PoK Is A Symbol Of Pakistan's Apathy. The Region Is Struggling In Every Aspect: Social, Political, Economical & Human Development Front.

Gravitas: The current state of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir

Home Minister Amit Shah said in Lok Sabha that Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Aksai Chin are part of Jammu and Kashmir and that Kashmir Valley is an integral part of the country.

PoK and Aksai Chin are part of Jammu and Kashmir says Amit Shah

Political activists have accused Pakistan of changing the demography of Gilgit Baltistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) in disregard to its own commitments.

Islamabad has gradually diluted its constitution in order to facilitate outsiders to grab the land and resources of illegally occupied areas.

Islamabad abolished the State Subject Rule in Gilgit Baltistan in 1984, which resulted in demographic changes in the territory.

People from different parts of Pakistan are free to purchase land there.

"Pakistan has never kept its end of the bargain when comes to Jammu and Kashmir. It has encroached on the land of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). It has awarded the land of PoJK to China. It is changing the local demography that further violates the State Subject Rule," said Senge H. Sering from the Institute for Gilgit Baltistan Studies in Washington.

On August 29, 2009, the Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self-Governance Order 2009, was passed which granted limited autonomy, by creating, among other things, an elected Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly and Gilgit-Baltistan Council.

This was overridden by Gilgit Baltistan Order 2018 which entrusted Pakistan with indisputable authority over the region. The order is seen as Islamabad's efforts towards incorporating the disputed region as its fifth province.

Currently, Gilgit-Baltistan is neither a province nor a state. It has a semi-provincial status.

Senge added that Islamabad has designs to exploit the resources and cash-in the geo-strategic advantages of the region.

"It robs the locals off their resources. It denies them jobs and services. It has never paid royalty on local water resources. It never pays tolls on local transit routes. All these activities are illegal and not acceptable," he said.

Meanwhile, Jamil Maqsood, Central Secretary (Foreign Affairs) of the United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP) from Brussels, said, "The erstwhile princely state of Jammu and Kashmir was divided because of expansionists'&nbsp;designs of Pakistan. And since then people are suffering an endless irony under the undemocratic rule of Pakistan".

"Our education, health, infrastructure and society have been destroyed. Our natural resources have been plundered since a long time. There is no employment for the educated youth," he added.

It is believed that the Pakistani military has been systematically carrying out operations to keep the people of Gilgit Baltistan and PoK underdeveloped and underprivileged.

"They recruit young men to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and other terrorist groups operating from the soil of PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan," Maqsood said. "Most of the educated people have also been recruited by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) to propagate in favour of the Pakistani establishment and that is a very dangerous phenomenon," he added.&nbsp;

Political activists have accused Pakistan of changing the demography of Gilgit Baltistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) in disregard to its own commitments.

Political activists have accused Pakistan of changing the demography of Gilgit Baltistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) in disregard to its own commitments. Islamabad has gradually diluted its constitution in order to facilitate outsiders to grab the land and resources of illegally occupied areas. Islamabad abolished the State Subject Rule in Gilgit Baltistan in 1984, which resulted in demographic changes in the territory. People from different parts of Pakistan are free to purchase land there. "Pakistan has never kept its end of the bargain when comes to Jammu and Kashmir. It has encroached on the land of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). It has awarded the land of PoJK to China. It is changing the local demography that further violates the State Subject Rule," said Senge H. Sering from the Institute for Gilgit Baltistan Studies in Washington. On August 29, 2009, the Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self-Governance Order 2009, was passed which granted limited autonomy, by creating, among other things, an elected Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly and Gilgit-Baltistan Council. This was overridden by Gilgit Baltistan Order 2018 which entrusted Pakistan with indisputable authority over the region. The order is seen as Islamabad's efforts towards incorporating the disputed region as its fifth province. Currently, Gilgit-Baltistan is neither a province nor a state. It has a semi-provincial status. Senge added that Islamabad has designs to exploit the resources and cash-in the geo-strategic advantages of the region. "It robs the locals off their resources. It denies them jobs and services. It has never paid royalty on local water resources. It never pays tolls on local transit routes. All these activities are illegal and not acceptable," he said. Meanwhile, Jamil Maqsood, Central Secretary (Foreign Affairs) of the United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP) from Brussels, said, "The erstwhile princely state of Jammu and Kashmir was divided because of expansionists' designs of Pakistan. And since then people are suffering an endless irony under the undemocratic rule of Pakistan". "Our education, health, infrastructure and society have been destroyed. Our natural resources have been plundered since a long time. There is no employment for the educated youth," he added. It is believed that the Pakistani military has been systematically carrying out operations to keep the people of Gilgit Baltistan and PoK underdeveloped and underprivileged. "They recruit young men to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and other terrorist groups operating from the soil of PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan," Maqsood said. "Most of the educated people have also been recruited by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) to propagate in favour of the Pakistani establishment and that is a very dangerous phenomenon," he added.

Pakistan has been changing demography of PoK, Gilgit Baltistan: Activists

&nbsp;Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) to protest against the Neelum-Jhelum hydropower plant and construction of dams in the region. People shouted anti-Pakistan slogans, saying that the project is meant to serve the interests of other provinces, especially Punjab.

Locals said that the water of Neelum and Jhelum rivers has been diverted for the plant which has triggered a water scarcity in the region, affecting their day-to-day lives.

The people have also claimed that they have not been given a fair share of power generated from the hydropower plant.

The Neelum-Jhelum hydropower plant became functional in August 2018 and has a capacity of producing around 1,500 MW of electricity.

However, the adequate power supply is not there in PoK which requires only 400 MW-500 MW for its needs.

Of late, a massive water crisis has emerged in PoK, which has either rendered people homeless or forced them to live in uninhabitable conditions.

Apprehensive of serious ecological changes in the region, people are demanding an immediate retraction of Pakistan`s plans to construct more dams on Neelum and Jhelum rivers.

Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) to protest against the Neelum-Jhelum hydropower plant and construction of dams in the region.

Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) to protest against the Neelum-Jhelum hydropower plant and construction of dams in the region. People shouted anti-Pakistan slogans, saying that the project is meant to serve the interests of other provinces, especially Punjab. Locals said that the water of Neelum and Jhelum rivers has been diverted for the plant which has triggered a water scarcity in the region, affecting their day-to-day lives. The people have also claimed that they have not been given a fair share of power generated from the hydropower plant. The Neelum-Jhelum hydropower plant became functional in August 2018 and has a capacity of producing around 1,500 MW of electricity. However, the adequate power supply is not there in PoK which requires only 400 MW-500 MW for its needs. Of late, a massive water crisis has emerged in PoK, which has either rendered people homeless or forced them to live in uninhabitable conditions. Apprehensive of serious ecological changes in the region, people are demanding an immediate retraction of Pakistan`s plans to construct more dams on Neelum and Jhelum rivers.

Protest erupts against Neelum-Jhelum hydropower project in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir

Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) has been reeling under the illegal occupation of Islamabad over the last seven decades.

Today, the region has not just been left bereft of its natural resources due to indiscriminate exploitation by Pakistan but its people too are thrown into a life of misery.

The water of the rivers -- Neelum and Jhelum -- have also been diverted on the pretext of the generation of hydroelectricity for the people.&nbsp;

When people protested against the construction of these hydropower projects, they were told that the region would get a surplus power supply and water once the project is complete.But things turned out to be opposite when its construction completed.&nbsp;

Ever since the Neelum-Jhelum hydropower project has been inaugurated, the lives of people have turned into a nightmare.

Most of the 1,500 MW of energy produced from this plant is transferred to the provinces of Pakistan, especially the pampered province of Punjab.&nbsp;

And now with no water and power in the region, the people here are reeling under darkness. Untimely and prolonged load-shedding has taken a heavy toll on the people of the region.

Venting his frustration over the current power situation in the region and utter negligence of authorities, Muhammad Altaf Butt, a former candidate of PoK Assembly, said, "It is unfortunate that the people of this region, who sacrificed both their land and water for the hydropower projects are enduring one of the worst load-shedding."

