tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79657634520535912202024-03-08T16:33:51.674+05:00GILGIT BALTISTAN (GB)THE VOICE OF GILGIT BALTISTAN "GB"Ayub_Baltihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01985670790978279383noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965763452053591220.post-56515354186345106822010-11-22T15:39:00.009+05:002010-12-01T17:28:39.589+05:00Heavan On Earth - Deosai Baltistan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1VDFpVmbKhvBxQ6aEjN7Wnm0VWKE_5kM3BBe_14MNacFyH1KpNYvu8QrCiav3Ks4SzVZ6YIbn05EpxWdfWpg1U5sw34n_MJo8DyC9pXe6OPYwjv38Hhq6xaWcd_E27r5sP5YnbfVP3vt/?imgmax=800" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1VDFpVmbKhvBxQ6aEjN7Wnm0VWKE_5kM3BBe_14MNacFyH1KpNYvu8QrCiav3Ks4SzVZ6YIbn05EpxWdfWpg1U5sw34n_MJo8DyC9pXe6OPYwjv38Hhq6xaWcd_E27r5sP5YnbfVP3vt/?imgmax=800" width="320" /></a></div>All those who take there chance to Siachin sector (via Skardu, the valleys of Shigar, Khaplu, Kharmong, Rondu and onwards), purposefully visit to see northern areas of Pakistan and or plan to have rendezvous with fairies do pass though Deosai Plains a plateau among high mountains and unique landscape in the world.<br />
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I first got acquainted with the area when Siachin sector was active. Later, when ever I visited the area, one plan that I always had in mind was to meet the fairies there.<br />
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Baikal is what I am reminded of when ever I see the Sadpara Lake situated at a short drive (an easy walk) south of Skardu. The walk along the torrent is more pleasant and shorter than following the jeep road. The lake surrounded by bare mountains abounds in fish, and is an ideal place just to sit there and think of fairies. Who wants fishing any way!<br />
Some more shots of Beautiful Deosai see and thanks for those God gifted nature.......<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Deosai valley</i></b><b><i></i></b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ANFtM5Ve1KY/TPY4QAP-jmI/AAAAAAAAAG8/CiEPSH57v90/s1600/7.Deosai+SKZ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="421" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ANFtM5Ve1KY/TPY4QAP-jmI/AAAAAAAAAG8/CiEPSH57v90/s640/7.Deosai+SKZ.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Way to Deosai</i></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ANFtM5Ve1KY/TPY4TGuVyZI/AAAAAAAAAHA/RqbBkmRV87k/s1600/11.Deosai+Fishing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="418" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ANFtM5Ve1KY/TPY4TGuVyZI/AAAAAAAAAHA/RqbBkmRV87k/s640/11.Deosai+Fishing.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>fishing at Deosai</i></b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ANFtM5Ve1KY/TPY4WYLISLI/AAAAAAAAAHE/NwTbEpJMqhg/s1600/103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ANFtM5Ve1KY/TPY4WYLISLI/AAAAAAAAAHE/NwTbEpJMqhg/s640/103.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Deosai land</i></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ANFtM5Ve1KY/TPY4ZMjFdQI/AAAAAAAAAHI/l68uBEjSMqA/s1600/111797437_49cce222e3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ANFtM5Ve1KY/TPY4ZMjFdQI/AAAAAAAAAHI/l68uBEjSMqA/s640/111797437_49cce222e3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Beautiful Deosai Lake</i></b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ANFtM5Ve1KY/TPY4bT6lsTI/AAAAAAAAAHM/AtZYFHm5bMg/s1600/185017126l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ANFtM5Ve1KY/TPY4bT6lsTI/AAAAAAAAAHM/AtZYFHm5bMg/s640/185017126l.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Amazing Deosai Lake</i></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ANFtM5Ve1KY/TPY4fOgXQ0I/AAAAAAAAAHQ/Zae0t6qLGig/s1600/205496904_6d8584e7ef.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ANFtM5Ve1KY/TPY4fOgXQ0I/AAAAAAAAAHQ/Zae0t6qLGig/s640/205496904_6d8584e7ef.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Greenery at Deosai</i></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ANFtM5Ve1KY/TPY4hu3TReI/AAAAAAAAAHU/go6hDN1uktU/s1600/2386343797_a958284f15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ANFtM5Ve1KY/TPY4hu3TReI/AAAAAAAAAHU/go6hDN1uktU/s640/2386343797_a958284f15.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Sheosar Lake at Deosai look how's Beautiful is this...</i></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ANFtM5Ve1KY/TPY4kMiUTQI/AAAAAAAAAHY/Wu-_7j3dty4/s1600/beauty+of+deosai+national+park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ANFtM5Ve1KY/TPY4kMiUTQI/AAAAAAAAAHY/Wu-_7j3dty4/s640/beauty+of+deosai+national+park.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Deosai National Park</i></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ANFtM5Ve1KY/TPY4mfKscAI/AAAAAAAAAHc/IanRF2sbuXs/s1600/deosai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ANFtM5Ve1KY/TPY4mfKscAI/AAAAAAAAAHc/IanRF2sbuXs/s640/deosai.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Deosai Lake 01</i></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ANFtM5Ve1KY/TPY4tesujDI/AAAAAAAAAHg/NiDVeWd2_GI/s1600/Deosai-pakistan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="466" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ANFtM5Ve1KY/TPY4tesujDI/AAAAAAAAAHg/NiDVeWd2_GI/s640/Deosai-pakistan.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Guldawod at Deosai</i></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ANFtM5Ve1KY/TPY4v12wO3I/AAAAAAAAAHk/dMo2ppPGA8Y/s1600/dudipatsar+lake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ANFtM5Ve1KY/TPY4v12wO3I/AAAAAAAAAHk/dMo2ppPGA8Y/s640/dudipatsar+lake.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>dudipatsar lake</i></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ANFtM5Ve1KY/TPY40DgYKXI/AAAAAAAAAHo/MB-n8_ILdLo/s1600/jajb06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ANFtM5Ve1KY/TPY40DgYKXI/AAAAAAAAAHo/MB-n8_ILdLo/s640/jajb06.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Another lake in Deosai</i></b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ANFtM5Ve1KY/TPY43bMynBI/AAAAAAAAAHs/gZA8oO33oB8/s1600/post-284-1177999117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ANFtM5Ve1KY/TPY43bMynBI/AAAAAAAAAHs/gZA8oO33oB8/s640/post-284-1177999117.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Deosai world highest Vally on earth</i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Ayub_Baltihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01985670790978279383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965763452053591220.post-36385420129732468282010-09-15T22:27:00.002+05:002010-09-15T22:30:54.643+05:00Gilgit-Baltistan governor Shama Khalid passes away<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/b15e670043f6a6b58379ff09875fc2d3/shama-khalid_gilani_app608.jpg?MOD=AJPERES" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/b15e670043f6a6b58379ff09875fc2d3/shama-khalid_gilani_app608.jpg?MOD=AJPERES" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/b15e670043f6a6b58379ff09875fc2d3/shama-khalid_gilani_app608.jpg?MOD=AJPERES" width="320" /></a></div><br />
ISLAMABAD: Governor of Gilgit-Baltistan<br />
Dr Shama Khalid passed away at the age of 60 on Wednesday after succumbing to cancer.<br />
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Dr Khalid was sworn in as the first governor of the region on March 23, 2010. She was also the first woman governor of Pakistan.<br />
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She was admitted at a hospital in Islamabad, where she was fighting against cancer for the past one-and-a-half month.Ayub_Baltihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01985670790978279383noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965763452053591220.post-28177335882400777342010-08-16T16:25:00.000+05:002010-08-16T16:25:53.018+05:00Flood kill 46 in Gilgit-BaltistanBy Farooq Ahmed<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ANFtM5Ve1KY/TGkgIrlcfeI/AAAAAAAAAGA/NaCSMmWyENA/s1600/attabad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ANFtM5Ve1KY/TGkgIrlcfeI/AAAAAAAAAGA/NaCSMmWyENA/s320/attabad.jpg" /></a></div>GILGIT: Forty-six people were killed and 30 injured by lightning and flash floods in Diamer district of Gilgit-Baltistan, officials told Dawn on Wednesday. Ten people are missing. <br />
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The officials said lightning struck Gais Bala, about 25km south of Chilas, on Wednesday, killing 35 people who had left their flood-ravaged village and taken refuge on a hill two days ago. <br />
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Police chief Ali Sher said the village was cut off after a suspension bridge linking it with Karakoram Highway was destroyed by the Indus surge. <br />
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Another 11 people were killed in Khinar valley. Their bodies were found on Tuesday. <br />
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The floods have so far killed over 100 people in Gilgit-Baltistan, 58 of them in Baltistan. <br />
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People of the region are facing immense hardship because Karakoram Highway and link roads are blocked for 12 days and all flights have been suspended. <br />
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There is an acute shortage of medicines in hospitals in the region.Ayub_Baltihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01985670790978279383noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965763452053591220.post-5288188678945508452010-05-07T22:27:00.001+05:002010-05-08T16:41:52.880+05:00BASHA DAM is just only for the NWFP & PUNJAB not for GILGIT-BALTISTAN<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geotauaisay.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/bhasha_dam-1024x760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://www.geotauaisay.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/bhasha_dam-1024x760.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>It is great issue raise for the NORTHERN areas to disperse their concentration from the basic problems of the region, it is common in <b>Gilgit-Baltistan</b> that "Is <b>Basha Dam</b> benificial for us or not?" everyone is discussing on this topic but still we have not understand its fact. The Question is simple, where is it located? is there any industry in Gilgit-Baltistan? who will get the interest from it? who will be the Owner of it? why DAM is contructed here? what will be given to the residents of the region?Ayub_Baltihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01985670790978279383noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965763452053591220.post-859524150112008422010-05-07T22:18:00.000+05:002010-05-07T22:18:32.023+05:00Everyone (POLITITION) thinks of changing the world, but no one (POLITITION) thinks of changing himself<h1><span style="font-size: small;">by Iqbal Burcha Essa Kahn President NASA - KU,University of Karachi,PAKISTAN.</span></h1>The world conditions are just like the water vapors in the atmosphere which moves according to the direction of the air. We people of Northern areas are residing in the highly sensitive region of the world, where everyone has to be attentive, but this is far away from everyone. Everyone of us trying to change the world but no one try to change himself, so the world is in crises, if everybody gives up his bad means by which he or she take them away from hard work, then it will be easy for everyone to do work of their own part. But we can see work shares in all the fields. We don't think so far about the future of our region? How world is revolutionized? the political crocodiles are trying to eat the food of our people, we are still unawake in our all fields from politics to education each and everyone raise their slogan for their own interest, no one is ready to do constructive work for nation.<br />
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GILGIT-BALTISTAN is full of bounties from all angels but unfortunately the residents of the region are unaware of all the opportunities, the selfish leaders get their own benefit, and then even don’t know the definition of LEADER. Politicians of Gilgit - Baltistan are using the students only for their own interest, they don’t have any information from any of the district but they consider themselves as a leader of Gilgit-Baltistan. Everyone say easily himself as a NATIONALIST, but it is far away from them, as they cannot do for themselves and for their family then how can they do for the whole nation? If we think broadly, they are burdens on our nation. So when such people say anything we should reply them at the moment, should not wait for others. For God the residents of Northern areas ask from such non since politicians who are making their own bank accounts and property from the Funds of Gilgit-Baltistan. If every one of us use our vote and opinion for better one then it can be a sign for the progress in the region. Next year elections will be held for that everyone should be ready to use their decision. So again i say to the politicians of Northern areas to change themselves not the world. Ayub_Baltihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01985670790978279383noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965763452053591220.post-23564354243709521232010-01-31T15:53:00.001+05:002010-01-31T16:06:34.207+05:00Are we self-responsible?<div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.zastavki.com/pictures/1024x768/2009/The_financial_crisis_Wallpaper_World_Financial_Crisis_013917_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" kt="true" src="http://www.zastavki.com/pictures/1024x768/2009/The_financial_crisis_Wallpaper_World_Financial_Crisis_013917_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b>Shahid Ali Form Nasirabad Hunza</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">If we glance at the present situation of Pakistan then a series of problems come across our mind. Our economy is decreasing day by day, law and order situation is becoming doubtful, inflation is on its climax. These are the primary problems which give birth to several secondary problems; such as, unemployment, illiteracy and ignorance. These are the main causes to produce a threat to our national integrity, which we call "**terrorists". Let us examine our self. It is a fact that we are well aware of all these issues and there causes. We are gone through news everyday. Now we should ask question from our self that, are we playing our individual role? The answer is definitely NO! We are just blaming each others. We go through newspapers and news channels for the sack of information and entertainment but never try to give our positive opinion in the best interest of our country. Now it is my humble request to all of you please stops blaming each others and the government, show some flexibility, think for this country, come up with new ideas and play your individual roles for the betterment of our motherland. </div>Ayub_Baltihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01985670790978279383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965763452053591220.post-73081582527101755922010-01-31T15:03:00.002+05:002010-01-31T15:07:03.157+05:00Gilgit-Baltistan medical students’ quota increased<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/m/eduonline/images/attachement/jpg/site1/20071126/00112f2419a108b485300b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" kt="true" src="http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/m/eduonline/images/attachement/jpg/site1/20071126/00112f2419a108b485300b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Syed Mehdi Shah called on Minister for Health, Makhdoom Shahabuddin on Saturday and discussed matters pertaining to increased quota of medical students in medical and dental colleges of Punjab. The minister apprised the Chief Minister that the federal government under direction of the Prime Minister has decided to increase the quota of medical students of Gilgit-Baltistan from 34 to 64 in the medical and dental colleges of Punjab.Ayub_Baltihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01985670790978279383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965763452053591220.post-72013012729909156882010-01-23T12:38:00.002+05:002010-04-16T15:50:12.370+05:00The Imaginary FrontierBy Mohd Hussanan<br />
<a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3220/3030748553_5ce8e4f73a.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3220/3030748553_5ce8e4f73a.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 272px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 500px;" /></a><br />
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It was about three in the morning when Ali heard the rooster crowing. He was already awake. He had not slept well through the night contemplating the journey he would make today. As he looked around, he found the others still asleep. Hussain was coughing irregularly. For the past few days, Ali's best friend, Hussain, had not felt well. Ali had lived with Hussain and his family for twelve years now. They took him in as one of the family after he accidentally crossed the border and was stranded. That was the year 1971. India and Pakistan were engaged in a war over the dispute of the State of Jammu & Kashmir, which killed hundreds of thousands of people and displaced millions as refugees. The war affected the people of Baltistan and Ladakh, and crippled local economy. Thousands of people, separated from their loved ones as a result of the war, were now waiting for the border to open. Ali was among the refugees of Ladakh who had wandered across the border into the Kharmang Valley of Baltistan. <br />
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It all started on a sunny day when Ali was sixteen years old. Ali was grazing his yaks and zomos on the pastures near the Baltistani border. His favorite yak Dong-kar, the White Face, sharpened his horns on the ground nearby. From where he sat under a willow tree, he could see the lush green pastures across the border. At the time, traders and shepherds slipped across the border easily. This summer, Balti traders had brought news of Pakistani armed forces fighting against Bengal's struggle for independence. In the Kargil bazaar, shopkeepers worried over the Pakistani and Indian armies' exchange of fire near the Bangladeshi border. However, farmers and shepherds like Ali had not paid much attention to the rumors because their region remained peaceful. Now these thoughts ran through Ali's mind as he crossed into Baltistan. He cautiously looked down the valley for Pakistani soldiers. Pakistan had stationed a large number of troops in Baltistan after occupying the region in the year 1948. Ali reached a brook as the path wound through the lower gorges on the left side of Suru Chu River. It was a long and arduous journey. Through a cluster of trees, he saw houses on the other side of the brook. Smoke was coming out of the chimneys. On the rooftops, women laid out apricots to dry for the winter. 'This may be a place to spend the night if it is late', thought Ali with some relief. With his mind on the journey home, Ali's feet moved faster as he hummed loudly. The yaks also lumbered faster with excitement of fresh grass on the upper side of the pasture.<br />
