Dr. Zafar Iqbal Qadir, Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Chief Guest of the event  appreciated AKDN’s role in developing resilient communities. He said that joint working groups will finalize Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) enriched curriculum for Pakistan by the year end. “At the government level, our efforts will continue to notify official commemoration of National School Safety Day annually on May 16th”, he said.

Earlier, FOCUS Chairperson, Ms. Khadija Jamal Shaban, welcomed participants of the seminar and highlighted the efforts of the Aga Khan Development Network in mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction. She emphasized the importance of preparedness of the next generation, and highlighted the need for collaborative efforts in this regard.

Dr. Tariq Mahmood, Deputy Educational Adviser in Curriculum and Textbook Development and Production Unit of the Capital Administration and Development Division (CA&DD), Islamabad Pakistan, made a presentation about the national curriculum and how efforts have been made to incorporate DRR as a theme. He hoped that by 2013 – 14, a DRR enriched national curriculum will be available, which can be used across the country.

Mr. Zulfiqar Ali, Programme Coordinator, made a presentation about AKDN’s School Safety programme being jointly implemented by the different AKDN agencies, including AKF, AKES, AKU – IED and AKPBS, with assistance from the Australian government. Experts from different organizations made thematic presentations on different aspects of school safety. Among the presenters was Col (r) Shehryar of ERRA who presented a paper on construction of safer schools, based on his experience of rebuilding infrastructure in the Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) region. Mr. Syed Arsalan Sabah Zaidi from UNESCO presented a paper on “existing school curriculum and school safety”. Ms. Javeria Afzal of Oxfam presented a paper on social and physical vulnerabilities faced by members of the school community. A paper on structural vulnerabilities and mitigation measures was presented by Mr. Muhammad Sohail of NESPAK.

Mr. Eid Dad, a teacher from the Ghizar District of Gilgit – Baltistan, shared his experiences related to implementation of School Safety measures in his school and village. He said that a visible change could be seen at the school level where School Safety and DRR have become a priority.

The seminar was also attended by large numbers of government officials, including Federal Secretary for Education, Education Secretary for Gilgit – Baltistan and other senior officials. The Gilgit-Baltistan Directorate of Education also officially celebrated 16 May 2012 as the School Safety Day across GB.

Different programmes were held in Karachi, Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), Chitral and other parts of the country to raise awareness about the need for creating disaster resilient school communities, better equipped and trained for dealing with natural and human induced disasters, and to increase the physical resistance of school structures to serve as safe havens during disasters.  School Safety Day related events were also held at schools in Astore, Ghizar, Gilgit, Hunza –Nagar, Chitral and Karachi, where students, teachers and community members came out in large numbers to advocate creation of safer and resilient schools.

Focus Humanitarian Assistance has been providing school safety training to communities since its inception in 1998. Thousands of students, teachers and community members have been trained for managing emergency evacuations, development of safety plans, fire-fighting, provision of first-aid, as well as basic search and rescue operations, in case of any eventuality. FOCUS has also worked with the Gilgit – Baltistan government to develop a school safety strategy for the mountainous regions. Advocacy efforts are underway currently to create laws based on the school safety strategy.

In short, it seems that King Badat has reclaimed his rule in Pakistan recently, Gilgit being no exception.

While the media only present a current-event based view of the violence in Gilgit-Baltistan, students of history remind us that events may be different, but the source of the violence is the same. The recent spate of violence is the same old lethal cocktail of precisely calibrated sectarianism, establishment policies promoting private militias, thinking of security in the form of buffer zones and strategic depth instead of human security. When the tangled web starts to unravel, it is difficult then to tie up the loose ends.

What facilitated these hunger games is the beautifully yet tragically manipulated diversity existing in the region.

(F M Khan, The History of Gilgit, Baltistan and Chitral: A short history of two millennia, Gilgit, 2002).

District : Shia : Sunni : Ismaili : Nurbakhshi

Gilgit : 54% : 19% : 27%

Skardu : 87% : 3% : 10%

Diamer : 10% : 90%

Ghizer : 13% : 87%

Ghanche : 5% : 8% : 87%

Astore : 30% : 70%

The 1998 National Census gave a population figure of 870,000 for Gilgit-Baltistan. It has now been projected to approximately 1.5 million of which 39 percent are Shia, 27 percent Sunni, 18 percent Islamili and 16 percent Nurbakhshi. Through the decades, this diversity has been eyed as a good opportunity to manipulate. Settling and facilitating specific groups of non-locals in an attempt to change the demographic of the area is just one way of manipulation. According to research, the old population ratio of non-locals to locals of 1:4 in 2001 is now 3:4. The reason can be found in history.

