September 2008 1

A MONTHLY NEWS DIGEST ON PAKISTAN OCCUPIED KASHMIR

Volume 1 Number 4 September 2008

• Political Developments

AJK Chief Justice’s Seniority Case Dumped

Govt Mulls Over AJK-like Set up for NorthernAreas

Militants stage Anti India Rally in PakistanOccupied kashmir

Call to Restore State Subject Rule in GilgitBaltistan

• Economic Developments

Rs. 5.678bn AJK Council Budget Presented

OIC Special Team Visits Islamabad, AJK

• International Developments

Pakistan Plundering Northern Areas Resources,UN Told

UNICEF Involved in Child Labour in AJK

• Other Developments

Neelum Valley Residents Ask India to AbandonKishan Ganga Plan

POK NEWS DIGEST

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

New Delhi-110 010

Compiled byDr Priyanka Singh

LayoutSanjay Kumar

September 2008 2

Jammu & Kashmir

(Source: Based on the Survey of India Map, Govt of India 2000 )

September 2008 3

About this Issue

The reports compiled in the current issue indicate the continuing trends of negligence and absenceof proper governance in the Pakistan occupied Kashmir. Nonetheless the democratically electedgovernment of Pakistan is showing some concern in the long pending issues involving the stateof the economy and poor governance. It may not be easy however for the establishment inPakistan to substantiate its verbal commitments towards this region as it is fully engaged onother fronts such as NWFP and FATA. Even if Pakistan experiments an AJK-like set up in theNorthern Areas as is suggested in one of the reports, it would perhaps do least to address grievancesamongst people who are seeking a separate identity and self rule.

A significant development covered in the issue is the activity of the militants in the PoK. Theregion allegedly is known to be a safe haven for terrorists operating not only in Kashmir but alsofor militants linked with international terror outfits like Al Qaeda. The Chief of Hizbul Mujahideen,Syed Salahudin led a procession in Muzaffarabad in early September which shouted anti-Indiaslogans. This audacious act in PoK from one of the deadliest Kashmiri terrorist group in a wayreiterates Pakistan’s role in Kashmir militancy.

Priyanka Singh

September 2008 4

Political Developments

Usman Manzoor, “AJK chief justice’sseniority case dumped,” The News,September 20, 2008

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Kashmir Affairsand Northern Areas (KANA) has quietly dumpedthe matter of controversial seniority andappointment of Chief Justice of Azad Jammu andKashmir (AJK) despite the fact that its noticewas taken by the prime minister of Pakistan. Theministry had started paper work to de-notify theappointment of Justice Riaz Akhtar Chaudhry,who was superseded in 2006 by a judge six yearsjunior to him in judicial service. However thematter has now been quietly pushed under therug even after the prime minister pointed out thecontroversial appointment.Justice Riaz AkhtarChaudhry was first appointed as judge of theSupreme Court of the AJK on September 24,2006 and then as its chief justice within 20 daysof his appointment by superseding the senior-mostjudge, Justice Manzoor Hussain Gillani, who wassenior to him by six years. Justice Riaz alsoremained a junior judge with Justice Gilani inKashmir High Court when Justice Gillani wasthe Chief Justice of Kashmir High Court for aboutfour years.

(http://www.thenews.com.pk/arc_news.asp?id=2)

“Kashmir issue & Gilgit, Baltistan,” WeeklyBang-e-Sahar, September 20 -September 26,2008

The assassination of PPP chairperson BenazirBhutto and the February 18 general electionscompletely changed the political landscape ofPakistan with Musharraf stepping down underpressure. Soon after coming to power, the newgovernment under pressure of the Bushadministration issued a notification to bring the ISIunder the control of the ministry of interior.However, it could not sustain the order and within24 hours had to withdraw the notification. Soonafter this, the jehadi elements in Kashmir came outin open again and a protest was launched on thepretext of a trivial issue. In Gilgit-Baltistan too, hate

literatures, wall-chalking and speeches againstnationalist forces are going on. With the coming topower of the democratic government on the onehand, law and order situation is being created inGilgit-Baltistan while on the other President AsifZardari has announced that people would soon heargood news on Kashmir. Besides the appointmentof Fazalur Rehman as chairman of the Kashmircommittee has perturbed observers of the Kashmirissue.

