Progressive Pakistan

The PTI's Impasse

2024-11-29T11:26:00.008+05:00

It should be condemned on every forum that the government used state's apparatus and adopted policy of coercion to disperse jubilant and charged PTI supporters from D-Chowk Islamabad.

The bullets peirced into bodies of many but PTI protestors tied up with a cause, stood like a bullwark with a hope that it will help Imran Khan get out of jail.The PTI proponents must be lauded for their loyalty with Imran Khan.

PTI has been blessed with brave youth and stalwarts however it unfortunately lacks second row leadership to organize the party ,establish a narrative and lead workers on the ground.

The second tier is divided and directionless.Lack of mutual concensus ,integrity and greed for vested interests on behalf of some within the party have drastic impact on youth and workers.

It has been witnessed for the second time CM KPK Mr Ghandapur disappeared from the scene and left supporters face shelling and firing.

We feel sorry for those who lost their precious lives.

Be it any political party ,the poor workers have to face the music.The demagogues will fuel and dupe workers for their horrendous goals.

A lesson to learn and revisit before pledging your allegiance to any political party.

The Gilgit-Baltistan’s Conundrum

2024-10-31T10:43:00.007+05:00

The residents of ill-fated Gilgit could easily hear hovering helicopters , the loud music, and echoing slogans raised during parade rehearsal and witness the VIP movement on Shahrah e Quaid e Azam Gilgit before 1 November; the Independence Day of Gilgit-Baltistan.

This day drifts us away to the liberation war of Gilgit-Baltistan when stout-hearted people of the difficult terrain liberated their land from the Dogra rule, governed the area as an Independent State for some days, and later joined Pakistan by choice in 1947.

The unfortunate, patriotic pro-Pakistan people celebrated 14 August with enthusiasm and fervor and are now preparing to celebrate the Independence Day of Gilgit-Baltistan with pomp and show.

The government officials and demagogues are going to deliver speeches to glorify the freedom fighters.They will lay wreaths on their graves to pay homage to their bravery and valor against the adversary.

Thanks to the Federation that it validates the sacrifices of our national heroes and freedom fighters. Therefore, the Independence Day of Gilgit-Baltistan is celebrated at State level every year.

The State also showcases the natural resources, minerals, and beauty of our icy mountains, cascading streams, and mesmerizing landscapes on international forums to improve the soft image of Pakistan but the misery is- it has still been unable to pull the region from constitutional limbo for more than 75 years now.

Gilgit-Baltistan with poor infrastructure and unfavorable facilities in health and education is still considered an under-developed ,far flung area rather a tourist spot which is only ideal for elite to breathe in fresh air in the mountains.

Though Gilgit-Baltistan has been administered by the Federation of Pakistan, yet it has not been given constitutional rights because the issue of Gilgit-Baltistan is one way or other linked to the Kashmir dispute. Therefore the Federation is reluctant to have an impact on Pakistan’s stance on the Kashmir cause. Hence, Gilgit-Baltistan has not been incorporated into the Federation.

The plebiscite over the Kashmir dispute the Pakistan has been optimistic about to garner more votes and merge whole Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan into Pakistan has already taken 75 years, for how long people of Gilgit-Baltistan have to suffer at the behest of the Kashmir dispute?

The people of Gilgit-Baltistan want parliamentary representation,self-determination and autonomy, and due share in financial institutions i.e. NFC Award.

Over the time, the people of Gilgit-Baltistan have been feeling resentment and disappointment after witnessing that India has revoked articles 370 and 35A of her constitution and merged Jammu and Kashmir into India by coercion and using the state’s apparatus.

Why can't Pakistan give provisional province or status like Azad Jummu and Kashmir to Gilgit-Baltistan?

Perhaps it needs will and pure intention to amend some of the articles of Pakistan’s constitution to integrate Gilgit-Baltistan into the Federation.

These are some serious questions the youth of Gilgit-Baltistan have been seeking answers to.

The people in power corridors need to revisit their sugar-coated speeches to manipulate the brave people every now and then.Also ,the Federation should go beyond the cosmetic arrangements to decide the fate of the 2 million populace of the region.

The Demise of Wajahat Hassan Khan

2024-08-23T12:28:00.000+05:00

Colonel Retired Khan Wajahat breathed his last in Rawalpindi this morning. He was the son of Mirza Hassan Khan; the freedom fighter and iconic figure of Gilgit-Baltistan.

Late Col Wajahat after his father followed his father's legacy and took part in politics to pull out the people of Gilgit- Baltistan from socio-political and constitutional quagmire.

He along with his cronies Late Maj Hussain Shah and others formed a political party to address the grievances of Gilgit-Baltistan and both of them faced the music for their struggle.

Late Col retired Wajahat voiced Gilgit-Baltistan's constitutional orphanage on various international forums while in exile for his socio-political activism.

He had been politically victimized till his last breath. The people of Gilgit-Baltistan shouldn't forget the sacrifices he and his family gave to Gilgit-Baltistan.

How ill-fated we humans are; in the end some messages and voice notes are the only memories we are left with.

Goodbye Veteran, you were a brave warrior. May you be blessed with higher ranks in Jannah. Ameen

Mesum Qasmi

Our Preferences behind the facade of Objectivity

2022-05-25T20:48:00.006+05:00

Our Preferences behind the facade of Objectivity

When progressives,socialists and left-wing political parties were critical of undemocratic forces for their intervention in Politics, the proponents of PTI painted it anti-state. When there was a raucous debate about the extension of COAS in the country. The supporters of PTI obfuscated the whole scenario saying "mulk kay azeem tar mafad mein extension deni chahae "

When people would voice the forced , unlawful Balouch disappearances and demanded their judicial trial.PTI friends would assume " begair reason kay nahi uthatay "

When folks would stand for freedom of press and media, lambasting the abduction of journalists like Mati ul Jan. The tigers of PTI observed grave silence.

When socialists throughout the country raised slogans to bolster student unions and demanded freedom.PTI friends would mock at them saying" kis say azaadi chahae "And then PTI popped up with Azaadi March"

When PTI marches towards Islamabad, it is a Pakistani march but unfortunately, when other parties do, it is to derail the government by challenging the writ of the state.

Performance of PTI remained in shambles during its tenure rather a political culture of recrimination, blame game and badmouthing opposition benches was opted.PTI would have focused on policy-making as PTI chairman Imran Khan had pledged on containers.

We should have the heart to give room to dissenting views coming from any segment, class or community. We need to stop the selective approach and polity.

PTI should have been allowed to march peacefully and reach Islamabad while exercising its democratic right enshrined in the constitution. State apparatus had not been used. Coercion and violence must not be the last resort. It will result in resentment, chaos and crisis in the country.

Why did i become a nurse and why did i become a nurse entrepreneur?

2022-04-16T22:29:00.000+05:00

Why did I become a nurse and Why did I become a nurse entrepreneur?

Introduction

Since childhood, I had the desire to serve humanity in a tense and vulnerable situation; when a few people show the courage to give a helping hand. This desire gradually got strength when I pay visits to hospitals where I would see patients lying on the beds, crying out in pain.

Also, Clara Barton and Mother Theresa are the two influential nurses who provided me with the impetus to join nursing. They spent their lives helping people in times of hardship, crisis, and destruction.

Therefore I chose to be a nurse to help patients who are passing through the dark phase of their lives.

