead-body of Begum Nusrat Bhutto was brought from Dubai to Sukhar airport where she was presented guard of honour and later flown to the home town (Nowdero) via helicopter for burial. Pertinently Nusrat Bhutto was under treatment in Dubai for last several years. During her 82-year life she had gone through torments and tribulations despite witnessing some high moments as the country’s first-lady. However, following the ouster of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s government by General Zia, Begum Nusrat Bhutto witnessed a dreaded-fall of Bhutto Dynasty. She saw her husband walking to the gallows and buried her son Shahnawz Bhutto just at the age of 27. She could not bear the loss of his elder son Mir Murtaza Bhutto who was callously murdered in Karachi when her daughter Benazir Bhutto was the prime minister of Pakistan. The iron lady was shocked and shocked to the core as a result she lost her memory. Owing to her years-long relentless struggle against Zia regime, the incumbent regime had decided to confer the prestigious civil award on Begum Nusrat Bhutto.

It may be recalled here that on the sad demise of former first lady, Prime Minister Gilani announced 10-day mourning across the country while on the other PPP would observe 40-day mourning.  National Public holiday was observed through out the country, education institutions, banks and government offices remain closed on the day. Stringent security arrangements were made as heavy contingents of police and army personnel were deployed in Khadi Khuda Baksh and Nowdero area, the home town of Bhutto family.

Meanwhile, Ghinwa Bhutto the widow of Mir Murtza Bhutto refused to attend Begum Nusrat Bhutto’s funeral ceremony at Nowdero and said that ‘ghaibana namaz-e-janaza’ of deceased soul will be offered at Al-Murtaza House latter. She alleged that Bhutto was deliberately kept away from her children and they were not even informed of her demise. 

Fazl warns Pak Govt to take into account Kashmiris' aspirations

KAC To Host Kashmir Conference After Eid-ul-Azha

NISAR AHMED THOKAR

Islamabad, Oct 20: The Chairman of Parliamentary Kashmir Committee, Moulana Fazl Rehman on Thursday cautioned the Government of Pakistan to refrain from taking any decision that will hurt Kashmiri people and their cause.
 Reacting to the government’s possible decision to grant most favorite nation (MFN) status to India, Moulana Fazl Rehman in his statement expressed complete ignorance about the matter and said that before taking any such initiative the coalition government should take into confidence the Parliamentary Kashmir Committee.
 He said that the committee has also sent a communiqué to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Trade and Commerce in this regard.
 Before taking any initiative he said that the government of Pakistan should make sure that it (initiative) does not hurt the sentiments of the people in Kashmir who he said had rendered tremendous sacrifices for their cause.
 Lauding the sacrifices of Kashmiri people, the KC chairman said that Kashmiris have great trust and confidence in Pakistan and their faith and allegiance for the country must not shatter.
 Stressing the need for complete unanimity on the issue of Kashmir, Fazl was of the view that there was a dire need that all the political forces and the country’s prime institutions should demonstrate complete concurrence to avoid confusion.
 Regarding the much-awaited national conference on Kashmir, Fazl said that the conference got delayed due to Pakistan Foreign office engagements at the UN General Assembly Session and would be arranged duly after Eid-ul-Azha
.