(http://gilgitbaltistantimes.blogspot.com/2008/09/kashmir-issue-gilgit-baltistan.html)

“People of Hunza feel strongly againstjob discrimination”

HUNZA: The leaders of political and civil societyorganizations from Hunza have blamed the Gilgit-Baltistan administration for nepotism and favoritismin recruitments for government jobs in which sectarianand regional considerations were being employed byorganized pressure groups and mafias that rule theroost in bureaucracy and political organization of theregion. The population of Hunza valley is about 60,000and the literacy rate for both men and women is above80 per cent. The share of Hunza in public sectoremployment is, however, negligible. A large numberof youth were employed in tourism and NGO sectorsbut both of these sectors were badly suffering due tolaw and order situation in Pakistan. There is strongfeeling of resentment against the discriminatorypolicies of the present administration.

(http://hunzatimes.wordpress.com/2008/09/18/people-of-hunza-feel-strongly-against-job-discrimination/)

DJ Mathal , “Local political leadership isknocked out,” Weekly Bang-e-Sahar,September 20-September 26, 2008

Once again the so-called political leadership ofGilgit-Baltistan has testified its hollowness. Whenformer president Pervez Musharraf was at the peakof his power, the elected representatives of Gilgit-Baltistan toed his lines claiming that they weresupporting the PML-Q for the best interest of thepeople of the region. But as soon as the downfall

September 2008 5

Reform in the judiciary and reactivating the publicaccount committee was also part of the package.

(http://gilgitbaltistantimes.blogspot.com/2008/09/govt-mulls-over-ajk-like-setup-for.html)

“Kashmiris’ involvement must in Pak-Indiadialogue: PM,” Associated Press of Pakistan,September 13, 2008

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilanion September 12 stressed the need for Pakistanand India to narrow down their divergences onKashmir, and said Kashmiris must be part of thedialogue process. “We strongly believe thatKashmiris should be an integral component of theongoing peace process, as they are the primarystakeholders,” the Prime Minister stated in hisopening remarks at the 42nd session of AzadJammu and Kashmir Council. The Prime Minister,who is also the Chairman of AJK Counciladdressed the meeting attended by AJK PresidentRaja Zulqarnain Khan, Prime Minister SardarAttique Ahmed Khan and other members of theCouncil.

(http://www.app.com.pk/en_/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=52474&Itemid=2)

“Turabi urges Govt to resolve NorthernAreas’ issues,” Pakistan News, September12, 2008

Jamaat-e-Islami AJK Amir Abdul Rashid Turabi saidon September 11 that Pakistan government mustresolve the issues of Northern Areas here. Whileaddressing the media and his party workers, heasserted, “The uneasiness of the people can’t beremoved without addressing their issues”. Hedemanded that the government must devise a policyin accordance with the people’s aspirations. Turabifurther said that the government should resolve theirissues on prior basis as the people are deprived ofbasic rights. Abdul Rashid Turabi also said, “We canfeel their pain as they are part of us”.

(http://paknewsupdate.com/?p=527)

of Musharraf came and the PPP ascended topower, these opportunists continued the samemantra of national interest. These elements havecaused irreparable damage to the political systemof the region during the last over 60 years. In factthe people of the region have been voting suchelements to power and sending them to assembliesfor the last over six decades but the so-calledleaders have no vision of their future objectives.This is the reason that public mandate has beeninsulted time and again. The question also ariseshere that why Pakistan accepts such turncoatpoliticians. It is in order to perpetuate the Pakistanirule over the region. Pakistan People’s Party is awell-known democratic party but unfortunately ithas also welcomed turncoat politicians into its fold.This time it also seems that the PPP would makeuse of the PML-Q turncoats to come home to roostin Gilgit-Baltistan.

(http://gilgitbaltistantimes.blogspot.com/2008/09/local-political-leadership-is-knocked.html)

“Govt mulls over AJK-like setup for NorthernAreas,” Weekly Bang-e-Sahar, September 20-September 26, 2008

GILGIT: The federal government has decided inprinciple to give Gilgit-Baltistan a political andconstitutional set-up like that in force at Azad Kashmir.The formal announcement of the decision would bemade by President Asif Ali Zardari soon, sourcessaid.According to sources in the PPP Northern Areaschapter, the federal government while finalizing theproposed draft constitutional and legal package tookthe leadership of Gilgit-Baltistan on board.The reportsand recommendations submitted by the politicalleadership of the region regarding the backwardnessand socio-economic, political and constitutionaldeprivation were also taken into account.The sourcesalso said that to give representation to the region, apolitician from the region was likely to be appointedas the prime minister’s adviser who would be updatingthe PM on the situation of the region. Besides,empowering of the Northern Areas LegislativeAssembly and making the local administrationaccountable to the house was also under consideration.