I believe, nursing is one of the most respectable and trusted fields. This field plays a pivotal role to improve and revamping the healthcare system. I was intrigued by nursing due to its scope and demand. Though this field is challenging as one has to come across stressful situations i.e in case of emergency yet it provides contentment and happiness when you contribute to ease the pain of others.

Why did I become a nurse?

It is now pertinent to discuss the reasons I had in my mind before being a nurse.

1-Nurses are well versed

Ostensibly nurses are seen as humble, honest, and trusted professionals across the globe. They have been ranked as the most trusted professionals for decades. They are appreciated in every society and community.

2-Job security

There will always be the need for qualified healthcare professionals and front liners. The skillset you carry as a nurse is valued in every corner of the world. Moreover, the demand exponentially grows promising job security.

3-Upward mobility

There is a hierarchy of nursing professionals, from entry-level practical nurses to advanced nurse practitioners. It completely depends on the person to stay idle or move forward. The more you learn, the more you grow. Furthermore, you can always go back to nursing schools to enhance your education and your career title.

4-Various Job Opportunities

Nurses can work in a hospital, physician’s offices, insurance companies, nursing homes, schools, patients’ homes, or even they can travel to other countries for work. They also can render their services in informatics while sorting out patients' data to improve the results of the healthcare system.

5-Decent Salary

With the increasing population and surging demand for nurses, their salaries are quite good to make a comfortable and happy living.

6-Wide social interaction

Nurses possess the privilege to expand their social circle and have contact with the best doctors, clinics, and hospitals in a community. It facilitates them to get their relatives and family members treated timely.

7-Sense of purpose

Nursing is not only a career but it imbues a sense of purpose in your personality because you stand by people in their toughest times. I can say, that I didn’t choose this career as much as it chose me.

The Transition from a nurse to a nurse entrepreneur

What is a Nurse Entrepreneur?

The health care professionals who materialise their nursing experience to work and start their own business. The assignments the business owners do may vary.

Being a nurse I helped patients and eased their pain. I strived hoarse to provide my services to everyone around me. I worked days and nights in various hospitals, companies, schools and colleges. I would receive a handsome salary.

I had made a wide social circle of friends and colleagues. I also earned respect in society but I felt that I was working for someone else. Thus I started thinking to work on my own and transforming every possible adversity into an opportunity.

Why would a nurse want to become a nurse entrepreneur?

A nurse would express interest in starting her/his own business and becoming a nurse entrepreneur due to the following reasons

• lack of conviction in themselves; nurses are good at caring for people but are often frightened by the financial factor of healthcare.
• lack of financial and emotional support and not knowing who to ask for help.

Why did I become a nurse entrepreneur?

Most of the time I would feel the need for nurse entrepreneurs who are vital to the healthcare industry.

I believed that I have the creativity and passion to become a nurse entrepreneur. Also, I can boost healthcare through my services and products to improve others' lives.

I thought to create my profession with my terms and conditions while making a significant impact on the world.

I consistently developed new skills, leading to personal and professional growth. It enabled me to grow my business and help other entrepreneurs thrive.

The reasons I have to become a nurse entrepreneur.

1. Extraordinary Income Potential

I believe, nurse entrepreneurs have various opportunities to make incredible incomes through hard work, creativity, and research.

Manifold earns six to eight figures salary a year by offering unique products, agile services, and robust consulting.

For instance, Ben Huber of Dollarsprout; is a registered nurse who receives revenue of seven figures from his business.

The Pioneers of FIGS (Heather Hasson and Trina Spear) have also initiated a seven-figure company selling popular and stylish medical apparel.

Further, most nurse entrepreneurs have built successful and profitable businesses, websites, and blogs on micro to macro levels. The feeling to wake up and seeing your increasing sales is matchless.

Consequently, successful nurse entrepreneurs own and operate online businesses because it offers excellent flexibility and freedom.

2. Flexible Scheduling

I fully endorse, nurse entrepreneurs can focus on their side business in their leisure. Hence you have the flexibility over your schedule and can plan your schedule accordingly.

However, the more energy you put into the business, the faster you grow and flourish.

The control over your schedule also allows you to improve your lifestyle.

For example, you can work the whole day when no one is at home or night when the family fall asleep.

Hence, many bloggers and website owners love working from a coffee shop, bedroom, personal office, or dedicated space.

3. Personal and Professional Growth

I became a nurse entrepreneur as I register that learning and improving new skills is an important part of enhancing your personal and professional life.

It allows you to broaden your proficiency and understanding, and become more competent in various domains.

As an entrepreneur, you’ll learn about innovation, marketing strategies, management and communication skills.

Through developing new skills one can improve creativity and increase passion to cope with contemporary challenges.

4. Creativity in Nurse Entrepreneurs

I think Creativity is a basic yardstick of being an influential entrepreneur and successful businessman.

It requires individuals to adapt and apply innovative ideas to solve problems efficiently.

I feel that I become more resourceful if I inculcate creativity being a nurse entrepreneur.

5. Freedom to Develop my Career

One can build a business according to passion and ability instead of spending your day working for someone else.

I became a nurse entrepreneur as I love to be my boss instead of being subservient to others.

I observe that I could solve the problems on my own, help individuals and businesses succeed, create something different, and do what I love.

As your company expands, there are several opportunities to focus more on the facets you enjoy.

You will have the freedom to be more imaginative and aspirational with how you address various challenges.

6. Expand Healthcare

I assert that nurse entrepreneurs can design and develop commodities and services that boost the healthcare system.

It encompasses apparel, healthcare software, and tools to refine healthcare worker comfort/fashion, streamline medical systems and procure valuable medical equipment.

However, it also involves consulting, freelance content writing, and management services to accelerate the healthcare industry.

Nurse entrepreneurs create numerous products, services, and tools to ensure everyone lives healthier and happier lives.

7. No Office Politics

I opt to be a nurse entrepreneur as I was sick of office politics because it is stressful for me as well as other healthcare workers who concentrate on their careers but get caught in unwanted dialogues.

Nurses in hospitals and healthcare settings are much familiar with the difficulties of office politics.

As a nurse entrepreneur, I can craft my career and choose what I want to work alongside.

It’s your company, so you can design as you like and shape the discussions with rationale.

Therefore, you must assess how you communicate to accomplish and ensure your company prospers.

One can also develop jovial skills frequently to satiate the needs of the environment you already have created.

8-Confidence and Empowerment

I became nurse entrepreneur as it adds a real sense of accomplishment in my personality.It gives me the flexibility and freedom that I adore and comprehend. I have a sense of empowerment and control over my life.

Being a nurse entrepreneur has made me confident,composed,empowered and organised personality.Nothing feels more substantial than knowing that I have been able to grow my business.

These were the practical reasons to become a nurse entrepreneur and design a lifestyle that suits my whims.

Reasons behind the fiasco of PTI Government

2022-04-10T18:50:00.011+05:00

When Imran Khan was sworn in as PM, everyone celebrated and expected that he would be different from other corrupt politicians. People started taking interest in politics because they saw hope. They used to follow his news and watch his interviews.

The nation was convinced that he would perform and transform our institutions. But, unfortunately, he went along the same old lines the political elites of Pakistan have been adopting. The same dogmas and rotten practices our politicians have in their buckets were readily used by Imran Khan and his PTI government.