The people of the Northern Areas of Pakistan fought an indigenous and independent war for their freedom from the clutches of Dogra rule. This freedom war was neither externally motivated nor externally assisted. In this view, it can be termed as an expression of their right of self-determination as envisaged in the charter of the UN. The people, after gaining freedom from Dogra rule, opted to join Pakistan without any preconditions, but in response to this goodwill gesture, the government of Pakistan imposed a colonial system of governance in the form of the Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR), known as the ‘black law’. Under this law, no act of Parliament is applicable in the region, while the laws are amended only by the president. Moreover, the law denies the right to make an appeal against any decision of a jirga, applies collective punishment on a tribe or a family, and gives legal cover to the authorities to arrest anyone without charge.

The Bhutto government abolished this black law in 1972, and direct federal rule was introduced in the region. The princely states and the rule of hereditary princes were abolished along with the state subject. This in turn also facilitated the settlement of non-locals from various parts of the country in Gilgit-Baltistan. As mentioned earlier, this altered the demographic characteristics of the area. Under federal rule, Gilgit-Baltistan was converted into districts, while the resident commissioner and deputy commissioners were introduced. Still, no representation was given to the people of the area. The security establishment attached the question of autonomy and constitutional identity with the resolution of the Kashmir issue. As a result, the introduction of this direct federal rule also could not meet the requirements of the people of the region, and they were not given any protection under the constitution.

However, let us also remind ourselves that it was during the Bhutto regime in the mid-1970s that the first Sunni-Shia clash took place. Sunnis had objected to the practice of Shias making stages in the middle of the road to deliver speeches. In response, the authorities prohibited such activities, which led to clashes between the Shia community and police. The sectarian divide was strengthened by General Zia’s Islamisation and anti-Shia policies, the fruits of which we are seeing in Gilgit, Punjab and Balochistan. The imposition of Sharia or Islamic law by the dictator during his tenure and that too with an inclination towards the extremist Sunni school of thought agitated the Shia community, creating fertile ground for sectarian conflict throughout Pakistan. The sponsoring of extremist Sunni militants by the state mainly created for the Afghan war added fuel to the fire, as they promoted sectarian differences. The Zia regime promoted Sunni radical groups such as Sipah-e Sahaba to establish their presence in Gilgit-Baltistan. The brunt of the violence was witnessed in the 1980s and especially after 1988, when the jihad ‘came home’. Although the policies of the dictatorial regime of General Zia sowed the seeds for sectarian polarisation, unfortunately the later incumbent administrations — democratic or otherwise — also did not take any measures to mitigate the brewing conflict. The blind eye turned towards the region by the state, can only be termed criminal. Regarding the involvement of foreign elements in the present events, which is being emphasised by the so-called religious alliances, it should be noted that even the IG Gilgit-Baltistan has denied any such involvement in the current strain. Besides, even if there are foreign elements active, then it is only due to our own negligence and abandonment of the citizens living there, which has created inroads for these elements.

(To be continued)

The writer Gulmina Bilal Ahmad is a development consultant and can be reached at coordinator@individualland.com

Published in Daily Times

The news came after the relatives and the lawyer of the three activists — Progressive Youth Movement Chief Organiser Baba Jan, Iftikhar Hussain and Ameer Khan — complained to the Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) Inspector General of Police (IGP) Hussain Akhtar on Thursday. They asked the IGP to take action against a superintendent of police, a deputy superintendent of police, a station house officer and a deputy superintendent of Gilgit Jail for torturing the three activists, and preventing them from meeting their family members and their lawyer.

The counsel for the three activists, advocate Ehsan Ali, said last week he visited the jail to see his clients after being “repeatedly denied the right” by the jail authorities. He claimed that the three men had injuries on their faces and shoulders, adding that they are in urgent need of medical attention.

“Denying a lawyer to meet his counsel in jail is a violation of human rights,” said Ali. “As per the jail manual, we have the right to see our clients and the prisoners too have certain rights inside the jail,” he said.

Ali claimed that the activists were tortured because they attempted to instigate the prisoners in Gilgit Jail to raise voice against injustices they face at the hands of police and jail authorities. He added that if the IGP did not respond to the complaint, he will be forced to move the court for justice.