September 2008 6

“The U-turn of NALA members,” WeeklyBang-e-Sahar, September 13-September 19,2008

For the last 61 years, Gilgit-Baltistan has been underthe administrative control of Pakistani federal minister.Started in 1970s with the name of a consultativeassembly, today this house is called Northern AreasLegislative Assembly. There is no such precedent inthe whole world where people are not authorized evento choose the head of their representative body. Theso-called house has in the past been called by differentnames based on its performance. This useless bodyhas become a gathering place of opportunists andturncoats. The credential of the so-called politicalleaders associated with this house is such that theynever tire of serving the bureaucracy and federalministers against the wishes of the masses and at thecost of the bright future of Gilgit-Baltistan. Wheneverthe people rise against the deprivation and injustices,these elements come to the rescue of the rulers byhoodwinking the masses that their problems wouldbe resolved on a priority basis. They also remain inthe fore-front in subduing the public anger bypropagating the so-called packages and developmentprojects of the rulers. Time has proved that neitherthe so-called packages were implemented nor theclaims of spreading a network of developmentprojects in the region ever proved to be true. Onefeels ashamed after reading the statements of manyof the leaders in the press.

(http://gilgitbaltistantimes.blogspot.com/2008/09/u-turn-of-nala-members.html)

“PPP, PSF, PYO hold pro-Zardari rallies in AzadKashmir,” Associated Press of Pakistan,September 04, 2008

KOTLI: PSF, PYO and PPP’s other party wings tookout pro-Zardari rallies in all the eight districts, tehsils,sub-divisions and towns of Azad Kashmir onSeptember 03. In district Kotli, PPP took out a bigrally in which people chanted pro-PPP and pro-Zardarislogans. The participants of rally marched in the citybazars which culminated at Shaheed Chowk.Addressing the rally, the speakers said that Asif AliZardari is a man of letters and people have fullconfidence in him and his leadership qualities, adding,he is the man who is is capable enough to steer the

country out of crisis and can put the country on roadto progress and prosperity. They said PPP was thesymbol of federation and always played its due rolefor the solidarity and integrity of the country. Thespeakers included Ch. Yasin, Matloob Inqalabi, MLAShazia Akbar, Naseer Rathore, Mazhar Kazmi, QazafiChughtai, M. Ali Rathore and others.

“Gilgit-Baltistan’s constitutional status,”Weekly Bang-e-Sahar, September 06-September 12, 2008

ISLAMABAD: Nationalist leaders of Gilgit-Baltistanand Azad Kashmir have called for joint struggle forthe revival of the identity of the disputed region andfor the attainment of constitutional, political andeconomic rights. “The nationalist and progressiveforces, both in Pakistan-administered Kashmir andGilgit-Baltistan, should join hands and launch strugglefor attainment of socio-political and constitutionalrights usurped by the rulers of Pakistan for the lastover six decades”, said leaders of All Parties NationalAlliance (APNA) while speaking at a pressconference here. Those who were present on theoccasion included APNA secretary-general, SardarMohammad Sabir Kashmiri, press secretary ProfM.A.R.K Khaleeq, spokesman Wazir Shafi, MirzaWajahat Hassan Khan, Arif Shahid and ManzoorHusain Parwana. They said Gilgit-Baltistan has beendenied its basic human rights only because it is partof the disputed Kashmir region. They said Gilgit-Baltistan, which the government calls Northern Areas,has been kept deprived of all political, economic andconstitutional rights for the last over 60 years. Thesame is the case with the people of Azad Kashmir.In the past both these regions had remained part ofthe Dogra rule. Therefore, it is necessary thatnationalist and progressive parties in both Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir should join hands andlaunch a movement for attaining the political,economic and constitutional rights of the people. Theysaid APNA (Jammu Kashmir & Gilgit-Blatistan) wasset up in the early 2001 to first end militancy andterrorism in the region and then launch a political

( h t t p : / / w w w . a p p . c o m . p k / e n _ /index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=51366&Itemid=2)

September 2008 7

central working committee. He said to keep Gilgit-Baltistan clear of terrorists, extremists and anti-socialelements, strict implementation of the State SubjectRule had become necessary. He said outsiders makinghuge properties in the region under the patronage ofcivil and military bureaucracy were a big challengefor Gilgit-Baltistan, adding if the trend was not stoppedthe future of the region would be unsafe. Mr Parwanasaid the brave people of Yasen-Gandayi had taken abold step by raising voice against plundering of theirresources by a foreign company. He said the peopleof Gigit-Baltistan should not take side with those whowere hell-bent on selling the resources of the regionat throwaway prices to outsiders. If we failed toprotect our natural resources, our next generationwould face starvation, he added. He said if the trendto allot land in Gilgit-Baltistan and issue leases tooutsiders continued the people of the region wouldbe compelled to take any action to protect their landand resources.(http://skardu.blogspot.com/2008/09/called-to-restore-state-subject-rule-in.html)