Perhaps the rationale behind the failure of Imran’s government cannot be merely a foreign conspiracy. It is more about his incompetence, as he was unable to deliver on the promises he made to the nation while speaking from that “Container”.

1-Imran Khan failed to draft an economic policy after resuming office. He asked IMF many times for financial aid despite being critical of IMF policies and despite making promises of shunning IMF forever. People saw the clear dichotomy.

2-Imran Khan announced job creation, houses and poverty alleviation but he ended up unable to deliver. Instead, poor economic conditions meant that millions became jobless.

3-Imran Khan promised to put all the “corrupt politicians” like Zardari, and Nawaz Sharif behind bars but he provided impunity to NS and Dr Asim.

4-Imran Khan had brought in dual citizens, mostly from the US, to be a part of his team. This discouraged his ideological supporters, who voiced their concerns openly and behind the doors, without getting much attention. At some point, it appeared that all key decisions were being made by non-elected advisors and ‘assistants’.

5-Imran Khan appointed Sardar Usman Buzdar as Chief Minister Punjab, with no former experience of running a massive province, half of Pakistan’s population! Tales of his incompetency, allegations of corruption, started from day one, as people lost trust in his ability to bring about any meaningful change.

6-TLP and other religious groups blackmailed Imran Khan on blasphemy.

7-Imran didn’t pay a visit to Malaysia to get Muslim countries on one platform because of Muhammad Bin Salman. This despite promising an ‘independent’ foreign policy.

8-Imran Khan couldn’t ask France Ambassador to leave Pakistan to diffuse the religious chaos, considering relations with the EU. He, however, did not apply the same analogy to the US and went on a full diplomatic rampage.

9-Imran Khan had promised to make PM house a world-class University. Nothing of that sort was done.

10. Imran Khan had Lady Farah Khan, a close friend of the first lady, who is accused of being involved in illegal transfers of government officers in Punjab and receiving kickbacks. Stories of these allegations were making rounds for months, denting IK’s promise of “Zero Tolerance” against corruption.

11-Imran Khan didn’t get into parliament with a 2/3 majority but through an alliance with independent candidates, and parties that he had in the past called traitors, robbers and other names. His government made many concessions to its allies, giving them key positions and turning an eye to their past.

This practice of selective cast a long shadow on the credentials of Imran Khan as a uni-directional anti-corruption warrior.

12-Imran Khan had been seeking help from the establishment and defending them, more often which made him no different from others.

13-He couldn’t build any significant new institution, instead indulged in changing the names of programs.

14-In the end he could not show the courage to resign after the No-Confidence Motion and intentionally battered the decorum of the National Assembly and held the constitution in abeyance to continue his reign.

One can register and agree other parties are corrupt. Also, Imran Khan is an honest leader who raised expectations of a nation that he would deliver and perform But he did not, or could not.

No one could see any achievement of PTI in the last three years except recriminations. In conclusion, Imran Khan turned out to be a populist, narcissist and just another pawn of the deep state, like other politicians.

Justice for Adiba

2021-08-16T19:59:00.002+05:00

Bride Adiba was strangled to death by in-laws in Shimshal,Gilgit-Baltistan.The body was left on river-bank.Though FIR was registered ,murderers were apprehended yet they were released on bail.This exposes our rotten justice system.Hence the threat posed to lives of women by domestic violence can't be condoned.

How could in-laws kill the newly wed bride ,wrapped the body in the blanket ,left in open and painted it as suicide. This case should thoroughly be looked into.Shame on those men and women who are involved in her murder.

Daughters are wed with a dream that they will live happily and become torch bearers of up coming generation being the first and primary institution BUT who knows that they will be choked to death like #Adiba by in-laws.

Raise your voice against domestic violence before it's too late. No one deserves to be killed this way.This is murder in cold blood.

Afghanistan Crisis

2021-08-16T15:57:00.006+05:00

The war stricken Afghanistan remained in crisis because it's land has been used as a battlefield by big powers and their proxies for vested interests.No one thought of Afghan people beyond politics.

The festering wound and worsening situation in Afghanistan demands magnanimity with the Afghan people.Hundreds of thousands of people from peripheries thronged into Kabul.

Women are not allowed to work in offices,young girls are sent back to home from colleges and universities.People are stuck at airport.Afghan Youth has been seen trying to board US Airforce Plane as they want to flee Afghanistan for better future and opportunities.

No one can anticipate the future as people are going through uncertainity and chaos.Atleast we should feel the ordeal people of Afghanistan are going through. It is the most difficult time under Taliban's rage.Prayers for the people of Afghanistan.

Flabbergasted to see some people in Pakistan among proponents of Taliban even after APS attack Peshawar and dozens of suicide attacks by Taliban across the country.The misery is the same people were changing Profile pictures and cover photos on 16 December in solidarity with martyrs of APS.Now they are celebrating Taliban's victory.

Take a stand and get a grip over it.Either support Taliban openly or condemn their tyranny and oppression.Need to stop this hypocrisy and appeasement.

Remember this picture social media has always been flooded with on 16 December every year.Hence revisit your transition from Bad to Good then Suljha Taliban.

Muharram Procession and Road Blockades

2021-08-12T10:24:00.000+05:00

Some pals raise a few eye brows on road blockades during Muharram.Let me disect it in few dimensions.

Jalose routes are permitted and scheduled by Administration one or two days before processions and we follow the designated routes.If traffic is not properly managed it is failure on behalf of traffic police and concerned echelons.

Muharram proccessions are staged throughout the world.In western countries traffic and route planning are good enough to divert the traffic smoothly.Therefore we see people on protests right infront of White House America.

When we have a visit of Sir Agha Khan in Hunza or PM Pakistan in GB ,their protocol and prerogative is always followed ,routes are priorly decided to avoid congestion but traffic jams are obvious due to poor town planning and traffic strategies.

We used to see protests every next day on roads in Pakistan and across the globe against discrimination ,prejudice,price hikes,inflation and human rights violation.We had a sit-in of 120 days in red zone by Imran Khan exercising his democratic right.The right to assembly and association as enshrined in constitution-Article 16.

It is pertinent to ask why cant we have Muharram processions taking those as protests against Yazeed ? Muharram is the agitation against self-proclamined and hypocrite muslims who beheaded grandson of Hazrat Muhammad saw for power and authority.Now it is your call to take either side or keep silent.

Who is holding the spectre of Taliban in Gilgit-Baltistan?

2021-07-09T19:07:00.004+05:00

US withdrew from Afghanistan in dark in accordance with it's foreign policy to exit 20 years of war, which it started to avenge 9/11 attack.The americans deliberately left heavy ammunition and weaponry behind to further aggravate the situation.

As of now the fate of Aghanis is in the hands of war-lords and various Taliban factions.The recent developments suggest Afghanistan is advancing towards Civil war because most of the areas have been controlled by Talibans.Moreover Talibans are also striving hard to create unrest near Tajikistan's border along durand line.

It may be anticipated that the northern part of Pakistan i.e Gilgit-Baltistan could also suffer from the ongoing outrage because one of cults of Taliban released a video of an open Kachery held in Babusar area.The spokesperson floated few of the concerns.

The commander while reading a script also discussed about a deal finalised with echelons and political leadership of Gilgit-Baltistan in 2019 that means someone at the healm of affairs must be held responsible.