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"Rinmochhe Balang, your fate has brought you to Baltistani pastures today. Now eat as much as you can so we can return to our home before it is dark and unsafe." He stretched his legs in the soft grass while talking to his zomos and yaks. As he lounged, he could see a Pakistani army camp in the distance. All the camps were in the valley west of the pastures. The local villagers had shifted further west to safety when the Pakistani army seized their land. The farmland had gone fallow as soldiers turned the valley into a garrison. After the departure of locals from the valley, only wild ibex, deer and cattle from Indian villages grazed these pastures. Ali thought of Tsewang, a shepherd from his village who once could not control his sheep. A few had wandered into the army camp. Fearful of the soldiers, Tsewang did not fetch the stray sheep, instead leaving for his village with the remaining flock. Since then, Ali and the other shepherds remained cautious in controlling their cattle through the pastures.<br />
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Lost in thought, Ali pulled out some Khulak, a snack made of roasted barley flour and salted yak butter tea, and took small bites. He had a couple of Phating or dried apricots left in his pocket. Nibbling on them led his thoughts to Gyalmo, his fiancÉe, who had given him the apricots that morning. Gyalmo would wait in front of her house with food for Ali as he went to the pasture every morning. Food was an excuse for them to see each other at least once a day. Gyalmo would give him dried fruit, the local bread 'Khurba', fresh walnuts and mulberry, dried yak meat and the local yogurt drink, 'Darba'. Today, she was not in a good mood. She stayed for just few minutes, did not talk much, and gave him a few phating and nothing more. They argued about the dangers of the border crossing. Neither knew then they would wait decades to meet again.<br />
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As darkness prevailed, Ali herded his cattle towards the lower reaches of the pasture. The Zomos and yaks were docile after eating all day. When he neared the brook, Ali saw the troop activity below. There was haphazard movement, suggesting panic and chaos. Ali drove his cattle behind a cliff and waited there. He was still half an hour away from the border and soldiers were between him and the border. He waited until it got dark and then moved his cattle with care towards the houses on the other side of the brook. As he neared, he heard the army vehicles in the distance. When he reached the first house, he stumbled in without knocking. In the dark, he whispered fearfully, "Is there anyone here?" The room was empty but warm. He took the cattle to the barn and locked them inside. He did not understand why the barn door was ajar at that time of the night. Then he returned to the room and sat waiting for the owner. The howling wind and desolation scared him. He remembered his mother always forbade him from crossing into Baltistan. Gyalmo also disliked his willingness to take risk for greener pastures. The warm room made him dizzy. A day of shepherding and emotional distress was catching up. He stretched his legs next to the stove and fell quickly asleep. <br />
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At dawn, Ali awoke to the noise of shelling and mortar fire. In the morning light, he found the room hastily abandoned. Utensils were scattered everywhere, floor mats missing and barley seeds were spilt near the door. It did not take him long to realize that the owners had fled with their valuables and cattle before his arrival. To his dismay, the barn door was broken and his cattle were gone. Amidst the shelling, Ali wandered around looking for his cattle. He was not very far from the brook when a soldier surprised him from behind. "Why are you still here? Do you not know war has started in Baltistan? If you insist on staying here any longer, you will get killed." The soldier took him as a local villager and pushed him in the direction further west of the valley. Along the way, he hid behind boulders at the sound of shelling. He saw smoldering homes across the Suru Chu. After a few hours of walking, he reached a village filled with refugees. He saw men carrying heavy loads on their back while women carried infants and dragged toddlers. The wailing of children added a sense of panic and fear in the air. Men struggled to move cattle along with the people. Ali joined the caravan and moved west as the villagers followed the river. Some refugees stopped at Marol, a village at a safe distance from the border, while others kept walking. Ali saw an old man stooping to find a place to rest. He was panting and seemed unable to support his weight. Ali grabbed him and took him to a nearby empty house. They found a mat, some chopped pieces of wood and some utensils in the room. It looked like the villagers here too had left in haste. When the old man recovered his breathe, they introduced each other. His name was Ata Mutik. He was with his sons, Hussain and little Shesrab. Hussain had gone back to look for Shesrab who was lost in the crowd. They feared Shesrab had hid himself along the way after losing sight of his family. <br />
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As Ata Mutik's condition improved, Ali went searching for water and food. Both of them were very hungry. He found some dried fruits, pruned apples and crumbs of bread in neighboring houses. He used a tea-stained pot to fetch water. Ata Mutik thanked him and they both ate ravenously. While they nibbled, Ali revealed his accidental arrival into Baltistan. He worried for his mother and Gyalmo and feared his village destroyed amidst attacks by Pakistani forces. Tears rolled down his cheeks as he thought about his family in danger. Ata Mutik patted his shoulder and comforted him. "Ali, you are like a son. Please stay with us. We will take care of you. After the fighting ends, you can return to your village. Don't worry. No one will know you are Indian." After eating, Ata Mutik and Ali walked to the road to wait for Hussain, who returned with Shesrab late into the evening. They assessed the situation and after some discussion, decided to stay in one of the empty houses until it was safe to return to their village. Ali helped the family take their belongings into the house. <br />
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Destiny had other plans for Ali. As the war ended, the governments of India and Pakistan decided to permanently close the border and stop all cross-border movement. Under these circumstances, Ali decided to stay with Hussain's family. When the ceasefire was declared, they moved back to Ata Mutik's ancestral house near the border. He felt at peace living with Ata Mutik's family and being closer to his own village. Every evening, he visited the barber's shop for gossip and listened to the radio for news of Kargil. News came of a several Baltistani villages in Gangche district taken under Indian control. As a result, thousands of people became refugees and moved to Skardo. After four months, Ali received a letter from home. His family was alive. They had moved forty miles east of their ancestral village after Pakistani attacks destroyed the houses. "Your mother cries and prays for your safe return", Uncle Zhangmo Anchan wrote. "If you fail to return soon, Gyalmo will marry someone else." Ali hastily replied, assuring them of his safe and speedy return. After dropping the letter off at the postman's house, he prayed it would reach its destination before too long. <br />
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Days passed quickly as Ali anxiously waited for the border to re-open. At dawn and again before going to bed, he would stare at the mountain pass, the same pass over which he and his zomos once descended into Baltistan. His life stood still since coming over that pass, like a stationary picture. His home and family seemed like a dream slipping further away each day. With hope in his heart, he wrote letters to his mother and Gyalmo every week. He also visited several Phyak-khang, Khankahs and Imambaras, distributing alms and praying for a safe return. He prayed, "O Shazdechan-Ashi God, in the name of Rtsangma Rinchen Muhammad and his Rinmochhe Family! Make my return possible. Unite me with my family and tribe. Help us overcome the barrier between Ladakh and Baltistan." One day he visited Shiekh Ibrahim of Ata Mutik's village, who wrote Smonlam - the Quranic prayers - for Ali on a piece of birch tree bark. Ali washed the ink from the bark into a cup and drank the blessed water, hoping that God heard his prayers. He also tied the Dod-strung, an amulet made with Quranic prayers by the Shiekh, to his right arm. But the months turned into years and Ali busied himself with work and supported Ata Mutik and his family. He was valuable to the family because of his shepherding and farming skills. On many occasions, Ata Mutik advised him to marry and settle down. But all his thoughts revolved around the girl who lived across the mountain. <br />
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As the years passed, the relationship between India and Pakistan began to thaw, and both countries started confidence and peace building measures. There were rumors that troops would return to the barracks and normalcy would again prevail in the region. The border would open allowing divided families to reunite. The rumors set a tempest brewing in Ali's mind. He visited government offices to confirm the stories. The village barber advised him to go to Tolti or Skardo and register his name among the refugees to be sent back to their homes. He did not want to lose this chance after so many years and followed every piece of advice. Ata Mutik was a distant relative of the tehsildar, the district magistrate of Tolti. He approached tehsildar sahib and introduced Ali to him for a special favor. Ali begged and offered presents to the tehsildar sahib. His emotional plea made everyone in the room tearful with sympathy. Tehsildar sahib promised Ali that he would be one of the first to cross the border. He then kindly suggested Ali take his presents back and give them rather to his mother upon returning to Ladakh.<br />
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A few weeks later, when Ali was grazing the yaks in the pasture, young Shesrab came running and yelling, "Ali Kaka! Ali Kaka!" Ali ran to him with anticipation. "Ali Kaka, father has just received news that you can go home," Shesrab panted. "He said you will leave within the week." Ali left Shesrab with the yaks and ran home. He collapsed onto Ata Mutik in a joyous embrace. From that moment, Ali became restless. His racing thoughts made sleep impossible. He lay wakeful planning his future with his family. He did not know what to expect of Gyalmo after so many years. He worried about saying farewell to Hussain and his family. Fear and confusion haunted him while thoughts of seeing his mother thrilled him. He lost his appetite and interest in work. Suddenly, he felt he was living in strange surroundings. He was like a passenger at a train station desperately waiting for a delayed train. He knew that losing the chance to return to Ladakh would take away all meaning in his world.<br />
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On his last day, Ata Mutik saw Ali sitting on the bank of the river, staring at the mountain pass and throwing pebbles in the water. He seemed to struggle with conflicting emotions. Happiness at seeing his mother on one hand and sadness at leaving Ata Mutik on the other continued to disturb the young man deeply. Ata Mutik sat down and to comfort him, said, "Son, do you know, Ladakh and Baltistan were part of the same province before partition in 1948?" While Ali stared at the ground dejectedly, Ata Mutik continued, "Our province was called Ladakh Wazarat. I was very young when partition occurred. I used to travel to Leh, Kargil and Changthang with my father to sell fruit and other goods. At that time, the valley of Kharmang was part of Kargil district, like your village is now. When tehsildar sahib of Kargil would visit our village, the excitement and preparations caused a great commotion. At that time, Skardo was the winter capital of the province while Leh was the summer capital. The provincial government spent six months in winter in Baltistan and six months in summer in Leh." Ata Mutik's eyes searched the horizon, "Because of the capital transfer, the movement of the cavalcade ebbed and flowed, creating a carnival atmosphere in Kharmang Valley. Accompanied by thousands of bureaucrats, workers and ordinary people, the Wazirs, Kalons, Lonpos and Trangpas passed through our villages on horseback. The village elders welcomed officials with gifts, cattle and elaborate residences. It was a traveling festival from village to village as the cavalcade moved forward. At night, fire dancers with flowers in their hats performed with smoking juniper twigs. Professional story-tellers recited and performed sagas of Ling Gesar, Gyalbucho Lobzang and Yulstrung Karim with reverence, while the singers sang traditional Gyang-Lu and Bar-gLu songs. Local villagers arranged polo matches, archery competitions and traditional feasts. Every household contributed food from their rations. The women spent the entire day making dishes of every kind, causing the children to run with excitement at the smell of meat and yak butter tea. The entire village was involved; each person assigned a task to help pull the ceremony together." He continued wistfully, "Peace prevailed everywhere during that era. We traveled freely between Skardo, Leh, Srinagar and Shimla." <br />
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Ali looked at Ata Mutik with new excitement. He had never heard Ata Mutik talk like this before. Ali had no interest in history but now found himself listening with attention. He remembered how his own father, Ata Sengge, told similar stories to him as a child. His father spoke of his journeys to Skardo and compared Zanskar to Shigar for the vastness of the valleys, which mesmerized him. Impatient to play with the other boys in the courtyard, Ali would fidget and look for the first opportunity to escape. Now he wanted to know about the time without borders; when people traveled freely; and when communities co-existed peacefully. <br />
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Ali realized that people born after 1948 in both Ladakh and Baltistan accepted the border as set in stone. They compromised with the times. Today, for the first time, Ali escaped into the past, and looked before the year 1948. The existence of a border and travel restrictions pierced his soul. The more he learned about the past, the more suffocated he felt. The imaginary line had separated him from his parents and fiancÉe all these years. If he could, he would erase that line instantly, an artificial line that kept members of the same ethnic group divided. Ata Mutik realized he had Ali's attention and so went on, "People were prosperous before partition as they traded freely across the expanse of the Himalayas. Farmers from Kargil would come to our village to purchase yaks, dzos and dzomos. We used to buy salt and tea from Changpas. Baltis on their way to Leh and Kashmir would pass through our village. People from Leh and Zangskar would spend the night in our guesthouses on their way to Skardo and Shigar. The travelers joined local competitions of archery and polo. Many became our friends and would bring exotic gifts from places as far as Lhasa, Nepal and Kashgar. The environment was friendly and we all benefited." <br />
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As he heard about the past, a new idea planted itself in Ali's heart. He looked to Ata Mutik with hope and asked with excitement, "Do you think that a border drawn so recently can be erased again?" Ata Mutik, who saw the light coming back in Ali's eyes, smiled thoughtfully and said, "Son, borders are manmade. They can be erased or changed. Ladakh and Baltistan share the same culture, language and customs. Several traditional trade routes connect us together. Our fate and economic prosperity is connected to Ladakh. Closing these trade routes degrades us severely. If we understand this, then we should work together to erase this imaginary frontier." Ali nodded in agreement. Today he found a new understanding and purpose for his life; a mission to connect people across the mountains.<br />
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It was well past dusk when they finally returned home. The young man was filled with energy. Ata Mutik had shown him a path to bridge his life of the last twelve years with his impending return home. It was as if a paralysis had lifted and was replaced by the voice of ancestors saying it was possible to rebuild a strong community. He dreamt of spreading the message of prosperity through a unified Ladakh and Baltistan. Now, he was hopeful about seeing Ata Mutik again. He envisioned a day when Ata Mutik and his family would visit him in his home. He imagined introducing him to his wife Gyalmo and his future children. For hours, he tossed and turned. He was deeply engrossed in contemplation when the rooster crowed the coming dawn. At last, the morning had arrived when he was to return to his family. The bitterness of saying goodbye to a life of twelve years was made sweet by his eagerness to revolutionize people's thinking about the border. <br />
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Ali got out of bed and boiled some water for tea. He had packed his luggage earlier, including silver and turquoise jewelry for Gyalmo made by Awulu, the village silversmith. Sheikh Ibrahim had given him a string of Quranic Dod-strung for his mother. The previous evening, Ata Mutik presented Ali with a woolen Kaar, the local shawl, that he weaved himself on the house loom. Hussain added Chaphe Khulak, a roasted barley flour snack, and dried apricots for the journey. The separation of leaving those who nurtured him left Ali heavy of heart. Everyone was gloomy. Hussain, whose early morning coughing calmed after drinking the tea, sat quietly in the corner and avoided looking into Ali's eyes. With strained cheer and a promise to see them soon, he hugged Ata Mutik and Shesrab. For Ata Mutik, it was difficult to say goodbye to Ali who had been like a son. They wept quietly for a while. After twelve years of holding his tears back, Ali finally let them all go. Hussain walked Ali to the road to see him off. He promised Ali to bring Ata Mutik and Shesrab to Kargil after the next harvest. After bidding Hussain farewell, Ali walked through the village he had called home for so long. He memorized how each house was set against each other, each field terraced against the next. As he navigated the streams that came from the snowy peaks for the last time, he thought of all the children who played along them on summer days. He thought of all the days spent in pastures as he glanced around at the mountains. As he passed the barbershop, the barber and his three boys came running up to say goodbye. Along the way, Awulu, the silversmith, intoned Smonlam for safe travel. <br />
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At the border check post, Ali joined the first group of people from Baltistan and India who gathered to cross the border. It was 11 a.m. when the paperwork was finished and the security officials ordered the refugees to cross. Everyone walked across the border on foot in a group. Ali felt his heart beat rise as he neared the border. On the other side, his relatives, recognized him and shouted his name in joy and celebration. But Ali's eyes were pinned to the imaginary "Line of Control" in front of him. Ali wanted to record this moment in his mind forever. He dragged his feet across the ground as if footsteps could erase the border. Once on the other side, he fell to his knees to thank Rgyalbachan Ldanchuk-khan God. His relatives fell around him and cried in elation.<br />