“PML-Q splits in Northern Areas,” DailyTimes, September 04, 2008

ISLAMABAD: After formation of “forward blocs”in the Centre, Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) may also lose its two-thirds majority in theNorthern Areas Legislative Assembly after severalof its top members switched loyalties. Of the 36-member House, 27 legislators belong to the PML-Q,but their chief executive and all of his six advisershave announced they will now support the PakistanPeople’s Party. Although not part of Electoral Collegefor the presidential election, the Northern Areas chiefexecutive said in a press conference in Gilgit he wouldbring a resolution in support of presidential frontrunnerPPP Co-chairman Asif Zardari for “moral support”.

( h t t p : / / w w w . d a i l y t i m e s . c o m . p k /default.asp?page=2008%5C09%5C04%5Cstory_4-9-2008_pg7_41)

“AJK Assembly backs Zardari,” The News,September 06, 2008MUZAFFARABAD: The Azad Jammu andKashmir Legislative Assembly on September 05

movement to resolve the Kashmir issue in accordancewith the wishes of the people and ensure all basicrights for the masses. Another objective of the alliancewas to bring the people of Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistancloser as they have been denied their due rights forthe last over six decades. A number of political partiesand other forces have joined the alliance and manywere planning to join it. And secondly, people of boththe region, especially the educated class, have startedrealizing the sufferings of the masses and are stressingjoint efforts to resolve them.

(http://gilgitbaltistantimes.blogspot.com/2008/09/gilgit-baltistans-constitutional-status.html)

Abu Arqam Naqash, “Militants stage anti-India rally in Pakistani Kashmir,” September05, 2008

MUZAFFARABAD: Hundreds of Kashmiri militantsrallied on the Pakistani side of the disputed region onSeptember 04. “Our path, our aim is jihad,” shoutedprotesters led by Syed Salahuddin, head of the mainKashmiri guerrilla group, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, as theymarched through the streets of Muzaffarabad, capitalof Pakistan occupied Kashmir. Armed guardsescorted Salahuddin as he made victory signs andchanted slogans along with protesters while he wasdriven through the city in an open-topped jeep. “Letit be clear to the whole world that our struggle willcontinue with full force,” he said in a speech.

(http://justsamachar.com/popular/militants-stage-anti-india-rally-in-pakistani-kashmir/?r=http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/INtopNews/~3/383288586/idINIndia-35318620080904)

“Call to Restore State Subject Rule in GilgitBaltistan”

SKARDU: Chairman Gilgit-Baltistan UnitedMovement (GBUM), Manzoor Husain Parwana saidthe local population of the region is faced withinsecurity due to the monopoly of the alienbureaucracy. He said if efforts to turn the localpopulation into a minority by settling outsiders in theregion were not stopped, the area would see FATA-like situation. He stated this while addressing theworkers of the All Parties National Alliance(APNA)’s

September 2008 8

adopted a resolution supporting the election of PPPCo-chairman Asif Ali Zardari as the President ofPakistan and termed his election vital for thefederation. The AJK Legislative Assembly, in itsspecial session, met here with Speaker AJKLegislative Assembly Shah Ghulam Qadir in the chair.The session was summoned on the requisition of theAJK government. Deputy Speaker Sardar FarooqAhmed Tahir, on behalf of the AJK government,presented a resolution before the House in favour ofthe PPP co-chairman supporting his nomination asthe president of Pakistan. The resolution was adopted.Leader of the House Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan,speaking on the occasion, said that after themartyrdom of Benazir Bhutto, Asif Ali Zardari hadplayed an important role for the unity of the country.“This is our moral obligation to approve the resolutionin his support to be elected as president.”

(http://www.app.com.pk/en_/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=52012&Itemid=2)

“Extending NAs Legislative Assembly similarstatus to AJK assembly urged,” AssociatedPress of Pakistan, September 09, 2008

ISLAMABAD: Member, Northern AreasLegislative Council Haji Muhammad Iqbal hascalled for extending Northern Areas LegislativeAssembly the same status as given to AzadKashmir Assembly till the resolution of lingeringKashmir dispute. “The people of Northern Areasbe given their political and financial rights on thepattern of Azad Kashmir Legislative Assembly fortheir socio-economic upliftment and removing theirsense of political deprivation” The MemberNorthern Areas Legislative Assembly regrettedthat both electronic and print media are projectingSawat, Kashmir, South and North Wazirstan asNorthern Areas which he said was affectingtourism in Northern Areas as well as Pakistan.