"And even in this situation, the President, Prime Minister, Chief Secretary and Chief Justice of the region couldn`t gather the courage to demand power supply equivalent to that of provincial capitals like Peshawar, Lahore, Karachi, and Quetta," he said.

The region has very few industries and even these are subjected to power outages, leading to incomplete work and unemployment.

"If the region is producing around 1,500 MW of electricity and not getting even the required 400-500 MW, then it is questionable. It should be dealt with. Earlier, the Prime Minister of the region, Raja Farooq Haider Khan used to speak very assertively. But, God knows what happened that he has become quiet with the time," added Butt.

Prime Minister Imran Khan has made tall claims of providing PoK people life at par with the other citizens of the country, but they are not even getting half of it and the situation is poised to deteriorate further with a rise in energy-demand of Pakistan.

The region, which has been used both as for exploitation and as a dump yard, will be plundered again to satisfy Pakistani needs.&nbsp;

Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) has been reeling under the illegal occupation of Islamabad over the last seven decades. Today, the region has not just been left bereft of its natural resources due to indiscriminate exploitation by Pakistan but its people too are thrown into a life of misery.

Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) has been reeling under the illegal occupation of Islamabad over the last seven decades. Today, the region has not just been left bereft of its natural resources due to indiscriminate exploitation by Pakistan but its people too are thrown into a life of misery. The water of the rivers -- Neelum and Jhelum -- have also been diverted on the pretext of the generation of hydroelectricity for the people. When people protested against the construction of these hydropower projects, they were told that the region would get a surplus power supply and water once the project is complete.But things turned out to be opposite when its construction completed. Ever since the Neelum-Jhelum hydropower project has been inaugurated, the lives of people have turned into a nightmare. Most of the 1,500 MW of energy produced from this plant is transferred to the provinces of Pakistan, especially the pampered province of Punjab. And now with no water and power in the region, the people here are reeling under darkness. Untimely and prolonged load-shedding has taken a heavy toll on the people of the region. Venting his frustration over the current power situation in the region and utter negligence of authorities, Muhammad Altaf Butt, a former candidate of PoK Assembly, said, "It is unfortunate that the people of this region, who sacrificed both their land and water for the hydropower projects are enduring one of the worst load-shedding." "And even in this situation, the President, Prime Minister, Chief Secretary and Chief Justice of the region couldn`t gather the courage to demand power supply equivalent to that of provincial capitals like Peshawar, Lahore, Karachi, and Quetta," he said. The region has very few industries and even these are subjected to power outages, leading to incomplete work and unemployment. "If the region is producing around 1,500 MW of electricity and not getting even the required 400-500 MW, then it is questionable. It should be dealt with. Earlier, the Prime Minister of the region, Raja Farooq Haider Khan used to speak very assertively. But, God knows what happened that he has become quiet with the time," added Butt. Prime Minister Imran Khan has made tall claims of providing PoK people life at par with the other citizens of the country, but they are not even getting half of it and the situation is poised to deteriorate further with a rise in energy-demand of Pakistan. The region, which has been used both as for exploitation and as a dump yard, will be plundered again to satisfy Pakistani needs.

PoK deprived of basic needs as Islamabad turns a blind eye to them

Once a small cluster of houses stood along a gentle stream in Pakistani Kashmir. Now only jagged rocks and a few damaged homes remain after torrential rains wreaked havoc on the picturesque mountain village in the Laswa Valley.

More than 270 people have been killed in recent days across South Asia as monsoon rains deluged large swathes of the subcontinent, flooding waterways and destroying communities.

On Sunday evening, the normally quiet stream running through the valley morphed into a raging current - uprooting everything in its path.

Twenty-three people are missing, presumed dead by officials.

Seven others were injured, while 150 houses and businesses were destroyed and about 50 buildings damaged in the seven hamlets spread across Laswa.

"I was holding the hand of my mother trying to save her, but unfortunately I lost her hand and she was swept away by the floodwater," says Amin Butt, who was visiting his family in Kashmir.

"Within a minute my entire world was gone, my mother was gone and my home,"&nbsp;Butt said, his eyes misting over.

"We have nothing left here now except for the stones."

Hard rain

Kashmir has been divided since the end of British colonial rule in 1947 and both New Delhi and <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/appreciate-icjs-decision-not-to-acquit-kulbhushan-jadhav-says-imran-khan-after-icjs-verdict-236784&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjw1Kay-8DjAhXR6XMBHSDpBGgQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1KWL1Cf_dIU8SYlh8upZH4">Islamabad</a> claim the former Himalayan kingdom in full.

Located just a few kilometres (miles) north of the Line of Control - the heavily militarised de-facto border dividing the disputed Himalayan territory - Laswa has been frequently shelled during bouts of fighting between Pakistan and India.

But in recent years it had been largely spared despite increasing tensions.

On Sunday, the tragedy brought by the floods reminded residents of the horrors of war from the past.

Shahnawaz Butt lost his wife and three of his six children in the disaster.&nbsp;

"I was unable to see their faces again because their bodies were not found," he sighs.

"I would like to appeal to whoever hears my voice, to provide us with the basic necessities of life like electricity and water," he pleads.&nbsp;

Several residents interviewed by AFP&nbsp;criticised the slow response by officials, saying supplies arrived slowly by the single road that enters the valley rather than being flown in.

White tents provided by the Pakistani army now stand in place of the homes that resided there just days ago, where survivors receive condolences from their neighbours.&nbsp;

Raging from June to September, the monsoon is essential for irrigating crops and replenishing&nbsp;vital water sources across the subcontinent that approximately one-fifth of the global population depends on.&nbsp;

But the yearly rains often turn deadly, as floods wash away communities and destroy farmland.&nbsp;

Once a small cluster of houses stood along a gentle stream in Pakistani Kashmir. Now only jagged rocks and a few damaged homes remain after torrential rains wreaked havoc on the picturesque mountain village in the Laswa Valley.

Once a small cluster of houses stood along a gentle stream in Pakistani Kashmir. Now only jagged rocks and a few damaged homes remain after torrential rains wreaked havoc on the picturesque mountain village in the Laswa Valley. More than 270 people have been killed in recent days across South Asia as monsoon rains deluged large swathes of the subcontinent, flooding waterways and destroying communities. On Sunday evening, the normally quiet stream running through the valley morphed into a raging current - uprooting everything in its path. Twenty-three people are missing, presumed dead by officials. Seven others were injured, while 150 houses and businesses were destroyed and about 50 buildings damaged in the seven hamlets spread across Laswa. "I was holding the hand of my mother trying to save her, but unfortunately I lost her hand and she was swept away by the floodwater," says Amin Butt, who was visiting his family in Kashmir. "Within a minute my entire world was gone, my mother was gone and my home," Butt said, his eyes misting over. "We have nothing left here now except for the stones." Hard rain Kashmir has been divided since the end of British colonial rule in 1947 and both New Delhi and Islamabad claim the former Himalayan kingdom in full. Located just a few kilometres (miles) north of the Line of Control - the heavily militarised de-facto border dividing the disputed Himalayan territory - Laswa has been frequently shelled during bouts of fighting between Pakistan and India. But in recent years it had been largely spared despite increasing tensions. On Sunday, the tragedy brought by the floods reminded residents of the horrors of war from the past. Shahnawaz Butt lost his wife and three of his six children in the disaster. "I was unable to see their faces again because their bodies were not found," he sighs. "I would like to appeal to whoever hears my voice, to provide us with the basic necessities of life like electricity and water," he pleads. Several residents interviewed by AFP criticised the slow response by officials, saying supplies arrived slowly by the single road that enters the valley rather than being flown in. White tents provided by the Pakistani army now stand in place of the homes that resided there just days ago, where survivors receive condolences from their neighbours. Raging from June to September, the monsoon is essential for irrigating crops and replenishing vital water sources across the subcontinent that approximately one-fifth of the global population depends on. But the yearly rains often turn deadly, as floods wash away communities and destroy farmland.

'My entire world was gone': Floods devastate northern Pakistan

At Least 24 people have been killed after a cloud burst led heavy flooding in Neelum Valley of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK). It is being reported that over 150 houses and 2 mosques have been affected. Watch this video to know more.

