New Delhi, March 26: India will not want Shahid Afridi’s boys to prolong their stay in the country by winning Wednesday’s match, but some others from across the frontier are welcome to longer visits.
New Delhi today “unilaterally” eased travel restrictions across the Line of Control (LoC) to increase people-to-people contact.
Visitors from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (Azad Kashmir) can now stay in Jammu and Kashmir for up to six months and will be allowed multiple entries, the foreign office said.
The move comes a day after Manmohan Singh invited Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani to watch the March 30 India-Pakistan World Cup semi-final at Mohali. Gilani and his wife are likely to come although an official confirmation is awaited from Islamabad.
Till now, the entry permit for cross-LoC travel remained valid for four weeks, with a provision for a two-week extension at the discretion of the Jammu and Kashmir government.
A further two weeks could be added in case of health or family emergencies if the foreign ministry and the state government so recommended.
The multiple-entry offer, too, is new: only one-time travel was allowed across the LoC on a single permit.
A foreign ministry statement said: “To encourage more people-to-people contact across the Line of Control, the Government of India has unilaterally decided to increase the stay period for the persons visiting Jammu and Kashmir from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (Azad Kashmir) to six months with multiple entries.”
At their meeting in Thimphu in February, the two countries’ foreign secretaries had agreed that their governments should take steps to increase people-to-people contact.
Nirupama Rao and Salman Bashir had also agreed that the two sides should resume dialogue on all issues, and that Bashir would visit India by July to review with Rao “the progress in the dialogue process”.
That meeting is to be followed by one between the two foreign ministers. But before all this, the two countries will have their bureaucrats meet and discuss a range of issues.
These include “counter-terrorism (including progress on the 26/11 trial in Pakistan), humanitarian issues, peace and security, including confidence-building measures, Jammu and Kashmir, promotion of friendly exchanges, Siachen, economic issues, the Wullar Barrage and Tulbul navigation project, and Sir Creek”.
As part of this “comprehensive dialogue”, the two home secretaries are scheduled to meet in New Delhi on March 28-29, that is, on the eve of the World Cup semi-final.
Sources said Singh might take the opportunity to discuss with Gilani, on the sidelines of the match, what “deliverables” can be achieved by July. More so, because the bureaucratic talks may become long-drawn given that both countries have lobbies opposed to the resumption of the dialogue process.
A young Pakistani fan at the Wagah border on Saturday. He is on his way to Mohali to cheer his team in the March 30 semi-final. (PTI)
ISLAMABAD, March 23: Given the frequency of natural disasters in the world and the devastation that they cause, one would have expected public institutions to welcome offers of training in survival methods, but not the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE).
According to a senior official, the FDE showed no interest in the offer of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to train some 400,000 students in its institutions in disaster management training free of cost.
CDA`s emergency and disaster management (EDM) directorate had sent a letter containing the offer to the director general of the FDE a few months back but got no response.
The official said the EDM wing had highlighted the importance of the training to cope with any natural disaster, especially an earthquake.
“The CDA had offered the FDE director general that its EDM wing can impart disaster management training to the 400,000 students studying in around 400 educational institutions in the capital,” said the official.
He said looking at the rising disasters the world over, a proper training programme for the students on disaster management drills would be highly beneficial to save lives. However, it seems that the FDE is not interested in the offer, he regretted.
“The EDM wing is capable of imparting training to such a large number of students within a few months.”
The official said they had even sent a reminder to the FDE but still there was no response.
In our reminder: “We have drawn her attention towards the much needed training which can be vital for saving lives during natural disasters.”
He said the EDM wing had skilled manpower, machinery and gadgets for running life-saving rescue operations during disasters. The authority also has a canine unit having several dogs trained on search and rescue operations.
“We have also prepared the training programme and assigned rescue workers to train the students,” he said.
It may be noted that several thousands students were killed in the October 2005 earthquake which hit parts of northern Pakistan, including Azad Kashmir.
When this scribe contacted the FDE Director General Shaheen Khan, she said she was not aware of any such letter sent by the CDA.
“I will see it (on Thursday)…I have to go through and check the files,” she responded when her attention was drawn towards the matter relating to almost 400,000 students.
“You can remind me (on Thursday) and then I will be in a position to give you an answer,” she said.
The misconduct of political elite and top government functionaries suggests that Pakistan Administered Jammu & Kashmir (PAJK), commonly known as Azad (free) Kashmir, is literally free from the burden of all rules, regulations and laws.