Gilani lays foundation stone of Bhasha-Diamer Dam

NISAR AHMED THOKAR

Islamabad, Oct 18: Prime Minister of Pakistan Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Tuesday laid foundation stone of the much-awaited Diamir Bhasha dam being built over Indus River some 40 km west of Chilas in Gilgit Baltistan.
 Addressing the foundation stone laying ceremony, he said that the project will help to meet the country’s growing power and irrigation needs.
 Terming it as a “life line of Pakistan”, Gilani appreciated all the stake holders for their positive role in initiating the gigantic project.
 The mega project having water storage of over 8 Million Acre Feet (MFA) is said to have a potential to produce 19 billion units of electricity annually. Experts believe that the billion dollar project would go a long way to help the country to over come its energy crisis besides bringing economic prosperity in the region.
 Pertinently, Northern Areas including Gilgit Baltistan has enormous power generation capacity but Pakistan could not initiate any mega project since 1976. Mangal and Tarbella Dams, which serve as the back-bone of Pakistan’s largest irrigation system and plays vital role in the socio-economic development of the country, were constructed in 1967 and 1976 respectively.
 According to the proposed plan, the construction on the mega-project was supposed to begin some three years back but work on the world's highest Roller Compacted Concrete Dam in the Himalayan region could not be initiated due to the non-completion of road infrastructure and residential colonies in the area. The project would be completed within seven to eight years at a cost of 14 billion dollar.
 Government of Pakistan had allocated a huge amount for the acquisition of land and resettlement of the affected people and as per the plan nine model villages would be established in the area to rehabilitate displaced people besides providing jobs to the affectees.
 The project is located on Indus River, about 315 km upstream of Tarbela Dam, 165 km downstream of the Northern Area capital Gilgit and 40 km downstream of Chilas. The dam would have a maximum height of 270 m, and a reservoir of about 7,500,000 acre feet, with live storage of more than 6,400,000 acre feet.  The dam project would cover an area of 110 km2 and extend 100 km upstream of the dam-site up to Raikot Bridge on Karakoram Highway.

No change in Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir: Gilani

NISAR A THOKAR

Islamabad, Oct 18: Prime Minister of Pakistan Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani while reaffirming his country’s moral, political and diplomatic support to the Kashmiris has said that there was no change in the country’s principled stance on Kashmir.
Gilani made these remarks while talking to PaK president Sardar Muhammad
Yaqoob Khan who called on him here today. Both the leaders exchanged views on the fast changing political scenario with special reference to Kashmir.
Gilani assured Khan that Government of Pakistan was committed to the development of the region. He maintained that there was no change in the stance of Pakistan on Kashmir, and there wouldn’t be comprise on Kashmir Dispute.
Gilani urged the international community and the world human rights bodies should take effective cognizance of the prevailing political and human rights situation in Kashmir.

Kashmiri leaders not in favour of MFN status to India by Pakistan

NISAR AHMED THOKAR

Islamabad, Oct 14: Reacting to Pakistan Foreign Minister Hina Rubbani Khar’s recent statement, the Kashmiri leaders have urged the government of Pakistan to put on hold the decision of granting India as most favoured nation status until India resolves the long-out-standing issue of Kashmir peacefully in accordance with Kashmiris’ aspirations.
 Talking to Greater Kashmir here on Friday, Chairman of United Jihand Council and supreme commander of Hizbul Mujahideen Syed Salahuddin said that the decision would be tantamount to rubbing salt on the bleeding wounds of Kashmiri nation, which he said has offered tremendous sacrifice during years-long struggle to achieve globally recognized right to self-determination.
 “Pakistan’s (likely) decision to declare India as Most Favoured Nation would be a historic blunder”, he said adding that it would have serious implications on Kashmiris’ ongoing liberation struggle. It is totally incomprehensible and inconceivable decision on the part of government of Pakistan to declare a state as Most Favoured that has “in clear violation of international norms of justice been involved in massive human rights violations in Kashmir.”
 “Before taking any decision the government of Pakistan should take the leadership of Kashmir into confidence, otherwise, the unilateral decision would make Kashmiris believe that there was a shift in Pakistan’s national policy on Kashmir, which has been the corner stone of Pakistan’s foreign policy for last 64 years”, the UJC chief added.
 While condemning the possible decision, the former prime minister of Pakistani administered Kashmir and PML-N central leader Raja Farooq Hyder said that PPP government’s (possible) decision was not only detrimental to Kashmiris’ cause but was also against the strategic interests of Pakistan.
 “The people, who want  this have not taken into consideration the country’s core interests”, he said adding that it was PPP leadership’s bid to save their government and provide a land to India for trade with Afghanistan.
 He said that PML-N has already expressed reservations in this regard and the issue would be discussed threadbare in the party’s central executive committee body session.
 Conveners of the segregated factions of APHC Mehmood Ahmed Saghar and Ghulam Muhammad Safi expressed their resentment over the issue and said that the decision would have dire consequences on Kashmiris’ peaceful struggle to achieve their legitimate right, which has been guaranteed to them by the world community.
 Saghar said that Kashmiris would have no objection provided India accepts Kashmiri peoples’ right to self-determination and resolve the long-out-standing issue in accordance with the UN resolutions.
 He said that the PPP led government should review and revisit its proposed decision keeping in view the prevailing political and human rights situation in Kashmir and devise a policy thereby taking into consideration the aspirations and apprehensions of the people of Kashmiri.
 Commenting on the issue, G M Safi said that it was astonishing to see that India on one hand was hell bent on “devastating” Pakistan and “distorting its image at international level” while on the other the government of Pakistan seems impatient to declare India its most favoured nation.
 “This is not only against Pakistan’s national interests but also making mockery of Kashmiris’ sacrifices”, he added.