PoK: At Least 24 killed in flash floods after a cloud burst

The situation in Assam deteriorated Monday as floodwaters submerged 30 of the 33 districts in Assam and death toll increased to 15, even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi took stock of the situation and assured of all assistance from the Centre.

Assam flood: 15 dead, 43 lakh people affected; 90% Kaziranga Park inundated

People in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) are facing immense difficulties due to the consistent increase in inflation rates and heavy pay taxes implemented by Islamabad for benefits that residents here never enjoy.

While Pakistan has been witnessing economic challenges in recent days owing to its incompetent policies, this occupied region, which is already marginalised, has borne the major brunt of unfair taxes and high inflation.

Locals of this region have accused the establishment and Prime Minister Imran Khan of being apathetic towards their plights and making tall claims of bringing prosperity.

They allege that Pakistan has actually done nothing for the welfare of the region. "Imran Khan has changed the lives of people for worse at the pretext of transforming Pakistan. Heavy taxes have been imposed.

Now, how will a person earning a meagre amount of Rs 500 per day, manage his living? How will poor people survive?" Muman Muneer, a miffed rickshaw puller in Muzaffarabad said on the current financial crunch in PoK.

"The rich government officials can bear this but not us. We are dependent on our daily earnings. We just want to say if Pakistan wants our welfare then it should do something and stop exploiting the common people," Muneer added.

A sharp rise in the fuel, food and transportation costs has severely hit the domestic budgets of people in the region.

People who left their homes for green pastures away from towns and cities are now returning home after a drastic reduction in their income.

Mohammad Salman, a young pendant seller said, "Everything has become expensive. Earlier, I would save Rs. 500 per month but now my monthly saving has reduced to Rs.300. Imran Khan has made everything costlier. The room rent is expensive. The food has become has expensive. There is no point in living here."

There has been no progress when it comes to employment and development of the region however the people continue to be subjected to hardships.

Another local in the region said, "Inflation has reached where it is impossible for the common man to survive. You can observe it for yourself. The petrol prices, which would hover around Rs. 90, have gone beyond Rs 160. A packet of flour used to cost us Rs 900 earlier but it is for Rs 1,100 now. The price of sugar has skyrocketed from Rs. 60 per kg to Rs 120 per kg."

The economic policies in the illegally occupied regions of PoK and Gilgit Baltistan are decided according to the whims and fancies of Islamabad. The economic losses being faced by Pakistan due to policy paralysis are compensated from these regions. A sudden escalation in the prices is just one aspect of its exploitative design.

Pakistan's consumer price inflation rose to 9.41 per cent in March, marking the highest in past five years.

The cash-strapped country has recently received the 13th bailout package from the International Monetary Fund worth six billion US dollar.

People in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) are facing immense difficulties due to the consistent increase in inflation rates and heavy pay taxes implemented by Islamabad for benefits that residents here never enjoy.

People in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) are facing immense difficulties due to the consistent increase in inflation rates and heavy pay taxes implemented by Islamabad for benefits that residents here never enjoy. While Pakistan has been witnessing economic challenges in recent days owing to its incompetent policies, this occupied region, which is already marginalised, has borne the major brunt of unfair taxes and high inflation. Locals of this region have accused the establishment and Prime Minister Imran Khan of being apathetic towards their plights and making tall claims of bringing prosperity. They allege that Pakistan has actually done nothing for the welfare of the region. "Imran Khan has changed the lives of people for worse at the pretext of transforming Pakistan. Heavy taxes have been imposed. Now, how will a person earning a meagre amount of Rs 500 per day, manage his living? How will poor people survive?" Muman Muneer, a miffed rickshaw puller in Muzaffarabad said on the current financial crunch in PoK. "The rich government officials can bear this but not us. We are dependent on our daily earnings. We just want to say if Pakistan wants our welfare then it should do something and stop exploiting the common people," Muneer added. A sharp rise in the fuel, food and transportation costs has severely hit the domestic budgets of people in the region. People who left their homes for green pastures away from towns and cities are now returning home after a drastic reduction in their income. Mohammad Salman, a young pendant seller said, "Everything has become expensive. Earlier, I would save Rs. 500 per month but now my monthly saving has reduced to Rs.300. Imran Khan has made everything costlier. The room rent is expensive. The food has become has expensive. There is no point in living here." There has been no progress when it comes to employment and development of the region however the people continue to be subjected to hardships. Another local in the region said, "Inflation has reached where it is impossible for the common man to survive. You can observe it for yourself. The petrol prices, which would hover around Rs. 90, have gone beyond Rs 160. A packet of flour used to cost us Rs 900 earlier but it is for Rs 1,100 now. The price of sugar has skyrocketed from Rs. 60 per kg to Rs 120 per kg." The economic policies in the illegally occupied regions of PoK and Gilgit Baltistan are decided according to the whims and fancies of Islamabad. The economic losses being faced by Pakistan due to policy paralysis are compensated from these regions. A sudden escalation in the prices is just one aspect of its exploitative design. Pakistan's consumer price inflation rose to 9.41 per cent in March, marking the highest in past five years. The cash-strapped country has recently received the 13th bailout package from the International Monetary Fund worth six billion US dollar.

People angry over rising inflation, heavy taxes in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir

Watch WION's exclusive ground report which tells you about the story Sharada Peeth Corridor. Sharada Peeth is an abandoned Hindu temple and ancient centre of learning in the Pakistani administered territory of Azad Kashmir. Watch full video to know more.#SharadaPeeth #PoK #SharadaPeethCorridor

WION's exclusive ground report from Sharada Peeth corridor inside PoK

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights'&nbsp;report on the situation in <a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/china-pakistan-economic-corridor-to-turn-pok-into-pakistans-economic-engine-claims-former-diplomat-228735">Pakistan-occupied Kashmir</a> is "highly dubious" as it has failed to address the deplorable human rights situation in the region despite having all "invaluable insights", a researcher at an Amsterdam-based foundation told the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

"In its first-ever report on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights states that 'restrictions on the freedoms of expression, opinion, peaceful assembly and association in PoK have limited the ability of the High Commissioner to assess the human rights situation there'&nbsp;completely disregards the invaluable insights shared at this August platform by numerous human rights activists, including those from the area itself, into the deplorable human rights situation there and atrocities committed by the Pakistani State in PoK and Gilgit Baltistan," Yoana Barakova, a research analyst with the Amsterdam-based European Foundation for South Asian Studies (EFSAS), said.

"The failure of the Office of the High Commissioner, to address said issues, not only renders the correctness and neutrality of this Report highly dubious," she added.

Barakova made these remarks during the ongoing 41st session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Monday.

The researcher observed that the report also labelled UN-designated terrorist organisations such as Lashkar-e-Taiba, Hizbul Mujahideen and Jaish-e-Mohammed as "armed groups".

"The report glosses over cross-border terrorism perpetrated by Pakistan's security agencies, while it labels UN-designated terrorist organisations, such as Lashkar-e-Taiba, Hizbul Mujahideen and Jaish-e-Mohammed as armed groups, negating UN parlance and contradicting the terminology of the UN Security Council's consolidated list of terrorist individuals and entities," she noted.