Surprisingly, in a rampant political and administrative corrupt regime a member of ruling political party has been disqualified over deception and misconduct. On October 29 the AJK Minister Chaudhry Rukhsar was ejected from the parliament when the Supreme Court of the semi-autonomous region, proved him guilty of submitting forged educational documents to prove his eligibility as a candidate in the election process. The MLA of the ruling Muslim Conference from southern Mirpur district had sent bogus certificates of O and A levels of British educational standards.
In AJK, a few mighty hands never feel shame of capturing any occasion to seize political and administrative powers by any means. They do not have an iota of respect to their legal, ethical or social obligations. The reason being their political survival maintained by close family ties with high-ups in civil and military bureaucracy. In the presence of ad-hoc judicial arrangements and a guarded media the accountability mechanism is hilarious. Lack of an institutional control on corruption and a political will to prosecute the violators, has turned the region into a haven for opportunists.
The people who sit on the helm of affairs in AJK and are believed to be the guardian of law, merit and collective well-being of the masses are also involved in this disgusting race for robbing national funds. According to recent media reports, the person who is on top ladder of government hierarchy has allegedly been trying to grab a large part of valuable government land. He legitimizes his demand asserting that the property has not been utilized by a government department which oversees the Mangla dam project. It is the irony of the situation that those who are custodians of people’s rights they validate their wrong doings by giving cosmetic justifications.
Similarly, several top functionaries in the government including the prime minister have been criticized for wasting taxpayers’ money on frequent abroad visits in pretext of highlighting Kashmir cause. Estimates say that over $100,000 were spent on his abroad visits in recent months in a situation when domestic economy is crumbling. AJK government has borrowed enormous funds from the Government of Pakistan to pay the salaries of public servants. The AJK government is putting salt onto the wounds of hike-ridden masses by making new political appointments when the already oversized cabinet has badly failed to deliver in terms of development, employment opportunities, public health, education and reconstruction after the massive earthquake in 2005.
AJK population is around 3 million; less than the population of Pakistan’s Rawalpindi District, whereas the number of ministers and advisors in the government is much more than its required numbers. The premier’s son who does not possess any official portfolio has also been the centre of public criticism for enjoying foreign visits on government funding. Reports have appeared in media that government workers, having insufficient salaries and humbled by the unctrollable price hike, want to sell their children. Patients are dying in hospitals due to non-availability of life saving drugs and vaccines. About 200,000 school children are studying in torn tents in chilly weather because government failed to rebuild their schools. Recently, the federal government has diverted more than £300 million foreign aid sanctioned for 2005 quake victims to a politically motivated income support program. This is not the first time that some foreign funding bodies have shown reluctance to materilise their aid plans through official government channels. The incumbent AJK government has failed to lobby in Islamabad against this decision.
The head of a foreign funded project in Azad Kashmir has been terminated by Prime Minister Sardar Atique who refused to make payment of more than Rs.8 million to a ruling party worker claimed against some forged bills. Astonishingly, the deposed official Mr Awan was in China in a regional review meeting and was busy in lobbying for further assistance for development sector. Insiders say that staff members at district level in this project are also prey of permanent threats of removal from job by some ministers and party workers who demand release of fabricated payments.
The ultimate and apparent outcome of such illegal and fraudulent practices in the government would diminish the prospects of future funding in the country. And Pakistani flood survivors have already paid the price of mishandling of foreign aid by the corrupt regime which badly affected confidence of donor countries individual philanthropists.
(The writer is a freelance journalist and could be contacted at: zafarjournalist@gmail.com)
Yesterday 447 bottles of Wine were confiscated by AJK Police from Rawalakot area during a search operation. The alleged Abdul Shakoor has been arrested and investigation has been started. Police told that the alleged person was also involved in the dealings on illegal weapons and is doubted to be also involved in a theft case which took place last week. It's a great achievement from the AJK police and it really deserves an applaud.
LAHORE: Not a single ruling coalition political leader or government position holder received former prime minister Nawaz Sharif in Muzaffarabad on Sunday. The PML-N chief went to address a party gathering, but the prime minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Sardar Attique, instead of receiving him, went for a visit to Kotly and in his absence, not a single government minister or Muslim Conference leader welcomed Nawaz. Similarly, the chief secretary of the state and the AJK IG refrained from meeting Nawaz. It is for the second time since his return from exile that Nawaz has been denied official protocol in AJK. The same happened when Nawaz was a sitting prime minister in 1990. At that time, Sardar Mumtaz Rathore of the PPP was the chief executive of the independent state and he announced that an “alien”, Nawaz, would not be given any official welcome in the area. special correspondent
MUZAFFARABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Chief Mian Nawaz Sharif has said that the dictators had betrayed to the people of Pakistan, Geo News reported.
Addressing a public gathering here on Sunday, Nawaz Sharif severely criticized the politicians for supporting the dictators.