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Through his journey, Ali negated the very existence of the artificial boundary dividing his two homes. He was like the first drop of rain in a drenching downpour. Today, Ali laid the foundation of the unification of Ladakh and Baltistan with his feet.Ayub_Baltihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01985670790978279383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965763452053591220.post-11983741921997647802010-01-23T12:35:00.001+05:002010-04-16T15:51:40.978+05:00Baltistan: Six Decades of ImpasseBy Mohd Hussanan<br />
<a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2290/2170847156_7b17352bf4.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2290/2170847156_7b17352bf4.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 333px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 500px;" /></a><br />
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Although it has been almost six decades since Pakistan attained control of Baltistan Region, the western part of Ladakh Wazarat of J&K, however, successive Pakistani regimes have failed to recognize it as an integral part of the country. In fact, each regime promotes a different stance regarding the status of Baltistan and Gilgit Regions, and their relationship to the State of Jammu and Kashmir. <br />
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Until early 1960s, Pakistani governments used to declare the Northern Areas (consisting of Baltistan and Gilgit Regions) as part of the State of Jammu & Kashmir. The 1965 Indo-Pak War brought Pakistan very close to Peoples' Republic of China, as the new relationship ensured Pakistan with security against a stronger India. As the relationship grew stronger, Pakistan realized the strategic importance of Northern Areas (NAs), which provides strategic land route to China. This compelled the regime to declare NAs as part of Pakistan and reject all claims made by the Government of Azad Jammu & Kashmir (Part of Jammu & Kashmir State under the control of Pakistan) over Baltistan or Gilgit. It was an obvious denial to the agreements between Pakistan, India and the United Nations, and also reflected the contradiction in the statements made by the previous Pakistani governments. The agreements clearly state that the Northern Areas belong to the State of Jammu & Kashmir and Baltistan is Pakistani administered part of Ladakh Province (Wazarat). Factually speaking, Pakistan appropriated both Baltistan and Gilgit regions of J&K, which were temporarily transferred to Islamabad through an agreement with AJK Government in 1949. The agreement between the government of Pakistan and AJK is reproduced here:<br />
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"... The matters assigned to the government of Pakistan were listed under caption "A". These subjects were eight in number. It contained the responsibilities of the government of Pakistan in respect of all affairs of Gilgit and Ladakh, the area relevant at that time (which would be Baltistan, since the rest of Ladakh is under Indian control), under the control of Political Agent, at Gilgit".<br />
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During the 1960s, another violation took place when the government of Pakistan handed Shaksgam Valley of Baltistan and Raskam Valley of Hunza to the Peoples' Republic of China. Shaksgam (a Balti word meaning 'pile of debris and pebbles') lies across the northern ridge of the Karakoram mountain range and extends to Karakoram Pass near Ladakh. Later, governments of Pakistan and China signed an agreement declaring that once the dispute of the Jammu & Kashmir State is resolved, the control of China over Shaksgam and Raskam will be reconsidered. An abstract of the agreement between Pakistan and PR China went as follows:<br />
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"... The two parties have agreed that after the settlement of the Kashmir dispute between Pakistan and India, the sovereign authority 'concerned' will reopen negotiations with the government of the Peoples' Republic of China on the boundary, as described in Article II of the present agreement, of Kashmir so as to sign a boundary treaty to replace the present agreement. (Source: Dawn, Karachi March 3, 1963) <br />
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Since the establishment of the current Army Regime of President Musharaf, the government's position on Kashmir has changed significantly and for the first time in the last five decades, the government is ready to accept the realities. The government has taken a bold step to clear up issues that have been in a state of confusion and indecision for a long time; one of them being the stance on J&K viz. a viz. status of Baltistan and Gilgit. In December 2000, the Foreign Minister of Pakistan clearly stated that Northern Areas are part of the disputed State of Jammu and Kashmir. This statement was further confirmed by the Federal Bureau of Foreign Affairs, a week later. As of today, government maintains this position and President Musharaf has reiterated this during couple of his interviews.<br />
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It is a historical fact that Baltistan remained part of Dogra state. In "Crisis of Kashmir", Alistair Lamb has described the position of the State, at pages 17 and 18, as: <br />
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"In fact, the State contains at least five distinct regions. First, there is Kashmir proper, the so-called Vale along the upper reaches of the Jhelum River with its capital at Srinagar. Second, there is Jammu, with its center at Jammu City. Third, there is Poonch: and fourth, the very extensive tract of Ladakh-Baltistan. Finally, in the northwest is the Gilgit region, comprising Gilgit, Gilgit Wazarat, Gilgit Agency, Yasin, Ishkuma, Hunza and Nagir"<br />
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Mr. Joseph Korbel, Member of the United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan (UNCIP), in his book "Danger in Kashmir" at pages 5,6,92 and 202, has described the status of all regions of Jammu & Kashmir State as under: <br />
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"The term (Kashmir), as is generally used (for the whole state), is actually not accurate. The official name is the State of Jammu and Kashmir. The state consists of several regions. Its heart is the famous Vale of Kashmir. South of it is the Jammu province, to the east is Ladakh, and north of it, Baltistan; farther north-west are the regions of Hunza and Nagir, and west of them, the Gilgit agency, composed of several political districts. West of the Vale are the districts of Muzaffarabad, Riasi, Poonch and Mirpur."<br />
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On page 23, the author has described the geographic boundaries of the Jammu & Kashmir State. It states:<br />
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"...the final shape of J&K State, therefore was articulated during the regime of Ranbir Singh. It was administratively divided into 'provinces' of:<br />
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I Jammu<br />
II Kashmir<br />
III Ladakh (including Baltistan); and<br />
IV Gilgit and Frontier Ilaqas<br />
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The area and population of the different provinces of Jammu & Kashmir State are described on page 24 (No 16) of the book, 'Verdict on Gilgit and Baltistan; High Court of Judicature, Azad Jammu and Kashmir'. It states:<br />
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"The Jammu & Kashmir State spreads over 84,471 sq. miles. The area of Jammu province is 12,378 sq. miles; Kashmir province 8,539 sq. miles; and Ladakh and Gilgit 63,554 sq. miles."<br />
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Again, on page 40 (No 48), it states:<br />
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"In the census of India, 1911, volume XX, Part I, REPORT ON KASHMIR, administrative set up of the state, as divided at the relevant time, was described at page 6. The province of Jammu comprised of:<br />
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I Jammu;<br />
II Jasrota;<br />
III Udhampur;<br />
IV Reasi; and<br />
V Mirpur districts<br />
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Kashmir province comprised of:<br />
I Kashmir north;<br />
II Kashmir south; and<br />
III Muzzaffarabad<br />
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The frontier areas comprised of:<br />
I Ladakh Wazarat; and<br />
II Gilgit and Frontier Ilaqas<br />
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The internal Jagirs and dependencies were described as:<br />
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I Poonch<br />
II Bhadarwah; and<br />
III Chaneni<br />
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This administrative description was followed in the subsequent reports for the years 1921, 1931, and 1941. The position which emerged in 1941, substantiated from the census report, in respect of the Frontier Wazarats, was:<br />
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I Wazarat Ladakh, with Leh, Skardo and Kargil<br />
II Gilgit, with Gilgit Agency, Astore and Frontier Ilaqas<br />
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The Maharajas ruled Ladakh Province for more than a century. They formed a Wazarat (Governorship) of Ladakh combining Purig, Baltistan, Zanskar, central Ladakh and Changthang (Aksai Chin). Although, some intellectuals disagree that Ladakh Wazarat held the status of a Governorship or Province, however, it can be proved from documents that describe authority and definition of the Wazir of Wazarat. <br />
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On page 54 (No. 58) of the book, 'Verdict on Gilgit and Baltistan; High Court of Judicature, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, the term Governor is defined and reproduced from the Declaration as:<br />
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"----the term "Governor" was defined under Section 2(3). It is: 'Governor' means the governors of Jammu and Kashmir and the Wazirs of Ladakh and Gilgit with their respective jurisdiction."<br />
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Through the formation of a Wazarat comprising of Balti, Purig, Zanskar and central Ladakh, the Maharajas united the areas under one administrative block - areas already united by same culture, traditions, language, ethnicity, religious beliefs, trade and commercial links and geographical proximity. Skardo was given the status of the winter capital of the Wazarat whereas Leh was the summer capital. The Wazarat was divided into Leh, Kargil and Skardo districts. <br />
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The assessment notes of Major J. L. Kaye, Settlement Commissioner appointed by Maharaja Pratap Singh's Government, printed at Ranbir Prakash Press, Jammu in 1904 A.D., states that the following illaqas' are parts of Skardu (District Skardo of Wazarat Ladakh): "Haramosh, Rondu (Rongyul), Shigar, Keris, Parkuta, Tolti, Khapulo and Chorbad" <br />
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The people of Ladakh Wazarat also received representation in the State assembly. "The assembly was partly representative (elected) as some of the members were nominated by the Rulers of the State. Among them, four members were nominated from Wazarat of Ladakh; two were Buddhists from Leh, one Muslim from Skardo, and one Muslim from Kargil ~ the nominated members from Ladakh Wazarat, were:<br />
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I Raja (Gyalpo) Jigmet Dadool of Stok, from Leh<br />
II Nono Thsewang Rinchan from Leh<br />
III Raja (Gyalpo) Fateh Ali Khan of Skardo, from Skardo <br />
IV Kacho Ahmed Ali Khan from Kargil"<br />
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From the above-mentioned statements, it is clear that the State of Jammu & Kashmir prior to August 15, 1947, was administratively divided into provinces and regions, and included Gilgit and Baltistan with clear geographical boundaries. By 1948, as different nations were fighting to annex the State, the Wazarat of Ladakh existed with all its areas intact. Within a few months of war and the tribal attacks, the whole scenario changed and Ladakh Wazarat got divided between Pakistan and India. Later, in all the agreements between Pakistan, India and the UNO, Baltistan is referred to as Ladakh or the Pakistani administered part of Ladakh. A decade later, Baltistan was incorporated into the Northern Areas along with Gilgit Wazarat, Gilgit Agency and the tribal Illaqas. A political agent from NWFP was imposed on local people usurping local autonomy and undermining religious, cultural and political freedom. <br />
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After 59 years of confusion, distrust and disillusion, the chances of reunification of both parts of the Jammu & Kashmir State are once again mulled over. Now the question arises whether Baltistan should be directly incorporated into Pakistan or should the status of Ladakh Wazarat be restored and re-unify Baltistan with the Jammu & Kashmir State. Politicians, intellectuals and religious leaders of Baltistan have shown mixed reactions in this regard. Although the majority of the people of Baltistan agree that the region is part of Ladakh Wazarat; the prime concern is towards an ever-shifting stance of the government of Pakistan regarding this area. Some believe that by recognizing Baltistan as part of the Jammu & Kashmir State, local people will get to choose from one of the many options emerging on the political arena, such as incorporation of the State into Pakistan, India or a division between both. Some groups also talk of an independent State. Others talk of division of J&K on ethnic/linguistic grounds and some consider religion to be the determining factor. China, occupying more than 40,000 sq. km of Ladakh, Shaksgam and Raskam, must also not be forgotten. The more one thinks of this matter, the more options appear for consideration, hence providing varied choices for the people of Baltistan. <br />
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The leaders of Baltistan should utilize this opportunity to lead the nation in the right direction. It would be unjust to declare that Baltistan has no connection to the J&K dilemma. We would not have debated over J&K issue for 59 years if we were not connected to this issue. We wouldn't have lived in Pakistan like second class humans without any political, judicial, religious or cultural rights if our fate was not linked to J&K as a disputed region between India and Pakistan. In fact, Ladakh and Baltistan have been most affected by this dilemma and to prove it, I mention Kargil War fought on our land, among many other evidences.<br />
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Ignoring emerging alternatives and varied possibilities related to our political future will harm Baltistan in the long run. I must say that today's scenario enables us to make a choice best suited for socio-economic, cultural and religious freedom and development of the region. We are born with the natural right to have choices and the right to exercise this right with absolute freedom. Balti leaders should rather try to turn these options into an opportunity. This way, we can ensure a prosperous future for the coming generations. We must not let others make decisions for us. If we fail to respond to this prevailing situation, then we might face another crisis similar to the one happened in 1948, when the people of Ladakh and Baltistan were forced to part ways. We should extend our full co-operation to initiate dialogues with other interested parties of the Jammu & Kashmir State so that our demands could be heard. We also request the Pakistani government to allow Ladakhis and Baltis on both sides of the LOC to hold dialogues on regular basis.<br />
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While formulating options, not just religion but other major social features like culture, language, historical background, trade and commercial links and geographical proximity should also become parameters to address the issue. If today, Kashmiris on both sides of the LOC desire reunification, it is basic right of the people of Baltistan and Ladakh to look for the possibilities of their reunification as well. A unified Ladakh will provide political empowerment and subsequent enhancement of cultural, religious and socio-economic status of the region. In order to ensure freedom of expression and religion, it is necessary to maintain the secular face of the J&K State. The unification of Ladakh Wazarat will help maintaining the secularity of the Jammu & Kashmir State.<br />
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The people of Ladakh and Baltistan have tolerated the separation of the Wazarat for the last six decades. In 1948, Ladakh and Baltistan were separated through a conspiracy and we are facing the consequences. Now it is becoming a reality and a concern of the community that if a solution for the Jammu & Kashmir State is proposed which ends in a permanent division of Wazarat Ladakh, then it will be a threat to regional security and to the local people as well. A divided Ladakh and Baltistan, under any of the emerging options, will fail to achieve socio-economic and cultural progress, the way local people desire. This unnatural division should be dealt with strong opposition from both sides of the LOC.Ayub_Baltihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01985670790978279383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965763452053591220.post-62861167854965677422010-01-23T12:34:00.001+05:002010-04-16T15:53:38.034+05:00Haji Ali - thoughts and hopesBy Mohd Hussanan<br />
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Last year in October when I visited Baltistan, I met Haji Ghulam Ali. Haji Ali is a celebrity from Kamangu Village of District Kharmang. Although he is 86 years old, he is healthy, physically active and looks younger in appearance. He attributes his wellbeing to earlier involvement with sports like archery and polo, and consumption of pure yak butter and roasted barley flour which he mixes together to make a snack called 'Khulak'. Haji Ali invited me to dinner at his house in Kamangu. His family prepared traditional Balti dishes of marzan, sha-chu and srub-balay. Before the meal, he took me to his personal room. He displayed a range of items, accumulated a long time ago when he was a young trader. These items included shawls made of pure pashmina, necklaces and other ornaments made of turquoise, traditional Balti boots Lham and robes Gonchas, traditional copper and bronze utensils, and several horse back saddles with embroidered edges.<br />
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Haji Ali collected these items from various parts of Ladakh, Tibet, Kashmir, Yarkand and Simla where he traveled on a regular basis to trade. As he explained, "Farm work consumed four months. For the rest of the eight months of the year, I was always on the road. Those were the days when we could travel without restrictions and hindrances. Trade earned me ten times more than farming. It exposed me to different cultures and civilizations. I learnt a lot about the world from traveling."<br />
