Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has rejected the Opposition's protest against a new order relating to administrative control over Gilgit-Baltistan, saying he has no authority over the region after the devolution of all the powers to local representatives.

Pakistan's Cabinet on May 21 approved Gilgit-Baltistan Order 2018 which was also endorsed by the assembly of the region. The order is being seen as Islamabad's efforts towards incorporating the disputed region as its fifth province.&nbsp

Civil rights groups in Pakistan have criticised the order. A complete strike was observed across Gilgit-Baltistan on Sunday on the call of the joint Opposition to protest against the order.&nbsp

India on Sunday summoned Pakistan's Deputy High Commissioner Syed Haider Shah in New Delhi and lodged a strong protest over Islamabad's latest move, saying any action to alter the status of any part of the territory under its "forcible and illegal occupation" has no legal basis.&nbsp

The order has also sparked several protests in the region.&nbsp

Abbasi said that under the order, all the powers have been transferred to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan who will enjoy similar rights which the people of other provinces have without any discrimination.

He said his government was ready to accommodate more demands from the representatives of the area.&nbsp

Abassi said that he as well as minister for Kashmir Affairs had no authority over the region after the devolution of powers.&nbsp

"From today I as the prime minster and Barjees Tahir as federal minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan have become powerless as far as the affairs of Gilgit-Baltistan are concerned. All the powers have been shifted to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and no one can abolish the powers which we have transferred to them,"Abassi said while addressing a joint session of the Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Assembly and GB Council on Sunday.

He said once powerful GB Council would function as an advisory body only.

He said he was amazed that some opposition parties were protesting against the law.&nbsp

"If they had listened, they would have noticed that all powers had already been transferred to local representatives under the Gilgit-Baltistan Order 2018," he said.

Referring to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the premier expressed hope that the region would be the most prosperous and developed area of the country under the project.&nbsp

He said the international issues related to the region might go on, but it was a proud moment for the government as the people of Gilgit-Baltistan would have same rights which the people of other parts of the country enjoyed.

When Abbasi was about to start his speech, Leader of the Opposition in GB Assembly Mohammad Shafi Khan stood up from his seat and interrupted the CM to say Gilgit-Baltistan people had principally rejected the order. 
"How can GB be governed through orders"&nbsphe asked.&nbsp

Khan announced that the opposition parties had decided principally not to accept any order without constitutional protection.&nbsp

Other opposition members including Javed Hussain of Pakistan Peoples Party, Raja Jahanzeb of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf and Nawaz Naji of Balawaristan National Front stood up and shouted the slogan "orders not accepted". The opposition lawmakers also tore the copies of the agenda.

During the protest, a scuffle erupted between the opposition and ruling party members. The opposition parties later staged a walkout.

Following the walkout by the opposition, the prime minister began his speech.

Pakistan's Cabinet on May 21 approved Gilgit-Baltistan Order 2018 which was also endorsed by the assembly of the region. The order is being seen as Islamabad's efforts towards incorporating the disputed region as its fifth province

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has rejected the Opposition's protest against a new order relating to administrative control over Gilgit-Baltistan, saying he has no authority over the region after the devolution of all the powers to local representatives. Pakistan's Cabinet on May 21 approved Gilgit-Baltistan Order 2018 which was also endorsed by the assembly of the region. The order is being seen as Islamabad's efforts towards incorporating the disputed region as its fifth province. Civil rights groups in Pakistan have criticised the order. A complete strike was observed across Gilgit-Baltistan on Sunday on the call of the joint Opposition to protest against the order. India on Sunday summoned Pakistan's Deputy High Commissioner Syed Haider Shah in New Delhi and lodged a strong protest over Islamabad's latest move, saying any action to alter the status of any part of the territory under its "forcible and illegal occupation" has no legal basis. The order has also sparked several protests in the region. Abbasi said that under the order, all the powers have been transferred to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan who will enjoy similar rights which the people of other provinces have without any discrimination. He said his government was ready to accommodate more demands from the representatives of the area. Abassi said that he as well as minister for Kashmir Affairs had no authority over the region after the devolution of powers. "From today I as the prime minster and Barjees Tahir as federal minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan have become powerless as far as the affairs of Gilgit-Baltistan are concerned. All the powers have been shifted to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and no one can abolish the powers which we have transferred to them,"Abassi said while addressing a joint session of the Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Assembly and GB Council on Sunday. He said once powerful GB Council would function as an advisory body only. He said he was amazed that some opposition parties were protesting against the law. "If they had listened, they would have noticed that all powers had already been transferred to local representatives under the Gilgit-Baltistan Order 2018," he said. Referring to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the premier expressed hope that the region would be the most prosperous and developed area of the country under the project. He said the international issues related to the region might go on, but it was a proud moment for the government as the people of Gilgit-Baltistan would have same rights which the people of other parts of the country enjoyed. When Abbasi was about to start his speech, Leader of the Opposition in GB Assembly Mohammad Shafi Khan stood up from his seat and interrupted the CM to say Gilgit-Baltistan people had principally rejected the order. "How can GB be governed through orders"&nbsphe asked. Khan announced that the opposition parties had decided principally not to accept any order without constitutional protection. Other opposition members including Javed Hussain of Pakistan Peoples Party, Raja Jahanzeb of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf and Nawaz Naji of Balawaristan National Front stood up and shouted the slogan "orders not accepted". The opposition lawmakers also tore the copies of the agenda. During the protest, a scuffle erupted between the opposition and ruling party members. The opposition parties later staged a walkout. Following the walkout by the opposition, the prime minister began his speech.