Though the released video unearthed some facts yet it firmly establishes that Talibans had have safe havens in the mountains of Chilas and Kohistan.Shia genocide ,brutal murder of a police officer and foreign tourists were butchered in Chilas area by the same faction.The KKH and whole Gilgit-Baltistan witnessed peace after the deal.

Not a single statement is given on behalf of government on this video.It is a rather a grave concern for China Pakistan Economic Corridor,Trade, Peace,Tourism and stability of Gilgit-Baltistan.We believe that the power corridors will play an assertive role to rejuvenate and revamp the ties with Taliban to control the situation.

Looking foward towards Law enforcement agencies and government to pullout the public from this hysteria while in playing positively.

The Glacier Marriage

2021-06-28T10:47:00.003+05:00

The grafting of two glaciers to create new glaciers in order to utilize water for irrigation and in some cases to give impetus to hydro power on micro level ; a myth that remained the cultural heritage of the indigenous people of north.It is considered one of the popular natural phenomena in Gilgit-Baltistan.

The folklore explains that there is a male glacier called "Bero Gamuk" and a female glacier known as "Shochi Gamuk".Male glaciers are grey in colour, possesses debris, while female glaciers are transparent or bluish in color.The male glacier spills little water and moves slowly, while a female glacier is a growing glacier that gives off a lot of water.

The grafting process requires a piece each of a ‘male’ and ‘female’ glacier weighing approximately 45kg. Villagers pack these pieces in barley hay to make them warmer and carry them in a basket locally called "Karai".Then they transport it to the designated place and cover them with the mixture of mud, ash and close the site with heavy stones.

On this occasion the villagers usually slaughter an animal and pray for a new glacier's birth after a decade.

This whole process is confined in a short film directed and produced by Waleem Abbas a resident of Khomer Yerkot Gilgit.He has been assisted by Mayaro films a local film production house.

The film was presented in an amateur short film event i.e National Amateur Short Film Festival 2021 sponsored by ISPR and it got third position across the country.

Please follow up the link to the short film

https://youtu.be/O-St_jq98Kg

Travel Guide to Gilgit-Baltistan

2021-06-21T15:14:00.007+05:00

Gilgit-Baltistan:the heaven on earth in the lap of three mountain ranges ,the Hindukush ,the Karakorum and the Himalayas is yet to be explored by tourists across the globe.

It has three divisions i.e Gilgit division ,Baltistan division and Diamer division with further bifurcation into 10 districts.Almost every district of Gilgit-Baltistan conceals breath taking landscapes and lush green pastures.

Difficult terrain ,lofty and icy mountains ,mighty glaciers ,cascading streams,serenity and lakes makes this chunk one of the beautiful and worth visiting places of northern Pakistan.Lets give a bird eye to some of them.

The foremost is district Astore that has lakes,dancing waterfalls and trekking areas.This district is the door to Deosai National Park or Deosai Plains at the height of 12000 feet above the sea level.The park is made to protect wildlife especially endangered specie Brown Bear.

The park borders district Astore-Diamer division and Skardu-Baltistan division.The tourist can get to this place via direct flight of 55 mins from Islamabad to Skardu then a road trip of 3-4 hours.

The Ghizer district comes second in the list.It is the land of lakes which is a gateway to Chitral via Phundar ,Gulagmuli and Shandoor.The popular lakes of this district include Khalti Lake ,Langar Lake and Shandoor Lake.

The annual polo festival is also held in Shandoor top that is 11000 feet above the sea level.The tourists could visit this place via direct flight from Islamabad to Gilgit then 5-8 hours road trip.

Hunza-Nagar Districts are famous for Atabad Lake ,the long tunnels and mighty mountains like Rakaposhi ,Diran Peak etc.Hunza district is the gateway to CPEC as it's peripheral valleys connect with China.These districts are at a drive of 1-2 hours from Gilgit city.

Some videos i collected for the audience and tourists.

Phunder Valley , District Ghizer Gilgit-Baltistan.

The Deosai ,Dirlay Lake Astore , Gilgit-Baltistan.

Shandoor ,District Ghizer Gilgit-Baltistan.

The Atabad Tunnel District Hunza , Gilgit-Baltistan.

The difficult terrain of Gilgit-Baltistan.

People of Gilgit-Baltistan are living in peace ,following certain norms ,values,traditions and culture.We have some areas like Gojal ,Hunza where we dont have boundary walls of houses because we are all like a family and we do know not to cross our limits.Hence tourists have to consider cultural assimilation.They need to corporate with us to make Gilgit-Baltistan a better place.

Looking foward to have strict compliance on behalf of tourists visiting Gilgit-Baltistan

The Tale of a Power Freak

2021-05-28T19:37:00.001+05:00

People suffering from inferiority complex are always in quest of power and authority, be that a lucrative job in government,a slot in political landscape,a decent post in corporate sector or assuming a respectable position in a clan, tribe or least would be a dominant , eldest brother /sister or strict father-cum-power freak heading a nuclear or extended family.Let us critically analyze the life of a power freak.

A family living under the same roof as an organization where it's members are inextricably connected with each other , sharing every thick and thin are also in power struggle in one way or other.

Ostensibly the blue eyed child who could be a sister or a brother mostly eldest among siblings with inflated ego enjoys the preference in the family, and cold shoulder is given to rest of the children.

The priority and privilege are neither based on intellect and sacrifices for the family nor merit rather it purely depends on the orthodox and old schooled father to the side he is inclined to.The privileged child tranforms into carte balanche and a power freak once he or she starts his own family.

His/Her hegemony at times turned out to be fruitful in few cases to decipline things or it completely ruins whole family system when he adopts the repressive policy to streamline home affairs.His/Her belief system encourages him/her to be right all the time .Therefore he/she wants the family members to follow him/her unconditionally.

The authoritarianism is not always welcomed by one or two i.e the deviants in the family.They question the dominance of the power freak and agitate accordingly.Hence it is like a tug of war between power freak and the deviant members.The difference of opinion between the deviant members and the power freak have grave and serious consequences.

Evidently being a power freak is cancerous to family ,society and community.Therefore one has to decide whether to live a life of a power freak with a desire to rule people or share love and happiness by winning hearts of myriad.

Politically Victimized Hasnain Ramal

2021-05-25T12:41:00.001+05:00

Hasnain Ramal is one of the staunch nationalist voices of Gilgit-Baltistan.He has played a pivotal role to morph left-wing progressive politics of the region.His political ideology about Gilgit-Baltistan is far different from others.He asserts Gilgit-Baltistan a disputed territory stipulated in UNCIP resolutions.

Therefore he lays emphasis on it's political resolution as per UNCIP resolutions without exacerbating Kashmir cause.Precisely he demands implementation of State Subject Rule ,withdrawal of Pakistan Army from the disputed region and right to self-determination.He raised few questions while he was behind bars,that are still unanswered.

His activism on social media also circumscribes his demands.He speaks volumes on constitutional rights,privatization,land acquisition and against resentment in Gilgit-Baltistan.The reasons he is behind bars.His incarceration for the second time could not wane his political standing on the cause as he still stands high on pedestal without any fear and hesitation.

It could be perilous if government continues this polity of picking up nationalists and social media activists.Dissent may not be silenced or reprimanded with force and state apparatus.It is sheer political victimization that may be condemned.

We demand his immediate release from the jail.Though he has dissenting views yet he is not a terrorist.He is the voice of manifold in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Why is Bureaucracy considered Holy?