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My curiosity made me ask, 'Why didn't you travel to west to places like Chitral, Peshawar and Punjab?' He replied, 'Well, up until 1978, Baltistan was cut off from the west as glaciers and mountains separated us from Gilgit, Chitral, Punjab and Peshawar. Baltistan is naturally connected with Ladakh. At that time, only a route through Deosai mountains gave us limited three months access to Gilgit during the summer. On the other hand, we have four traditional trade routes used for thousands of years that lead to Ladakh, Kashmir and Tibet. Baltis would flock to places like Simla, Dehra Dun, Kulu Manali, Dharamsala, Dalhousie, Mussourie, Srinagar and Purang. Leh, Zangskar and Kargil were our cities of trade, the way Skardo is today. Baltis could find daily wage labor in these cities and people like me could barter their goods for other needed products like tea, salt, pashmina, wool, turquoise and much more. We were all very prosperous and happy during those times. We had the freedom to travel and earn a good living. <br />
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To my question of how road blockage and partition of J&K impacted local economy, he said, "our economy degraded severely after partition and the closure of roads. We remained cut off from the rest of the world until 1978, when the first road was built connecting us to Pakistan. During that time, we were solely dependent on farming. Baltistan is a barren land and farming alone cannot support our needs. The government set up rationing and we went to civil and military depots for cereal, tea, salt and rice. Sometimes, aero-planes would air-drop supplies. We were totally dependent on government subsidies. After the trade roads were blocked, thousands of people became impoverished and took refuge in Skardo town. Our villages were abandoned. Many villagers still live in Skardo as they do not have the means of survival in their villages on the Indian border. Even today, economic activity is not steady. Our total economy is dependent on a single road linking Baltistan with Gilgit and Pakistan. Every year, avalanches and landslides obstruct this road and goods and supplies from Pakistan are cut off for weeks. During road blocks, everything becomes so expensive that the government starts rationing and many people go hungry. Only opening the traditional trade routes of Baltistan towards Ladakh and Kashmir can bring back prosperity to the region."<br />
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He placed his hand on one of the saddles and said, "These saddles have carried me all the way to Tibet and Changthang. I used to trade dried fruits, cereals and vegetables on horseback. Changthang Valley of Ladakh has the finest quality of wool and pashmina. Sometimes, Chang traders would bring superior breeds of yaks, dzo and dzomo, and Baltis would buy them instantly. On the other hand, Ladakh consumed Baltistan's quality fruits and vegetables because produce did not grow well in the high altitude of Ladakh. We all benefited from each other in those days."<br />
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The pashmina shawl that he brought for his wife was still in good shape. After the death of his wife, he didn't let anyone touch it. It was wrapped in a bag with some moth-balls. Similarly, ornaments and jewelry made of turquoise, dzi and other precious stones, which he bought for his mother and wife, were also packed safely in his closet. 'My mother and wife were always excited when I left for Ladakh and Tibet.' With a thoughtful smile on his face, he said, 'I brought them turquoise jewelry every time I returned." <br />
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Haji Ali desires to see all trade routes open between Ladakh and Baltistan. Thousands of divided families continue suffer since the partition of J&K and the closure of roads. He wants to go to Kargil and see the children of his late sister who married a teacher from Suru, Ladakh. Haji Ali especially worries about the people of Baltistan's Shingo-Shigar and Gultari valleys. "These valleys are naturally a part of Kargil district. Before partition, it took them just two hours to reach Kargil by an all-weather road. Today, they spend 13 hours on dirt tracks to reach Skardo. In the winter when snow restricts their ability to travel, people are left in God's hands. <br />
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With tears rolling down his cheek, he said, "The division of J&K and wars have done so much damage and nothing good. Our natural trade routes are closed. Our economy suffers. Our families and loved ones are separated, causing great heartache. With our routes cut off towards Ladakh, I feel as if I am trapped in a cage. I am a trader and a traveler. For Baltistan's economy, these roads mean a lot. I want to see them open again before I die. <br />
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After dinner, I left Haji Ali sahib's house, contemplating whether the governments of India and Pakistan would consider his thoughts and hopes. I believe that positive action from both governments in this regard can help reunite families and communities, and reestablish economic prosperity for this backward and poverty stricken region of J&K.Ayub_Baltihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01985670790978279383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965763452053591220.post-42448519074093058122010-01-23T12:27:00.001+05:002010-04-16T15:55:08.420+05:00Rs12 billion set aside for uplift of Gilgit-BaltistanGILGIT, Sept 29:<br />
<a href="http://api.ning.com/files/P*o0AO8rF3SbSzG-OuKwfpewqX1pn2yzmsLcHgVHaeG6FAbQAQPqpuqoIVHzOvfz7U1zqt205hFhESI2DJVZyVJVnAkvDfTo/BillionDollar.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://api.ning.com/files/P*o0AO8rF3SbSzG-OuKwfpewqX1pn2yzmsLcHgVHaeG6FAbQAQPqpuqoIVHzOvfz7U1zqt205hFhESI2DJVZyVJVnAkvDfTo/BillionDollar.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 360px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 480px;" /></a><br />
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Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani announced on Tuesday a socioeconomic package for Gilgit-Baltistan. The package includes a series of projects in education, health, agriculture and tourism. <br />
Addressing a big public meeting at the Lalakjan Nishan-i-Haider stadium here, the prime minister said the people of Gilgit-Baltistan would have their own governor, chief minister, an independent judiciary and all institutions which came under the new system. <br />
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He said the region had a huge potential in hydel-power and tourism which would be explored and harnessed properly to boost economy of the area. Hotel business would be given the status of industry, he added. <br />
The prime minister said that Rs6.5 billion had been allocated for development of GilgitBaltistan and Rs5.5 billion for capacity building and announced that the region’s share in the PSDP would be increased.He said that 150,000 tons of wheat would be subsidised for the region and a research centre set up to study horticulture. He said that cold storage centres would be set up to preserve local produce, particularly some 55 unique varieties of cherries grown in the area. <br />
He said the number of tractors under the Benazir scheme would be increased. <br />
The prime minister said that Rs870 million had been allocated for the health sector in Gilgit-Baltistan and announced setting up of a medical college in the area. He said that 540 schools had been transferred to the National Education Foundation to improve their quality. <br />
He asked NAVTEC to set up a bureau in Gilgit to impart skills to the youth. Mr Gilani said the number of buses under the Northern Areas Transport Corporation would be increased to facilitate commuters. <br />
He said that quota would be reserved for local officers in foreign and national training programmes and announced fixing of basic salary at Rs6,000. He said that salary of policemen would also be raised and asked the administration to fill all vacant posts. <br />
The prime minister asked Acting Governor Qamar Zaman Kaira to allocate land for a housing scheme for low income group where the government would build houses free of cost. He also announced a housing colony for journalists of Gilgit-Baltistan. <br />
Completion of Diamer-Bhasha and Bunji dams and upgradation of Karakoram Highway would usher in a new era of prosperity and generate employment opportunities in the region. He said that people affected by the construction of Diamer-Bhasha would get justice and their rights would be protected. <br />
The prime minister announced ‘Gilgit allowance’ for the people and an ambulance each for all district and tehsil hospitals. He ordered the appointment of commissioner of Hunza Nagar district within one week. <br />
Other incentives announced by the prime minister are: upgradation of Skardu and Gilgit airport, improvement of Sost Dry Port to enhance trade links with China, reopening of regional offices of the Zarai Taraqqiati Bank, National Bank of Pakistan and House Building Foundation. <br />
The prime minister assured locals that elections in GilgitBaltistan would be held under the supervision of judiciary and all political parties would be provided a levelplaying field. <br />
Mr Gilani said the government had given rights to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and now it was their duty to ensure good governance in all institutions. <br />
He urged the people of Gilgit-Baltistan to shun their differences and maintain harmony in their ranks. He said that some elements were trying to disturb peace in the area by fanning sectarianism. <br />
The prime minister said Pakistan wanted friendly relations with neighbouring countries, including India, on an equal basis. He stressed the need for resolving the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the aspirations of its people.Ayub_Baltihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01985670790978279383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965763452053591220.post-20048423804142685222010-01-23T12:20:00.001+05:002010-04-16T15:55:55.821+05:00Investors urged to tap Gilgit-Baltistan gems<a href="http://www.myfinances.co.uk/photo/with-profits-smoothing-a-fallacy--$7038536$275.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.myfinances.co.uk/photo/with-profits-smoothing-a-fallacy--$7038536$275.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 275px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 275px;" /></a>By:Farooq haidar<br />
Gilgit-Baltistan Governor Qamar Zaman Kaira has said the area is rich in precious stones which will be tapped through introduction of modern technology and investment.<br />
Talking to APP here on Saturday, he said a comprehensive plan was being prepared to bring investment in various sectors and develop the area to bring it at par with other regions in the country. <br />
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Mr Kaira said tourism, mining and hydel-power potential of Gilgit-Baltistan would change the fate of the region and local and foreign investors would be invited and offered incentives. <br />
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He said the best way to solve problems of Gilgit-Baltistan was political empowerment of people and a democratic system of governance had been introduced to give rights to the people of the area and ensure their prosperity. <br />
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Mr Kaira said that in the current financial year budget for the area had been enhanced and more than Rs10 billion had been allocated in PSDP for development of the social sector. <br />
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He said a committee comprising senior officers and technical people had been formed by President Asif Ali Zardari to plan uplift programmes which would forward its recommendations soon. <br />
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He said that in the initial stage some officers would be transferred to GilgitBaltistan to run the administration and the National Institute of Public Administration would be asked to set up its campus in Gilgit to train local officers. <br />
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The governor said the Gilgit-Baltistan Public Service Commission would be set up soon to create more job opportunities and train educated people of the area through NIPA. <br />
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?The other thing we are planning is that GB officers will be sent to other provinces to get four to six months? training. Also officers from other provinces will be sent to GB for training purpose,? he said. <br />
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The governor said the judiciary was independent and the number of judges in the Chief Court had been increased from three to five to deal with pending cases. <br />
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He said that elections would be held on Nov 12 and elected representatives could bring further improvement in the self-governance order. <br />
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Mr Kaira said the government had decided not to change limits of constituencies of the Legislative Assembly which itself was manifestation of the fact that it was fully committed to free and fair elections. <br />
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He said Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani would visit Gilgit-Baltistan after Eid and announce an economic package for theAyub_Baltihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01985670790978279383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965763452053591220.post-42376470631008954612010-01-23T12:16:00.000+05:002010-01-23T12:20:33.010+05:00Gilgit Baltistan prey great gameBy:zara naqui<br />Gilgit Baltistan has remained a victim of human, social, economic and political exploitation for the last 61 years due to stubbornness of both Pakistan and India. Moreover, there is a danger to the very identity and survival of the region. With the division of the Subcontinent in 1947 the imperialist powers of the world divided the states on the basis of their likes and dislikes and the future of Gilgit-Baltistan fell prey to the great game in the region. Before 1947, this region saw small-scale wars in which the local people without difference of color, race and religion fought and defeated the invaders for the collective good of the area. But after partition of the Subcontinent in 1947, not only the newly-liberated democratic region was attacked on November 16, 1947 but also all means were utilized to convert the area into a colony by adopting a number of bogus agreements keeping the people in the dark. Besides, conspiracies were also hatched to divide the local people. The masses first demanded their basic rights and the government promised that they would be given all the rights like roads, schools, hospital etc., step by step. When the people realized that outsider bureaucrats and rulers cannot ensure their rights, they demanded that the region should be made a province. On this the rulers said it would damage the cause of Kashmir. Then the masses said give us an Azad Kashmir-type of setup. The rulers started to delay the issue on one pretext or the other. On the whole, the government had neither a program in the past nor it has it today to end the deprivations of the people. But to kill two birds with one stone, the government sowed the seed of sectarianism in the area which made the future of Gilgit-Baltistan a big question mark. Now the people are justified to ask whether constitutional packages and agreements are enough to end the over 60 years long deprivations. Can the people meet the challenges of the 21st century without having even basic facilities. Is it possible to decide the future of over two million people without their consent. These are the questions which have now developed into a lava that can any time burst out. We understand that the future of this region does not lie in construction of roads, power houses and other projects but is liked with the right of self-rule. History tells us that no nation gives sacrifices to make itself a part of others but strives to gain freedom. On the other hand, history is also witness to the fact that to enslave the people of an area they are entangled in petty issues so that they cannot come out of the mess to ask for major rights.We would like to advise the democratic government of Pakistan to understand the realities of the present-day world which has shrunk into a global village. In today's world no nation can be kept in the dark, so the rulers should transfer self-rule rights to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan as a first step. Because packages cannot safeguard the future of the people and their identity. Till the resolution of the Kashmir issue the constitution-less Gilgit-Baltistan should be given a setup under which the people could run their day-today affairs. They should also have the right to utilize their resources as they wish.Ayub_Baltihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01985670790978279383noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965763452053591220.post-29025625318631760692010-01-23T11:21:00.000+05:002010-01-23T11:36:12.780+05:00Gilani announces development package for Gilgit BaltistanBy:Pakistan News<br />GILGIT: Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani on Tuesday announced a development package for Gilgit Baltistan aimed at the socio-economic uplift of the area people. <br /><br />Addressing a huge public gathering at Shaheed Lalac Jan stadium here, the Prime Minister unveiled a series of development projects in the areas of education, health, agriculture, tourism and basic needs of life. <br /><br />This was Gilani’’s first visit to the picturesque Gilgit Baltistan, who got a rousing welcome by the enthusiast crowd that continued to cheer slogans in the arena decorated with the tri-coloured party flags. <br /><br />To the gathering, the Prime Minister said, “You are getting your identity today. It is your right and has been your demand, and today we are fulfilling it.” <br /><br />Prime Minister Gilani said Rs 870 million had been allocated for health sector of Gilgit Baltistan and announced setting up a medical college in the area. He announced for the provision of an ambulance each for all district and tehsil hospitals. <br /><br />On agriculture, he said 150,000 metric ton wheat would be subsidized for Gilgit Baltistan while a research centre would be setup to study horticulture. He said cold storage centres would be established to preserve the local produce particularly some 55 unique varieties of cherries grown in the area. <br /><br />Gilani directed for the appointment of District Commissioner of Hunza Nagar within one week. He said Rs 6.5 billion had already been allocated for the development of Gilgit Baltistan and Rs 5.5 billion for capacity building. <br /><br />“In the budget, we will immensely increase the Public Sector Development Program for Gilgit Baltistan,” he said. On education sector, he said 540 schools had been transferred to National Education Foundation to improve their quality. <br /><br />He directed for the establishment of a bureau of NAVTEC in Gilgit to teach skilled education to the youth. Gilani said the government would strengthen the tourism sector in Gilgit Baltistan and announced to give it the status of industry. <br /><br />He announced for increase in number of Northern Areas Transport Corporation (NATCO) buses to facilitate the commuters. Gilani said quota would be reserved for the locals officers in foreign and national training programs, and announced fixation of basic salary at Rs 6,000. <br /><br />He said the salaries of police officials would also be increased and directed to fill all the vacant posts in the area. Gilani directed the Acting Governor Qamar Zaman Kaira to allocate land for the Housing scheme for low income group, where the government would construct houses free of cost. <br /><br />He also announced setting up a housing colony for the journalists of Gilgit Baltistan. The Prime Minister announced upgradation of Skardu and Gilgit airport, adding that Sost Dry Port would also be improved so as to enhance trade links with China. <br /><br />He asked the Finance Ministry to consider the re-opening of regional offices of Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited’’s, National Bank of Pakistan and House Building Foundation. The Prime Minister also announced ”Gilgit allowance” for thearea people.