Pak PM rejects Opposition protest over Gilgit-Baltistan Order

India on Sunday summoned Pakistan's Deputy High Commissioner Syed Haider Shah over Islamabad's Gilgit-Baltistan order and told him that any action to alter the status of any part of the territory under his country's forcible occupation has no legal basis.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said it conveyed to the Pakistan envoy that the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir, which also includes the so-called 'Gilgit-Baltistan' areas, is an integral part of India by virtue of its accession in 1947.

"Any action to alter the status of any part of the territory under forcible and illegal occupation of Pakistan has no legal basis whatsoever, and is completely unacceptable. Instead of seeking to alter the status of the occupied territories, Pakistan should immediately vacate all areas under its illegal occupation," the MEA said.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has seized more authority from the local council to deal with the affairs of Gilgit-Baltistan through its order on the region on May 21

Civil rights groups in Pakistan have criticised the order.

The ministry said it was also conveyed to the Pakistani deputy envoy that such actions can neither hide the illegal occupation of part of Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistan nor the grave human rights violations, exploitation and denial of freedom to the people residing in Pakistan-occupied territories.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI) 
&nbsp;

India on Sunday summoned Pakistan's Deputy High Commissioner Syed Haider Shah over Islamabad's so-called Gilgit-Baltistan order

India on Sunday summoned Pakistan's Deputy High Commissioner Syed Haider Shah over Islamabad's Gilgit-Baltistan order and told him that any action to alter the status of any part of the territory under his country's forcible occupation has no legal basis. In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said it conveyed to the Pakistan envoy that the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir, which also includes the so-called 'Gilgit-Baltistan' areas, is an integral part of India by virtue of its accession in 1947. "Any action to alter the status of any part of the territory under forcible and illegal occupation of Pakistan has no legal basis whatsoever, and is completely unacceptable. Instead of seeking to alter the status of the occupied territories, Pakistan should immediately vacate all areas under its illegal occupation," the MEA said. Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has seized more authority from the local council to deal with the affairs of Gilgit-Baltistan through its order on the region on May 21 Civil rights groups in Pakistan have criticised the order. The ministry said it was also conveyed to the Pakistani deputy envoy that such actions can neither hide the illegal occupation of part of Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistan nor the grave human rights violations, exploitation and denial of freedom to the people residing in Pakistan-occupied territories. (With inputs from PTI)

J&K also includes Gilgit-Baltistan: India to Pakistan

Pakistan's top civil and military leaders have decided to give greater administrative and financial authority to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, the region through which the controversial $ 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passes.

During a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) - the top civil and military body - Sartaj Aziz, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission and the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs & Gilgit-Baltistan, on Saturday briefed the Committee on the PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan reform proposals, an official statement said.

The meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi reviewed these proposals and after detailed deliberations a consensus was reached on the "devolution of greater administrative authority and financial powers" to the PoK government and the Gilgit-Baltistan government, according to the statement.

The details of administrative and financial reform have not been shared so far.

However, there was also consensus over retention of the PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan Councils as advisory bodies and the grant of a five-year tax holiday to Gilgit-Baltistan so as to create adequate incentives for the development of the region and bring it at par with the other areas of Pakistan.

Gilgit-Baltistan is treated as a separate geographical entity by Pakistan. Balochistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh are four provinces of Pakistan.

India has termed as "entirely unacceptable" any possible attempt by Pakistan to declare the Gilgit-Baltistan region, bordering the disputed Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, as the fifth province. India has protested to China over the CPEC which goes through Gilgit-Baltistan region.

It is believed that China's concerns about the unsettled status of Gilgit-Baltistan prompted Pakistan to change its status.

Earlier media reports had said that Pakistan plans to elevate the constitutional status of the region to provide legal cover to the CPEC.

The NSC also endorsed that FATA shall be merged with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa along with the introduction of the administrative and judicial institutional structures and laws of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the statement said.

The Committee directed the concerned ministries to work out the constitutional, legal and administrative modalities for the merger in consultation with all parties in the Parliament.