“Zardari gives green signal to PM AJK forcompleting tenure”

ISLAMABAD: Federal government has rejected

the suggestion of in house change after Eid in AzadJammu and Kashmir (AJK) while President ofPakistan Asif Ali Zardari has given the green signalto Prime Minister AJK Sardar Atique to complete histenure. According to reliable sources Presidency hasmade it clear to the leadership of PPP (AJK) thatfederation was not in the position of toppling the AJKgovernment or bring in house change because it wouldcreate negative impact. Sources further said thatinfluential personalities of AJK including GOC Murreehas made it clear that Federal government shouldavoid any attempt of toppling AJK governmentbecause it could make Base Camp controversial.PPP AJK’s president Chaudhary Abdul Majid,Secretary General Chaudhary Latif Akbar, VicePresident Chaudhary Yasin stepped up the series ofmeeting with Sardar Qamar-uz-Zaman Kaira,Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areasafter the disconnection from presidency.

(http://www.onlinenews.com.pk/details.php?id=133731)

“OIC terms suicidal attacks un-Islamic,”Associated Press of Pakistan, September 17,2008

ISLAMABAD: Assistant Secretary General ofOrganisation of Islamic Conference, (OIC) KemalIzat Mufti on September 16 strongly condemned thesuicide attacks and hooliganism against the humanityand termed it “against the holy spirit of Islam”. Hestated this while addressing a press conference,flanked by Prime Minister of Azad Jammu andKashmir (AJK) Sardar Ateeq Ahmad Khan after adetailed visit to Azad Kashmir. Kamel Izat alsoappreciated particularly the Prime Minister of AJK,who facilitated his visit and made it more productiveand worthwhile. Mr.Izat Mufti maintained that heobtained facts about the ground realities in an easierway owing to meeting arranged with AJK PresidentSardar Zulqarnain and also meeting with the PrimeMinister of Pakistan, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani.

( h t t p : / / w w w . a p p . c o m . p k / e n _ /index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=52905&Itemid=2)

September 2008 9

Economic Developments

Sayed Abid Hussain Shah, “AJK to haveindependent economy: minister,” The News,September 18, 2008

MIRPUR: The government of Azad Jammu andKashmir intends to take revolutionary steps toestablish an independent economy based on self-reliance for the welfare of the masses across theliberated territory. The AJK Minister for Electricity,Malik Muhammad Nawaz said

the government has launched a human resourcedevelopment programme so that the state may haveits own skilled workers and to ensure their active andfullest role in the overall speedy progress in all sectorsof life.

(http://www.thenews.com.pkdaily_detail.asp?id=136479)

“Rs. 1.60 billion broad-based AJK-wide masselectrification plan launched,” AssociatedPress of Pakistan, September 16, 2008

ISLAMABAD: Minister Incharge for KashmirAffairs Qamar Zaman Kaira presented the budget-2008-09 of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK)Council with total revenue receipts target ofRs5,678.312 million, including Rs. 3,500 million fromIncome Tax. The budget was presented during thefirst sitting of the 42nd AJK Council session at theAJK Council Secretariat under the chairmanship ofAJK Council Vice-Chairman and AJK President RajaZulqarnain Khan. Presenting the budget, Kaira saiddevelopment expenditure had been estimated at Rs.2,000 million, non-development expenditure ofRs693.049 million and 80 per cent share of IncomeTax to the AJK government. Thus, the totalexpenditure has been estimated at Rs. 5,678.312million. Kaira informed the house that the governmentwas preparing an economic and social developmentreport for the AJK on the pattern of other provinces.He said the Kashmiri people had undergone untoldsufferings and hardships over the years. Theirlegitimate aspirations cannot be ignored and must beaccommodated, he added.

(http://www.pakearth.com/pakistan-news/rs5.678bn-ajk-council-budget-presented-3.php)

“AJK Council approves budget for 2008-09,”Associated Press of Pakistan, September 13,2008ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf RazaGilani on September 12 reiterated government’s fullsupport to the people of Kashmir for their right ofself determination and stressed resolution of thedispute according to the wishes of its people. He waschairing the 42nd session of Azad Jammu and Kashmir(AJ&K) Council. The Council accorded approval ofthe budget of AJ&K Council for the year 2008-09and revised estimates for the year 2007-08. The PrimeMinister underlined the need to ensure transparencyin every action of government spending to observegood governance. The Council also granted approvalin principle of the motion moved by the Minister in-charge for the allocation of land in Islamabad for theAJ&K Council Secretariat to cater to the residentialrequirements of its employees.