<br /><br />Prime Minister Gilani said election in Gilgit Baltistan would be held under judiciary’’s supervision in a free and fair manner, besides ensuring a level playing field for all political parties. <br /><br />He said the government had given rights to the people of Gilgit Baltistan and now it was their duty to ensure good governance in all sectors. <br /><br />He said Pakistan wanted to maintain friendly ties with all neighbours including India, on equal basis. He stressed the need to resolve the core issue of Kashmir in accordance with the aspirations of Kashmiri people. <br /><br />Gilani said he visited Gilgit Baltistan despite security concerns as he had strong faith in the people of area who stood by him. <br /><br />He called for shunning the sectarian differences and observing harmony in their ranks, besides mentioning that a few elements were trying to disturb peace in the area by fanning sectarianism. <br /><br />Gilani also directed the security staff to remove the bullet-proof glass of the dais, saying that he had complete faith in the area people whom he considered his brothers and sisters. He said the decision of Gilgit Baltistan’’s internal autonomy was taken to mitigate the sufferings of the past, and to bring progress and prosperity to the underdeveloped areas. <br /><br />He said the government was planning to effectively utilize the hydal potential of the area by establishing a regional grid. He said Diamer-Bhasha dam, Bunji dam and upgradation of Korakorum Highway will usher in a new era of prosperity and generation of employment activities. <br /><br />He assured that the Diamer Bhasha dam affectees would get justice and their rights would be protected. <br /><br />“You will witness a well-established effective communication network, attractions for tourists, massive tree plantation and an efficient and modern police force in the area,” he said. <br /><br />He asked the Chief Secretary to apprise him on development plans for Gilgit Baltistan which would be implemented accordingly. He said Pakistan Peoples Party had laid numerous sacrifices for the country, adding that the government believed in the empowerment of masses. <br /><br />He mentioned that Zulfikar Ali Bhutto had abolished the feudal system and implemented the judiciary system which had given a fresh lease of life to Gilgit. He said the parliament has a consensus view on all issues of national importance, adding that all political parties of the countries also enjoyed complete harmony. <br /><br />“Today, the parliament, judiciary, media, government, civil society and democratic institutions and political parties are working in close coordination,” he said. <br /><br />Gilani said at present there was no political prisoner in the country neither the government had put any curb on media. He termed it a proof of good governance which had improved the image of country in the comity of nation. <br /><br />He said, “We do not claim that we have brought a revolution inthe lives of people in just one and a half year. But we can say, with Allah’’s blessing, we have spent every moment for the welfare of masses.” <br /><br />Qamar Zaman Kaira, Acting Governor Gilgit Baltistan said the government had taken effective steps for the uplift of the locals. He demanded the Prime Minister for a financial package for the employment opportunities of the youth of Gilgit Baltistan. He also urged for a ”winter allowance” and provision of ambulances to cater to the health needs of the people. <br /><br />He said the government would remove the disparity between Gilgit Baltistan and other developed parts of the country. <br /><br />Earlier, the Prime Minister was presented Gilgit’’s traditional cloak and feather cap. President PPP Mehdi Shah and General Secretary Gilgit Baltistan Ghulam Muhammad also spoke on the occasion. Najmuddin Khan, Federal Minister for SAFRON was also present.Ayub_Baltihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01985670790978279383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965763452053591220.post-48726681057943429672010-01-23T10:39:00.000+05:002010-01-23T11:20:40.622+05:00Minerals in BaltistanBy Ayub<br />The northern and northwestern parts of Pakistan are shrouded by the three world-famous ranges called Hindukush, Himalaya, and Karakorum. In these mountains have been found nearly all the minerals Pakistan currently offers to the world market, including aquamarine, topaz, peridot, ruby, emerald, amethyst, morganite, zoisite, spinel, sphene, and tourmaline.<br />The question arises as to how these were explored: by the very people living in and beside the hills and not as a result of any government involvement or support, a fact that the government of Pakistan cannot refute. In the industrial minerals sector, of course, the government-owned mining corporation is effective and has been of great help to local investors. Pakistan, through its one body, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources, has always recruited foreign investment in mining precious and semi-precious stones in Pakistan. But the rhetoric of the ministry is so inadequate and ineffective that no influential mining venture by any foreign institutes or individuals has taken place. One significant reason is the reputation for unreliability in the survey/analysis reports conducted by any government-sponsored institute in Pakistan.<br />Pakistan is home to many varieties of minerals, some of which make it prominent in the mineral world, such as peridot, aquamarine, topaz (various colours: violet and pink, golden and champagne), ruby, emerald, rare-earth minerals bastnaesite and xenotime, sphene, tourmaline, and many varieties and types of quartz.<br /><a href="http://www.palagems.com/Images/pakistan/sphene.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 359px; height: 342px;" src="http://www.palagems.com/Images/pakistan/sphene.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a> Sphene. Northern Areas, Pakistan, 3.4 cm high.<br />(Photo Jeffrey Scovil; Gem: Bill Larson Collection)<br />Pakistan shares a long and porous border (2430 km) with Afghanistan. This has effectively resulted in a full influx of all types of Afghan minerals into Pakistan, from which they are traded. Pakistan’s northwestern city of Peshawar serves as the first, direct, and only market for all minerals found in both these countries since 1979, after the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan. Before the invasion, Pakistan’s only port city of Karachi held the bigger market of gem minerals (only facet rough and gems) in Pakistan. Following Peshawar’s rise in prominence, Karachi’s significance and role in gem minerals was reduced to those of little significance.<br /><strong>A Brief History of the Mining and Business of Gemstones in Pakistan</strong><br />Pakistan came into existence in 1947 after partition of the subcontinent. A review of its history before the British rule reveals that its people and kings cherished gemstones highly. The relics of the Gandhara and Indus civilisations are a testimony to this fact. After its founding, Pakistan has given little, if not negligent, attention to this sector.<br />Gemstones Corporation of Pakistan was established in 1979 to effectively explore Pakistan’s own share of wealth in minerals and to facilitate gemstone mining and business in Pakistan. It had some valuable influence but ultimately was liquidated in 1997 and hence abandoned. There are two bodies now working for the welfare and growth of this industry in Pakistan: Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (formerly Export Promotion Bureau) and All Pakistan Commercial Exporters Association of Rough & Un-Polished Precious & Semi Precious Stones (APCEA). Since 1994, the annual Pakistan Gems and Mineral Show has been held in Peshawar with their joint collaboration, during four days in October. It has not as yet, however, attracted any potential buyers from abroad. Its few stalls on display cannot fulfill any of the requisite needs of experienced buyers from abroad, especially the USA and Europe.<br /><a href="http://www.palagems.com/Images/pakistan/spessartine.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 342px; height: 360px;" src="http://www.palagems.com/Images/pakistan/spessartine.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Spessartine. Northern Areas, Pakistan, 5.0 cm high.<br />(Photo: Jeffrey Scovil; Gem: Bill Larson Collection)<br /><br /><strong>Moving Forward</strong><br />Pakistan must look into this situation very seriously. It can conduct such surveys by any reputable/foreign-based institutes to attract foreign investors in this sector. But the locals who have ever ventured into such activity have only stories of failure to tell.<br />In industrial mining, lease by provincial/local government exists, and in the case of precious/semi-precious stones it has been observed in emerald (Swat, Frontier Province), ruby (Pakistan’s Kashmir), and topaz (Katlung, Mardan District, Frontier Province), but has resulted in loss and/or failure for venturers.<br /><a href="http://www.palagems.com/Images/pakistan/beryl.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 324px; height: 378px;" src="http://www.palagems.com/Images/pakistan/beryl.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Beryl: Northern Areas, Pakistan, 9.3 cm high.<br />(Photo: Jeffrey Scovil; Gem: Bill Larson Collection)<br /><br />It is important to stress here that the non-professional residents of mining areas are actually the ones who mine these jewels of earth in their hazardous, traditional way of mining. They usually form groups that initiate diggings and blastings, distributing the costs that may incur during the mining period. This process is something that the Government of Pakistan has failed to control or investigate. The resulting product is compromised in terms of quality and quantity. Mining ventures in precious and semi-precious stones are uncontrollable in Pakistan because they are undertaken by its people without any permission, support, or guidance from the government.<br />Pakistan, based on its potential in mineral wealth, can become a great hub of the gemstone industry, on a scale comparable to that of Brazil, provided it takes a few essential, locally effective steps that can enhance the exploration of resources and growth of business. The most useful step: full and supportive involvement of the government with its own people as well as the foreigners involved in this industry. The establishment by Pakistan of the Gems and Gemmological Institute, in Peshawar in 2001, is an investment that ultimately will bear fruit.<br /><strong>Mining Areas of Northern Areas</strong><br />•Chilas (Diamer district) – Alluvial diopside, zircon, rutile quartz, aquamarine, and tourmaline<br />•Gilgi , Hunza, and Shigar (Gilgit district) – Aquamarine, topaz (golden and white), emerald (new find), ruby, pollucite, rutile quartz, morganite, apatite, spinel, and pargasite<br />•Shengus, Stak Nala, and Tormiq Nala (Baltistan Skardu Road, Baltistan district) – <br /> Aquamarine, topaz, tourmaline, apatite, sphene, morganite, and quartz<br />•Shigar Proper (near Skardu, Baltistan district) – Apatite, zoisite, rutile quartz, <br /> epidote, and morganite<br />•Childee, Kashmal, and Yuno (Shigar area, near Skardu, Baltistan district) – <br /> Aquamarine, emerald-colour tourmaline, apatite, morganite, topaz, and quartz<br />•Hyderabad, Testun, Dassu, Net Tahirabad, and Goyungo (Shigar area, Baltistan<br /> district) – Topaz (best golden colour here), aquamarine, tourmaline, morganite, <br /> rare earth minerals, apatite, quartz, and new find emerald<br />•Appu Aligund, Fuljo, Braldu, Bashu, and Karma (Baltistan district) – Tourmaline, <br /> aquamarine, garnets,diopside, ruby, pargasite, emerald, topaz, amethyst, scheelite,<br /> and quartz<br />•Khappalu and near Siachin area (Gaanshai area, Baltistan district) – Aquamarine, <br /> amethyst, and fine golden rutile quartz<br /><br /><strong>BL1273, GARNET var SPESSARTINE on ALBITE</strong><br /><a href="http://www.crystalclassics.co.uk/minerals/s_5053.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 379px; height: 285px;" src="http://www.crystalclassics.co.uk/minerals/s_5053.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /> Pakistan » Shengus<br /><br /><strong>BL933, FLUORITE</strong><br /><a href="http://www.crystalclassics.co.uk/minerals/s_2733.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 379px; height: 285px;" src="http://www.crystalclassics.co.uk/minerals/s_2733.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /> Pakistan » Stak Nala<br /><br /><strong>CC553, BERYL var AQUAMARINE on MUSCOVITE</strong><br /><a href="http://www.crystalclassics.co.uk/minerals/s_1006.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 379px; height: 285px;" src="http://www.crystalclassics.co.uk/minerals/s_1006.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /> Pakistan » Shigar Valley<br /><br /><strong>CC538, BERYL var AQUAMARINE</strong><br /><a href="http://www.crystalclassics.co.uk/minerals/s_1238.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 379px; height: 506px;" src="http://www.crystalclassics.co.uk/minerals/s_1238.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /> Pakistan » Shigar Valley<br /><br /><strong>CC162, TOURMALINE var SCHORL with CLEAVELANDITE</strong><br /><a href="http://www.crystalclassics.co.uk/minerals/s_2115.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 379px; height: 506px;" src="http://www.crystalclassics.co.uk/minerals/s_2115.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /> Pakistan » ShengusAyub_Baltihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01985670790978279383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965763452053591220.post-46503772875505652182010-01-23T10:27:00.001+05:002010-01-23T10:27:33.634+05:00Gemstones of Rs. 500 mln value extracted annually from Gilgit-Baltistan.ISLAMABAD, October 02, 2009 (Balochistan Times): Around Rs. 500 million worth of gemstones are extracted annually from Gilgit-Baltistan and more measures are being adopted to explore other precious minerals. It has been confirmed that nearly all valleys in Gilgit-Baltistan are rich with gold and base metals but the need is investment to explore them in order to change fate of the area. As per surveys conducted for gold and base metals carried by Pakistan Mineral Development CorporationThe Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation (PMDC) is an autonomous corporation attached to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources, of the Government of Pakistan. It was created in 1974 with an authorized capital of Rs. <br />..... Click the link for more information. (PMDC PMDC Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation<br />PMDC Permanent Magnet Direct Current<br />PMDC Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (Islamabad)<br />PMDC Polarization Mode Dispersion Compensator (optical communications, telecommunications) ) and on the basis of Geo-chemical and hard rock samples, around 11 prospect areas confirmed gold value ranging from 0.10 to 24 Parts Per Millionparts per million<br /><br />mg/kg or ml/l; see ppm. <br />..... Click the link for more information. (PPM) in hard rock while 5 PPM gold is economical in the world, Secretary Tourism and Mineral Department, Naib Khan told here Friday. He said a total number of 3947 geo-chemical stream sediment samples were collected from less then one sq km to 250 sq km, covering 45,500 sq km gold anomalies alone counted over 100, ranging in content from 5 PPM to 300 PPM. Around 500 samples were collected from hard rock including river floats and out crops. A total of 50 samples pertaining to 10 areas conform gold values ranging from 0.10 pm to 24.0 pm according to laboratory reports, he said and added the gold washers still recover gold from placer deposits of Gilgit-Baltistan. Naib Khan said the area is also rich with white colour Marble deposits of Shigar (Skardu), Nasirabad (Hunza) and Gupis (Ghizer) which are considered to be of international standard. The other gemstones which are extracted from the area include Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, Aquamarine, Tourmaline, Garnet, Fluorite fluorite (fl`ərīt) or fluorspar (fl , Pargasite, Spinal, Zircon, Topaz, Berylspar, Corundumcorundum (kərŭn`dəm), mineral, aluminum oxide, Al2O3. The clear varieties are used as gems and the opaque as abrasive materials. Corundum occurs in crystals of the hexagonal system and in masses. <br />..... Click the link for more information., Marganite, Serpentine, Sulpher, Moonstone moonstone, an orthoclase feldspar, found in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Madagascar (and formerly in the St. Gotthard district of Switzerland). In spite of its pronounced cleavage, it is widely used as a gem. , Amethyst. He said local administration was taking a major policy initiative to expand mineral sector of Gilgit-Baltistan and also encouraging local as well foreign investment in the sector. Accordingly, the Secretary said many exploration licenses and mining leases have been granted to national and foreign investors and more applications for licenses are under process. <br /><br />(THROUGH ASIA Asia (ā`zhə), the world's largest continent, 17,139,000 sq mi (44,390,000 sq km), with about 3.3 billion people, nearly three fifths of the world's total population. PULSE)Ayub_Baltihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01985670790978279383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965763452053591220.post-6991413886198101362010-01-23T10:25:00.001+05:002010-01-23T10:25:50.121+05:00Gilgit Baltistan to attract investments in minerals sectorAPP cited Mr Qamar Zaman Kaira governor of Gilgit Baltistan as saying that the area is rich in precious minerals which would be tapped through introduction of modern technologies and investment. A comprehensive strategy is being planned to woo investment in all potential sectors of Gilgit Baltistan and make it a developed area of the country.<br /><br />Mr Qamar Zaman Kaira who took oath as the first Governor of Gilgit Baltistan the other day, said that tourism, mining and hydel potential in Gilgit Baltistan can change the fate of the area and in this regard local as well as foreign investors would be invited and offered numerous incentives. He said that the best strategy to counter issues in Gilgit Baltistan is political empowerment of the people and the new democratic system of governance in GB has been introduced to give all rights to people of the area and ensure their prosperity. We believe protection of rights, creation of job opportunities and business activities are the best counter for exploitation.