The meeting was attended by Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Defence & Foreign Affairs Khurram Dastgir Khan, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gen Zubair Mahmood Hayat, Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Naval and Air forces, ISI chief and other senior civil and military officials

Pakistan's top civil and military leaders have decided to give greater administrative and financial authority to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, the region through which the controversial $ 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passes

Pakistan's top civil and military leaders have decided to give greater administrative and financial authority to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, the region through which the controversial $ 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passes. During a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) - the top civil and military body - Sartaj Aziz, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission and the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs & Gilgit-Baltistan, on Saturday briefed the Committee on the PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan reform proposals, an official statement said. The meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi reviewed these proposals and after detailed deliberations a consensus was reached on the "devolution of greater administrative authority and financial powers" to the PoK government and the Gilgit-Baltistan government, according to the statement. The details of administrative and financial reform have not been shared so far. However, there was also consensus over retention of the PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan Councils as advisory bodies and the grant of a five-year tax holiday to Gilgit-Baltistan so as to create adequate incentives for the development of the region and bring it at par with the other areas of Pakistan. Gilgit-Baltistan is treated as a separate geographical entity by Pakistan. Balochistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh are four provinces of Pakistan. India has termed as "entirely unacceptable" any possible attempt by Pakistan to declare the Gilgit-Baltistan region, bordering the disputed Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, as the fifth province. India has protested to China over the CPEC which goes through Gilgit-Baltistan region. It is believed that China's concerns about the unsettled status of Gilgit-Baltistan prompted Pakistan to change its status. Earlier media reports had said that Pakistan plans to elevate the constitutional status of the region to provide legal cover to the CPEC. The NSC also endorsed that FATA shall be merged with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa along with the introduction of the administrative and judicial institutional structures and laws of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the statement said. The Committee directed the concerned ministries to work out the constitutional, legal and administrative modalities for the merger in consultation with all parties in the Parliament. The meeting was attended by Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Defence & Foreign Affairs Khurram Dastgir Khan, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gen Zubair Mahmood Hayat, Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Naval and Air forces, ISI chief and other senior civil and military officials

Pak to give greater administrative and financial authority to PoK, Gilgit-Baltistan

Political activists from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) carried out a protest rally in Rawalpindi city against the Karachi Agreement.

Executed on April 28, 1949, between the Government of Pakistan and the then Government of Azad Kashmir, the Karachi Agreement was very much in Pakistan's favour and deprived the people of PoK of significant powers and responsibilities.

Jamil Maqsood, a leader of United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP), Brussels said, "While critically analysing the agreement, we get to know that Pakistan was made responsible for the administration of the region, not for the development of the region. Not even a single point is mentioned about Pakistan establishment developing the region. You took control of a large area and declared 4,000 square miles of area independent (Azad Kashmir), while you gave control of the 28,000 square miles to Pakistan without taking assent of the legitimate local administration."

The 1949 Karachi Agreement was essentially formulated by Islamabad to ratify Pakistan's administrative control over the region without consulting any shareholder of the region.

Pakistan has since then been perpetrating worst forms of humanitarian crimes on the people of PoK and Gilgit Baltistan.

"When Pakistan took control of this region, then instead of giving people their fundamental, political, social, democratic and national rights, they declared the name of the region as Northern areas. This region was removed from our syllabus and was added to Pakistan and a narrative was built for the people of Pakistan that this region was being added to Pakistan and this is not even remotely connected with the reality," Maqsood added.

The people in PoK and Gilgit Baltistan are now demanding an immediate abolishment of the agreement with all rights conferred to citizens in letter and spirit.

"We reject all aspects (of agreement) in fact, the whole Karachi Agreement. Today, the circumstances are completely different from the time when the agreement was signed and if the Pakistani government is really serious about resolving the issues of these two regions (Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan), then it should abolish both the councils of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan and merge them into one with an appropriate representation from both regions," Maqsood said.

The people of PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan have suffered decades of discrimination and persecution, owing to skewed policies and agreements framed by Islamabad.

There have been massive social and economic depredations in the region at the hands of state-sponsored machinery. It is high time that Pakistan takes cognizance of the growing resentment amongst the people of the region before it transmutes into something unmanageable. 
&nbsp;

Executed on April 28, 1949, between the Government of Pakistan and the then Government of Azad Kashmir, the Karachi Agreement was very much in Pakistan's favour and deprived the people of PoK of significant powers and responsibilities

Political activists from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) carried out a protest rally in Rawalpindi city against the Karachi Agreement. Executed on April 28, 1949, between the Government of Pakistan and the then Government of Azad Kashmir, the Karachi Agreement was very much in Pakistan's favour and deprived the people of PoK of significant powers and responsibilities. Jamil Maqsood, a leader of United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP), Brussels said, "While critically analysing the agreement, we get to know that Pakistan was made responsible for the administration of the region, not for the development of the region. Not even a single point is mentioned about Pakistan establishment developing the region. You took control of a large area and declared 4,000 square miles of area independent (Azad Kashmir), while you gave control of the 28,000 square miles to Pakistan without taking assent of the legitimate local administration." The 1949 Karachi Agreement was essentially formulated by Islamabad to ratify Pakistan's administrative control over the region without consulting any shareholder of the region. Pakistan has since then been perpetrating worst forms of humanitarian crimes on the people of PoK and Gilgit Baltistan. "When Pakistan took control of this region, then instead of giving people their fundamental, political, social, democratic and national rights, they declared the name of the region as Northern areas. This region was removed from our syllabus and was added to Pakistan and a narrative was built for the people of Pakistan that this region was being added to Pakistan and this is not even remotely connected with the reality," Maqsood added. The people in PoK and Gilgit Baltistan are now demanding an immediate abolishment of the agreement with all rights conferred to citizens in letter and spirit. "We reject all aspects (of agreement) in fact, the whole Karachi Agreement. Today, the circumstances are completely different from the time when the agreement was signed and if the Pakistani government is really serious about resolving the issues of these two regions (Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan), then it should abolish both the councils of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan and merge them into one with an appropriate representation from both regions," Maqsood said. The people of PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan have suffered decades of discrimination and persecution, owing to skewed policies and agreements framed by Islamabad. There have been massive social and economic depredations in the region at the hands of state-sponsored machinery. It is high time that Pakistan takes cognizance of the growing resentment amongst the people of the region before it transmutes into something unmanageable.