Meanwhile, an anti-terrorism court in Gilgit allowed medical checkups of the three detainees.

The three activists were among the estimated 100 people arrested last year for ransacking a police station and torching government offices in Hunza. They were protesting against the killing of a disaster-hit man and son in August last year during a clash between the police and the people affected by the Attabad Lake.

The activists were booked under the anti-terrorism act, however, all but these three activists remain in jail.

When contacted, Gilgit Deputy Commissioner Arkam Tariq said he was unaware of any torture meted out to the detainees inside the jail. “I am not aware of any such incident, but I can assure you that a fair inquiry will be conducted,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune

The riders, led by a police escort and an ambulance, set out from Shahi Polo Ground and rallied through various routes waving at children, who had gathered alongside the roads to see them.

Decked in colourful dresses, the riders represented various polo teams of Gilgit-Baltistan, including the Gilgit polo, police and scouts teams. As they passed through the major avenues, several vehicles could be seen joining the rally to show solidarity.

Talking to The Express Tribune, a government official said that polo has been a symbol of unity in the region, adding that it sends a strong message to the people to shun their differences as they do during polo matches.

“It feels great to be part of a team working for peace,” said a rider.

“The game is liked by everyone irrespective of their political or sectarian affiliation and we hope the initiative will be successful in achieving its objective.”

The rally passed through Ghari Bagh, Raja Bazaar, Sadar Bazaar, Cinema Chowk, Airport Road Kashrote, Khomer, and Jutial before returning to its starting point.

Gilgit’s deputy commissioner and assistant commissioner accompanied the riders in a separate car.

The G-B government has intensified its efforts to curb sectarianism in the region following bouts of sectarian violence in which more than 20 people were killed.

Several peace rallies and gatherings of mixed sects have also been organised to promote harmony and brotherhood.

The lawyers’ community also took out a peace rally last Thursday, urging the government to “establish its writ” in the region to avoid recurrence of violence.

Published in The Express Tribune

Published in Express Tribune

More New Related to Maulana Ahmed Ludhianvi

Maulana Ahmed Ludhianvi released – geo.tv

Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat banned

Express Tribune Readers Comments

Chengaiz Khan

I have a gentle comment on the above statement that Agha Khan’s interest. Pakistan is the only country in the world where innocent people are killed by just for no reason but they are Muslims. These contractors of Islam religion so called ASWJ headed by the international wanted criminal have all their interest in money. So stop these bullshits and dont forget that the first president of All India Muslim league was Agha Khan III under the umbrella this country came into exist. Hundreds of innocent people killed on way to Gilgit by sunni extremist – is this Islam?

Avicenna

I can understand where ASWJ is coming from! I think its got nothing to do with Aga Khan state but the fear of losing their grip on innocent citizens of Gilgit-Baltistan region and Pakistan in general.

We always talk about righteousness yet we don’t do anything to support our fellow human beings and in this case our brothers and sisters in Islam who are struggling for thier livelihoods. I have one question only for Maulana Ahmed Ludhianvi – What is ASWJ (ot its affiliates) doing to alleviate poverty and improve lives of their fellow brethren mentally, physically and spiritually???

The Prophet (PBUH) always helped everyone, regardless of their beliefs or tribe. And that is Islam my dear brother!!!

If you can not help anyone, then please stay on the sidelines and let others do the right thing as Islam and its ethics teach us… you might learn a thing or two…

Iqbal

First of all im not an ismaili, follower of agha khan but i have met him twice when i was elected reperesentative in gilgit. He has done a lot of work to improve the life of people of GB for the last 30 years Through AKDN ,AKHS, and other networks regardless of race and religion. He has always stressed for education ,and female education has improved in our area due to his efforts. Blaming him to establish a state in GB is just a stupid idea of the sick minds.These statements are given to gain the popularity by rejected people. we should not give importance to such statements.

Khan

First of All, It was the Aga khan 3rd Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah the first president of All India Muslim leage who led the Struggle for creating Pakistan and now its the The Aga Khan 4th who is working in the development of Pakistan in the feild of Education, Health, social, economical, rural and urban development without any race or religion. Aga khan wants pakistan to be a prosperous Muslim country, based on the true values of Islam.

the claim of so called ASWJ president regarding Gilgit-Baltistan is useless and baseless.