<br /><br />Mr Kaira said that in the current financial year budget for the area has been enhanced and more than PKR 10 billion have been allocated in PSDP for development of the social sector. He said that a committee comprising senior officers and technical people has been constituted by President Mr Asif Ali Zardari president of Pakistan to plan uplift programs of GB which would forward its recommendations soon.<br /><br />The governor said that the public service commission would be set up in GB to create more job opportunities and train educated people of the area through NIPA. He added that "The other thing we are planning is that officers from GB would be sent to Pakistan to get 4 to 6 months training. Also officers from Pakistan will be sent to GB for training purpose.”<br /><br />Mr Kaira said that judiciary in GB is independent and we have enhanced the number of judges in Chief Court from 3 to 5 to deal with pending cases.<br /><br />He stressed that elections would be held on due date of November 12 and said that the elected representatives could bring further improvement in self governance order 2009. The government has decided not to change delimitation of the constituencies of the Legislative Assembly which itself was manifestation of the fact that it was fully committed to free and fair elections. After Eid, Mr Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani PM of Pakistan would visit GB and announce an economic package for the area.<br /><br />(Sourced from Associated Press of Pakistan)Ayub_Baltihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01985670790978279383noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965763452053591220.post-26362352448371232092010-01-22T21:48:00.000+05:002010-01-22T22:00:26.672+05:00Baltistan - Skardu, Nagmah Valley, and Deosai Plainsby Rachel and Philippe <br />After our Rakaposhi Base Camp trek, we got excited and ready to do a little more extensive trekking. We found that our tent was more comfortable than in the villages (and way cheaper, too) and eating our campfood was easier on our stomachs. So we boarded another bus for Skardu, which is the base for climbing and trekking expeditions in the Baltistan area. We know of several American and Canadian parties on expeditions there, so we have a thought in the back of our minds that we will maybe see them in their base camps. <br /><br />Skardu <br />The ride to Skardu was perhaps the scariest road I’ve been on in awhile… I’ve subsequently been told that it’s referred to as ‘the road that eats jeeps.’ Imagine Engineer Pass with class VI rapids in bottom of the gorge, a one-lane dirt road with two-way traffic, mainly trucks and buses. I was glad that we were on the inside whenever we met oncoming traffic, and even more glad to know that our plans have us trekking back across this way so that we won’t have to have the experience on the outside! <br />There is less military presence in Skardu than we saw in Gilgit, but just as much honking, fewer women, and generally not much tourism. Between Ramadan and the fact that we are here late enough to be considered off-season hotels are easy to deal with; but food is difficult to find - stores are pretty empty and restaurants aren’t even open). <br /><br />I did have a good afternoon cleaning the viruses off of our hotel's computer… the owner said it’s all the sex sites people visit, which was funny to hear coming from him in the middle of this sex-starved country (but I concur. based on my review of his computer's history log). He fed us tea and samosas while I worked, and switched the satellite to show CNN on the television for Philippe to watch while I went to town on his virus-infected. 1990s computer. It was the first time I’ve felt really productive - helping someone else out for a change - since we started our trip! <br /><br />The Thalle La / Nagmah Valley Super-Trek - recommended by hotel owners and Lonely Planet, but not the Military Police <br />Our next trek was awesome. Basically, we linked up four valleys over two weeks, most of it on foot and <br />Just another mosque...<br />This mosque, in Shigar village, reflects the tibetan influence in an area once held by Tibetans until the fifteenth century...almost Newari in styleall but three nights in our tent. <br />First, we took a bus from Skardu to Shigar, an hour or so... no big deal. This tiny, poor village was filled with mud houses and children screaming for 'one pen.' This unexpected and confusing request is a remnant from previous expeditions who distributed pens to children instead of money or candy... too bad these Westerners didn't teach them 'please.' <br /><br />We registered with the local police after we were met by a 'special policeman' in town. We were unsure of his credentials or motives, but decided to follow his advice anyway. This turned out to be perhaps the most amusing detour of our entire trip. After wandering the streets just to find the police station, we met one man after another, each one with a longer beard, a few more years under his belt, and less English. They didn't seem to know what to do with us... don't think they'd seen a trekker before, and certainly not one who'd listened to the special policeman before. Some kid finally came in with a fax (a fax!) detailing the process for handling pesky trekkers. It didn't take long to figure out would be expected to register... listing our name, passport information, occupation, entry/exit plans, etc... but the time for them to create said form, draw our information onto the form (read letter by letter from one of the younger guys to the old man). None of these guys really spoke English. and for sure none of them read English. I am not known for my poker face... and yet again, I failed the straight-face test, finally bursting into laughter as they tried to copy passport information that they couldn't read onto a form that they would not be able to read. It made me wish that my video camera had a secret mini-camera that I could use to share the moment. <br /><br />Finally on our way, we hiked up from the Shigar Valley, over the Thalle La pass, and into the Thalle Valley. Good walking, okay weather, and the highest and (thankfully) easiest pass we crossed in our trip so far (15,000 feet... higher than any point in the lower 48). We had snow the morning we crossed the pass, but it abated - it was just enough to add to our sense of adventure. Oh, learned on that trip that <br />Hardwomen<br />Jen, Leila and Rachel enjoying a cuppa with sublime surroundings, Amin Brakk in the left foreground....why arent they climbingit stinks (literally) when you camp downwind from a dead cow. Seems obvious, I know; but there's a lot of competing objectives when you're looking for a campsite - clean running water, level ground, shelter from wind, enough space to spread out.... well, you can add 'no dead cows upwind' to the list. <br />Next we walked down the Thalle Valley to the Shyogar River. We planned to hitch a ride since we were now hiking a road, but the only traffic on this 'road' was a tractor. For two days. A lot of walking, which seems silly to mention, seeing as how we were trekking... but nothing spoils the wilderness experience like pavement (pavement, now that would be an overstatement, but you could have gotten a Land Rover up this thing if you were so inclined). People were friendly and we camped in their grazing space... I think we provided entertainment to their 5am commutes (funny, these paths and roads are all empty at sundown, but full of traffic between 5 and 6am). <br /><br />After another police registration post at the bottom of the valley, we hooked a left at the Shygor River. Our plan was to walk/hitch the road on the north bank to get to the Hushe Valley, which was an hour or a day away (different sources). We had a bit of a time finding this road, wandering through a standstorm on the river bank, but eventually found it. We did manage to hitch a ride on a cargo jeep, which included a stop to help back a wheat thrasher into a garage (it was blocking the road). This was on par with our episode delivering cement to the Tajik enclave.... but this time Philippe actually helped out while I (like a good woman) stayed in the car so that the village men could look in the window at me. At one village, we were told we couldn’t drive it further because the road was ‘closed.’ Unsure what ‘closed’ actually meant, we kept walking. The kids in the villages chimed their choruses of ‘one pen,’ ‘hello,’ and other small phrases (did I mention the generation of kids who beg for pens… there are always consequences of our actions, however good our intentions). We get caught in another sandstorm and take refuge on the porch of an abandoned building, waking up at 6am to find rush-hour foottraffic on our sandy path. (again, we were in this totally out of the way place, only to discover a mob traveling along the same trail at 5:30am the next morning). We chatted with a local kid, who informed us we'd just slept on the porch of a mosque (oops... pretty sure this is a no-no, but the staring throng of shalwars didn't seem to mind). <br /><br />So the trip was a full day's walk, not the hour promised by our hotel operator in Skardu. Perhaps that was if you drove the whole way, but we figured out that 'closed' referred to the sand covering the road making it impossible to travel and a section of road that was missing, which would be impossible to cross for even the motorbikes. Foot traffic, no problem. <br /><br />Once we got into the Hushe Valley, we combo’d walking with cargo jeeps and a ride from a friendly tour operator, reaching Kande (not Kanay or Kunde, these villages are further down valley.... you'd think they'd use a little more variety... it was comical, 'you go to khane? no Kande. Kunde? No Kande. Oh, yes. New Kande?... it could go on New Kande.... thanks to three landslides in the past decade, which raises the question of why you choose to rebuild in the same place landslide after landslide. But then, everyone's back in New Orleans and last time I checked, it was still below sea level. <br />there... but it could also be the zoe we ate for dinner (yak/cow combo, tastes like beef), or a zillion other things we ate, or maybe it's just exposing your body to new surroundings and cooking.... I suspect a lot of expeditions have some issues on this front.) <br /><br />Anyway, I digress.... bottom line is that we are up for one last trek in Pakistan. Although the Deosai Plains are just north of Indian-administered Kashmir (i.e., troops, fighting), the whole zone is an open zone requiring no permits or guides. (This time we're a little more certain of this, although it's also possible that the next military checkpoint will have our names on some wanted list... we're hopeful that if this is the case, our names will be spelled incorrectly or that no one will be able to read them). Additionally, we will trek a jeep road, so we expect navigation to be pretty easy (turn left for India, right for Pakistan... seriously, this is the beta we were given). Basically, we're trying to stack the odds in our favor. <br /><br />I should probably mention that against us is the season.... we're late for this trek according to the guidebooks and hotels.... who say that early September is 'late season' (and it's now early October). Stubborn to the hilt, we arm ourselves for cold weather and call it good. <br /><br />We walked for a day up a valley (that would be really cool for ski touring if not for the avalanche shoots everywhere) and then a couple of days walking on the plains themselves (high elevation, 12,000' and above the whole way). Along the way, we enjoyed tons of food (including backpacker meals donated from Gulam Abbas cache of left-over expedition food), beautiful scenery, the wonders of CIPRO (the bug in my belly remained, but two CIPROs and all was well again), and intermittent snow throughout the days and nights. <br /><br />We met a couple of Pakistani soldiers on the first day as we walked the plains, who were super-friendly and offered us a ride (maybe they knew they needed to make up for their counterparts in Khapalu). While they didn't arrest us on the spot for our previous travels, they asked where we were going. Philippe replied, "India." While I was quietly thankful that we didn't immediately get arrested, Philippe was disappointed that his sense of humor fell flat. These guys were a lot nicer than the last military we met, but they still weren't a very sophisticated audience for Philippe's comedy. <br /><br />As we headed down the Astor Valley (Day 4 of what was supposed to be a 6 day trek), we hit - a paved road. This one was really paved, wide enough and graded for tank travel (nothing like ongoing military conflict to improve your country's infrastructure). Needless to say, the sense of adventure was completely knocked out of us. We decided to eat food until we busted, and hitch as soon as the opportunity arose. <br /><br />Within six hours of deciding to get off the trekking program, we found all of the rides necessary to get back to Gilgit and we ate most of the food we brought along well ahead of schedule (once the CIPRO works, the appetite comes back!) <br /><br />Last stop in Pakistan... Islamabad <br /><br />We plan to get to Islamabad just in time to watch their elections. This country hasn't figured out two-lane roads for two-way traffic, but they are planning to pull off presidential elections on 24 hours' notice. We're curious and excited to see Islamabad and figure out how to get to Thailand, as now we are starting to crave the little things you miss in a Muslim country - 'Beer, Pork, and Porn' (Andrew Mueller, I Wouldn't Start From Here... another recommendation). <br /><br />A 12 hour bus ride is all that stood in our way.... except that the bus actually took 22 hours, including a stop near Swat for radiator repair (Philippe went out to watch, being a man and all.... came back and said that the problem would be fixed once they poured the water into the radiator instead of onto it). We read in the paper the next day that another bus had been commandeered by Taliban (all passangers freed, but the article didn't explain how they made it the rest of the way), so I started counting my blessings after that. <br /><br />Hotel was more expensive than all the others in Pakistan - and lacked, among a variety of other things, hot water. The best was the surprise on our hotel operator's face that we expected hot water (despite the hot water faucet and the fact that we were in the nation's capitol city). I spent two days dissing our hotel, but I must admit that once we got the cable turned on and we figured out how to stem the ant parade on our ceiling (not that I mind ants on the ceiling, but they kept falling onto our bed... now this I DO mind), I settled down. <br /><br />We found a ticket to Bangkok,... direct and just as cheap as we expected. So, leaving a week early - before the Supreme Court has their chance to certify the electability of the newly elected President. Oh, we figured out a little more on the elections front... it's not a popular election, citizens don't vote. Funny that no one explained this to us when we asked at length about the elections. We learned a lot about the politics and logic behind the corrupt politicians' choices (i.e., outgoing assembly, which wasn't really democratically elected back in 2003). So this sort-of democracy has a way to go on how they run their elections.... inexplicable voting rules and boundaries, no popular vote election, supreme court challenges to the election results .... sounds familiar, doesn't it? <br /><br /><br />So we are Thailand-bound... Heading to the land of humidity for the end of their rainy season! <br /><br />thanks for reading! <br /><br />rachel and philippeAyub_Baltihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01985670790978279383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965763452053591220.post-66450046784571688622010-01-22T21:28:00.000+05:002010-01-22T21:29:32.042+05:00Election : Gilgit-Baltistan - 8 Languages, 10 Ethnic Groups, 6 Districts, 4 Religious sects - 24 National Assembly Seats !With almost 2 million inhabitants Gilgit-Baltistan is a very diverse region of Pakistan. The population of this new autonomous region is divided in 4 of the Islamic faith - Shia's constitute 35%, Sunnis 35%, Ismailis 25% and Noorbukshies are 5%. Gilgit Baltistan will have 24 constituents seats in the National Assembly plus 6 Women seats and 3 Technocrat seats. <br /><br />Gilgit-Baltistan is divided into six districts called Hunza-Nager, Gilgit, Koh-e-Ghizer, Ghanche, Diamir and Skardu. <br /><br />Gilgit-Baltistan :<br /><br />On September 7, 2009, President Asif Ali Zardari of Pakistan signed what was called the Gilgit- Baltistan Empowerment and Self-Governance Order 2009 granted self-rule to the people of the former Northern Areas, now renamed "Gilgit-Baltistan," by creating, among other things, an elected legislative assembly<br /><br />Gilgit :<br />Gilgit which is known as Dardistan and it includes 4 Districts Astore, Diamer,Gilgit and Ghizar. Major cities are Gilgit, Chilas, Hunza and Gahkuch<br /><br />Baltistan :<br />Baltistan includes the districts of Skardu and Ghanche. Major cities are Skardu and Kaplu.<br /><br />People in Gilgit :<br /><br />The people belong to the Dardic race and are closely connected with Chitralis in race, culture and language. They are mostly followers of Ismaili sect headed by the Agha Khan (Muslims).<br /><br />History :<br />This region was conquered by Maharaja Gulab Singh’s son, Maharaja Ranbir Singh between 1846 and 1860. Thousands of Dogra soldiers lost their lives in the campaigns that led to the conquest of this inhospitable but strategically very important region. The whole Dardistan including Gilgit has been merged with Pakistan and is governed by the Pakistani Central Government. This area has not been included even in the so called “Azad-Kashmir” (literally means Free/Liberated Kashmir)<br /><br />Neighbours :<br />Gilgit-Baltistan borders the Wakhan corridor of Afghanistan to the northwest, China's Uygur Autonomous Region of Xinjiang to the northeast, the Indian-controlled state of Jammu and Kashmir to the south and southeast, the Pakistani-controlled state of Azad Jammu and Kashmir to the south, and Pakistan's North-West Frontier Province to the west.<br /><br />Population :<br />Gilgit-Baltistan population is very diverse. 35 per cent Shias, 35 per cent are Sunnis, 25 per cent Ismailis, and 5% Noorbukshies . <br /><br />Elections :<br /><br />The Legislative Assembly will have 24 members, who will be elected directly and in addition, there will be six women and three technocrat seats. In order to empower the Council and the Assembly on financial matters there would be a consolidated fund.The budget of the area would be presented and approved by the Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly. <br /><br />Voting Pattern :<br />The voting pattern is yet to be determined but Sunnis, Shias and Ismailis have divergent voting trends. None of them are in allied to each other in any way. <br />Shias generally support the PPP and Ismailis in Karachi support the MQM. 35% Sunnis with this diverse of a group might vote in all directions including the PML-N, MQM, PPP and maybe PML-Q. Its yet to be seen where Noorbukshies would swing towards. 