Activists demand abolition of 1949 Karachi Agreement which gives Pakistan control over PoK

&nbsp;A survey conducted by a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/anti-pakistan-protests-erupt-across-pok-gilgit-baltistan-6192" target="_blank">Pakistan</a> based NGO has declared 36 glacial lakes in various valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan as dangerous.

The survey added&nbsp;that seven of the glacial lakes pose&nbsp;a major threat to the people.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/members-of-baloch-and-sindhi-community-protest-against-pakistan-in-london-26418" target="_blank">Members of Baloch and Sindhi community protest against Pakistan in London</a>

After the survey experts attending a seminar in Islamabad also said that&nbsp;Gilgit-Baltistan is highly vulnerable to climate change.

&quot;The Khurdopin Glacier has touched the mountain which has formed a small lake. The lake is frozen at the moment, but from March onward, when the ice starts melting, the flow of water would be intense. We are not predicting immense damage, but footbridges and Shimshal Valley, which is very narrow in nature; the road there might get affected, said Dr. Nazeer Ahmed.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/opinion-why-pakistan-supports-kashmirs-aazadi-and-not-that-of-pok-26042" target="_blank">Opinion: Why Pakistan supports Kashmir&#39;s </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/opinion-why-pakistan-supports-kashmirs-aazadi-and-not-that-of-pok-26042" target="_blank">aazadi</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/opinion-why-pakistan-supports-kashmirs-aazadi-and-not-that-of-pok-26042" target="_blank"> and not that of PoK</a>

Officials from Gilgit Baltistan Disaster Management Authority, who were present during the seminar, are looking for measures&nbsp;to protect villagers during any disaster.

Gilgit-Baltistan, part of the Pakistan occupied Kashmir, is under the occupation of Pakistan since 1947.

Ever since its occupation, the region has been <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-expresses-concern-over-human-rights-situation-in-pakistan-controlled-kashmir-5456" target="_blank">misruled by Pakistan</a>.

The people from the region have been staging a frequent protest demanding basic rights for themselves and against the Pakistan government&#39;s oppression and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/gilgit-baltistan-mounts-voice-against-illegal-taxation-25730" target="_blank">illegal taxation</a>.

The entrance of China in Gilgit Baltistan has added to the suffering of the local people.

The people also claim that the region&#39;s resources are not utilised for their use.&nbsp;

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36 glacial lakes in various valleys of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GilgitBaltistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GilgitBaltistan</a> declared dangerous due to melting, at least seven of them pose a threat to locals, says survey by a Pakistan based NGO. The region has been facing environmental issues since launch of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CPEC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CPEC</a>) <a href="https://t.co/gJHPYChJ67">pic.twitter.com/gJHPYChJ67</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/970131522786353154?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from ANI)

 
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A survey conducted by a Pakistan based NGO has declared 36 glacial lakes in various valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan as dangerous. The survey added that seven of the glacial lakes pose a major threat to the people

A survey conducted by a Pakistan based NGO has declared 36 glacial lakes in various valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan as dangerous. The survey added that seven of the glacial lakes pose a major threat to the people. Also read: Members of Baloch and Sindhi community protest against Pakistan in London After the survey experts attending a seminar in Islamabad also said that Gilgit-Baltistan is highly vulnerable to climate change. "The Khurdopin Glacier has touched the mountain which has formed a small lake. The lake is frozen at the moment, but from March onward, when the ice starts melting, the flow of water would be intense. We are not predicting immense damage, but footbridges and Shimshal Valley, which is very narrow in nature; the road there might get affected, said Dr. Nazeer Ahmed. Also read: Opinion: Why Pakistan supports Kashmir's aazadi and not that of PoK Officials from Gilgit Baltistan Disaster Management Authority, who were present during the seminar, are looking for measures to protect villagers during any disaster. Gilgit-Baltistan, part of the Pakistan occupied Kashmir, is under the occupation of Pakistan since 1947. Ever since its occupation, the region has been misruled by Pakistan. The people from the region have been staging a frequent protest demanding basic rights for themselves and against the Pakistan government's oppression and illegal taxation. The entrance of China in Gilgit Baltistan has added to the suffering of the local people. The people also claim that the region's resources are not utilised for their use. 36 glacial lakes in various valleys of #GilgitBaltistan declared dangerous due to melting, at least seven of them pose a threat to locals, says survey by a Pakistan based NGO. The region has been facing environmental issues since launch of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (#CPEC) pic.twitter.com/gJHPYChJ67 — ANI (@ANI) March 4, 2018 × (With inputs from ANI)

36 glacial lakes in Gilgit-Baltistan turns dangerous due to CPEC: Survey

People from the restive Gilgit region staged yet another<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/protest-in-pok-against-pakistan-government-for-diverting-resources-26599" target="_blank"> protest </a>on Saturday, appealing the Pakistan government to bring back prisoners from China.&nbsp;

Calling the relationship between China and Pakistan &quot; totally fallacious&quot;, a former prisoner released from the jail in China&nbsp;said that nobody is aware of the reality of the relationship between the two countries. They just show off (their friendship) to the world.