2021-05-04T17:49:00.001+05:00

The sacred Civil-Military bureaucracy hides colonial legacy if history is unveiled.After the inception of Pakistan the economy of the nascent state was in turmoil.Therefore foreign aid was doled out to alleviate poverty and help elevate economic indicators of the country but unfortunately the aid was materialised to strengthen both civil and military bureaucracy behind the facade of external threats from the neighboring countries.

The officialdom and administrators were deployed to rule the public. Herculean efforts were made using public offices to atomize and stratify society for private gains.Tens of thousands of people migrated from India to Pakistan dreaming of a change but that change remained a tax code which rewarded those lobbyists who wrote it instead of the workers and small businesses who deserve it.

Fuedal lords and Industrialists started allying with bureaucracy in quest of power ,authority and to reach parliament in exchange for giving clean chit to bureaucracy so that it could suger-coat corruption and authoritarianism.This process and the cycle lingered on for decades that eroded whole state and it's institutions from inside out.

Moreover the mundane's narrative that the bureaucrates are carte balanche.To some extent this notion holds true because we the public and our representatives created such a vacuum due to our incompetence and shuddering attitude.Bureaucrates are civil servants and they have to serve public.

It is pertinent to discuss here that winning a decent job through civil services doesn't absolve civil servants from the responsibility to serve the people.They may be held accountable for their corruption and misuse of power.

We need to spread awareness in public that no one is holy cow ,above law and rules enshrined in the constitution.Every one is law abide by citizen in this country.The events where only poor vendors on roads face the raging storms of bureaucracy and grave silence where it's prompt input is required must be reported and highelighted.

Why we allow civil servants to poison and sicken our system until their presence becomes source of insecurity rather than comfort?

The above question should be raised or debated in study circles and forums.

Injection of Green Energy to Gilgit Region

2021-04-16T17:25:00.000+05:00

Power crisis is one of impediments in development of Gilgit-Baltistan.Prolonged load sheding and sky rocketed electricity bills have made mundane's life miserable.

To address this issue the concerned Water and Power Department Gilgit had opened bids for a project of Supply,Installation and Commissioning of Solar Systems in 21 vital government offices.

The project is a test run to vet the reliability of Photo Voltaic (PV) systems during intermittent weather of the hilly and difficult terrain.

The contractor A.A Construction Private Limited remained successful to win this project after acquiring technical and financial qualification.

Furthermore ,the contractor sublet the project to a robust and reputed company named as Kamal Green Energy and Tech Solutions to infuse renewable green and clean energy.

For the very first time equipment of International standard has been used.The Project of around 170KW Solar system embellished with Solar Panels PV Jinko 440W ,Ritar 200 AH Battery, Goodwe Inverters has almost completed the Installation ,Commissioning and Load Distribution phase in 21 vital sites in Gilgit.

It is an attempt of AA construction and Kamal Energy and Tech Solutions to give an impetus to green energy in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Lets help pull Gilgit-Baltistan from power crisis ,blackouts while enjoying uninterrupted power supply.

Naltar Incident and Our Response

2021-03-26T20:49:00.002+05:00

Six people including a woman were killed at Naltar ,Gilgit in wake of a tribal scuffle.Every section of our society voiced the victims and criticized the heinious crime.

It is good to hear that culprits of Naltar Incident have been apprehended.Police and Law enforcement organs must be lauded for their quick action.

Some months back two young souls Farjaad and another were lynhced in Naltar ,few friends of them created hype on social media against the massacre but rest of us remained silent even Police wasnot ostensibly functional to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Years back ,dozens of passengers in Babusar ,Lolosar were lynched brutally on KKH after checking NICs.The kind people of Chilas helped most to elude the tragedy But again majority of us were observing silence so do our Law enforcement bodies.

The episode wise tragedies and our Institutional selective approach towards the victims and deceased manifest how cruel and criminal we all are from inside out.

We cannot openly lambast the perpetrators.We condemn after scanning the beliefs of those who face death on roads or elsewhere.

The echelons and policymakers need to chalk out strategies to diffuse the situation based on Law not on faith ,pressure groups and Polity.

Moreover we should expose the tyrant killers ,terrorists and miscreants without looking for the clan ,sect and cast they belong to else we are no less than hypocrites.

Pakistan Day

2021-03-23T14:20:00.000+05:00

This day drifts us to March 23, 1940 when Pakistan Resolution was passed.Father of the nation the great Quaid e Azam on this day at Minto Park for the first time demanded a saparate country for muslims.

It is pertinent to ask why Quaid e Azam wanted a saparate country ?

The Quaid anticipated that Muslims could not prosper ,propel and live their lives in accordance with their religion and culture in an independent India dominated by the Hindu majority.

He thus demanded a separate homeland for the Muslims where they would be free to practice their religion and follow their culture. This narrative was fully endorsed by Muslims of the Sub-Continent but it was a knee-jerk for Hindu leaders like Nehru ,Gandhi and their protagonists who were not ready to accept the Muslim demands and claimed to be the sole representatives of the Indian population.

On this day, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, with his insight and vision showed to the whole world that he was the only roaring voice of the Muslims of the Sub-Continent.

Allama Muhammad Iqbal, in his address to the Muslim League at Allahabad in 1930, had also demanded a separate homeland for the Muslims. Since then, the idea had touched millions of Muslims and morphed into a strong purpose on March 23, 1940.

Thus, on March 23, we should feel the sanctity of sacrifices our ancestors made for our future. Pakistan came into being when many countries in the world were struggling for independence , some of them faced even civil wars and were at the verge of disintegration.

We should know about the struggle of the Muslims for their right to self-determination and how important it is to safeguard Pakistan’s solidarity and integrity.

This day asks us to cement the forces of cohesion and integration.We should reignite the spirit of the historic Lahore Resolution of 1940 by refreshing the enthusiasm and spirit among us.

I would like to wrap up with this argument.Pakistan with its great potential, overcoming all the significant challenges, is here to stay forever and make tangible and potentially sustainable progress.

Quaid e Azam said and i quote Not a single force on earth can undo Pakistan.

Pakistan Zinda Bad.

Was Muhammad Ali Sadpara's journey a suicide mission ?

2021-02-10T19:10:00.001+05:00

Muhammad Ali Sadpara remained an iconic climber , kind porter and a true mountaineer was based in a small peripheral Sadpara village of Skardu ,Gilgit-Baltistan.He started his expedition few days back with a dream to summit second highest lofty K-2.He was accompanied by his son and others.He set out in winters when temperature usually drops below -15°C at base camp and -63 °C at bottle neck i.e over 8200m of the mighty K-2.

The resilient climber Ali Sadpara and his team went missing when they ascended bottle neck while his son Sajid Sadpara returned from 7000 m after some technical fault in his oxygen regulator.The rescue veterans of Pakistan army searched thrice to trace the national hero Ali and others but failed due to intermittent weather.The bad news of missing mountaineers had inundated mainstream media across the globe.Unfortunately the hope of their survival faded away gradually as days passed by.

It is pertinent here to discuss whether it was a wrong decision of his to climb up with limited resources ?

There are two popular opinions.Some subscribe to opinion that he was wrong because he already knew the perilous factors associated with the expedition.On the contrary the assertions of Ali's proponents imbue that he was up there risking his life to magnify soft power and positive image of Pakistan.The synergy in his team and the energy he had manifested his dedication ,commitment and patriotism.