Nawaz Sharif while addressing, formally announced launching of PML-N AJK. He said that PML-N is a revolutionary party. He himself is an innovative person, he said and added that PML-N is a sign of revolution.
Those who had been talking about the revolution supported dictators, he said and asked why 50 people were killed in Karachi on May 12?.
Nawaz came hard on the politicians saying that those who were talking about the resolution supported dictator at the time of Lal Masjid operation and in derailing of judiciary.
PML-N chief further said that at the time of earthquake in AJK he was in Jeddah. He was intended to come back to Muzaffarabad but a person who is not present in the country stopped him.
Nawaz Sharif stated that he is friend Pakistan not the companion of President Asif Ali Zardari. He further said that President Zardari was voted by those who had been talking about revolution, adding that PML-N did not support him.
The Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan said that Chaudhry Ghulam Abbas fixed a goal for the Muslims of Subcontinent which gave a guarantee of their freedom and self respect. Under the leadership of Chaudhry Ghulam Abbas, Muslim Conference passed a resolution of the affiliation of Kashmir with Pakistan and had chosen a bright destiny for the Muslim of this state. The Prime Minister further said, “While celebrating the death anniversary of our leader we should think about self accountability whether we are following the directions of our leader or we have gone astray. Chaudhry Ghulam Abbas made Muslims of the state of Jammu and Kashmir aware of the value of freedom and taught them the triumphs of their ancestors. Chaudhry Ghulam Abbas was a man of principles, staunch politician, saint and a sympathetic person. It is our moral duty to complete the mission of our leader. Chaudhry Ghulam Abbas attributed his life for the affiliation of Kashmir with Pakistan. Muslim Conference is not only a political party but also a name of theory which was established before Pakistan came into being. Muslim Conference is the custodian of the affiliation of Kashmir with Pakistan and the blood of Kashmiri martyrs. The workers of Muslim Conference should play their role for the resolution of Kashmir. Soon Kashmir will become free and will become a part of Pakistan. The peace of nuclear South Asia is greatly related to the resolution of Kashmir issue and the peace of world is related to the peace of South Asia. India should accept geographical facts and should leave the policy of repression and aggression. India cannot resolve Kashmir issue by force or by frightening Kashmiri leadership. India should fulfill her promise made in the United Nations and should give Kashmiris their right of self-determination according to the accepted resolutions of United Nations. Indian government should keep in mind that Kashmiris have been struggling for their right of self-determination for the last 63 years and would never with draw from their birth right. More than six hundred thousand Kashmiris have been martyred in freedom struggle. The resolution of Kashmir issue is drawing near and it has become difficult for India to prolong her tyranny in Kashmir”. The Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan expressed these views in his message broad cased by three radio stations on the annual death ceremony of the Chaudhry Ghulam Abbas on Saturday.
Head of Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) Mian Nawaz shareef has given the green signal for the formation and launching of PML(N) in Azad Kashmir. According to reports, Nawaz shareef is expected to visit Muzaffarabad with in a week where he would formally announce the formation of PML(N). Quarters had been busy in effort to launch PML(N) since past one year but Green signal from Nawaz shareef was awiated. Notable people which would be a part of PML(N) are Ex-Prime Minister and President Sardar Sikandar Hayat Khan, Raja Farooq Haider Khan, Minister Abdul Majid, Shah Ghulam Qadir and many more. PML(N) would be quite strong in Kotli and in few constituencies of Muzaffarabad but it would face a tough challenge in rest of AJK. Lets see what comes out in the coming one month.
Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami Azad Kashmir, Sardar Ejaz Afzal told "Rabta Committee" of Mutahidda Majles-e-Amal (MMA) that he is not going to contest elections this time. Few quarters are trying to revive MMA in Azad Kashmir and in an effort for that they contacted Ejaz afzal. Ejaz Afzal has already announced that he is not going to contest elections this time and his aides report that he will probably Support Sardar Khalid Ibrahim Khan in coming election from his constituency. If Sardar Ejaz Afzal doesn't contest, Sardar Khalid Ibrahim is going for an obvious victory this time.
Ex-Prime Minister of AJK Sardar Yaqoob Khan Joined Pakistan People's Party after a long session of contemplation. Formal announcement was made today in Islamabad in the presence of all senior political leadership of PPP AJK , Manzoor Watto and Faryal Talpoor. Yaqoob khan won his first election from the ticket of Muslim Conference in 2001. In 2006, he contested from the platform of friends group and won the seat. He was elected Prime Minister and he remained so for 9 months. This is the third time he changed his political Party. This shows that this person has no political ideology and he just pursues the status, seat and power. Alas, People will still vote for him. I wonder when will the people of AJK learn to use their vote in right way.