&quot;I spent 10 years in a Chinese prison. I appeal to the Pakistan Government to bring back prisoners from China. I feel ashamed as the China- Pakistan friendship is totally fallacious. They just show off to the world, but nobody is aware of the reality.&quot;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/opinion-why-pakistan-supports-kashmirs-aazadi-and-not-that-of-pok-26042" target="_blank">Opinion: Why Pakistan supports Kashmir&#39;s </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/opinion-why-pakistan-supports-kashmirs-aazadi-and-not-that-of-pok-26042" target="_blank">aazadi</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/opinion-why-pakistan-supports-kashmirs-aazadi-and-not-that-of-pok-26042" target="_blank"> and not that of PoK</a>

Also&nbsp;read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/anti-pakistan-protests-across-pok-to-mark-1947-invasion-22724" target="_blank">Anti-Pakistan protests across PoK to mark 1947 invasion</a>

The relatives of the imprisoned men staged a protest demanding the release of Pakistanis lodged in China prisons.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gilgit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gilgit</a>: Protests by relatives of people from Peshawar and other areas languishing in jails in China. <a href="https://t.co/eYLj4akrVr">pic.twitter.com/eYLj4akrVr</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/962520332157575168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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I spent 10 years in a Chinese prison. I appeal to the Pakistan Government to bring back prisoners from China. I feel ashamed as the China-Pakistan friendship is totally fallacious. They just show off to the world, but nobody is aware of the reality: Nazir Ahmed,protester <a href="https://t.co/1ctByMuPhB">pic.twitter.com/1ctByMuPhB</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/962521464590229505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/anti-pak-slogans-raised-at-this-rally-in-poks-muzaffarabad-8058" target="_blank">Anti-Pak slogans raised at this rally in PoK&#39;s Muzaffarabad</a>

The relatives of the imprisoned men staged a protest demanding the release of Pakistanis lodged in China prisons.

People from the restive Gilgit region staged yet another protest on Saturday, appealing the Pakistan government to bring back prisoners from China. Calling the relationship between China and Pakistan " totally fallacious", a former prisoner released from the jail in China said that nobody is aware of the reality of the relationship between the two countries. They just show off (their friendship) to the world. "I spent 10 years in a Chinese prison. I appeal to the Pakistan Government to bring back prisoners from China. I feel ashamed as the China- Pakistan friendship is totally fallacious. They just show off to the world, but nobody is aware of the reality." Also read: Opinion: Why Pakistan supports Kashmir's aazadi and not that of PoK Also read: Anti-Pakistan protests across PoK to mark 1947 invasion The relatives of the imprisoned men staged a protest demanding the release of Pakistanis lodged in China prisons. #Gilgit: Protests by relatives of people from Peshawar and other areas languishing in jails in China. pic.twitter.com/eYLj4akrVr — ANI (@ANI) February 11, 2018 × I spent 10 years in a Chinese prison. I appeal to the Pakistan Government to bring back prisoners from China. I feel ashamed as the China-Pakistan friendship is totally fallacious. They just show off to the world, but nobody is aware of the reality: Nazir Ahmed,protester pic.twitter.com/1ctByMuPhB — ANI (@ANI) February 11, 2018 × Anti-Pak slogans raised at this rally in PoK's Muzaffarabad

China- Pakistan friendship 'totally fallacious', says Pakistan prisoner released from China

Widespread protests have erupted across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Gilgit Baltistan against Pakistan&#39;s ill-treatment of the region and its people.

In Gilgit-Baltistan, people have come out onto the streets shouting anti-Pakistan slogans and rejecting the Pakistan Government&#39;s enforced taxation. Markets and business establishments remained shut and traders in large numbers gathered in major cities, including Gilgit and Skardu to express their anger against the imposition of &quot;illegal&quot;&nbsp;taxes by Islamabad.

They called on the government to withdraw all taxes imposed in Gilgit Baltistan under the GB Tax Adaptation Act 2012. The protest call was given by the Anjiman-i-Tajran and the Awami Action Committee (AAC), and backed by all political and religious parties in Baltistan.

Addressing a gathering in Skardu, Basharat, an advocate and member of Baltistan civil society, blamed Islamabad for its autocratic behaviour and for abusing the powers of the Gilgit Baltistan Council which is headed by the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

He said, &quot;Gilgit-Baltistan Council is chaired by the Prime Minister of Pakistan. He definitely has no sympathy for Gilgit-Baltistan. If it was so, he would have taken decisions as per the convenience of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan. He never attends any meeting. It is very sad.

The Prime Minister only endorses a plan designed by a section officer in Islamabad.The protests will continue till the government meets the demands, the organisers have announced.&quot;This is the height of barbarism. We don&#39;t have any party to express our concerns.

