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Blacked-out voices of GB
Gilgit-Baltistan entered to its second phase of protestations in demonstrating long-marches from all three divisions—Gilgit, Baltistan and Diamar—whereas stage sit-ins in the main city Gilgit agency in Gari Bagh under the umbrella of Awami Action Committee (ACC) which comprises religious and social organizations. Charter of demands of ACC include but not limited to restoration of wheat subsidy price, granting internal autonomy to legislate, revoking of controversial Finance Act, 2023, energy security and royalty share in mega project of Diamar Basha Dam, and proportionate economic share via NFC Award. Initial negotiations between members of ACC and government concerned representatives are failed due to clichéd hollow promises on the part of authorities.
While the 21st century is considered as an era of globalization and technological revolution with AI tools engulfing the entire world, where the flow of communication and information no more needs time and distance restraints, GB is among those hapless regions of the world which are kept in a persistent media blackouts. Never has the mainstream Pakistani media ever covered such protests and demonstrations in GB.
Such systematic marginalization tactics serve as a vivid déjà vu of India’s besiege and media blackout of IIOJK post revoking its especial status back in 2019. With protests intensifying across the region, the only 4G local network of SCOM and it’s internet services were also blocked. This will snatch the local populace and journalists of their fundamental right of information sharing via social media.
This is a sheer despotism. Such unforeseen and knee jerk ways of stifling the voices, raise only for their protracted genuine rights, can have destructive repercussions. State should adopt to core values of democracy and conciliation instead of resorting to suppressive measures in dealing with strategically sensitive region like GB.
ZAHID ALI ZOHRI
Gilgit-Baltistan
GB reels under woes
Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) continues to be languishing in the periphery in the domain of national priorities. The already impoverished region of GB is reeling under woes over woes, crises over crises. You name any sector, any field, any institution, any organisation, and, I will show you the worst crises in each of them.
As if these crises were not enough to cripple GB, it is being snatched of a historic and decades old stipulated wheat subsidy right granted to it during the 70s by Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto on the basis of its disputed status. Federal government of Pakistan is signatory and hence obliged to grant the subsidy till the resolution of its limbo status according to United Nation’s resolutions.
Chief Minister GB and local government is bereft of any genuine authority or power as such; GB is squarely run by a non-local state-sponsored bureaucrat. Local government has no funds to resolve issues because of procrastinations in issuance of the allocated funds from the Centre.
The protest sit-ins are already being held in all three divisions of GB, especially against revoking of wheat subsidy and health card. The sense of marginalisation and deprivation is growing in the populace day by day. The apathy of state doesn’t seem to be changed. When it comes to GB, national political leaders only play into the gallery a glamorised and romanticised picture of GB to their audience, oblivious of its protracted woes and tribulations.
GB needs a shift of attention from its bolstering praise about its natural beauty and all to its reeling impoverishment and miseries. We have no dearth of local, national and even international vloggers and documentary makers to depict its natural beauty.
Given the territorial importance GB acquires in the geopolitical, geo-strategic and geo-economic arena, Pakistan cannot afford turning its blind eye towards this region anymore, lest an ever-growing sense of alienation and deprivation should be exploited by players lurking around such vulnerabilities. Hence, resolving GB issues on a war-footing basis is the only sanity.
ZAHID ALI ZOHRI
Nagar, Gilgit
A move for progress
Pakistan and India’s relationship has been through a lot of roller Coasters and we are looking a positive approach as Pakistan and India start issuing visas to diplomats, diplomatic staff and family members, to serve at each other’s High Commissions in Islamabad and Delhi. Pakistan High Commission in Delhi issued 30 visas and same as from India to Pakistan. I think it is a positive step towards prosperity and a beginning of mutual friendship relationship.
In consequence of issuance of an Indian visa, Saad Warraich, the newly appointed chargé d’affaires, a seasoned Foreign Office official, is set to depart for Delhi shortly to assume his responsibilities. Notably, all visa applications received until December have been processed, reflecting a concerted effort to enhance diplomatic engagement. I hope everyone on both sides enhance mutual friendship.
AREEBA ALTAF
Larkana (Sindh)
Box letter
Violence in Gaza
I express my deep concern and anguish over the escalating violence in Gaza. The recent events have left countless innocent civilians, including women and children, in the crossfire of a devastating conflict. The human toll is heartbreaking and the world must unite to call for an immediate ceasefire and a path towards lasting peace. The cycle of violence in Gaza has persisted for far too long, resulting in unimaginable suffering for the people living in the region. It is crucial for the international community to intensify diplomatic efforts and engage all parties involved to find a just and lasting solution to the crisis. Civilians must be protected and humanitarian access to the affected areas should be ensured to provide essential aid to those in need. The global community, including influential nations and international organizations, must work together to broker a comprehensive peace agreement that addresses the root causes of the conflict and paves the way for a stable and secure future for the people of Gaza. It is disheartening to witness the loss of innocent lives and the destruction of homes and infrastructure. The consequences of this conflict extend beyond borders, impacting regional stability and global peace. The urgency of the situation demands swift action and a commitment to dialogue and negotiation as the only way forward. In conclusion, I implore leaders around the world to prioritize the wellbeing of the civilians in Gaza and work tirelessly towards a sustainable resolution. Let us collectively strive for a world where conflicts are resolved through dialogue and understanding rather than through violence and suffering.
DUAA AMIR
Karachi