‘Shun policy of indifference towards Kashmir’

NISAR AHMED THOKAR

Muzaffarabad, Oct 10: Kashmiri leaders hailing from both sides of Line of Control (LoC) on Monday urged the international community to shun its “policy of indifference” towards Kashmir and take effective notice of the atrocities being inflicted upon the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
 Addressing a protest rally, organized by Hurriyat Conference (G), here Kashmiri leaders termed the recently discovered mass graves in Kashmir as a big challenge for world conscience and said that the peace loving people of the world should break their silence over this issue.
 Speakers on the occasion urged the world human bodies particularly the United Nations to probe the issue of discovery of unnamed mass graves in the territory. They also expressed anguish over the continued detention of Hurriyat activists.
 Those who spoke on the occasion included, former premier of PaK Raja Farooq Hyder, recently elected legislator Barrister Iftikhar Gilani, APHC convener G M Safi, Syed Yousuf Naseem, Sheikh Akeel, Showkat Hussain Bhat and several others spoke on the occasion.
 Later, the protesters marched from Muzaffarabad Press Club and culminated peacefully at Domail. Besides the leaders of both the Hurriyat factions, the rally was joined by legislators representatives of the civil society, Refugee Welfare Organizations and people from different walks of life.

Pak PM opens Moulvi Farooq Medical College at Muzaffarabad

NISAR AHMED THOKAR

Muzaffarabad, Oct 8: The Prime Minister of Pakistan Syed Yousuf Raza Geelani on Saturday inaugurated Mirwaiz Moulvi Farooq Medical College here.
“The Muzaffarabad Medical College has been dedicated in the name of renowned Kashmiri leader late Mirwaiz Moulvi Muhammad Farooq in recognition of his peerless contribution in the Kashmir struggle,” Gilani said while speaking at the inaugural ceremony.
“Kashmiris and Pakistanis are one as their hearts throb in unison,” he added.
“Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto’s political philosophy and their love for the people of Kashmir serve as a beacon light and a source of inspiration for all Pakistani leaders,” Gilani said.
He said the leadership of Pakistan Peoples Party had always projected and promoted Kashmir cause effectively at international level. “The way Bhuttos highlighted Kashmir issue was outstanding and unparalleled,” he added.
Gilani arrived here this morning to express solidarity with the people of Pakistan administered Kashmir (PaK) on the 6th anniversary of October 8 earthquake that killed  more than 80,000 people in 2005.
He inaugurated series of development projects, including a hospital and a high-school.
The visiting leader said that the incumbent democratic dispensation would make all out efforts to rehabilitate the people who were hit by the earthquake six years ago.
Terming October 8 earthquake as the greatest tragedy, he said, “Government and the people of Pakistan fully realize and feel the pain and grief of the victims of the history’s worst ever natural catastrophe.”
Gilani also hailed donors and international community for lending aid and assistance to rehabilitate the people affected by the massive earthquake that killed over 80, 000 people and rendering millions of survivors homeless and destitute.