So, the people have no option but to block roads and go on strike. Now, the government will use force to demolish our campaign.

For the past 47 years, they have kept us confined by dividing us on sectarian lines&quot;, said a protester. In Rawalakot city, people came out onto the streets to protest against the discriminatory surge in load shedding hours.

The protest was organised by the Jammu Kashmir National Awami Party (JKNAP), which claimed that the PoK produces some 5,000 megawatts of electricity from five dams and 4500 Megawatts of that electricity is diverted to the Islamabad grid leaving the local people with just 500 Megawatts.

Sardar Liaqat Hayat, President of JKNAP, said, &quot;We people are paying hefty bills despite having hours long load shedding. We all need to come onto the streets to protest for our right to free electricity. We need to give sacrifices as nothing comes free. Those who are getting everything free are the &#39;moulvis&#39;&nbsp;sitting in a mosque. Ordinary people have to fight for their rights&quot;.

The JKNAP has threatened to intensify its protest against Islamabad if their demands are not met. It also blames Pakistan for exploiting resources from PoK and being responsible for the poverty and underdevelopment in the region.

People came to streets raising anti-Pakistan slogans and rejecting the Pakistan Government's enforced taxation

Widespread protests have erupted across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Gilgit Baltistan against Pakistan's ill-treatment of the region and its people. In Gilgit-Baltistan, people have come out onto the streets shouting anti-Pakistan slogans and rejecting the Pakistan Government's enforced taxation. Markets and business establishments remained shut and traders in large numbers gathered in major cities, including Gilgit and Skardu to express their anger against the imposition of "illegal" taxes by Islamabad. They called on the government to withdraw all taxes imposed in Gilgit Baltistan under the GB Tax Adaptation Act 2012. The protest call was given by the Anjiman-i-Tajran and the Awami Action Committee (AAC), and backed by all political and religious parties in Baltistan. Addressing a gathering in Skardu, Basharat, an advocate and member of Baltistan civil society, blamed Islamabad for its autocratic behaviour and for abusing the powers of the Gilgit Baltistan Council which is headed by the Prime Minister of Pakistan. He said, "Gilgit-Baltistan Council is chaired by the Prime Minister of Pakistan. He definitely has no sympathy for Gilgit-Baltistan. If it was so, he would have taken decisions as per the convenience of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan. He never attends any meeting. It is very sad. The Prime Minister only endorses a plan designed by a section officer in Islamabad.The protests will continue till the government meets the demands, the organisers have announced."This is the height of barbarism. We don't have any party to express our concerns. So, the people have no option but to block roads and go on strike. Now, the government will use force to demolish our campaign. For the past 47 years, they have kept us confined by dividing us on sectarian lines", said a protester. In Rawalakot city, people came out onto the streets to protest against the discriminatory surge in load shedding hours. The protest was organised by the Jammu Kashmir National Awami Party (JKNAP), which claimed that the PoK produces some 5,000 megawatts of electricity from five dams and 4500 Megawatts of that electricity is diverted to the Islamabad grid leaving the local people with just 500 Megawatts. Sardar Liaqat Hayat, President of JKNAP, said, "We people are paying hefty bills despite having hours long load shedding. We all need to come onto the streets to protest for our right to free electricity. We need to give sacrifices as nothing comes free. Those who are getting everything free are the 'moulvis' sitting in a mosque. Ordinary people have to fight for their rights". The JKNAP has threatened to intensify its protest against Islamabad if their demands are not met. It also blames Pakistan for exploiting resources from PoK and being responsible for the poverty and underdevelopment in the region.

Widespread protests in PoK, Gilgit Baltistan against ill-treatment of locals by Pakistan

Massive anti-Pakistan protests broke out across Skardu in Gilgit Baltistan against illegal taxation&nbsp;on Saturday.&nbsp;

Economic activities in Gilgit Baltistan have come to a standstill after the entire region observed a &#39;&#39;shutter down&#39;&#39; protest against illegal taxation.

All small and big businesses on Saturday shut down indefinitely against unfair and unjust taxes imposed on them by Pakistan.

Several people in Skardu took to streets, shouted slogans against Pakistan, carried posters and banners.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Massive anti-Pakistan protests across Gilgit Baltistan against illegal taxation <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Skardu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Skardu</a> <a href="https://t.co/Zwei7MZaKO">pic.twitter.com/Zwei7MZaKO</a>
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According to sources, businessmen in Gilgit Baltistan have claimed that the protests will continue with the same vigor and zeal until Pakistan takes back the notification of taxes.

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Skardu: Businessmen in Gilgit Baltistan against illegal taxation say, we will carry on with the protests with same force and zeal until Pakistan withdraws notification of taxes. <a href="https://t.co/eX1zCLJjAz">pic.twitter.com/eX1zCLJjAz</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/931728126496849921?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The business community in Gilgit Baltistan believes Pakistan is imposing unfair and undue taxes on the impoverished people and poor traders of the occupied territory.