If one digs down to demystify it would be dawned upon him that Ali deserves a pat on his shoulder rather it is the dire need for whole nation to display national integration by standing for him,start fund raising ,helping his family ,bolstering those who he left behind , embark on opening mountaineering schools ,departments after his name in varisities of Pakistan in general and Gilgit-Baltistan in particular.

The dilemma and plight we have been plunged in since long is ; we dont support our national heroes when they are among us but we are remorseful when they leave for eternal abode or come across any fatal accident.

To conclude ; It has never been a suicide mission rather he made whole Pakistan proud by winning hearts of myriad.His courage was bigger than the mountain he aimed to summit therefore he planned stout heartedly where one cannot leave his quilt or blanket in severe climatic conditions of northern Pakistan.Moreover he is an inspiration for new climbers.Before raising fingers at national heroes while sitting in our cosy rooms ,we need to re-think and revisit our thoughts as Heroes are bliss rarely born in centuries.

Religion

2020-12-08T22:14:00.001+05:00

Religion

A unified system of beliefs and practices regarding sacred things that unites it's adherents into a single moral community.

Elements of Religion

1-Sacredness ,which transcends the everyday life.
2-Set of beliefs
3-Rituals to affirm those beliefs
4-Organisation of believers who share the same belief.

Functions of Religion

1-It is one of the cultural universals- globally common patterns and traits-

2-It is an integrative force that has the primary function to preserve and solidify society.It strengthens the collective unity or social solidarity of a group.Sharing same religion increases cohension and fraternity building moral order that leads to creation of a moral community.

3-Religious beliefs can influence the conduct of those who believe in them.It keeps people in line through folkways and mores.It provides a foundation for mores of society.

4-Religion helps in performing ceremonies and rituals related to rites of passage( birth ,marriage ,death and other momentous events) which gives meaning and social significance to life.

5-It is a sense of comfort and solace to the individuals during personal and social crisis such as death of loved ones ,serious injury etc.

6-Religion is an answer to unknown questions.It provides identity and it is an agent of social change.

7-It controls sexuality.The religious control of sexuality is an important vehicle for the production of legitimate offspring in fuedalism and capitalism.

Types of Religious Associations

1-Cults

Cults are religious groups often disparaged as being secretive, highly controlling of members’ lives, and dominated by a single, charismatic leader.

Some groups that are controversially labelled as cults today include the Church of Scientology and the Hare Krishna movement.

2-Sects

A sect is a breakaway group that may be in tension with larger society. They sometimes claim to be returning to “the fundamentals” or to contest the veracity of a particular doctrine.

When membership in a sect increases over time, it may grow into a denomination. Often a sect begins as an offshoot of a denomination, when a group of members believes they should separate from the larger group.Most of the well-known Christian denominations in North America today began as sects.

The History of Religion as a Sociological Concept

Emile Durkheim (1858–1917) and Religion

He suggests society is more powerful than any of us and it is beyond our control.We are dependent on it and it demands our obedience.Society itself is a God.

Society has the power to guide our thoughts and actions.Society is created by the people but once it is created it takes on a life of it's own.

Karl Marx and Religion

German philosopher, journalist, and revolutionary socialist Karl Marx (1818–1883) explained social impact of religion. He believed religion reflects the social stratification of society and that it maintains inequality and perpetuates the status quo.

For him, religion was just an extension of working-class (proletariat) economic suffering: “Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, and the soul of soulless conditions. It is the opium of the people”

Max Weber and Religion

German sociologist and political economist Max Weber (1864–1920) believed it was a precipitator of social change. He examined the effects of religious belief on economic activities and noticed that heavily Protestant societies—such as those in the Netherlands, England, Scotland, and Germany—were the most highly developed capitalist societies and that their most successful business and other leaders were Protestant.

In his writing The Protestant Work Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism (1905), he contends that the Protestant work ethic influenced the development of capitalism by overturning the traditional anti-materialist Christian values of poverty.

Impact of Religion in Pakistan

Since the inception of Pakistan religion had has played a pivotal role to change and morph the political dynamics,constitutional and democratic norms in the country.There had been a row to build either secular or islamic Pakistan.Moreover radical religious futile movements started to establish completely Islamic regime.

After 1979 religious extremism loomed and sectarian scuffles soared.Gradually religion was maligned by some forces for vested interests to create unrest and choas.Various religious figures at times challenged writ of the state using religion as a tool.Some fanatic and ignorant followers butchered people over blasphemy and sectarian divide.

The true face of religion Islam had has been blurred deliberately and polarized version trickled down to everyone in the society which culminated in intolerant and inegalitarian society.

Chomsky also lamented that Pakistan was drifting away from science but urged that science be incorporated into academics and the outlook of the world for the sake of the country’s future.

Critical Analysis

Religion can also serve as a filter for examining other issues in society and other components of a culture. For example, after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States, it became important in North America for teachers, church leaders, and the media to educate citizens about Islam to prevent stereotyping and to promote religious tolerance.

Sociological tools and methods, such as surveys, polls, interviews, and analysis of historical data, can be applied to the study of religion in a culture to help us better understand the role religion plays in people’s lives and the way it influences society.

What is Culture ?

2020-12-03T18:19:00.001+05:00

Culture

The values ,beliefs ,behavior and material objects that form a people's way of life.In other words it is the shared way of living.

Culture is everything that is socially learned and shared by members of society.The individual receive culture as a social heritage and in return he may reshape the culture and bring innovations which then become part of heritage of successive generations.

How culture develops ?

People when start living together they identify the challenges they came across.Hence they strive to address those challenges through ideas and innovations.They invent tools ,devices ,objects and artifacts.

Characteristics of a Culture

Culture socially evolves.It is shared ,mostly adaptive,variable and dynamic.It saves members from trials ,errors through defining a situation ,guiding acceptable behavior pattern that act as a time saving device.

Types of Culture

1-Material Culture
2-Non-material Culture

Material Culture

The inventions by the members of society constitute material culture.For instance automobiles ,building ,roads and bridges etc.

Non Material Culture

Ideas ,values,beliefs and norms created by the members of a society in order to address the challenges they face in a particular area.

Example:

In the game of Baseball,gloves ,uniform ,bats are few elements of material culture and values of game ,skills involved and behavior of players are non-material culture.

Material and Non-material aspects of culture are interlinked.

Cultural Universals

Patterns and traits that are globally common to all societies e.g Family,Education,Religion,Food and Shelter etc.

Factors responsible in Development of a Culture

1- Georgraphy

Culture varies from area to area depending upon the location people are living in.The people of cold area have different culture than that of hot weathered region.The dresses ,behavior ,art ,building styles depends on the geographical conditions people are living in.

2-Religion

Religion is the product of culture.In primitive times there was no religion.People worship things from which they were fed.They used to worship water.Some of the groups would worship sun that had become their culture which later morphed into religion.

3- Diffusion

It is the transfer of culture from enriched culture -culture that adequately address the challenges- to low enriched culture e.g Wearing of Jeans is adopted from western culture in Asian countries.

4-Xeno-Centrism

It is the preference for foreign culture.Culture develops when people start adopting other cultures and their associated attributes.

5-Human Evolution and Culture

Initially man was living in caves.He started hunting for living and food.Therefore hunting became culture.Culture evloves with human evolution.