Ex-Prime Minister of AJK Sardar Yaqoob khan couldn't decide yet which side to join. He left the Muslim conference after he was thrown out of Premiership by his own party members and joined friends group. He has been approached by Pakistan People's party recently when Barrister Sultan met him at his residence in Rawalakot. He is also in contacts with Sikander Hayat Group and there is possibility that if PML(N) is launched in AJK, he might join that. Muslims Conference also wants to make some deal with Yaqoob khan regarding future's status and wants to get him back into party. Yaqoob Khan is following the strategy of "wait and see" and watching the see-saw of the politics. One thing is almost clear that the people like Yaqoob khan follow no ideology and are real "Lotas" in AJK politics.He only pursue the Power and Seat. I wonder how would people still go for voting him in coming elections.
Begum shamshad aziz, Wife of General Aziz Khan (Rtd) of Palandri, also joined Pakistan people's Party (PPP) a day ago. She made a formal announcement here in Islamabad on 14th of december. According to reports, it is said that Begum shamshad aziz would apply for the ticket of Pakistan People's party form constituency LA 20, Poonch 4, which is also the stronghold of Sardar Khalid Ibrahim Khan and Sardar Syab Khalid Khan. At Present, the decision of Begum Shamshad Aziz looks quite unwise and without a massive rigging in elections, it's almost impossible for her to win that constituency.
ISLAMABAD : With the allocation of Rs. six billion China has started construction of 14 projects in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.These projects are part of four and half year reconstruction project with the allocation of US $ 300 in the shape of Preferential Buyers Credit Loan for reconstruction activities in Muzaffarabad, AJK.Talking to APP Brig Msuood Ahmed, Chief of Staff, Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA) here on Wednesday said that Chinese Preferential Buyers Credit Loan be used equitably for infrastructure development of three cities in AJK including Muzaffarabad, Bagh and Rawalakot.
He informed that for the project EXIM Bank of China would provide US$ 300 million (85%) whereas the Government of Pakistan has to provide counterpart funding of (15%) US $ 53 million. Through this money he said 43 roads and bridges and 61 infra structure development projects would be started in Muzaffarabad with the allocation of $ 190 million whereas 30 roads and bridges and 36 infrastructure projects would be initiated in Bagh with the allocation of $ 124 million. For the projects in Rawalakot an amount of $ 39 million has been earmarked for 15 constructing roads and bridges and five infrastructure development projects.
With the rejoining of Barrister Sultan Mehmood chaudhary, a tug-of -war has started with in the Pakistan People's party. A faction of workers is not happy with the come back of Barrister Sultan. Lobbying has been started in party by both the strong groups, first one of Chaudhary Majeed and other one of Sultan Mehmood. Both are trying to gatter maximum strength to become a feasible candidate for the premiership. Barrister Sultan met Sardar Yaqoob khan yesterday at later's residence in Rawalakot and invited him to join Pakistan people's party.
MUZAFFARABAD : Ex-Prime Minister of AJK Raja Farooq Haider demanded representation of AJK government in NFC awards of Pakistan. He further demanded to increase the budget of AJK government. He was talking to the convention of Central bar association here in Muzaffarabad. MLA Naureen Arif was also present at the moment. He asked lawyers to lead the nation in a better way. Judiciary is responsible for providing speedy justice and if it would not fulfill its responsibility, it would be impossible to eradicate the corruption from the society. He also demanded to return 50 billion rupees for earthquake victims from Pakistan government.
President of People's Muslim League Azad Kashmir and Ex- Prime Minister of AJk Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhary Rejoined Pakistan People's party Azad Kashmir. Quarters from PPP were trying since a lot time to get him back in party and they did so. Formal announcement was made in Islamabad last evening in presence of Faryal Talpur (Zardari's sister) at Zardari House. Leaders and Political workers of PPP welcomed this decision and appreciated him. While talking to Press Barrister Sultan said that PPP was his own house and he returned to his own home. He said that now he would work with more spirit as a political worker. It must be noted that he made his own party "people's Muslim league" before last elections due to the differences with party leadership.
Students of The university of Kashmir, Srinagar today hoisted Flag of Pakistan inside the campus, despite of all the fear and hurdles created by the Indian forces in Kashmir. According to reports the incident took place near the department of law of Kashmir University Srinagar.
Complaints of Flu, Cough and chest infections are increasing day by day as the dry winter season prevails in Azad Kashmir. According to reports, hospitals are receiving increased cases of Flu, Cough and chest problems particularly in areas of Rawalakot, Bagh, Muzaffarabad and Palandri. Children are particularly victims of these infectious problems.