25% of Baltistan constitutes of Noorbukshies. <br /><br /><br />Judges :<br /><br />The Chief Judge of the Appellate Court will be appointed by the Chairman of the Gilgit-Baltistan Council on the advice of the Governor, and other judges will be appointed by the Chairman on the advice of the Governor after seeking the views of the Chief Judge. The number of judges will be increased from three to five. A Gilgit-Baltistan Public Service Commission, a separate Auditor-General and an Election Commissioner will be appointed. <br /><br />The judiciary of the Northern Areas consists of district courts and a chief court, whose decisions are final. <br /><br />Gilgit-Baltistan Districts and Division :<br /><br /><br />The Gilgit-Baltistan is divided into six districts called Hunza-Nager, Gilgit, Koh-e-Ghizer, Ghanche, Diamir and Skardu. These districts are grouped into three agencies or Divisions called Diamir with headquarters at Chilas, Gilgit with headquarters in Gilgit Town and Baltistan with headquarters in Skardu Town.<br /><br />Population (2008) 1,800,000 (Estimate) Density 20.7/km² Area 72496 km²<br /><br />Ethnic Groups :<br />There are eight ethnic groups : Baltis, Yashkuns, Moghal, Kashmiris, Pathans, Laddakis and Turks.<br /><br />Languages :<br />The Shina language (with several dialects) is the language of 40% of the population, spoken mainly in Gilgit, throughout Diamer, and in some parts of Ghizer. <br />Balti dialect, a sub-dialect of Ladakhi and part of Tibetan language group, is spoken by the entire population of Baltistan. <br />Wakhi, spoken in upper Hunza, and in some villages in Ghizer.<br />Khowar is the major language of Ghizer. <br />Burushaski is an isolated language spoken in Hunza, Nagar, Yasin (where Khowar is also spoken), in some parts of Gilgit and in some villages of Punyal. <br />Domaaki is spoken by the musician clans in the region. <br />Pashto is also spoken by a small minority.<br /><br />People who live in Gilgit Baltistan, despite that region's being referred to as part of Kashmir, do not speak Kashmiri or any of its dialects.<br /><br />Sects and Religious diversity :<br />The four major religious sects are Sunnies, Shias, Ismailies and Noorbukshies. Sunnies are mostly in Daimer, Astore and Gilgit districts. The majority of Shias are in Skardu. Ganche Division has majority Nurbakhshi (80%), Sunnis and Shias are evenly divided with 10%. The Ismalies are mostly in Ghizer district and in Hunza sub-division of Gilgit district. <br /><br />The sect-wise breakdown of population :<br /><br />Population Demographics :<br /><br />Gilgit District :<br />Gilgit Capital :<br /><br />Gilgit city and division – 60% Shia, 40% Sunni;,<br />Nagar II : 100% Ismaili<br />Nagar I : 100% Shia<br />Gojal : Sunni, Shia and Ismailis<br />Aliabad : Sunni, Shia and Ismailis<br /><br />Ghizar :<br />Capital : Gahkuch <br /><br />Hunza –100% Ismaili; , <br />Punial – 100% Ismaili; <br />Yasin – 100% Ismaili; <br />Ishkoman –100% Ismaili; <br />Gupis – 100% Ismaili; <br /><br />District Daimer :<br />Capital Chilas :<br /><br />Chilas – 100% Sunni; <br />Darel/Tangir – 100% Sunni; <br /><br />District Astore :<br /><br />Astor – 90%Sunni, 10% Shia; <br /><br />Baltistan – 55% Shia,20% Sunni, 25% Noorbukshies<br />Divisions :<br /><br />Shigar (Captial Skardu)<br />Rondu<br />Gultari : 45% Shias, 30% Sunni, 25% Noorbukshie<br />Kharmang : 45% Shias, 30% Sunni, 25% Noorbukshie<br /><br />District Ganche : <br />Kaplu : 80 % Noorbukshies, 10% Sunnis, 10% Shias<br />Mashabrum : 80 % Noorbukshies, 10% Sunnis, 10% Shias<br /><br />Ethnic Run Down of the Gilgit-Baltistan area :<br />There are eight ethnic groups: <br />Baltis, <br />Yashkuns, <br />Moghal,<br />Kashmiris, <br />Pathans, <br />Laddakis and <br />Turks.<br /><br />Interesting Facts :<br />Demographics of Baltis as an ethnic group: Shia' denomination (13%), Nurbakhshi (80%) and Sunnis (7%).<br /><br />Noorbakshi : An order of Islamic Sufism. The core message of Nurbakhshism are complete elimination of all evil desires and immoralities of human nature from one’s self; total submission of one’s wills before God (by following the Qur'an Sunnah and Ahlibeit) and finally love and peace for the whole mankind. Nurbakhshis inhabit Baltistan and Ladakh regions of J&K, as well as a large number of Noorbakshis are native to Iran, Kurdistan and Central Asia.<br /><br />Terrain :<br />Each district can boast of at least one lofty peak. Out of 14 over 8,000 meters high peaks on earth, 4 occupy an amphitheater at the head of Baltoro glacier in the Karakoram range in Northern Pakistan. These are; K-2 or Mount Godowin Austin (8,611 m, world's second highest), Gasherbrum-I (8,068 m), Broad Peak (8,047 m) and Gasherbrum-II (8,035 m). There is yet another which is equally great, Nanga Parbat (8,126 m), located at the western most end of the Himalayas. In addition to these mountains, there are 68 peaks over 7,000 m and hundreds others of over 6,000 meters.<br /><br />The Northern Pakistan has some of the longest glaciers outside Polar region; Siachen (72 km), Hispar (61 km), Biafo (60 km), Baltoro (60 km) and Batura (64 km)<br /><br />Geography :<br />Division- Baltistan :<br />District, Ghanche, Area (km²) 9,400 ,Headquarters Khaplu.<br />District, Skardu ,Area (km²) 18,000 ,Headquarters Skardu<br /><br />Division - Gilgit :<br />District, Astore, Area (km²) 8,657, Headquarters Gorikot. Gorikot lies on the historic junction where roads link to Rattu axis and Tarisheng Base camp-Nanga Perbat and other axis leads to Gudai - Chilum & Deosai Plains linking Astore to Skardu.<br />District , Diamir, Area (km²) 10,936, Headquarters Chilas<br />District , Ghizar, Area (km²) 9,635 ,Headquarters Gahkuch<br />District, Gilgit ,Area (km²) 39,300 ,Headquarters Gilgit.<br /><br />Books and Resources :<br />Sectarian War: Pakistan’s Sunni-Shia Violence and its links to the Middle East.<br />Demographics of Pakistan.<br />Languages of Pakistan.Ayub_Baltihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01985670790978279383noreply@blogger.com65tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965763452053591220.post-30313890973068644312010-01-22T21:16:00.000+05:002010-01-22T21:27:28.905+05:00China to help Kyrgyzstan join Pakistan via Karakoram Highaway !ISLAMABAD (APP) - Kyrgyzstan is working on possibility to establish direct road links with Pakistan through Karakoram Highway to further improve bilateral trade and economic relations between the two countries.<br />Negotiations to this regard are in process with China, said Bektur Asanov, Ambassador of Kyrgyz Republic during his visit to ICCI. He expressed the hope that with the development of direct communication channels, bilateral trade will increase by 10 times between Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan .<br />He said both countries have signed a Total Taxation Agreement to protect mutual investments and expected that it will boost the confidence of investors and enhance bilateral business and investment activities between the two countries.<br />He said Pakistani textile products were very popular in Kyrgyz Republic and called upon Pakistani businessmen to look for setting up textile industries in Kyrgyzstan .<br />He said Kyrgyzstan has now shifted its focus from Western world to South Asia as it perceives for itself great business and trade potential in this region.<br />He said that in a bid to promote two-way trade, an exhibition dedicated to Pakistani products is being arranged in Bishkek in January and invited Pakistani businessmen to ensure their maximum participation in that exhibition.<br />The concept of this exhibition is to attract attention of Kyrgyz customers to the high quality and vast variety Pakistani products, he added.<br />Zahid Maqbool, President ICCI said that although Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan enjoy friendly and cordial relations and are tied together under the umbrella of Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) and Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), but the business and economic relations between the two countries do not correspond to their respective potentials.<br />He said that joints efforts were needed to improve trade relations between the tow countries to exploit the existing potential for mutual benefits.<br />He said Pakistan was a highly profitable investment destination as it offers unlimited investment potential in different sectors of its economy which he said are supported by good incentives for investors including a liberal trade regime, full protection of investments, unlimited repatriation of profits, an educated workforce and direct access to state authorities.<br />To take advantage of these opportunities, Kyrgyz businessmen should redouble their efforts to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan , he emphasized. He identified textiles, oil and gas exploration, hydropower generation, light engineering and financial sectors as potential areas for mutual cooperation between the two countries.Ayub_Baltihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01985670790978279383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965763452053591220.post-86505753147371029712010-01-22T21:06:00.000+05:002010-01-22T21:16:07.743+05:00Why I have to go to the mountains – an attempted explanation or better a declaration of love!By: schmid_th<br />I can´t live without the mountains and when I´m not next to them I get an unbelievable aspiration…<br />So consecutively I tried to find the reasons for this…<br />This is a little funny attempted explanation or maybe better a declaration of love and I guess that you also feel similar to me…<br />I´m sure that after reading this article you will have that magic smile on your face and the feeling that you must soon get back to the mountains – independent of all concomitants!<br /><a href="http://www.summitpost.org/images/small/227016.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://www.summitpost.org/images/small/227016.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />As ordinary mortal employee I just have 6 weeks of holidays per year so I have to allay my longing for the mountains during holidays and several weekends.<br />When I want to go climbing at a weekend I have 2 possibilities:<br />Either sitting in the car at Friday evening after work and with full speed into traffic jam at the Autobahn A8 so that I arrive in the mountains late at night, nerved and tired or starting at early Saturday morning 4 o´ clock, sleep-deprived and tired but with bright eyes and full speed directly to the Alps.<br /><br />But it doesn´t matter – the reunion with the mountains compensates the efforts!<br /><br />Who can understand this – standing up at a time when you never would get up voluntarily for your job!<br />I ate some morsels apatheticly as my stomach normally sleeps at that early time. Even a strong coffee doesn´t get me awake completely. Outside it is cold and dark and when I get out I put my headlamp on and ask me why I can´t sleep late like most of the normal men, taking some buns at the bakery and enjoy a coffee in a summer dress about 1.000 m below.<br /><a href="http://www.summitpost.org/images/small/213875.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://www.summitpost.org/images/small/213875.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />So I start walking, freezing despite of my Gore-Tex jacket, monotone, step by step. The backpack is heavy, when I don´t use it for a few days I am unaccustomated to it immediately. But it looks really silly to carry it in the office! I don´t want to explain it to my boss then…<br /><br />I put my crampons on and swear as the crampons are so cold for my fingers… But soon the sky turns from black into pink, enough light for switching the headlamp off. I can see the contours of the mountains, sharp ridges and needles. My heart palpitates – caused by effort or caused by the wonderful morning impression?<br />I feel how energy flows into my body. How things can change within minutes!<br />Then the sun looks shyly over the far distant mountains. Now it is time for a short break for taking some photos. I enjoy the silence, a gently sough of the wind, the panorama and the warming power of the sun.<br /><br />Now I can see my object of today, the summit is just shining in the brightness of the sun – a virgin white in a wonderful light! The longing to be there soon pushes me on.<br />So I take a drink of my hot tea and eat a little bit and then I go on with the feeling that my backpack is much lighter now.<br />Now I leave the glacier and reach the rocks, ascending step by step. The sun is shining and the glacier deep below reflects the sunlight. Perspiration is running over my face. A great mixture of perspiration and suncream reaches my eyes – wonderful! Then I put my handshoes of to have a better contact of the rocks but soon snowmelt runs into my sleeves – shit! Why am I doing this?!?<br /><br />But then only a few more steps and then the rocks gets flat, I can see the summit cross, my heart beats faster! I walk faster now and then I stand at the summit!<br />Panoramic sight in all directions, deep views to the valleys, a great satisfaction about the managed efforts and a great happiness to stand on the top! To be unique with the nature, feeling inner peace – and no questions about why I made all those efforts.<br />I make some photos to hold on this memories, then I only sit there on the summit and enjoy the moment and absorb the impressions.<br />Then I drink some tea again, eat a little bit and then I start my descent.<br /><a href="http://www.summitpost.org/images/small/244347.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://www.summitpost.org/images/small/244347.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Climbing down concentrately, strenuously step by step, then continuing at steep firn fields. It is quite far till the hut and me knees hurt. My tea in my backpack gets empty and there is this question again: “Why am I doing this?”<br />I am walking monotonously above firn and boulders and even if I can see the hut it doesn´t come nearer to me. But despite of this feeling the smoking chimney of the hut revives me.<br /><br />At any time I reach the hut. Pulling my shoes off, I go inside the hut into a smelly cocktail of food, mountaineers socks and body odour. Ufff! But then I order a drink and it always tastes like the best drink in my life! Live is back in my veins!<br />The hut is completely full. Crimped at the corner seat I soon come into conversation with other mountaineers. We are talking about mountains, routes, conditions and we don´t find an end. Those topics are insatiable!<br />Then we are stopped by the hot and reeky lunch: Goulash with noodles! WOW! Everybody shoves it into his hungry mouth. And it is really a wonderful feeling when you are hungry, had a hard and challenging day and then you get something warm and well-cooked to eat.<br />While some people are refilling their dishes others leave the room and go to their sleeping places.<br /><br />When I go to my sleeping place later with the light of my headlamp I start swearing. 10 sleeping places, 12 persons inside, 30 cm place for me, bad air and at least 4 persons are snoring. I start thinking of my home. A bed 1m wide, no snoring, fresh air and I ask me again “Why?”<br /><br />From both sides a snoring man blows his consumed air into my face and falling asleep is so difficult. And when I started sleeping relatively well I already hear the wake-up call. It is like a fire was breaking off - hecticness starts, somebody stands at my backpack. During dressing myself I feel the elbow of somebody in my back. Oh, wouldn´t it be nice in my sleeping room at home…<br /><br />Even if it is the second early breakfast in succession my stomach isn´t get used at this time – too early! I eat a little white bread with marmalade and drink a cup of tea. Then I leave the room and want to pull my shoes on. P A N I C ! ! ! Somebody seems to mistake his for my shoes! I don´t know how long I was cursing but then somebody brings my shoes back, he voices words like “interchanged” and “sorry” under his breath, takes his shoes and leaves.<br />I am totally relieved that I can continue climbing with my shoes which fit perfectly.<br />I can see all the lights of the headlamps and I see that they run into several directions. This means a little bit more silence again and less traffic. Thanks God!<br />Then the same procedure: Silence, coldness, some pains, the question “Why”, enjoying the sunrise, the warming sun, summit happiness, a never ending descend to the valley, hurting legs and finally I breathe a sigh of relief when I reach my car again. Then the happiness about the completed efforts, the impressions and the summit fulfils me! During driving home I can´t stop thinking of those magic moments I had during those two days. The little traffic jam doesn´t matter, it gives me even more time so dream of those wonderful impressions at the mountains. And it gives me time to think about the next climbing possibility…<br />Nevertheless I long for my bed at home. The hot shower is wonderful and brings back live into my body. And after eating a really big mountain of noodles I feel wonderful!<br />In bed I think back again… The sunrises, such a peace, such a happiness… Was there anything else? Well, I can´t remember any more!!! You know – Love is blind!!!<br /><br />Mountains – you make me happy, you give me inner peace, to be agree with you is an unbelievable satisfaction. I don´t ask any more for the concomitants. And then I sleep with a very big smile in my face!