Gilani to visit Muzaffarabad today

NISAR AHMED THOKAR

Islamabad, Oct 7: As the people of Pakistani administered Kashmir are set to observe 6th anniversary of the history’s worst ever Earthquake of 2005, tomorrow, the prime minister of Pakistan Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani would be visiting the region to express solidarity with the people who lost their near and dear ones in the deadly earthquake.
 Talking to Greater Kashmir, Syed Azadar Hussain Kazmi the media advisor to PaK premier said that Gilani would visit Muzaffarabad on Saturday to show solidarity with the Earthquake victims of the region. “Elaborate security arrangements have been made in this regard”, he said adding that the visiting leader would be accorded warm welcome by the people of the capital city.
 During his day-long-trip to the mountainous region Kazmi said that Pak premier would be chief guest at the formal inaugural ceremony of the newly established Muzaffarabad Medical College. He said that besides other official engagements the PM would pay a visit to Alshafa Eye Trust and Jinnah School, a state of the art educational institution.
 Kazmi maintained that PM Gilani would be visiting the lake view city of Mirpore on 13 October where in he would lay a founding stone of Dhan Ghali Bridge being constructed under the Mongla Dam upraising project.
 It may be recalled here that on October 8 2005, an earthquake measuring 7.6 on rector scale struck the region that killed over 80 thousand people including men women and school-children besides rendering millions of survivors homeless.

JKLF supreme-head urges dissident groups to follow suit

"Says unity of JKLF factions a great achievement"
Nisar Ahmed Thokar
Islamabad, Oct 06: The Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) founder Mr. Amanullah Khan while announcing the formal decision regarding the merger of the segregated factions of the JKLF headed by him and Muhammad Yasin Malik has made a passionate appeal to dissident groups of the pro-independent organization to follow the suit to steer Kashmiris’ ongoing peaceful and democratic struggle to its logical conclusion.
Addressing a crowded press conference here at Islamabad press club on Thursday, the JKLF supreme head expressed his gratitude to Muhammad Yasin Malik and his associates for reciprocating his call for unity and urged the estranged groups of the party to return to the party folds. “I appeal my all colleagues to burry their differences and get united for the greater cause”, he said. The ageing leader who could not maintain rhythm during his brief chat with reporters he extended apology if he had hurt the sentiments of any of his colleagues during years’ long political struggle. Hailing the sacrifices of renowned JKLF activist Rauoof Kashmiri, he expressed the hope that he would also join his parent organization. He also thanked the central executive committee members of both the factions for endorsing the decision of re-unification taken by him and Muhammad Yasin Malik.
Divulging details of the decisions made by the JKLF core committee, the Unity Facilitation Committee, Rafiq Ahmed Dar said that the UFC worked painstakingly and held a number of meetings to finalize the modalities. “Although the UFC had finalized modalities and submitted its final report regarding the unification a couple of weeks ago but it was agreed that the formal announcement would be made on 6th October, which happens to be the death anniversary day of the JKLF stalwart Dr. Farooq Hyder”, he said adding that the JKLF was now one and united and all the organization structures have been dissolved and will remain suspended unless the formation of Supreme Council.
He said that Amanullah Khan shall be the life time supreme head of the JKLF and Muhammad Yasin Malik would perform his duties as the chairman of the party. Malik he said would be running the overall affaisrs of the organization besides leading a 19 member committee with proportionately divided representation from every zone. Amongs nineteen members Dar said that nine members were taken from Kashmir, six from PaK and four from overseas.
Later talking to Greater Kashmir, Khan termed the decision as historic and said that the unification of JKLF was his dream, which he said had lent him his youthfulness back. “This is indeed a great moment and I would say than Main Phir Say Jawan Hogaya”, Khan said and added that it was high time that the pro-freedom forces should forge broader unity and concurrence within their ranks and files to lead the movement successfully.

‘Want to visit my birth place before I die’