Post your comment below

Published in The Express Tribune

Talking to newsmen here today with Chief Minister Gilgit Baltistan Syed Mehdi Shah after a meeting which reviewed the law and order situation in Gilgit‚ Malik said several persons were arrested following acts of violence in Gilgit. He assured that those found innocent would be released soon.

Minister said Police force strength in Gilgit would be increased to 10,000 from the present 5,000. Frontier Corps and Rangers personnel have also been directed to assist Gilgit Baltistan government in the maintenance of law and order, he added. FIA office will also be set up in Gilgit as part of efforts to improve the situation.

Malik said that religious scholars were also being taken on board in order to promote religious harmony in Gilgit and other areas.

Geo News Reported

Those affected most by the curfew are the daily-wage earners. As the majority of the workforce in Gilgit are daily-wage labourers, and the curfew has forced them to remain shut in their homes, most of them are living in destitution. In short, the government has converted the region into a jail. Is there no one to remedy this situation?

by Hasnain Balti Skardu, Baltistan, Published in The News Pakistan

The fact of the matter is that the nation has not come out of the April 3 tragedy during which innocent people were put to death mercilessly. This gory incident left the whole region divided into Sunni and Shia blocs sending a wave of shock and anger throughout the region. The chief minister later also acknowledged that had curfew not been clamped in the region, hundreds of more innocent people would have fallen victims to the senseless killings. Besides, the suspension of mobile service also worked in some way to keep the situation under control. Even though the government had to take all these extraordinary steps, people of the region still live in fear and avoid unnecessary movement out of their four walls. Apart from that, travel on the Karakoram Highway remains full of danger and after the recent killing of a truck driver at Nagar, the drivers went on a strike at Bisham but there was no one to give them guarantee of security.

After the April 3 killings, the police have registered about 17 cases of murder, arson and armed attacks but so far there is no details about how many people have been arrested and where they are being kept. The chief minister and most of his cabinet members still remain encamped in Sakrdu and seem not so interested in the law and order situation in other parts of the region. However, during the recent visit to Skardu by President Asif Ali Zardar, the chief minister demanded of the army chief that the police of Gilgit-Baltistan should be provided with modern arms and ammunition. After that the army chief ordered provision of about 3,000 guns to the police from the Wah ordnances factories. After supply of these arms, the chief minister should have no more excuse that a stick-wielding police can not deal with the terror elements. Actually, the main issue here is not lack of arms and personnel but spirit and sincerity to deal with the menace of terrorism and sectarian killings. Unfortunately, the chief minister lacks these elements. For the last over two years, people from different walks of life have been giving advices and proposals to improve law and order and end sectarian hatred in the region but the chief minister has failed to work on even one of them.

The other day President Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Rza Gilani reviewed the overall security and law and order situation in the country and the issue of Gilgit-Baltistan was on top of the agenda. They also discussed ways to make the KKH safe for all types of travels. Though details of the meeting were not shared with the media, it is learnt that the meeting discussed deployment of army and other forces on the vital highway. Besides, the meeting also approved provision of all needed resources to the GB Scouts and police and induct more personnel in it. Some time back Interior Misister Rehman Malik had also approved appointment of about 1,000 personnel in the police but as it was part of the prime minister’s package it also met the same fate as the package which remained a dream. But now the situation in the region ahs forced the federal government to take immediate steps in this regard. But here a question arises: whether increase in the number of police would be enough to control the situation and restore durable peace in the region. We are of the opinion that to achieve the desired result, promotion of sectarian harmony and tolerance is of utmost importance compared to induction in the police and other security forces.

Besides, it is the responsibility of people from all walks of life to come out for maintenance of peace and sectarian harmony in the region. It is also necessary that people belonging to all schools of thought buried their hatchet and start a new beginning to live in peace and harmony. The common people of the region have fed up with the frequent killings and violence in the name of religion and they want to live in peace and harmony as they have been living in the region for centuries. Now they also understand the reality that some elements were hell-bent on destroying the peace of the area and pitch the people against each other to achieve their own interests. It is time we as a nation stop living as a silent spectator to the drama and raise our collective voice for the betterment of humanity so that our coming generations live in peace and without the fear of being put to death in the name of their sectarian affiliations.

Writer, DJ Mathal  is  from Gilgit Baltistan he is Chief Editor of BangShare – Newspaper. He can be reached through baangnews@gmail.com