Elements of Culture

1-Language

It includes everything which conveys a definite meaning in a particular culture like symbol ,sign ,signal ,gesture etc.Language is a symbolic system through which people communicate.

It is the foundation of every culture.It draws a line between human and non-human culture.Language constantly evolves.The journey towards email ,internet ,texting and blogging is the way of transmiting message that is infact language.Without language it is impossible to transfer complex ideas ,thoughts to next generations.

2-Values/Beliefs

Beliefs are convictions and tenets people hold them to be true.Values shape the society by suggesting what is good and bad.

Individual values define individual behavior while collective values define patterns of collective behavior.

Values get legitimacy from the belief system of a particular society.Initially an individual has to surrender his personal values and adopt common values of society that results in mutual behavioural patterns.

3-Norms

It is established and approved behavior patterns of society.They define how to behave in accordance with what a society has good and right.

Formal Norms

They are established ,written rules specific and clearly stated and strictly enforced e.g Law

Informal Norms

Causual behavior that are generally and widely conformed to or by the members of society without any fear of punishment.

4-Folkways

They are simply the customary ,normal habitual ways of a group does things.They are direct appropriate behavior in the day to day practices and expressions of a culture.Society doesn't force you to practice folkways.

Folkways include shaking of hand ,eating with knives and forks,wearing tie etc.

5- Mores (Moral Values)

Mores are norms that represent moral values and principles of a group.Violating them can have serious consequences.The strongest moves are legally protected with laws.

Murder is considered immoral punishable by law.It is a formal relations norm but a more.People who violate moves are considered shameful.They might be shunned by some groups e.g Cannibalism

6-Customs/Traditions

A custom is a belief that has been practiced by an individual or a group for a long time.When a custom is transfered from generation to generation it takes the form of tradition.

7-Institutions

An institution is the organized system of social relationship which embodies certain common values ,procedures and meet certain basic needs of society.

Basic institutions are family ,religion and education etc.

Gender Based Violence in Gilgit-Baltistan

2020-11-29T12:28:00.004+05:00

Violence or coercion that culminates in physical ,sexual and mental suffering of gender(male/female).It embues threats and arbitrary deprivation of liberty in private or public walks of life.

The literacy rate of Gilgit-Baltistan is higher than other provinces but unfortunately a recent survey on "husbands beating wife is considered okay" throughout Gilgit-Baltistan by women of northern Pakistan.

Respondents were asked about the following reasons for husbands perpetrating violence against their wives: if the woman goes out without telling the husband, neglects the children, argues with her husband, refuses copulation and burns the food.

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/749999-gb-women-accept-wife-beating

This study is an eye opener for everyone where women are proponents of battering.Ostensibly women are oblivious of their rights.Perhaps they are immune to direct,economic ,cultural and structural violence.

The so called proponents are unaware as batterers want to control and influence through coercion ,threats ,male privilged emotional abuse and blackmailing.

A few men in Gilgit-Baltistan think females as a commodity to satiate their physical desires.This is the chunk who are literate but not really educated.The very class idealises contemporary socio-biological theory of gender based violence which explains physical strength and evolution of man's agression in primitive era of hunting.

Women Harrasment in Karakorum International Gilgit is yet another example of gender based violence.The female students in educational institutions are not even safe.

Child abuse and rape are common these days.The misery is , they are not even discussed considering them tabbo.

Let me remind an incident of a juvenile Zainab's rape some months back when her rape had been considered "Clerical mistake" after thorough verification via medical report and agile investigation of Gilgit-Baltistan Police.

Father Najeeb of the victim had committed suicide when he was given deaf ears by echelons.His neighbour Iqbal Naji had been abducted in wee hours because he was the main witness who knew the truth so was he helping the father Najeeb to come out of the ordeal.This case was not made a discourse on social media painting it a matter of prestige and honor instead clouded.

Few days after the incident a conspiracy had been cooked against juvenile 11 to protect some anonymous elitist and influential figure.Angel
Zainab was unfortunately frammed in Police Press Conference as she was not kidnapped and raped rather she went to work-the reason she wasnot home for three days and she didnot disclose this to her father due to fear.

What a stinking society we have.The little girl and family have not been listened to rather intimidated because of the curse-poverty.How sick we and our values are that we even set victims up.Sighs.

Gender based violence must be silenced to lead a progressive society.We all need to grow giving prompt input to empower women considering them entity not a commodity.

Homage to Late Justice Retired Syed Jaffar Shah

2020-10-13T09:42:00.010+05:00

The demise of Justice Retired Syed Jaffar Shah is going to change the political dynamics of Gilgit-Baltistan because the veteran politician was among one of the most influential and enlightened figures of the region.He remained President of two mainstream political parties PPP and PTI respectively.The legacy of his politics is paramount to take a bird eye view of social and political paradigms of Gilgit-Baltistan.

The nation couldn't forget his services he rendered to the disputed chunk of northern Pakistan.The foremost was the empowerment Ordinance 2009 of Gilgit-Baltistan he drafted, which served as a gleam of light in pitch darkness of backwater ,the cosmetic measures were later replicated in Order 2018 with few more provisions.

It is pertinent to discuss about the vacuum and void he created not only in his party PTI but in political canvas of Gilgit-Baltistan.The lack of second row leadership has always been one of the hurdles to strengthen democratic forces in Pakistan.Likewise PTI Gilgit-Baltistan couldnt be envisaged to stand as before the way Shah organized the team players and cabinet.His demise is a sudden blow to the party especially his constituency GBLA-03 ; one of the thickly populated area with comparitively higher literacy rate.

The legal fraternity of the region used to seek his refuge when it came across legal short comings and glitches.At times complex cases be that judicial,criminal and corporate were often reviewed by him for second opinion.

He was vocal enough to be heard in power corridors.He was known for his boldness.The youth of Gilgit-Baltistan had has been intrigued by his political ideology therefore he was always invited to seminars,conferences and debates in universities to provide constitutional and legal awareness of the area.

He was close to my Uncle Late Justice retired Shehbaz Khan rather he was his crony.They both share left-wing political ideology.His eldest son Syed Zaigham Abbas a brilliant Electrical Engineer and intellectual is one of my closest freinds.

Consequently his departure for eternal abode left all of us saddened and grieved.May he be elevated to higher ranks in Jannah Ameen.

Religious and Social Stratification in Gilgit-Baltistan's Politics

2020-09-28T15:32:00.004+05:00

Social Stratification is the socio-economic layering of people in a society according to wealth ,power and prestige.The system through which a society bifurcates masses into various categories in comparison with other group or individuals in a society.Class and caste system ,slavery and estates are the offshoots of social stratification.

The political spectrum of Gilgit-Baltistan mimics other four provinces of Pakistan in one way or other.Fuedal lords ,elitists and industrialists have legacy of holding key roles in politics to quench the thirst of power and authority.Likewise the elite of Gilgit-Baltistan has been witnessed while playing cards in power corridors to decide the fate of down trodden and poor.

Why we always elect the rich to represent the poor ? The popular opinion is poor lack resources and capital to garner votes.If someone pops up from lower or middle class to voice the voiceless, he is compelled to withdraw.This divide erodes the system from inside out.The poor and working class is the main victim of the rotten policy making and governance on behalf of the elite and echelons.Hence the poor is deprived of the fundamental rights enshrined in the constitution.