Divided Kashmiris Seek Hassle-Free Travel Across LoC

NISAR AHMED THOKAR

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Islamabad, Sep 24: Khawaja Noor Muhammad Bhat, who left his home and crossed the Line of Control (LoC) 64 years back to trace the whereabouts of his missing sister, is anxious to visit his birth place in Kashmir to fulfil the only desire of his ailing brother Ghulam Hassan Bhat.
 Hailing from Sathubala Barbarshah Srinagar, Bhat is currently settled in the suburbs of Rawalpindi. He applied for a Bus Permit in 2005 shortly after India and Pakistan agreed to open up Muzaffarabad-Srinagar road as part of peace building measure to enhance people to people contacts and to connect the disconnected families of Jammu and Kashmir.
 “We have been waiting for last six years, I know it is a cumbersome procedure but for me it is very difficult to convince my impatient father and to make him understand the intricacies involved in it”, says Javed Iqbal Bhat, the elder son of Khawaja Noor Muhammad.
 “Since the resumption of Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service I applied twice for the permit, first in 2005 and then on the insistence of Lala, my father, I re-applied in 2006. Verifications were conducted by the concerned law-enforcement agencies and they assured us every support in seeking the travel permission but since then there is no response whatsoever from the other side”, Javed said.
 While inquiring about the matter, he said, the tour and travel authorities in Muzaffarabad told him that they had sent documents to Srinagar for verification. “When I called my uncle on phone in Srinagar he expressed ignorance about the issue and said that no verification whatsoever was conducted in this regard. It was really shocking for me”, Javed said in a very dejected mood.
 “I am very disappointed, after waiting for six long years I am still not able to do anything to get my ageing father’s desire fulfilled”, Javed said.
 Lying numbly on a bed surrounded by his grand-children, Noor Muhammad, a septuagenarian, was hearing the conversation that was going on between this reporter and his elder son. He looked at me and asked, “Beta Tuhi Chiwa Kasheer Rozan (are you from Kashmir)?” “Yes”, I replied.
 The old man couldn’t control his emotions, his eyes sunken deep into his skull filled up with tears and after taking a deep breath said, “I want to visit my birthplace once before I die, this is what I have been craving for years”. Tears started to roll down from his eyes ceaselessly.
 It is noteworthy to mention here that without having an inkling of what will happen to him, Noor Muhammad was just a teenage boy in 1947 when he embarked on a journey and reached Muzaffarabad unwittingly in search of his missing sister who was believed to have migrated to Pakistan from Jammu via Sialkot border. He is now weak and vulnerable. He has lost a lot but not hope. He is still hopeful and believes that the day is not far when he would be enjoying the cool-breeze of Dal Lake and strolling along the streets where he spent his childhood.
 “This is just a single incident; let me tell you majority of Kashmiri refugees could not re-visit their ancestral places and nor could they see their near and dear ones, not even once in their entire life”, says Syed Javed, a migrant from Rainawari Srinagar.
 “Kashmiri migrants have been quite unfortunate and have suffered terribly after the Indo-Pak partition in 1947. For a long time refuges settled in various cities and towns of Pakistan remained in a state of incommunicado, we were neither in a position to travel back nor did we have any communication facility at that time. There was no phone facility, no wire system (telegram) except postal services system but that too was confined and our letters were screened and instead of forwarding to the given addresses letters either bounced back or were thrown into dust bin,” he said.
 “There is no change in the situation even today. Politicians, business community and influential families do visit regularly but for common Kashmiris who are dying and crying to get a glimpse of their homeland and see their relatives have to undergo hectic verifications that takes years”, he said.
 “This is time to connect the disconnected and rebuild hopes that refuse to die even after unending betrayals”, says Engineer Nadeem, whose forefathers migrated to Pakistan from South Kashmir’s Islamabad (Anantnag) district. Divided families, particularly the elders, he said, should be allowed to travel on both sides of LOC freely. “There should be no restraint whatsoever on their movement”, he said adding that senior citizens intended to visit their families should be exempted from hectic and time-consuming verification procedures.

Human Rights situation in Kashmir matter of serious concern: Sardar Qayyum

NISAR A THOKAR

Rawalpindi, Sep 22: The former premier of Pakistani administered Kashmir and the supreme head of Muslim Conference Sardar Muhammad Abdul Quyyum Khan has said that the prevailing political and the human rights situation in Kashmir was a matter of great concern for the peace loving and pro-democratic forces around the globe.
 Khan made these remarks during a meeting with Justice Foundation Chief Professor Nazir Ahmed Shawl, who called on him at Mujahid Manzil Rawalpindi on Thursday. Both the leaders discussed in detail the fast changing political scenario at international level and its impact on the ground situation in Kashmir.
 Terming resolution of Kashmir imbroglio as essential for peace and prosperity in South Asia, both the leaders resolved that India and Pakistan should take bold initiatives to get the long drawn out dispute on Kashmir settled in accordance with Kashmiri peoples’ aspirations. 
 Talking to Greater Kashmir, Professor Shawl said that the former premier expressed serious concern over the recently uncovered mass graves in Kashmir and said the HR situation in the valley was a matter of concern for the people and the government of Pakistan and PaK. He said that peace loving and democratic people of the world should take effective cognizance of the human rights violations being inflicted on the people of Kashmir.