( h t t p : / / w w w . a p p . c o m . p k / e n _ /index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=52484&Itemid=2)

Iftikhar Gilani, “AJK team to visit Srinagar todiscuss cross-LoC trade,” Daily Times,September 11, 2008

NEW DELHI: Pakistan on September 10 handedover to India a list of a 12-member delegation of AzadJammu and Kashmir Chamber of Commerce andIndustry planning to visit Indian-held Kashmir. Thedelegation is to visit Srinagar in order to finalise thearrangements for trade across the Line of Control(LoC) via the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad Road. Thedelegation, led by Zulfiqar Abbasi, included RajaMuhammad Jamil, Raja Khalid Muhammad Khan,Muhammad Azim Mushtaq, Abdul Qayum Qamarand Khalid Sharif.

(http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2008%5C09%5C11%5Cstory_11-9-2008_pg7_19)

September 2008 10

Confidence Building Measures in the Indian capitaldid not say when trade routes would be opened. Buta top Indian official said last week that India wouldallow trade between the two parts of Kashmir to beginin October. Indian Indian Ministry of External AffairsJoint Secretary TCA Raghavan led the Indiandelegation, and Pakistani Ministry of Foreign AffairsAdditional Secretary for South Asia Aizaz AhmedChaudhry led the Pakistan delegation. Commerce,customs and home ministry officials attended themeeting. “We have finalised the modalities at themeeting. We decided to submit details of themodalities to our respective political leadership forthe final decision and announcement,” said Chaudhryafter the meeting.

( h t t p : / / w w w . d a i l y t i m e s . c o m . p k /default.asp?page=2008%5C09%5C23%5Cstory_23-9-2008_pg7_1)

Shah Hasan, “Rs 5b Jagran hydropowerstation, Pakistan to help AJK,” September 26,2008

Islamabad—Pakistan is to help Azad Jummu andKashmir establish Jagran Hydropower station at thecost of over Rs, 5 billion including the foreignexchange component of Rs 2.2224 billion. Thegovernment of Pakistan, 2.78 billion out of localcomponent allocated for the project is to share 70percent financing while AJK government will provide30 percent funding to materialize the project. TheJagran Hydropower station will be based on run ofriver, which is why the operation of powerhouse willdepend upon the availability of flow, having totalcatchments area of 317 kilometres square from sourceto its confluence with Neelum river.

(http://pakobserver.net/200809/26/news/topstories09.asp)

“OIC special representative to visitIslamabad AJK,” September 14, 2008ISLAMABAD: Special Representative of OICSecretary General on Kashmir visited Islamabad andMuzaffarabad from September 14 to 16 to implementOIC resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir. AmbassadorEzzat Kamel Mufti met the top leadership of Pakistanand Azad Jammu and Kashmir. He will also heldmeetings with representatives of APHC (AJK), andvisit quake-affected areas of AJK. Ambassador Muftiwas accompanied by a four-member delegationcomprising senior officials of the OIC GeneralSecretariat, Islamic Development Bank (IDB) andIslamic Solidarity Fund (ISF).

(http://www.asianews.com.pk/oic-special-representative-to-visit-islamabad-ajk-9063)

“AJK approves Rs 30m grant for doctors,”Daily Times, September 24, 2008

MUZAFFARABAD: Azad Jammu Kashmir (AJK)government approved a special package of Rs. 30million for specialist doctors and medicalsuperintendents appointed in remote areas.

According to a press release issued here onSeptember 23, the doctors working in remote areaswould be paid Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 monthly as aspecial package. Prime Minister Sardar AttiqueAhmed Khan gave the approval keeping in view thedifficulties of doctors working at basic health centresand tehsil headquarters of far-flung areas. The financedepartment issued a formal notification in this regard.

(http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2008%5C09%5C24%5Cstory_24-9-2008_pg7_53)

Iftikhar Gilani, “Committee declines to givetimetable for opening Srinagar-Muzaffarabad,Poonch-Rawalakot trade routes,” DailyTimes, September 23, 2008

NEW DELHI: Trade across the Line of Control (LoC)in Kashmir moved a step closer as Indian and Pakistaniofficials completed talks on a framework onSeptember 22. A brief statement issued after a daylongmeeting of the Joint Working Group on Cross-LoC

September 2008 11

International Developments

“Pakistan plundering Northern Areasresources, UN told,” Weekly Bang-e-Sahar ,September 06-September 12, 2008

In a letter to United Nations Secretary General Ban-ki-Moon, Balawaristan National Front Chairman,Abdul Hamid Khan alleged that Pakistan is violatingall human rights and plundering the resources of theregion.