The political elite is ethically and morally corrupt to the level that they join marriage and burial ceremonies to pull votes.When someone passes away in a lower caste or class.No one bats an eye but the demise in elite class evokes rather multiplies all the possible moral values of political figures to throng into the site.

The castes in Gilgit-Baltistan i.e Sheen ,Yashkun,Dom and Kamin also come into play during elections.The chest thumping ego of Sheen and Yashkun always resort at confrontation on Election Day and Election compaign.Dom and Kamin community replicate the same lines.Therefore the will of the people is dociled and democratic norms on which Assembly should stand gradually atomize.

Though Slavery is now an old chapter yet Mental Slavery is another dilemma which filled the vacuum.Most of the people vote without a second thought.They dont even think of the competence and credibility of the person who is going to represent them in Assembly.At times people are paid to vote or offered some jobs or contracts in services sector.Consequently they extend their sole allegiance to corrupt.

Religious and sectarian divide plays a pivotal role in GB politics.The populace in Gilgit-Baltistan mostly follow the clergy on religious and political patterns.Clergy is considered one of the power houses to elect the desired candidate and people follow the suit.It is an unhealthy and unfortunate practice in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Social stratification in entrenched in political canvas in Gilgit-Baltistan.It is cronic to democratic institutions and bulwark behind.Therefore we need to snub it and revisit before voting on election day keeping a simple one liner in mind " Are we voting a person better than us in intellect ,thought ,rationale and political exposure".I am going to use this formula please think about yours.

Kulbhushan:The Epicenter of War of Narratives

2020-07-21T20:33:00.007+05:00

Pakistan' s Position on Kulbhushan Jhadav :

Kulbhushan Jhadav was arrested in March 2016 from Mushkal area of Baluchistan, Pakistan when he orchestrated to meet Baloch militants of Baluchistan Liberation Army (BLA).Probably he was betrayed and apprehended by security forces of Pakistan.

When he was taken into custody he had two identities. One was Kulbhushan Jhadav,the name he was recruited to Indian Army with in 1987. Later he joined Research Analysis Wing (RAW) as Commander Indian Navy. He also had held a passport with another name Hussain Mubarak Patel , found during his detention.

He was not only an agent of Research Analysis Wing (RAW) and naval officer but a despicable tool to fuel anti-state elements and terrorist attacks to sabotage national security of Pakistan. He was in direct contact with Alok Joshi ,the Ex-Head of RAW and Ajeet Doval National Security Adviser of India.

This was the position Pakistan maintained in it's Military courts and International Court of Justice.

Indian Stance on Kulbhusan Jhadav:

India has taken a peculiar position and claims that ,his name is not Kulbhushan Jhadav but Hussain Mubarak Patel, an Indian Muslim citizen and a retired naval officer who was running his company Kaminda Trading' in Chabahar, Iran that used to deal with imports and exports.

He was abducted by Pakistani intelligence apparatus from Iran. Indian Media at times claimed ,that he was trapped and picked up by Taliban from Afghanistan and handed over to Pakistan. India maintained in International Court of Justice, that Pakistan is using this case for grand standing as it did not allow him consular access. Had he been given consular access from the beginning , his conviction would never be possible.

Moreover Pakistan Military courts lack formal requirements of judiciary. Hence his military court trial was unfair.

Trial at International Court of Justice (ICJ) :

On 10 April 2017, Jadhav was sentenced to death by a Field General in Pakistan.

In May 2017, India approached the International Court of Justice(ICJ), asserting that Pakistani authorities are denying India it's right of consular access to Jadhav in violation of the Vienna Convention. The ICJ proceedings began in Hague on 15 May 2017 to review the case.

On 18 May 2017, the International Court of Justice stayed the execution pending till the final judgement on the case.

On 17 July , the court rejected India's appeal for Jadhav's release and ordered Pakistan to suspend the execution. It ruled that Pakistan will have to review the entire process of trial and conviction of Kulbhushan Jadhav and provide India with consular access.Pakistan granted consular access to India, once. However subsequent request were blocked.

India was advocated by Harish Salve and Pakistan's narrative was presented in International Court of Justice (ICJ) by Barrister Khawar Qureshi.

The first argument Pakistan put forward was about the retirement and pension record of Jhadav. Pakistan dispatched a letter to India in 2017,inquiring about his naval pension and retirement record which India failed to produce. Barrister Khawar Qureshi also asserted that ,"he could show his pay slip of 2016".The pay slip was probably retrieved from Indian record by Pakistan's intelligence.

Pakistan presented names of 13 top Indian echelons in a sealed envelope to ICJ who helped Yadhav to operate covertly in Pakistan. Alok Joshi ,the Ex-Head of RAW and Ajeet Doval National Security Adviser of India were among them.

Pakistan questioned about the two identities of Yadhav. Quraishi inquired, " If he is Kulbhushan Jhadav how he became Hussain Mubarak Patel ? How the passport with name Hussain Mubarak was issued twice and renewed ? How he crossed Indian Immigration system 17 times ? If he was picked up from Iran, Did India lodge a formal and legal FIR in Iran regarding his abduction ? Did India discuss this issue when Hassan Rohani of Iran visited India in February 2018 ?

Why Kulbhushan Jhadav is Important to Pakistan and India ?

Kulbhushan Jhadav manifests the war of narratives between two South Asian powers. Since 1990s Indian Establishment ,media and government invested capital to isolate Pakistan by building and promoting a narrative that ,Pakistan has been patronizing militancy ,terrorism and chaos. Pakistan is a failed state having cultivated civil-military bureaucracy, crippled governance and weak institutions.

Furthermore Pakistan intelligence wing used to execute organized operations through Jihadi outfits against India and neighboring countries. The very narrative has been sold across the world. International media outlets are often seen proponents of the narrative. Therefore news ,documentaries ,movies are made to revamp and beef up this narrative to malign Pakistan on International arena. Pakistan being placed in grey list of Financial Action Task Force is also one of results of the notorious stance.

The counter narrative of Pakistan is that ,India has been striving hard to destabilize Pakistan in Balochistan ,FATA and Gilgit-Baltistan through Baluchistan Liberation Army (BLA) ,Taliban and her proxies within Pakistan.

Pakistan could not succeed to present it's narrative well-enough before Kulbhushan's apprehension. After his detention he turned out to be an imperative asset for Pakistan to build it's narrative before the world big powers. Pakistan has been using him for war of narratives. Therefore India wants to kill it so it took the case to ICJ that even bore fruit for Pakistan because the world started knowing India has been operating strategically against Pakistan. The story has been published in various western media outlets that created an opportunity for Pakistan to revamp it's narrative.

Plausible Deniability:

It refers to circumstances where it is possible to deny knowledge or responsibility of wrongdoing since the subject was unaware of the truth or due to a lack of evidence to confirm responsibility for an action. In most of the cases around the world ,the agents (spies) have element of plausible deniability. In Jhadav's case the element of Plausible deniability does not exist. Therefore India got stuck in quagmire and exposed.

Latest Development in Kulbhushan Jhadav's Case:

Unimpeded and uninterrupted Consular access has been to Kulbhusan Jhadav at Pakistan Foreign Office Islamabad for the second time for three hours. An agreement was also reached to file a review petition in Supreme Court of Pakistan challenging his execution in Pakistan, that was due before July 19,2020