"The report also failed to make any recommendations imperative to the dismantling of the operation of these terrorist groups and their terrorist infrastructure," Barakova added.&nbsp;

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights' report on the situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is "highly dubious" as it has failed to address the deplorable human rights situation in the region despite having all "invaluable insights", a researcher at an Amsterdam-based foundation told the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights' report on the situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is "highly dubious" as it has failed to address the deplorable human rights situation in the region despite having all "invaluable insights", a researcher at an Amsterdam-based foundation told the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). "In its first-ever report on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights states that 'restrictions on the freedoms of expression, opinion, peaceful assembly and association in PoK have limited the ability of the High Commissioner to assess the human rights situation there' completely disregards the invaluable insights shared at this August platform by numerous human rights activists, including those from the area itself, into the deplorable human rights situation there and atrocities committed by the Pakistani State in PoK and Gilgit Baltistan," Yoana Barakova, a research analyst with the Amsterdam-based European Foundation for South Asian Studies (EFSAS), said. "The failure of the Office of the High Commissioner, to address said issues, not only renders the correctness and neutrality of this Report highly dubious," she added. Barakova made these remarks during the ongoing 41st session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Monday. The researcher observed that the report also labelled UN-designated terrorist organisations such as Lashkar-e-Taiba, Hizbul Mujahideen and Jaish-e-Mohammed as "armed groups". "The report glosses over cross-border terrorism perpetrated by Pakistan's security agencies, while it labels UN-designated terrorist organisations, such as Lashkar-e-Taiba, Hizbul Mujahideen and Jaish-e-Mohammed as armed groups, negating UN parlance and contradicting the terminology of the UN Security Council's consolidated list of terrorist individuals and entities," she noted. "The report also failed to make any recommendations imperative to the dismantling of the operation of these terrorist groups and their terrorist infrastructure," Barakova added.

UN report on situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is highly dubious: Researcher

Massive protest was organised by the Kashmiri diaspora outside Pakistan High Commission in London. Watch this video to know more.

Anti-Pak protests in London

They are in hundreds, accompanied&nbsp;by their kids, seeking help from Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan. The Pakistani wives of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/time-for-kashmiri-pandits-to-come-back-home-with-dignity-215557">Kashmiris</a> who crossed over the Line of Control(LoC) to pick arms and returned to India under a rehabilitation scheme feel stuck now.

Hundreds of them are demanding to either grant them Indian citizenship so that they can travel or deport them back to Pakistan.&nbsp;

Hailing from different parts of Pakistan, these women landed in India with their families through Nepal under a policy for Kashmiris who crossed LoC for arms training. The policy was later discontinued by the Centre in 2016.

They allege the authorities denied&nbsp;them travel to visit their families in Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir(POK), even some of them have been divorced by their Kashmiri husbands, leaving them with no option. Some even face domestic abuse.

"We are at least 300 to 350 women here. We haven't been able to return back or visit our families there. Some have committed suicide due to depression. We haven't been able to travel back, even today, my sister is getting married and I am here, protesting," says Toiba, a resident of Abbottabad.

In 2010, the former chief minister Omar Abdullah had announced a rehabilitation policy for those who crossed over between 1989 to 2009 which saw several Kashmiris returning back. These women say that they don't have any identity living in the valley.&nbsp;

Nabeela hails from Abbottabad district in eastern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. She married a Kashmiri boy in 2008, and as soon as the rehabilitation policy was announced, her husband along with her three children, decided to return home but all didn't go well.&nbsp;

She says her documents were seized in Nepal by the Indian authorities and since then she is living without any identity. Nabeela left her then one-year-old daughter behind due to issues with her travel documents. Her daughter, now nine, frequently asks them about their reunion.&nbsp;

"We aren't state subjects, we don't have a local identity card. My three kids ask me regularly when will we go to Pakistan to meet my grandmother? I have left my nine-year-old daughter in Pakistan due to some document issue," says Nabeela while holding her daughter.&nbsp;

The government, however, says these women came through Bangladesh and Nepal and not by the approved routes, hence making them ineligible for benefits under the policy.

They are in hundreds, accompanied by their kids, seeking help from Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan. The Pakistani wives of Kashmiris who crossed over the Line of Control(LoC) to pick arms and returned to India under a rehabilitation scheme feel stuck now.

They are in hundreds, accompanied by their kids, seeking help from Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan. The Pakistani wives of Kashmiris who crossed over the Line of Control(LoC) to pick arms and returned to India under a rehabilitation scheme feel stuck now. Hundreds of them are demanding to either grant them Indian citizenship so that they can travel or deport them back to Pakistan. Hailing from different parts of Pakistan, these women landed in India with their families through Nepal under a policy for Kashmiris who crossed LoC for arms training. The policy was later discontinued by the Centre in 2016. They allege the authorities denied them travel to visit their families in Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir(POK), even some of them have been divorced by their Kashmiri husbands, leaving them with no option. Some even face domestic abuse. "We are at least 300 to 350 women here. We haven't been able to return back or visit our families there. Some have committed suicide due to depression. We haven't been able to travel back, even today, my sister is getting married and I am here, protesting," says Toiba, a resident of Abbottabad. In 2010, the former chief minister Omar Abdullah had announced a rehabilitation policy for those who crossed over between 1989 to 2009 which saw several Kashmiris returning back. These women say that they don't have any identity living in the valley. Nabeela hails from Abbottabad district in eastern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. She married a Kashmiri boy in 2008, and as soon as the rehabilitation policy was announced, her husband along with her three children, decided to return home but all didn't go well. She says her documents were seized in Nepal by the Indian authorities and since then she is living without any identity. Nabeela left her then one-year-old daughter behind due to issues with her travel documents. Her daughter, now nine, frequently asks them about their reunion. "We aren't state subjects, we don't have a local identity card. My three kids ask me regularly when will we go to Pakistan to meet my grandmother? I have left my nine-year-old daughter in Pakistan due to some document issue," says Nabeela while holding her daughter. The government, however, says these women came through Bangladesh and Nepal and not by the approved routes, hence making them ineligible for benefits under the policy.

Pakistani wives of ex-terrorists demand Indian citizenship or deportation

India on Thursday had suspended trade with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-of-india-suspends-loc-trade-with-pakistan-says-route-being-misused-211563">Pakistan at the Line of Control</a>(LoC), among several reasons was infiltration of third-party goods such as California almonds, when in fact, LoC trade was opened for only intra-Kashmir trade.&nbsp;

What India found was that almonds produced in California were being traded through the LoC and later used to fuel terror in the state by providing hawala money.

The national investigating agency(NIA) was able to find out modus operandi of dubious hawala transactions for terror financing.&nbsp;

Terror groups, identifying themselves as Pakistani trade firms, used to hand over the money to terrorist organizations on the Indian side through the hawala route. Some of the Pakistani firms had a close association with terror groups like Hizbul Mujahideen.

Pakistani traders under invoiced products like California almonds which they received.&nbsp;

On receipt of the consignment, a trader on the Indian side sold the California almonds at the prevailing market price and made extra and undue profit to the extent of under-invoicing.&nbsp;

The extra money generated was handed over by the trader to terrorist organizations in the Valley to fuel anti-India operations.

Basically, Rs 1,200 per kg almonds were under invoiced to Rs 200. On the Indian side, almonds were sold at Rs 1,200, thus getting a profit of Rs 1,000 and addition Rs 1,000 from terror groups from Pakistan.&nbsp;

The Enforcement Directorate(ED) has already chargesheeted businessman Zahoo Ahmed Watali who was the president of LoC traders association. He was found to be funnelling money to terrorists, separatists and subversive elements in the Valley.&nbsp;

Other than funding terror, the trade route had become a channel of funnelling drugs such as cocaine, brown sugar and heroine and supply of arms to support terrorists in the Valley.&nbsp;

Upto 66.5 kg heroin was seized from a Valley-based consignee and the drugs came through the LoC trade. A large cache that was concealed in a consignment of bananas was seized from across the LoC from a driver from Kulgam in the Valley.

The route had become a way to pump fake currency notes - Rs 57 lakh, Rs 20 lakh, Rs 15 lakh&nbsp;and Rs 7.5 lakh&nbsp;- &nbsp;fake currency notes were&nbsp;seized at different time.

Trade was allowed through two Trade Facilitation Centres (TFCs) at Salamabad in Uri, part of the Baramulla district and at Chakkan-da-Bagh in the Poonch district.&nbsp;

The cross-LoC trade was started in 2008 as part of Confidence Building Measures by India and Pakistan for trade between Jammu &amp; Kashmir and Pakistan occupied Kashmir(POK) for 21 agreed items on barter system.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-suspends-cross-loc-trade-with-pakistan-in-jammu-and-kashmir-211807/embed" width="560"></iframe></div>

India on Thursday had suspended trade with Pakistan at the Line of Control(LoC), among several reasons was infiltration of third-party goods such as California almonds, when in fact, LoC trade was opened for only intra-Kashmir trade.