“Your Excellency, I had already sent an appeal toyour honour titled ‘Restrain China and Pakistan fromOccupation’ about the violation of UN resolutions inBalawaristan (Pakistan occupied Gilgit Baltistan)which is the “Last colony of 21st century” instead ofthe fact that Balawaristan does not fall under thejurisdiction and constitution of Pakistan and its laws.Pakistan is violating all human rights obligations andwants to permanently occupy this region by plunderingits resources itself as well as by giving major share toChina with impunity. Balawaristan is an importantarea of disputed Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) becauseof its borders with China, Afghanistan, Central Asia(Tajikistan and Uzbekistan etc) and India. Pakistanhad given the lease of about 40 km area of villageGindayi, Tehsil Yasen, District Ghezer of copper, goldand other precious mines including uranium to aChinese company without the consultation of theowners. This is a disputed part of Jammu & Kashmirwhose fate is still to be decided between India andPakistan. This case is pending in United Nations(UNCIP) since 13th August 1948. Later, local peoplehad raised objection to the Chinese company on 13thJuly, 2008 and dislodged Chinese items from the minesarea. The government registered cases against thelocal people to appease Chinese government. TheNALA and its speaker can be dissolved any timewithout giving notice by the Ministry of Kashmir andNorthern Areas Affairs (KANA). The governmentof Pakistan wants to give as many areas to China asit can before the settlement of J&K issue.

(http://gilgitbaltistantimes.blogspot.com/2008/09/pakistan-plundering-northern-areas.html)

“UNICEF involved in child labour inKashmir,” Kashmir Watch , September 17,2008

UN Children’s agency, UNICEF (United NationsInternational Children’s’ Emergency Fund) has beenfound involved in child labour in earthquake-affectedareas of Azad Kashmir. More than 2000 Communityhealth workers were employed in a six-month projectfrom March to August 2006 to “promote healthy andhygienic behaviors and provide essential healthservices”. UNICEF’s implementing partner-Pakistan’s National Rural Supports Programme(NRSP) engulfed in controversies since it began itsactivities in Kashmir after October 08, 2005earthquake and made these controversialrecruitments. The National Rural SupportsProgramme (NRSP), which is also USAIDS’simplementing partner, is confronted with widespreadpublic resentment in quake-hit areas for “failing todeliver”. Many Community Health Workers wereunder age girls.

( h t t p : / / w w w . k a s h m i r w a t c h . c o m /showexclusive.php?subaction=showfull&id=1221681342archive=&startfrom=&ucat=15&var1news=valuenews)

September 2008 12

Other Developments

AJKHEB Azad Jammu and KashmirHydro Electric Board

AJK Azad Jammu & KashmirAPHC All Parties Hurriyat

ConferenceBNF Balawaristan National FrontCBM Confidence Building MeasuresCDP Community Development

ProgrammeFATA Federally Administered Tribal

AreasGBDA Gilgit-Baltistan Democratic

AllianceGBUM Gilgit Baltistan United

MovementISI Inter Services IntelligenceJIAJK Jamaat-e-Islami Azad Jammu

& KashmirKKH Karakoram HighwayKNM Karakoram National

MovementLoC Line of ControlNLI Northern Light InfantryNALA Northern Areas Legislative

AssemblyNAEDC Northern Areas Executive

Development CommitteeNWFP North West Frontier ProvincePoK Pakistan Occupied KashmirPOGB Pakistan occupied Gilgit

BaltistanPPP Pakistan Peoples’ PartyUJC United Jihad CouncilWAPDA Water and Power

Development Authority

Tariq Naqash, “Neelum valley residents askIndia to abandon Kishan Ganga plan,”September 22, 2008Muzaffarabad: Pakistan and India should maintaintruce along the Line of Control and find a peacefulpolitical solution to the Kashmir dispute instead ofgoing for a war. This demand was made at a seminarheld under the aegis of Press for Peace, a non-governmental organisation working for freedom ofpress and environmental protection, in Athmuqam,district headquarters of Neelum valley, to mark theWorld Peace Day on September 21. Stoppage ofwater of River Neelum would not only affect thedownstream aquatic life but would also be hazardousto the environment and ecosystem in the valley, itnoted. (http://www.greaterkashmir.comfull_story.asp?Date=22_9_2008&ItemID=30&cat=1)

“PM Gilani lauds donors’ role for quake victims’rehabilitation,” September 19, 2008

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf RazaGilani on September 18 appreciated the commitmentof donor agencies for the reconstruction andrehabilitation of the 2005-earthquake affected areas.“Due to the inherent resilience of the affected peopleand assistance from the global community, thegovernment has managed to complete the relief andrescue operations successfully,” he said whileaddressing the donors and sponsors of the earthquakeaffected areas of Azad Kashmir and NWFP at anIftar dinner at the Prime Minister’s House. The primeminister said the damage was huge but the help andcourage of the people proved greater than thecatastrophe.