While addressing the crowd in Skardu, Gilgit Baltistan, a protestor said that people of Gilgit Baltistan living in Karachi, Quetta, Lahore and other parts of Pakistan must &#39;be prepared,&#39; and warned that they will take on Islamabad next.&nbsp;

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I urge people of Gilgit Baltistan living in Karachi , Quetta , Lahore and other parts of Pakistan, be prepared , we are going to take on Islamabad head on: Protester addressing a gathering in Skardu, Gilgit Baltistan <a href="https://t.co/TTTl3S9q0a">pic.twitter.com/TTTl3S9q0a</a>
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Addressing a gathering in Skardu city, an angry protester asked, &quot;Will you pay taxes to Pakistan on chickens kept in your households? Will you pay taxes on cow kept at your house for milk?&quot;

On the taxation system, he said, &quot;Taxes are imposed on additional family members, if you have more than five family members, an additional tax needs to be paid.&quot;

&quot;We will not pay taxes,&quot; the agitating traders declared.

Heavy taxes are being imposed on traders here time and again without providing basic fundamental rights, subsidy or constitutional status to the region. Taxes collected by the authorities were never spent on the development and welfare of Gilgit Baltistan, they alleged.

&quot;Pakistan government through an ordinance is imposing new taxes illegally,&quot; said a local businessman, adding, &quot;Until Pakistan withdraws notification of taxes we will carry on protests with same force and zeal.&quot;

&quot;There is a principle in Islam, no rights no taxes, we have no representation so why pay taxes,&quot; said another.

The business community had alleged that when Pakistan&#39;s Supreme Court has declared the region as disputed territory, then Islamabad has no right to impose taxes and any kind of imposition of taxes is termed illegal and unacceptable.

Massive non-cooperation movement has been launched across the length and breadth of Gilgit Baltistan.

Scores of people are on the streets venting out anger against illegal tax regime imposed by Islamabad

Local traders sitting on indefinite strike pledged not to give any taxes to Pakistan saying they won&#39;t pay &#39;over the roof taxes&#39; to be spend on maintaining lavish lifestyles and luxuries of Pakistani politicians.

Islamabad is baffled by the scale of protests and shutter down protest.

Pakistani media is largely blacking out the massive protests and a section of media claims that protests will be called off after November 23.

Protestors plan to take on Islamabad head on next.

Massive anti-Pakistan protests broke out across Skardu in Gilgit Baltistan against illegal taxation on Saturday. Economic activities in Gilgit Baltistan have come to a standstill after the entire region observed a ''shutter down'' protest against illegal taxation. All small and big businesses on Saturday shut down indefinitely against unfair and unjust taxes imposed on them by Pakistan. Several people in Skardu took to streets, shouted slogans against Pakistan, carried posters and banners. #WATCH: Massive anti-Pakistan protests across Gilgit Baltistan against illegal taxation #Skardu pic.twitter.com/Zwei7MZaKO — ANI (@ANI) November 18, 2017 × According to sources, businessmen in Gilgit Baltistan have claimed that the protests will continue with the same vigor and zeal until Pakistan takes back the notification of taxes. Skardu: Businessmen in Gilgit Baltistan against illegal taxation say, we will carry on with the protests with same force and zeal until Pakistan withdraws notification of taxes. pic.twitter.com/eX1zCLJjAz — ANI (@ANI) November 18, 2017 × The business community in Gilgit Baltistan believes Pakistan is imposing unfair and undue taxes on the impoverished people and poor traders of the occupied territory. While addressing the crowd in Skardu, Gilgit Baltistan, a protestor said that people of Gilgit Baltistan living in Karachi, Quetta, Lahore and other parts of Pakistan must 'be prepared,' and warned that they will take on Islamabad next. I urge people of Gilgit Baltistan living in Karachi , Quetta , Lahore and other parts of Pakistan, be prepared , we are going to take on Islamabad head on: Protester addressing a gathering in Skardu, Gilgit Baltistan pic.twitter.com/TTTl3S9q0a — ANI (@ANI) November 18, 2017 × Addressing a gathering in Skardu city, an angry protester asked, "Will you pay taxes to Pakistan on chickens kept in your households? Will you pay taxes on cow kept at your house for milk?" On the taxation system, he said, "Taxes are imposed on additional family members, if you have more than five family members, an additional tax needs to be paid." "We will not pay taxes," the agitating traders declared. Heavy taxes are being imposed on traders here time and again without providing basic fundamental rights, subsidy or constitutional status to the region. Taxes collected by the authorities were never spent on the development and welfare of Gilgit Baltistan, they alleged. "Pakistan government through an ordinance is imposing new taxes illegally," said a local businessman, adding, "Until Pakistan withdraws notification of taxes we will carry on protests with same force and zeal." "There is a principle in Islam, no rights no taxes, we have no representation so why pay taxes," said another. The business community had alleged that when Pakistan's Supreme Court has declared the region as disputed territory, then Islamabad has no right to impose taxes and any kind of imposition of taxes is termed illegal and unacceptable. Massive non-cooperation movement has been launched across the length and breadth of Gilgit Baltistan. Scores of people are on the streets venting out anger against illegal tax regime imposed by Islamabad Local traders sitting on indefinite strike pledged not to give any taxes to Pakistan saying they won't pay 'over the roof taxes' to be spend on maintaining lavish lifestyles and luxuries of Pakistani politicians. Islamabad is baffled by the scale of protests and shutter down protest. Pakistani media is largely blacking out the massive protests and a section of media claims that protests will be called off after November 23.