India on Thursday had suspended trade with Pakistan at the Line of Control(LoC), among several reasons was infiltration of third-party goods such as California almonds, when in fact, LoC trade was opened for only intra-Kashmir trade. What India found was that almonds produced in California were being traded through the LoC and later used to fuel terror in the state by providing hawala money. The national investigating agency(NIA) was able to find out modus operandi of dubious hawala transactions for terror financing. Terror groups, identifying themselves as Pakistani trade firms, used to hand over the money to terrorist organizations on the Indian side through the hawala route. Some of the Pakistani firms had a close association with terror groups like Hizbul Mujahideen. Pakistani traders under invoiced products like California almonds which they received. On receipt of the consignment, a trader on the Indian side sold the California almonds at the prevailing market price and made extra and undue profit to the extent of under-invoicing. The extra money generated was handed over by the trader to terrorist organizations in the Valley to fuel anti-India operations. Basically, Rs 1,200 per kg almonds were under invoiced to Rs 200. On the Indian side, almonds were sold at Rs 1,200, thus getting a profit of Rs 1,000 and addition Rs 1,000 from terror groups from Pakistan. The Enforcement Directorate(ED) has already chargesheeted businessman Zahoo Ahmed Watali who was the president of LoC traders association. He was found to be funnelling money to terrorists, separatists and subversive elements in the Valley. Other than funding terror, the trade route had become a channel of funnelling drugs such as cocaine, brown sugar and heroine and supply of arms to support terrorists in the Valley. Upto 66.5 kg heroin was seized from a Valley-based consignee and the drugs came through the LoC trade. A large cache that was concealed in a consignment of bananas was seized from across the LoC from a driver from Kulgam in the Valley. The route had become a way to pump fake currency notes - Rs 57 lakh, Rs 20 lakh, Rs 15 lakh and Rs 7.5 lakh - fake currency notes were seized at different time. Trade was allowed through two Trade Facilitation Centres (TFCs) at Salamabad in Uri, part of the Baramulla district and at Chakkan-da-Bagh in the Poonch district. The cross-LoC trade was started in 2008 as part of Confidence Building Measures by India and Pakistan for trade between Jammu & Kashmir and Pakistan occupied Kashmir(POK) for 21 agreed items on barter system.

How trade in California almonds through LoC route funded terror in J&K

A large number of protesters took to streets here earlier this week, after law enforcement agencies arrested some youth for raising their voice against the administration. The protest was staged after a local died allegedly due to the negligence of doctors and the absence of an adequate healthcare system in the region.

People raised anti-government slogans and sought an immediate release of arrested youth.

Local leaders demanded the administration to expeditiously deliver justice, "warning" the authorities with consequences if it continued with "oppressive measures."

"If you want to shoot somebody, shoot us. I want to say this to Superintendent of Police and DC to immediately quash this FIR against the boys and release them. They have just asked for a hospital, nothing more," a protester said.

"This type of injustice will not be given any space in Palandari. They won't able to suppress youth the way they want to. They will come out and the establishment and the local administration of Palandari will be responsible for damages occurring due to this," they added.

Locals have claimed that the hospitals and dispensaries in the region are of negligible benefit to them since doctors are rarely available and those who are there are very few in number.

People are seen swarming and choking the outpatient clinics and emergency rooms where specialist doctors are spare and treatment options limited, the protesters said during the agitation.

They also highlighted that successive governments in the region have traded the blame for the "appalling" healthcare situation.

"We are not some animals. We are humans. You all get treatment Islamabad and other parts of the world. People are being meted out with atrocities and injustice. They don't do our ultrasound citing power failures. We don't get the results of our tests. How are we going to receive treatment if there is no proper diagnosis?" another protester said, voicing their disappointment with local administration.

"Seven incidents similar to yesterday's have happened in the past. We condemn that people are being mistreated instead of receiving treatment. Be dutiful. Do your work. If the working strength of doctors is 22 then all should be available," the protester further stated.

The people have earlier asked for an expansion to the doctor's team in the region, but their pleas seem to have been falling.

With no relief in sight for the people who are bearing the brunt of this acute situation, the region can be called one of the least healthcare equipped places.

Due to no meaningful response by the government, the people have grown disillusioned, the protesters outlined.

A large number of protesters took to streets here earlier this week, after law enforcement agencies arrested some youth for raising their voice against the administration.

A large number of protesters took to streets here earlier this week, after law enforcement agencies arrested some youth for raising their voice against the administration. The protest was staged after a local died allegedly due to the negligence of doctors and the absence of an adequate healthcare system in the region. People raised anti-government slogans and sought an immediate release of arrested youth. Local leaders demanded the administration to expeditiously deliver justice, "warning" the authorities with consequences if it continued with "oppressive measures." "If you want to shoot somebody, shoot us. I want to say this to Superintendent of Police and DC to immediately quash this FIR against the boys and release them. They have just asked for a hospital, nothing more," a protester said. "This type of injustice will not be given any space in Palandari. They won't able to suppress youth the way they want to. They will come out and the establishment and the local administration of Palandari will be responsible for damages occurring due to this," they added. Locals have claimed that the hospitals and dispensaries in the region are of negligible benefit to them since doctors are rarely available and those who are there are very few in number. People are seen swarming and choking the outpatient clinics and emergency rooms where specialist doctors are spare and treatment options limited, the protesters said during the agitation. They also highlighted that successive governments in the region have traded the blame for the "appalling" healthcare situation. "We are not some animals. We are humans. You all get treatment Islamabad and other parts of the world. People are being meted out with atrocities and injustice. They don't do our ultrasound citing power failures. We don't get the results of our tests. How are we going to receive treatment if there is no proper diagnosis?" another protester said, voicing their disappointment with local administration. "Seven incidents similar to yesterday's have happened in the past. We condemn that people are being mistreated instead of receiving treatment. Be dutiful. Do your work. If the working strength of doctors is 22 then all should be available," the protester further stated. The people have earlier asked for an expansion to the doctor's team in the region, but their pleas seem to have been falling. With no relief in sight for the people who are bearing the brunt of this acute situation, the region can be called one of the least healthcare equipped places. Due to no meaningful response by the government, the people have grown disillusioned, the protesters outlined.

Locals protest against crumbling healthcare system in Pakistan occupied Kashmir

Two Pakistani fighters were detected on Tuesday night going supersonic 10 kms from the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir's Poonch sector, following which <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/up-to-50-killed-in-indian-air-strike-on-pakistans-balakot-italian-journalist-quoting-eyewitness-200787">India has put its air defence systems on high alert</a>, government sources said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Loud bangs were heard in the area due to the sonic booms, they said.&nbsp;

In the wake of the development, all Indian air defences and radar systems are on high alert, the sources said.&nbsp;

On February 27, Pakistani fighters had transgressed into the Indian air space in Jammu and Kashmir and tried to target Indian military positions before they were chased away.&nbsp;

In the dogfight, one F-16 fighter of Pakistan Air Force was shot down by the Indian Air Force, which also lost a MiG-21 Bison plane.&nbsp;

Subsequently, there have been a number of instances of Pakistani drones trying to engage in reconnaissance in India.&nbsp;

Two Pakistani fighters were detected on Tuesday night going supersonic 10 kms from the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir's Poonch sector, following which India has put its air defence systems on high alert, government sources said on Wednesday.

Two Pakistani fighters were detected on Tuesday night going supersonic 10 kms from the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir's Poonch sector, following which India has put its air defence systems on high alert, government sources said on Wednesday. Loud bangs were heard in the area due to the sonic booms, they said. In the wake of the development, all Indian air defences and radar systems are on high alert, the sources said. On February 27, Pakistani fighters had transgressed into the Indian air space in Jammu and Kashmir and tried to target Indian military positions before they were chased away. In the dogfight, one F-16 fighter of Pakistan Air Force was shot down by the Indian Air Force, which also lost a MiG-21 Bison plane. Subsequently, there have been a number of instances of Pakistani drones trying to engage in reconnaissance in India.