(http://www.paktribune.com/news/index.shtml?205863)

ABBREVIATIONS

September 2008 13

Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), legitimately anintegral part of the Indian Union is presently underPakistan’s control. Pakistan occupied the territoryas a result of tribal invasion in 1947 engineered bythe Pakistani army. It covers one-third of the totalarea of 86,023 square miles/ 222,236 squarekilometers of the state of Jammu &Kashmir. Thearea under occupation comprises two administrativeunits: Mirpur- Muzaffarabad and Gilgit Baltistanreferred as ‘Azad Kashmir’ and the ‘Northern Areas’respectively by the government of Pakistan. Pakistanceded a segment (2,700 sq miles) of this occupiedterritory lying to the north-east border of the NorthernAreas known as the Trans Karakoram Tract to Chinain 1963.

“AZAD KASHMIR”

Pakistan envisaged the Azad Kashmir as a countrywith a President, a Prime Minister and a Legislatureof its own according to the Karachi Agreement ofApril 28, 1949. These structures and thedesignations are only titular in nature as this invadedterritory is neither a country nor even a province.Significant subjects such as defence, supposed‘foreign policy’ of POK, rehabilitation of refugeesand the overall control have been carefully placedunder the discretion of the political establishment ofPakistan.

Area: 13,297 square km

Mirpur comprises 3 districts: Bhimber, Kotli,Mirpur

Muzaffarabad is divided into five districts: Bagh,Muzaffarabad, Neelum, Poonch, Sudhnati

Population: 3,271,000(1.685 million Male, 1.665million Female)

Capital: Muzzaffarabad

“President”: Raja Zulqarnain Khan

“Prime Minister”: Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan

“Azad Jammu and Kashmir” Council: Total 11members- 6 from the government of AJK and 5 fromthe government of Pakistan. The AJK Council isheaded by the President AJK.Legislative Assembly: 49 seats

Tribal population: Awan, Abbassi, Ansari , Gilani,Gujar, Jarral, Jat, Qureshi, Malik, Mughal, Pashtuns,Rajput, Rachyals, Sudhan, Tarkhan

NORTHERN AREAS

The Northern Areas officially referred to by thegovernment of Pakistan as the FederallyAdministered Northern Areas (FANA), is thenorthernmost political entity within the Pakistanoccupied part of Kashmir and is a self governingunit under Pakistani control. The area is five timesbigger to that of Azad Kashmir. The status of thisregion being unstated in the successive constitutionsof Pakistan over the years, the people are deniedbasic socio-political and legal rights. The NorthernAreas have no representation in the NationalAssembly and are governed by the Northern AreasCouncil headed by Minister of Kashmir andNorthern Areas. A Judicial Commissioner exercisesjudicial powers in the absence of a High Court. Thepopulation mainly comprises Shia, Sunni and IsmailiMuslims. Ethnic groups include Baltees, Shinas,Vashkuns, Mughals, Kashmiris, Pathans, Ladhakhisand Turks.

Governor/ Commissioner: Imran Ali

“Chief Minister”: Irfan Ali and Shahid Hussain

Legislature: Northern Areas Legislative Assembly(29 seats)

Languages: Balti, Shina, Brushaski, Khawer,Wakhi, Turki, Tibeti, Pushto and Urdu

Area: 72,496 km

Capital: Gilgit

Districts: seven

Baltistan is divided into Ghanche and Skardu

Gilgit divided into Astore, Diamer, Ghizar, Gilgitand Hunza Nagar

Population: 1.5 million

Political groups: United Jammu and KashmirPeoples’ National Party, Balwaristan National Front(BNF) and Gilgit Baltistan United Action Forum forSelf Rule, Gilgit Baltistan United Movement(GBUM).

Literacy rate: 14% male- 3.5% female

State of Infrastructure: No pipelines for watersupply and no electricity supply for at least two thirdsof the population in Northern Areas.

Pakistan Occupied Kashmir-An Overview

September 2008 14

Institute for Defence Studies and AnalysesNo. 1, Development Enclave, Rao Tula Ram Marg

New Delhi-110 010Telphone: 91-11-26717983; Fax: 91-11-26154191

Website: www.idsa.in; Email: lbscidsa@gmail.com

POK NEWS DIGEST

A MONTHLY NEWS DIGEST ON PAKISTAN OCCUPIED KASHMIR

Volume 1 Number 4 September 2008

Disclaimer

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