Barrister Sultan for intra-Kashmir dialogue

‘There Should Be No Restrictions On Cross-LoC Trade, Travel’

NISAR A THOKAR

Islamabad, Sep 22: Former Pakistan administered Kashmir (PaK) prime minister, Barrister Sultan Mehmood Choudhary Thursday said intra-Kashmir dialogue was a prerequisite to let Kashmiri leadership on both sides to share their wisdom and forge broad-based consensus on the issue.
Addressing a press conference here on his return from the Valley, the former PaK premier expressed complete satisfaction over his visit and said he held interactions with separatist leaders including Syed Ali Shah Gilani, JKLF chairman Muhammad Yasin Malik, DFP president Shabir Ahmed Shah and representatives of the traders’ community. He said he was accorded warm welcome by the people at historic Lal Chowk, which he said was reflective of the Kashmiri peoples’ affection for PaK and Pakistan.
Regarding the settlement of Kashmir imbroglio, Barrister Sultan said there was a complete consensus within the leadership of Kashmir that the UN resolutions provide strong basis for resolving the long-pending Kashmir dispute.
“I met Kashmiri leaders of various shades and opinion and there is consensus and a common desire that Kashmir issue should be solved in line with UN resolutions keeping in view the aspirations of people who have rendered huge sacrifices,” he said and added that during his meetings with Kashmiri leaders he assured full support to them on behalf of people ad the government of Pakistan and PaK.
"Syed Ali Shah Geelani has his views and wants (Jammu and Kashmir) to join Pakistan. I told him that status quo does not suit us. Things should start moving and rolling," he said.
Choudhary said he had stated his position after Geelani reiterated his stance that Pakistan should hold talks with India on issues like boosting trade only after the resolution of the Kashmir issue.
Replying to a query Sultan said he did not consider Omar Abdullah as the representative of Kashmiri people. “This is the reason that I did not invite him to visit PaK”, he said adding “for us APHC is the true representative forum of Kashmiris’ aspirations”.
Choudhary said he was impressed with what he saw in Jammu and Kashmir.
"The truth is there has been more development on that (Jammu and Kashmir) side. It is very beautiful and I visited a golf course and a trout fishing farm. I have seen those things and we should take steps to implement similar measures here," he said.
Choudhary had gone to Srinagar to attend the wedding of a friend's son.
Regarding the Kashmir-centric CBMs, he said these were not sufficient. “People should be allowed to travel freely across the Line of Control”, he added.
He called for more confidence-building measures and relaxation of regulations governing travel between the two parts of Kashmir.
"More steps should be taken to boost trade, including the formation of joint chamber of commerce," he said.
A joint chamber of commerce could address the problems of traders on both sides and facilitate their movement across the Line of Control, he suggested.

Barrister Sultan Mehmood to attend wedding in Srinagar

NISAR AHMED THOKAR

Islamabad, Sep 16: The Indian High Commission on Friday issued visa to the former PaK premier Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chudhary, who is all set to visit Srinagar, to attend wedding ceremony of Dr Yasir Shah son of his close friend Zahoor Ahmed Shah Watali.
 While confirming the news well placed sources told Greater Kashmir that Barrister Chudhary has been issued visa and he would travel to Kashmir valley via Lahore-Delhi and Delhi to Srinagar.
 Pertinently, the PPP central leader would be the first high profile political personality from Pakistani administered Kashmir (PaK) to visit Kashmir.  The former prime minister of PaK is reckoned to be one of the vociferous lobbyists, highlighting Kashmir cause at international level particularly in UK wherein he enjoys great support from Kashmiri as well as Pakistani community.
 He contested general elections in 1985, returned as a successful candidate and was elected as Deputy Opposition leader in the House. Since 1985 to 2006 he has been elected to the assembly continuously. He joined Pakistan Peoples’ Party in 1994 and was elected as the Prime Minister of PaK in 1996 whereas in 2001, he became opposition leader of the Legislative Assembly.
 It may be recalled here that Watali, the leading business personality of Srinagar has also invited other political personalities including the MC president Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan to attend the marriage ceremony of his son scheduled to be held from September 17 to 21. Khan was supposed to lead a 20-member delegation comprising legislators, intellectuals and media men.