Pakistani jets went supersonic over PoK Tuesday night, Indian air defence systems on high alert

Activists from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) have condemned the Pulwama terror attack and asked Islamabad to dismantle all terror camps operating in PoK and parts of Pakistan.

At an event held on the sidelines of the 40th Session of United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva on Monday, while focusing on the threat of extremism and terrorism, the activists said that not only the region but the entire world is suffering from its menace.

Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri, Chairman of United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP) accused the Pakistani army of using terrorists for its proxy war against India.

He said, “Pakistan’s Army officials are now openly asking Kashmiris to stop using light weapons and go for suicide attacks. It is being openly preached by retired Army Generals. It is an alarming situation. We, people, love peaceful co-existence as our state is multi-cultural, multi-religious and multi-ethnic. If Pakistan is continuously promoting extremism and terrorism, our state will be divided into thousand pieces on the basis of sects because we have Christians, Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims”.

Asserting that Pakistan is using religion, Kashmiri added, “Extremism is not in favour of any person. But, unfortunately, Pakistan loses its wisdom and always using terrorism as a weapon. They are using religion; they are using terrorism that’s why entire Pakistan is suffering. Pakistan’s civil society’s voice is suppressed by the terrorists and mullahs. Why? If any peaceful organisation is holding a protest against terrorism, against human rights violations these mullahs carry out attacks on these peaceful demonstrators. So, we are in a very critical situation, that’s why we are asking UN Human Rights Council and the world community to intervene and ask Pakistan to change its mind and send a fact-finding mission so that all the terrorist infrastructure which is very much intact in PoK should be dismantled”.

Misfar Hassan, another panellist and human rights activist from PoK said, “We have witnessed in history for the past 71 years that there have been attacks and counterattacks. With respect to the recent attack, the Pulwama attack, both the countries came closer to the brink of war and the whole world was shivering that both powers are nuclear and if anything goes wrong it could be proving catastrophic for the world”.

He added, “This is the time to review the situation, to dismantle all these terror operating groups wherever they are, be it in Pakistan occupied Kashmir or they are operating in Pakistan. Pakistan government needs to take some responsibility and get rid of these non-state actors because they are not only destroying the local but international peace.”&nbsp;

Activists from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) have condemned the Pulwama terror attack and asked Islamabad to dismantle all terror camps operating in PoK and parts of Pakistan.

Activists from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) have condemned the Pulwama terror attack and asked Islamabad to dismantle all terror camps operating in PoK and parts of Pakistan. At an event held on the sidelines of the 40th Session of United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva on Monday, while focusing on the threat of extremism and terrorism, the activists said that not only the region but the entire world is suffering from its menace. Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri, Chairman of United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP) accused the Pakistani army of using terrorists for its proxy war against India. He said, “Pakistan’s Army officials are now openly asking Kashmiris to stop using light weapons and go for suicide attacks. It is being openly preached by retired Army Generals. It is an alarming situation. We, people, love peaceful co-existence as our state is multi-cultural, multi-religious and multi-ethnic. If Pakistan is continuously promoting extremism and terrorism, our state will be divided into thousand pieces on the basis of sects because we have Christians, Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims”. Asserting that Pakistan is using religion, Kashmiri added, “Extremism is not in favour of any person. But, unfortunately, Pakistan loses its wisdom and always using terrorism as a weapon. They are using religion; they are using terrorism that’s why entire Pakistan is suffering. Pakistan’s civil society’s voice is suppressed by the terrorists and mullahs. Why? If any peaceful organisation is holding a protest against terrorism, against human rights violations these mullahs carry out attacks on these peaceful demonstrators. So, we are in a very critical situation, that’s why we are asking UN Human Rights Council and the world community to intervene and ask Pakistan to change its mind and send a fact-finding mission so that all the terrorist infrastructure which is very much intact in PoK should be dismantled”. Misfar Hassan, another panellist and human rights activist from PoK said, “We have witnessed in history for the past 71 years that there have been attacks and counterattacks. With respect to the recent attack, the Pulwama attack, both the countries came closer to the brink of war and the whole world was shivering that both powers are nuclear and if anything goes wrong it could be proving catastrophic for the world”. He added, “This is the time to review the situation, to dismantle all these terror operating groups wherever they are, be it in Pakistan occupied Kashmir or they are operating in Pakistan. Pakistan government needs to take some responsibility and get rid of these non-state actors because they are not only destroying the local but international peace.”

PoK activists condemn Pulwama terror attack at UNHRC, asks Pakistan to dismantle terror camps

Pakistan's Supreme Court has reserved its verdict in a case regarding the constitutional status of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and the grant of fundamental rights to its residents.

A seven-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Saqib Nisar on January 7 took up a set of petitions challenging the 'Gilgit-Baltistan Order, 2018', 'Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self Governance Order, 2009', as well as the right of the citizens of the area to be governed through their chosen representatives, the Dawn reported.

The Gilgit-Baltistan Order, 2018 was earlier opposed by protesters from the region who demanded that the area should be declared a part of Pakistan instead of being administered through presidential orders.

Pakistan has bifurcated occupied Kashmir into two administrative parts - Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Gilgit-Baltistan was treated as a separate geographical entity by Pakistan till now. Balochistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh are the four provinces of Pakistan.

India has termed as "entirely unacceptable" any possible attempt by Pakistan to declare the Gilgit-Baltistan region as the fifth province. India has also protested to China over the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor 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.

The federal government's proposed reforms draft states that it intends to grant the region the status of a provisional province, "subject to the decision of the plebiscite to be conducted under the UN resolutions", with all privileges provided by the Constitution.

However, the draft states, the move would require an amendment in the Constitution, which needs a two-thirds majority in Parliament and "would take time". Therefore, as an interim measure, the government plans to give such fundamental rights to GB residents as enjoyed by the people of any other province.

The Attorney General Anwar Mansoor informed the bench that objections have been raised on the proposed draft in the Cabinet and therefore as of now, "it remains only a draft".

He informed the court that the funds allocated for higher courts in the region have been transferred from the territory's government to the GB Council.

The Government of Pakistan can also increase the number of judges in GB, he added.

At this, the chief justice inquired what the procedure of the judges' appointment would be. Mansoor responded that the GB council has been given the authority to legislate in this regard.

Justice Nisar observed that an appeal cannot be filed against a decision of the GB Supreme Appellate Court in the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

The GB law minister during the hearing stated that the region's government desired the implementation of recommendations made by the Sartaj Aziz-led committee.

"It's (almost) impossible, but we have come very close to it's [fulfilment]," he added.

Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan — a senior counsel who has also been appointed by the apex court as amicus curiae (friend of the court) — noted that the government has expressed its intention to first declare GB a provisional province, and later grant it the status of a full-fledged province.

He said although Parliament would pass any constitutional amendment brought before it regarding GB, Pakistan's stance on Kashmir would be weakened by making Gilgit-Baltistan a full province.

After hearing all sides, the bench reserved its judgement in the case and ordered the reforms committee to submit additional details after holding consultations regarding fundamental rights, legislation and judicial autonomy in GB.

Pakistan's Supreme Court has reserved its verdict in a case regarding the constitutional status of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and the grant of fundamental rights to its residents.