Massive anti-Pakistan protest across Gilgit Baltistan area against illegal taxation

The independent leadership in Pakistan administered Kashmir and Gilgit, led by the United Kashmir People&#39;s National Party (UKPNP), have strongly rejected moves by Pakistan to establish military courts in the region in order to further suppress the local population. 
 
In a conference titled &quot;National Action Plan &amp; Freedom of Expression in PoK and Gilgit Baltistan&quot; held recently in Mirpur city of the region, Kashmiri leaders vehemently rejected the draconian law. 
 
Pakistani security forces have arrested many Kashmiri nationalist leaders under the national action Plan that was established by Pakistan government in January 2015 to crack down on terrorism. 
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Mirpur (PoK): Kashmiri leaders protest Pakistan&rsquo;s move to establish military courts. <a href="https://t.co/z4zxzgznvQ">pic.twitter.com/z4zxzgznvQ</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/761757222678519808">August 6, 2016</a></blockquote>
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In a resolution passed unanimously, the participants demounces establishment of military courts and implementation of national action plan (NAP) in Pakistan administered Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan. They said Pakistan has no jurisdiction in these areas. 
 
Asif Shah Kashmiri, president of J K Peoples National Party said, &quot;In Gilgit Baltistan, the Pakistan court have imposed false cases against Baba Jan and his colleagues and announced 20 years of imprisonment. We strictly condemn it.&quot; He said, &quot;We condemn sedition charges leveled against Muhammad Khwaja Rafiq of Kashmir International Friendship Club, Talat Mehmood and other political leaders of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan.&quot; 
 
Most speakers criticised Kashmir policy of Pakistan government and human rights violations committed by them in the region and Gilgit-Baltistan. 
 
Advocate Nasir Ansari, president of J&amp;K Plebiscite Front (JK Mahaz-e-Rai Shumari) said, &quot;We also want to see a progressive Pakistan. It is making atomic bombs. But, can a human being eat these atom bombs? Pakistan has failed to provide a glass of clean drinking water to its citizens in the past 70 years. Can we have faith on Pakistan that it will make us free?&quot; 
 
The speakers said that the Pakistan establishment is trying to convey that recent elections in the region were free and fair, but in fact, the elections were rigged, unfair and partial. Nationalist parties were not allowed to participate in the elections. 
 
Shafique Kayani, secretary general of the J K Freedom Movement said, &quot;Why you required a National Action Plan. It was because to arrest those Kashmiris who are demanding freedom. Why you are not arresting those terrorists in Karachi who are involved in kidnappings and killings. They are carrying out terrorist attacks and killings children in schools.&quot;&nbsp; 
(ANI)

Security forces have arrested many leaders in Pakistan administered Kashmir under the national action plan to crack down on terrorists

The independent leadership in Pakistan administered Kashmir and Gilgit, led by the United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP), have strongly rejected moves by Pakistan to establish military courts in the region in order to further suppress the local population. In a conference titled "National Action Plan & Freedom of Expression in PoK and Gilgit Baltistan" held recently in Mirpur city of the region, Kashmiri leaders vehemently rejected the draconian law. Pakistani security forces have arrested many Kashmiri nationalist leaders under the national action Plan that was established by Pakistan government in January 2015 to crack down on terrorism. Mirpur (PoK): Kashmiri leaders protest Pakistan’s move to establish military courts. pic.twitter.com/z4zxzgznvQ — ANI (@ANI_news) August 6, 2016 In a resolution passed unanimously, the participants demounces establishment of military courts and implementation of national action plan (NAP) in Pakistan administered Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan. They said Pakistan has no jurisdiction in these areas. Asif Shah Kashmiri, president of J K Peoples National Party said, "In Gilgit Baltistan, the Pakistan court have imposed false cases against Baba Jan and his colleagues and announced 20 years of imprisonment. We strictly condemn it." He said, "We condemn sedition charges leveled against Muhammad Khwaja Rafiq of Kashmir International Friendship Club, Talat Mehmood and other political leaders of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan." Most speakers criticised Kashmir policy of Pakistan government and human rights violations committed by them in the region and Gilgit-Baltistan. Advocate Nasir Ansari, president of J&K Plebiscite Front (JK Mahaz-e-Rai Shumari) said, "We also want to see a progressive Pakistan. It is making atomic bombs. But, can a human being eat these atom bombs? Pakistan has failed to provide a glass of clean drinking water to its citizens in the past 70 years. Can we have faith on Pakistan that it will make us free?" The speakers said that the Pakistan establishment is trying to convey that recent elections in the region were free and fair, but in fact, the elections were rigged, unfair and partial. Nationalist parties were not allowed to participate in the elections. Shafique Kayani, secretary general of the J K Freedom Movement said, "Why you required a National Action Plan. It was because to arrest those Kashmiris who are demanding freedom. Why you are not arresting those terrorists in Karachi who are involved in kidnappings and killings. They are carrying out terrorist attacks and killings children in schools." (ANI)

Activists in Pakistan administered Kashmir protest move to establish military courts in region