Pakistan's Supreme Court has reserved its verdict in a case regarding the constitutional status of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and the grant of fundamental rights to its residents. A seven-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Saqib Nisar on January 7 took up a set of petitions challenging the 'Gilgit-Baltistan Order, 2018', 'Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self Governance Order, 2009', as well as the right of the citizens of the area to be governed through their chosen representatives, the Dawn reported. The Gilgit-Baltistan Order, 2018 was earlier opposed by protesters from the region who demanded that the area should be declared a part of Pakistan instead of being administered through presidential orders. Pakistan has bifurcated occupied Kashmir into two administrative parts - Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Gilgit-Baltistan was treated as a separate geographical entity by Pakistan till now. Balochistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh are the four provinces of Pakistan. India has termed as "entirely unacceptable" any possible attempt by Pakistan to declare the Gilgit-Baltistan region as the fifth province. India has also protested to China over the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor 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. The federal government's proposed reforms draft states that it intends to grant the region the status of a provisional province, "subject to the decision of the plebiscite to be conducted under the UN resolutions", with all privileges provided by the Constitution. However, the draft states, the move would require an amendment in the Constitution, which needs a two-thirds majority in Parliament and "would take time". Therefore, as an interim measure, the government plans to give such fundamental rights to GB residents as enjoyed by the people of any other province. The Attorney General Anwar Mansoor informed the bench that objections have been raised on the proposed draft in the Cabinet and therefore as of now, "it remains only a draft". He informed the court that the funds allocated for higher courts in the region have been transferred from the territory's government to the GB Council. The Government of Pakistan can also increase the number of judges in GB, he added. At this, the chief justice inquired what the procedure of the judges' appointment would be. Mansoor responded that the GB council has been given the authority to legislate in this regard. Justice Nisar observed that an appeal cannot be filed against a decision of the GB Supreme Appellate Court in the Supreme Court of Pakistan. The GB law minister during the hearing stated that the region's government desired the implementation of recommendations made by the Sartaj Aziz-led committee. "It's (almost) impossible, but we have come very close to it's [fulfilment]," he added. Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan — a senior counsel who has also been appointed by the apex court as amicus curiae (friend of the court) — noted that the government has expressed its intention to first declare GB a provisional province, and later grant it the status of a full-fledged province. He said although Parliament would pass any constitutional amendment brought before it regarding GB, Pakistan's stance on Kashmir would be weakened by making Gilgit-Baltistan a full province. After hearing all sides, the bench reserved its judgement in the case and ordered the reforms committee to submit additional details after holding consultations regarding fundamental rights, legislation and judicial autonomy in GB.

Pak SC reserves verdict in case concerning constitutional status of Gilgit-Baltistan

Gilgit leadership led by Awami Action Committee has been vigorous in its endeavours to get freedom from the clutches of Pakistan, which has been misruling the region for more than seven decades.

Besides carrying out massive demonstrations and rallies, the besieged people are using every arrow in their quiver to put up a strong resistance against the authorities of Islamabad, who have been extremely authoritarian in dealing with public issues in the region.

In its recent move, the leaders from Gilgit-Baltistan, staving off the potential of any further degradation in the relationship with Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) leadership has sought integration of two separate struggles of GB and PoK citing it would infuse more energy to the anti-Pakistan resistance.

Maulana Sultan Raees, the Chairman of the Awami Action Committee said, "Our history is neither taught in PoK nor in Gilgit-Baltistan. We have our own history. However, keeping aside that curriculum we are taught the history of Pakistan which has now been memorised even by our children."

The rapacious government of Pakistan has left the people of Gilgit-Baltistan reeling under abject poverty. They have not just meted out a novercal treatment to the region but have introduced several draconian laws to govern the territory with extreme high handedness, according to the committee. An already grim situation has further deteriorated with security forces unleashing barbarity of highest degree by implicating the youth under false charges of Anti-Terrorism Act.

"Draconian laws have been imposed on the people of the region. If anybody talks of his rights or representation, he is implicated under the Anti- Terrorism Act (ATA). Atrocities are meted out at the pretext of schedule IV. Here, nobody raises his or her voice whenever a wrong is done in Gilgit Baltistan," Raja Mir Nawaz Mir, the Chairman of the Ghizer Action Committee remarked.

Indigenous people in Gilgit-Baltistan have, for years, been asking Pakistan to set the region free. However, their demands for a region free of Pakistani rule has fallen on deaf ears of successive regimes of Islamabad.

Gilgit leadership led by Awami Action Committee has been vigorous in its endeavours to get freedom from the clutches of Pakistan, which has been misruling the region for more than seven decades.

Gilgit leadership led by Awami Action Committee has been vigorous in its endeavours to get freedom from the clutches of Pakistan, which has been misruling the region for more than seven decades. Besides carrying out massive demonstrations and rallies, the besieged people are using every arrow in their quiver to put up a strong resistance against the authorities of Islamabad, who have been extremely authoritarian in dealing with public issues in the region. In its recent move, the leaders from Gilgit-Baltistan, staving off the potential of any further degradation in the relationship with Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) leadership has sought integration of two separate struggles of GB and PoK citing it would infuse more energy to the anti-Pakistan resistance. Maulana Sultan Raees, the Chairman of the Awami Action Committee said, "Our history is neither taught in PoK nor in Gilgit-Baltistan. We have our own history. However, keeping aside that curriculum we are taught the history of Pakistan which has now been memorised even by our children." The rapacious government of Pakistan has left the people of Gilgit-Baltistan reeling under abject poverty. They have not just meted out a novercal treatment to the region but have introduced several draconian laws to govern the territory with extreme high handedness, according to the committee. An already grim situation has further deteriorated with security forces unleashing barbarity of highest degree by implicating the youth under false charges of Anti-Terrorism Act. "Draconian laws have been imposed on the people of the region. If anybody talks of his rights or representation, he is implicated under the Anti- Terrorism Act (ATA). Atrocities are meted out at the pretext of schedule IV. Here, nobody raises his or her voice whenever a wrong is done in Gilgit Baltistan," Raja Mir Nawaz Mir, the Chairman of the Ghizer Action Committee remarked. Indigenous people in Gilgit-Baltistan have, for years, been asking Pakistan to set the region free. However, their demands for a region free of Pakistani rule has fallen on deaf ears of successive regimes of Islamabad.

Activists call for integration of struggles of Gilgit-Baltistan, PoK

The Congress on Friday reached out to the people displaced from <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/massive-anti-pak-protests-continue-in-pakistan-occupied-kashmir-35369">Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK)</a>, who were on an indefinite chain dharna in Jammu since December 27 demanding implementation of '2014 package', and urged the Centre to hold talks with them.

The displaced people from <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/first-you-captured-our-kashmir-now-our-plots-pok-kashmiris-to-pakistan-army-142355">PoK</a> have been on a chain hunger strike here against the state and central governments for not "fulfilling" their various demands including 2014 package approved by the Jammu and Kashmir cabinet in October 2014.

"Our Congress-NC government had made recommendations in 2014 by recommending a package for the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/anti-pakistan-protests-across-pok-to-mark-1947-invasion-22724"> PoK </a>displaced persons involving around Rs 9,096 crore. Every family was to be given Rs 25 lakh per family and reservation of their children in professional colleges as per Kashmir migrants. But nothing has been done", J&amp;K senior vice president of Congress and former Minister Sham Lal Sharma told reporters in Jammu.

On the contrary, the Centre announced a package of Rs 2,000 crore which too was not implemented in letter and spirit, Sharma claimed.

"Government of India (GoI) can talk to militants and those raising anti-India slogans and can release militants and stonepelters, but not to us, who are patriotic Indians to core", Sharma said.

The Congress leader said Government of India should talk to them and urge the Prime Minister to talk to them to fulfil their demands.

The main demand of the PoK displaced persons is the implementation of the 2014 package.

The other demands include grant of facilities to all displaced at par with valley migrants, reservation of eight seats for PoK DPs in Jammu and Kashmir legislative assembly, permission to visit their religious places in PoK, return of their cash deposits lying with J&amp;K Bank, Mirpur, with interest and bringing 5,300 PoK DP families living outside the state within the ambit of the 2014 package.

Rajiv Chuni, chairman of SOS International, an organization representing the PoK displaced persons (DP), also presented a memorandum of their demands to Sharma.&nbsp;

The Congress on Friday reached out to the people displaced from Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK), who were on an indefinite chain dharna in Jammu since December 27 demanding implementation of '2014 package', and urged the Centre to hold talks with them.

The Congress on Friday reached out to the people displaced from Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK), who were on an indefinite chain dharna in Jammu since December 27 demanding implementation of '2014 package', and urged the Centre to hold talks with them. The displaced people from PoK have been on a chain hunger strike here against the state and central governments for not "fulfilling" their various demands including 2014 package approved by the Jammu and Kashmir cabinet in October 2014. "Our Congress-NC government had made recommendations in 2014 by recommending a package for the PoK displaced persons involving around Rs 9,096 crore. Every family was to be given Rs 25 lakh per family and reservation of their children in professional colleges as per Kashmir migrants. But nothing has been done", J&K senior vice president of Congress and former Minister Sham Lal Sharma told reporters in Jammu. On the contrary, the Centre announced a package of Rs 2,000 crore which too was not implemented in letter and spirit, Sharma claimed. "Government of India (GoI) can talk to militants and those raising anti-India slogans and can release militants and stonepelters, but not to us, who are patriotic Indians to core", Sharma said. The Congress leader said Government of India should talk to them and urge the Prime Minister to talk to them to fulfil their demands. The main demand of the PoK displaced persons is the implementation of the 2014 package. The other demands include grant of facilities to all displaced at par with valley migrants, reservation of eight seats for PoK DPs in Jammu and Kashmir legislative assembly, permission to visit their religious places in PoK, return of their cash deposits lying with J&K Bank, Mirpur, with interest and bringing 5,300 PoK DP families living outside the state within the ambit of the 2014 package. Rajiv Chuni, chairman of SOS International, an organization representing the PoK displaced persons (DP), also presented a memorandum of their demands to Sharma.

Congress demands implementation of 2014 package for people displaced from PoK

Members of the Jammu and Kashmir United Peace Movement (JKUPM) Saturday protested in Jammu against the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-encounter-in-jk-8-civilians-3-militants-and-one-soldier-among-12-dead-184239">killings in the valley</a> and advocated dialogue to resolve the Kashmir problem.

The protesters assembled at Exhibition Ground and staged a peaceful sit-in on a day when seven civilians, three militants and an army soldier were killed and scores of others injured in a gunfight and subsequent protests in Pulwama district of south Kashmir.

"We have assembled here to seek an end to the killings, spread the message of peace and highlight the need to maintain communal harmony," chairman JKUPM Himmat Singh Singh told PTI.

He said the unabated violence in Kashmir and the loss of human lives on a daily basis should be put to an end which was possible only when the concerned parties start a meaningful dialogue.

"Kashmir has become a flashpoint in the sub-continent and a major hurdle in the development of South Asia. Bullet is not a solution to the problem," he said.

Former minister Baba Singh said the unrealistic approach of the successive governments at the centre and state is the root cause of the prevailing situation in the valley.

"We demand immediate end to the human rights violations. Kashmir is a dispute pending solution since 1947,? he said advocating a trilateral approach involving India, Pakistan and people of Jammu and Kashmir to address the issue.

He said JKUPM will launch a massive campaign across the state and the country to press for solution to the Kashmir problem through a meaningful dialogue.&nbsp;

Members of the Jammu and Kashmir United Peace Movement (JKUPM) Saturday protested in Jammu against the killings in the valley and advocated dialogue to resolve the Kashmir problem.

Members of the Jammu and Kashmir United Peace Movement (JKUPM) Saturday protested in Jammu against the killings in the valley and advocated dialogue to resolve the Kashmir problem. The protesters assembled at Exhibition Ground and staged a peaceful sit-in on a day when seven civilians, three militants and an army soldier were killed and scores of others injured in a gunfight and subsequent protests in Pulwama district of south Kashmir. "We have assembled here to seek an end to the killings, spread the message of peace and highlight the need to maintain communal harmony," chairman JKUPM Himmat Singh Singh told PTI. He said the unabated violence in Kashmir and the loss of human lives on a daily basis should be put to an end which was possible only when the concerned parties start a meaningful dialogue. "Kashmir has become a flashpoint in the sub-continent and a major hurdle in the development of South Asia. Bullet is not a solution to the problem," he said. Former minister Baba Singh said the unrealistic approach of the successive governments at the centre and state is the root cause of the prevailing situation in the valley. "We demand immediate end to the human rights violations. Kashmir is a dispute pending solution since 1947,? he said advocating a trilateral approach involving India, Pakistan and people of Jammu and Kashmir to address the issue. He said JKUPM will launch a massive campaign across the state and the country to press for solution to the Kashmir problem through a meaningful dialogue.

JKUPM protests killings in valley, advocates dialogue to resolve Kashmir issue

India lodges formal protest against Pakistan

India today lodged a formal protest <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-diplomat-walks-out-of-saarc-meet-after-pakistans-invitation-to-pok-minister-182625">against Pakistan for inviting POK</a> minister at SAARC(South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) Chamber of Commerce event last week in Islamabad.

The protest note was lodged at the SAARC secretariat in Kathmandu, Nepal.

WION accessed&nbsp;the Indian protests in which it said that Pakistan had invited renegade entity from the area of Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir which is under illegal occupation of Pakistan. Such step by SCCI(SAARC&nbsp;Chamber of Commerce and Industry)&nbsp;is in violation of the SAARC charter and principles, India stated.

SCCI has breached guidelines and obligations meant for SAARC apex bodies by indulging in political activities, India said in its letter.

India asked for "strict action" from SCCI.

Pakistan foreign secretary Tehmina Janjua had said last week that Islamabad was ready to host the South Asian summit, two years after India had pulled out after the terror attack on the Indian Army camp in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir in September, 2016.

Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan also decided to stay away from the meeting.

Last month PM Modi had turned down Pakistan's invite for the SAARC summit, speaking on Pakistan announcement, India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj had said unless and until "Pakistan stops terror activities in India, there will be no dialogue. So we will not participate in SAARC."

Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli had said earlier that his country was ready to facilitate the 19th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit in Pakistan.

India today lodged a formal protest against Pakistan for inviting POK minister at SAARC(South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) Chamber of Commerce event last week in Islamabad.

India today lodged a formal protest against Pakistan for inviting POK minister at SAARC(South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) Chamber of Commerce event last week in Islamabad. The protest note was lodged at the SAARC secretariat in Kathmandu, Nepal. WION accessed the Indian protests in which it said that Pakistan had invited renegade entity from the area of Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir which is under illegal occupation of Pakistan. Such step by SCCI(SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry) is in violation of the SAARC charter and principles, India stated. SCCI has breached guidelines and obligations meant for SAARC apex bodies by indulging in political activities, India said in its letter. India asked for "strict action" from SCCI. Pakistan foreign secretary Tehmina Janjua had said last week that Islamabad was ready to host the South Asian summit, two years after India had pulled out after the terror attack on the Indian Army camp in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir in September, 2016. Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan also decided to stay away from the meeting. Last month PM Modi had turned down Pakistan's invite for the SAARC summit, speaking on Pakistan announcement, India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj had said unless and until "Pakistan stops terror activities in India, there will be no dialogue. So we will not participate in SAARC." Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli had said earlier that his country was ready to facilitate the 19th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit in Pakistan.

India lodges protest against Pak over POK minister's presence in SAARC meet in Islamabad

Registering a strong protest at the SAARC charter meeting held in Islamabad Indian diplomat Shubham Singh left the meet after Pakistan invited the PoK minister Chaudhary Muhammad Saeed to speak at the dais.&nbsp;

The diplomat left the SAARC meet when Pakistan gave the platform to Pok minister.

India has not released any official response in the matter.

This is yet another attempt in recent past where Pakistan has tried to push its agenda and propagate it's legitimacy to PoK.

During Imran Khan swearing-in ceremony too, cricketer Sidhu was made to sit next to the PoK prime minister.

 
&nbsp;

Registering a strong protest at the SAARC charter meeting held in Islamabad Indian diplomat Shubham Singh left the meet after Pakistan invited the PoK minister Chaudhary Muhammad Saeed to speak at the dais.

Registering a strong protest at the SAARC charter meeting held in Islamabad Indian diplomat Shubham Singh left the meet after Pakistan invited the PoK minister Chaudhary Muhammad Saeed to speak at the dais. The diplomat left the SAARC meet when Pakistan gave the platform to Pok minister. India has not released any official response in the matter. This is yet another attempt in recent past where Pakistan has tried to push its agenda and propagate it's legitimacy to PoK. During Imran Khan swearing-in ceremony too, cricketer Sidhu was made to sit next to the PoK prime minister.

Indian diplomat walks out of SAARC meet after Pakistan's invitation to PoK minister

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