<br /><br />Mountains – I come back to you because already at this evening it is back: the desire to see you and to be with you! And I promise we will meet soon again!Ayub_Baltihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01985670790978279383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965763452053591220.post-54989270806543527632010-01-22T20:47:00.000+05:002010-01-22T21:03:01.238+05:00Gilgit-Baltistan package termed an eyewashThe Dawn<br />GILGIT/SKARDU: Public representatives, nationalist and progressive political groups and activists on Saturday rejected the Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self-governance Order, saying it is gimmick of words to perpetuate the bureaucratic rule over the region. Labour Party Pakistan Gilgit chapter chief Advocate Ehsan Ali rejected the package and said that it would increase the sense of deprivation among the people. ‘The real powers rest with the governor, who is President’s appointee and not answerable to Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly,’ said Mr Ehsan. There is no constitutional protection to the provincial setup. Talking to Dawn Hafizur Rehman, member Northern Area Legislative Assembly and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz president declared the package mere a gimmickry of words and said once again the centre was throwing dust in the eyes of people. He said a powerful governor, who would be appointed by the President, would enjoy absolute authority. He criticised that other political parties were not taken on board nor any consultation was done in formulation of this package, which was not desired by the people of the region.Chairman of his own faction Nazir Khan Naji bashed the centre and said Gilgit-Baltistan were again deceived in the name of package. He said the so-called packages could not heal the decades-old wounds of the people of this region and they need only their identification. Advocate Fidaullah, member Nala, said Islamabad and PPP-led government won hearts of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan by giving them autonomy and this would ensure that people were governed through their elected representatives. He said independent judiciary was longstanding demand of the people. The PPP member said that the new setup would strengthen democracy. Advocate Aftab Haider, PPP member of Nala, stressed the need for observing a thanksgiving day for this historic package and said the federal government had once again fulfilled the demands of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan like Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto who had introduced remarkable reforms. Mr Aftab said that the package would usher in the area into a new era of prosperity. He was of the view that now Gilgit-Baltistan would be hub of economical and political activities as the package was guaranteeing social, political and economical uplift. Member Northern Area Legislative Assembly Ghulam Mohammad, also secretary general of PPP, said that the package was complete reflection of the aspiration of the people and the government had taken all members of the society on board before finalising it. Safdar Ali, spokesman for Balawaristan National Front, said his party totally rejected the package, which was mere eyewash. ‘It’s meant to detract the international community from the violation of human rights in this region,’ he added. Local journalist and political analyst, Imtiaz Ali Taj, said the package contained nothing for the people and it would only benefit the representative of the federal government who would enjoy the authority and powers. Shujaat Ali, a nationalist leader, said the centre should allow the people of Gilgit-Baltistan to govern their region. ‘The so-called provincial setup aims at concealing the human rights violations and continue the colonial control over the region,’ said Manzoor Hussain Parwana, chairman Gilgit-Baltistan United Movement Said that the so-called empowerment order was illegal and held no ground at all because Gilgit Baltistan didn’t fall under the constitutional ambit of Pakistan. He demanded an independent judiciary and constitutional assembly until the resolution of Kashmir dispute. He said the government did not take the public representatives and political leadership on board to formulate the packages while the people were expecting and demanding Azad Kashmir like setup. Zulfiqar Ali Khan adds from Hunza The nationalist parties in Hunza-Nagar termed the package ‘old wine in a new bottle’. They said through such cosmetic measures the government was playing with the legal and constitutional rights of the people. They however welcomed renaming of the region as Gilgit-Baltistan. Talking to this correspondent, Baba Jan, chief organiser of Progressive Youth Front, demanded an independent and constitutionally protected governance system for the region. He said the federal government through such packages wanted to justify and prolong its illegal occupancy of the region. The Hunza chapter of Pakistan People’s Party has appreciated the new package however shown their concern for not giving additional seats for Hunza in the Assembly. Karimullah Baig, general secretary of the local chapter of PPP, said the party would issue detailed statement after convening a special meeting regarding the package. Public opinion leaders and representatives rejected the empowerment and self-governance package and said that nothing new had been announced rather old win had been poured into a new bottle. The package was criticised and it was declared as designed to strengthen the bureaucracy and unelected forces which ruled the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.<br /><br />Posted in kashmir Tagged: abdul Hamid, America, Azad Kashmir, baltistan, china, european, gilgit, human rights, India, kashmir, KP, Pakistan, poltics., sakrud, world.Ayub_Baltihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01985670790978279383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965763452053591220.post-34810596809030067912010-01-22T20:44:00.000+05:002010-01-22T20:47:09.075+05:00Treks in BaltistanBy Afzal<br />TREKS IN BALTISTAN<br /><a href="http://www.summitpost.org/images/medium/352870.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://www.summitpost.org/images/medium/352870.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />1-BALTORO-GONDOGORO-HUSHE:<br />Askole- Concordia, K-2 B.C, Gasherbrum B.C, & return by the same route, or cross Gondogoro Pass or Vigne Pass, K-7 B.C, Skardu or vice versa<br />Restricted Zone: Trekking Permit is required from Ministry of Tourism Islamabad.<br /><br />2-BALTORO-MASHERBRUM PASS-HUSHE: <br />Skardu-Askole-Concordia, K-2 B.C, Gasherbrum B.C, Masherbrum Pass, K-7 B.C,-Hushe-Skardu or vice versa <br />Restricted Zone: Trekking Permit is required from Ministry of Tourism Islamabad.<br /><br />3-PANMAH GLACIER – SIM PASS:<br />Skardu-Panmah Glacier-Chring Glacier-Drenmang Glacier-Nobande Sobande Glacier-Simgang Glacier-Chaktoi Glacier-Sim Pass-Simgeng Glacier-Snow Lake& down to Askole via Biafo Glacier or to Nagar via Hispar Glacier, or vice versa.<br />Restricted Zone: Trekking Permit is required from Ministry of Tourism Islamabad.<br /><br />4-HISPAR PASS:<br />Skardu-Askole-Biafo Glacier-Snow Lake-Hspar Pass-Hisper Glacier-Nagar-Gilgit or vice versa<br />Open Zone: No Trekking Permit is required.<br /><br />5-LUKPO PASS:<br />Skardu-Askole-Biafo Glacier-Snow Lake-Simgang Glacier-Lukpo Pass-Braldu Glacier-Shimshal Pass-Shimshal village-Gilgit or vice versa<br />Restricted Zone: Trekking Permit is required from Ministry of Tourism Islamabad.<br /><br />6-SOKH PASS:<br />Skardu-Askole-Biafo Glacier-Snow Lake-Sokh La-Sokh Glacier-Sosbun Glacier-Hikmul Pass-Hoh Lungma Glacier-Arandu-Skardu or vice versa.<br />Open Zone: No Trekking Permit is required.<br /><br />7-HARAMOSH PASS:<br />Skardu-Arandu-Chogo Lungma Glacier-Haramosh La-Dache-Sassi-Gilgit or Skarduor vice versa.<br />Open Zone: No Trekking Permit is required.<br /><br />8-STAK PASS:<br />Skardu-Stak-Stak Pass-Ganto Pass-Arandu-Chogo Lungma Glacier-Hramosh Pass-Sassi-Skardu or Gilgit or vice versa.<br />Open Zone: No Trekking Permit is required.<br /><br />9-SOSBUN VALLEY:<br />Skardu-Chakpong-Ho-Sosbun B.C,-Sosbun Brakk B.C,-Hoh Lungma Glacier-Hikmul Pass-Doko-Skardu or vice versa.<br />Open Zone: No Trekking Permit is required.<br /><br />10-SKORO PASS:<br />Skardu-Askole-Skoro Pass-Shigar-Skardu or vice versa<br />Open Zone: No Trekking Permit is required.<br /><br />11-THALEE PASS:<br />Skardu-Shigar-Thalle Pass-Bukma-Doghani to Hushe or Skardu or vice versa.<br />Open Zone: No Trekking Permit is required.<br /><br />12-HUSHE VALLEY:<br />Skardu-Hushe-Masherbrum B.C,-Shaicho-Gondogoro B.C,-K-7 B.C,-Hushe-Skardu or vice versa.<br />Restricted Zone: Trekking Permit is required from Ministry of Tourism Islamabad.<br /><br />13-HUSHE-ALING:<br />Skardu-Hushe-Aling Glacier & back to Hushe via same route<br />Open Zone: No Trekking Permit is required.<br /><br />14-ACROSS DEOSAI:<br />Skardu-Deosai Plateau-Chillim-Astore-Gilgit or vice versa<br />Open Zone: No Trekking Permit is required.Ayub_Baltihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01985670790978279383noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965763452053591220.post-77157847298119627662010-01-22T18:16:00.000+05:002010-01-22T20:42:58.050+05:00Peaks in Baltistan PakistanBy Afzal<br /><em><strong>8000 METER PEAKS IN BALTISTAN</strong></em><br />S.No Name of the Peak Height in Meters <br />01 K-2 8611<br />02 Gasherbrum-I 8068<br />03 Broad Peak 8047<br />04 Gasherbrum-II 8035<br /><em><strong>7000 METER PEAKS IN BALTISTAN</strong></em><br /><a href="http://www.summitpost.org/images/medium/326289.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://www.summitpost.org/images/medium/326289.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />S.No Name of the Peak Height in Meters<br />LOBSANG GROUP <br />01 Muztagh Tower 7284<br />02 Muztagh Tower 7279<br />LATOK GROUP <br />03 Baintha Brakk (M) 7285<br />04 Latok-I 7145<br />05 Latok-II 7108<br />06 Latok(I-W) 7100<br />K2 GROUP <br />07 Skyang Kangri (I) 7357<br />08 Skil Brum 7350<br />09 Skyang Kangri (II) 7345<br />10 Summa Ri 7286<br />BROAD GROUP <br />11 Broad Peak (N) 7387<br />GASHERBRUM GROUP <br />12 Gasherbrum-III 7952<br />13 Gasherbrum-IV 7925<br />14 Gasherbrum (E) 7772<br />15 Gasherbrum (N) 7500<br />16 Un named Peak 7310<br />17 Gasherbrum (V) 7133<br />18 Gaserbrum (V-MD) 7120<br />19 Gasherbrum (SW) 7069<br />20 Gasherbrum-VI 7004<br />SIA GROUP <br />21 Sia Kangri 7422<br />22 Sia Kangri-II 7325<br />23 Sia Kangri-IV 7315<br />24 Sia Kangri-III 7273<br />CHOGO LUNGMA GROUP <br />25 Spantik 7027<br />MASHERBRUM GROUP <br />26 Masherbrum (E) 7822<br />27 Masherbrum (W) 7806<br />27 Yermand Kangri 7163<br />28 Mandu Peak (E) 7127<br />29 Mandu Peak (W) 7081<br />CHOGOLISA GROUP <br />30 Chogolisa (SW) 7668<br />31 Chogolisa (NE) 7654<br />32 Baltoro Kangri 7300<br />33 Baltoro Kangri (II) 7270<br />34 Baltoro Kangri (IV) 7265<br />35 Ice Dom 7150<br />SALTORO GROUP <br />36 Saltoro Kangri (I) 7742<br />37 Saltoro Kangri (II) 7705<br />EAST OF HUSHE VALLEY GROUP <br />38 K-6 (W) 7100<br />39 Link Sar 7041<br />40 Link Sar (N) 7000<br /><em><strong>6000 METER PEAKS IN BALTISTAN</strong></em><br /><a href="http://www.summitpost.org/images/medium/332545.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 750px;" src="http://www.summitpost.org/images/medium/332545.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />S.No Name of the Peak Height in Meters<br />01 Baintha Brakk (SE) 6960<br />02 Latok-III 6946<br />03 Baintha Brakk-II 6600<br />04 Baintha Brakk-III 6500<br />05 Latok-IV 6456<br />06 Latok (IV-SE) 6450<br />07 Uzun Brakk 6422<br />08 Bullah 6294<br />09 Choricho (M) 6756<br />10 Choricho (III) 6643<br />11 Choricho (II) 6631<br />12 Payu 6610<br />13 Uli Biaho (I-SW) 6417<br />14 Uli Biaho (I-NE) 6408<br />15 Choricho (IV) 6400<br />16 Uli Biaho-II 6353<br />17 Uli Biaho Tower 6109<br />18 Haina Blak Tower 6000<br />19 Unnamed Peak Paiyu Group 6000<br />20 Unnamed Peak Payu Group 6000<br />TRANGO GROUP <br />21 Kruksum (S) 6650<br />22 Kruksum (N) 6600<br />23 Trango Ri (II) 6545<br />24 Trango Ri (I) 6452<br />25 Kruksum (E) 6300<br />26 Trango Ri (III) 6300<br />27 Trango Ri (IV) 6300<br />28 Great Trango (I) 6286<br />29 Nameless Tower 6239<br />30 Great Trango (II) 6237<br />31 Great Trango (III) 6231<br />32 Munk 6150<br />LOBSANG GROUP <br />33 Biale 6729<br />34 Black Tooth 6719<br />35 Biange 6431<br />36 Lhunkgka Ri 6307<br />37 Unnamed Peak 6300<br />38 Biange Peak 6271<br />39 Lobsang 6225<br />40 Un named Peak 6100<br />41 Un named Peak 6085<br />42 Un named Peak 6050<br />43 Un named Peak 6050<br />44 Un named Peak 6040<br />45 Un named Peak 6024<br />45 Un named Peak 6020<br />46 Un named Peak 6007<br />47 Un named Peak 6001<br />48 Un named Peak 6000<br />K2 GROUP <br />49 Un named Peak 6940<br />50 Un named Peak 6859<br />51 Angel 6858<br />52 Un named Peak 6820<br />53 Un named Peak 6800<br />54 Un named Peak 6700<br />55 Un named Peak 6640<br />56 Un named Peak 6406<br />57 Nela peak 6394<br />58 Un named Peak 6379<br />59 Un named Peak 6350<br />60 Moni Peak 6300<br />61 Marble Peak 6256<br />62 New Cristal Peak 6252<br />63 Cristal Peak 5913<br />64 Un named Peak 6100<br />65 UN-named Peak 6060<br />66 Steste Peak 6001<br />BROAD GROUP <br />67 Un named Peak 6934<br />68 Un-named Peak 6913<br />69 Un named Peak 6806<br />70 Un named Peak 6806<br />71 Un named Peak 6805<br />72 Un named Peak 6700<br />73 Un named Peak 6450<br />74 Un named Peak 6444<br />75 Un named Peak 6394<br />GASHERBRUM GROUP <br />76 Un named Peak 6984<br />77 Gasherbrum(V-NW) 6980<br />78 Gasherbrum (V-N) 6950<br />79 Un named Peak 6936<br />80 Gasherbrum Twins 6912<br />81 Gasherbrum (V-E) 6900<br />82 Un named Peak 6753<br />83 Un-named Peak 6600<br />84 Un-named Peak 6550<br />85 Un named Peak 6218<br />SOUSBAN GROUP <br />86 Ganchen 6462<br />87 Susban Brakk 6413<br />88 Hikmul 6300<br />89 Un named 6123<br />90 Un named Peak 6066<br />91 Gama Soka Lumbu 6282<br />92 Un named Peak 6000<br />KHOSER GUNGE GROUP <br />93 Khoser Gunge 6401<br />MANGO GUSOR GROUP <br />94 Mango Gusor 6288<br />MASHERBRUM GROUP <br />95 Biarchedi (I) 6810<br />96 Biarchedi (II) 6781<br />97 Biarchedi (III) 6710<br />98 Biarchedi (IV) 6650<br />99 Serac Peak 6614<br />100 Hunch Back 6400<br />101 Biarchedi (V) 6362<br />102 Un named Peak 6350<br />103 Urdukas Peak (I) 6320<br />104 Un named Peak 6300<br />105 Urdukas Peak (II) 6280<br />106 Un named Peak 6279<br />107 Un named Peak 6251<br />108 Un named Peak 6250<br />109 Biarchedi (VI) 6236<br />110 Un named Peak 6200<br />111 Un named Peak 6170<br />112 Urdukas Peak (III) 6130<br />113 Un named Peak 6100<br />114 Un named Peak 6095<br />115 Biarchedi ((VII) 6010<br />116 Un named Peak 6030<br />117 Mitre Peak 6025<br />118 Un named Peak 6000<br />CHOGOLISA GROUP <br />119 Kaberi Peak 6950<br />120 Khumul Gri 6851<br />121 Kondus Peak 6750<br />122 Khumul Gri (II) 6706<br />123 Un named Peak 6700<br />124 Khumul Gri (III) 6674<br />124 Tasa Brakka 6600<br />125 Un named Peak 6600<br />126 Un named Peak 6600<br />127 Pioneer Peak 6550<br />128 Khumul Gri (VI) 6350<br />129 Laila 6096<br />DANSAM GROUP <br />130 Dansam 6666<br />131 Un named Peak 6450<br />EAST OF THALLE VALLEY GROUP <br />132 Honboro 6459<br />133 Un named Peak 6100<br />134 Un named Peak 6000<br />EAST OF HUSHE VALLEY GROUP <br />135 K-7 6934<br />136 Un named Peak 6858<br />137 Un named Peak 6568<br />138 Kapura 6544<br />139 Un named Peak 6500<br />140 Changi 6500<br />141 Drafey Khar (Drifka) 6444<br />142 Un named Peak 6400<br />143 Un named Peak 6325<br />144 Namika 6295<br />145 KHURDOPIN GROUP <br />146 Lakpe Lawo Brakk 6593<br /><a href="http://www.summitpost.org/images/original/381914.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 750px;" src="http://www.summitpost.org/images/original/381914.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Ayub_Baltihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01985670790978279383noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965763452053591220.post-31297023031888729292010-01-22T18:03:00.000+05:002010-01-22T18:15:47.303+05:00Baltistan, The Land of Highest Peaks on EarthBy: Afzal<br /><a href="http://www.summitpost.org/images/medium/428573.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 391px;" src="http://www.summitpost.org/images/medium/428573.gif" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Baltistan covering an area of 26,000 square kilometer, comprises 5 vallys: Skardu, Khaplu, Shigar, Kharmang and Rondu. The Baltistan is the part of Northern Areas of Pakistan. These vallys are very important from the mountaineering, trekking and mountain related adventure activities. The northern territory of Baltistan contains four peak above 8000 meters, such as K-2 (8611-M) (Second highest mountain in the world), Gasherbrum-I (8068-m), Broad Peak (8048-m), and Gaserbrum-II (8035-m), and many other above 7000 meters peaks, such as Masherbrum, Gasherbrum-IV, Muztagh Towers, Latok, Baintha Brakk, Chogolisa, Baltoro Kangri, and many more.<br />Since time began, Baltistan has remained isolated from the rest of the world. It was first mentioned in the annals of an AD 747 Chinese military expedition to aid Ladakh against a threatened invasion from Tibet. Fascinated, the ancient Chinese geographers named it the “Tibet of the Apricots”, because of the abundance of this fruit that grew there, and still does. Long a Buddhist country, Islam was embraced in the fifteenth century and during the Mughal era it was annexed to India. But when Aurangzeb died it soon reverted to its isolated, independent ways, only to come under a succession of local rulers, Dogra, Sikhs and Afghans, finally coming into the Kingdom of Kashmir. At independence in 1947, Howeve, Baltistan chose to join Pakistan, and now the Baltistan is the Part of Pakistan. <br />Within fifteen minutes of taking off from the Islamabad Airport, in PIA scheduled flight, we will be in a virgin world snaking through mountain passes and following emerald ribbons of rivers, the plane will be often lower than the level of the treacherous road. Every turn will brought a breathtaking new vista, and as we will leave habitation behind, we will enter a forest of peaks and nature of such staggering perfection that it flooded one simultaneously with a soaring joy and a stark realization of the absolute insignificance of man. Leaving the plain, the most immediate impression is that of disorientation. The valley and the rock and the desert plains have no likeness to any other landscape, as if the Sahara had been dropped down between massive walls of rock. There are no perspectives. So complete is the circle of mountains everything narrow and the eye is ever confused. Lying within this ring of 5000 meters high mountains that glimmer through the haze in varying shades of purple, grey, and ochre, the jade river Indus snakes sinuously between the ribboned, wind-blown sand dunes close beneath a 200 feet high island of massive rock. It’s here that Skardu straggles along the plateau.<br />From Islamabad most of the Climbing expedition teams, trekking parties and other visitors like to travel on Karakoram Highway. Not until 1978, with the completion of the 170 kilometers long Gilgit-Skardu Road, did Baltistan have any permanent access to the rest of the world, even in 1980s the citizens retained their self-sufficiency and independence, aloof from the twentieth century and its wonders. So formidable in the scale of its colour and texture, savagery and desolation is the Indus gorge out of Skardu that not even Balti’s ventured to cross it. The road to Skardu is one of the most dramatic roads in the world, following the narrow, dark, bleak, and stupendously high ravine of the Indus for mile after mile. Never a blade of gross relieves the monotony of the hostile rock. Only the jade green river, tumbling and foaming in stretches of white water, relieves the grey, brown, sere, and unrelenting walls of boulders- strewn rock, and cliffs. Like its larger sister, the Karakoram Highway, it represents one of the world’s major feats of civil engineering construction and already Skardu, long a Mecca for the high altitude mountaineers, have become a major tourist resort as the coaches, cars, and jeeps flood down the road across more than 20 bridges to the town. <br />No diminutive this, though Baltistan, crowned by the Majesty of K-2, at 8611 meters the world’s second highest mountain, sit an average high of 4500 meters. No relief map or guide book can lead you through this wilderness of lost horizons. There are none. The horizon merge in a tumultuous maze in which west and east, north and south, lurch giddily from one side of the eye to the other in utter confusion. <br />The Skardu is the capital city of Baltistan. Its real attraction is as gateway to the grandest sight in all nature, Concordia, the amphitheatre of the ten of the world’s thirty greatest mountains, the adjacent glaciers and peak, and its closeness to Lake Satpara, one of the hidden pearls of Baltistan. <br />At 2314 meters and due to confluence of the Indus and Shigar rivers, this is the capital town of the Baltistan. It has a pleasant climate has been the capital for a long time. In summer dusty winds frequently arise during the afternoon and continue till evening. Scattered among the apricots trees, poplars, willows and bushes are the residences, Government Offices, Banks, hospital, mosques, places, shops, markets and hotels. The shops and markets sales the food items, camping equipments, fur toques, Karakul fez, turbans and flowing togas of rough wool worn by the local inhabitants. Mountaineering and Trekking parties arrive here, stay for a short period and leave as quickly as possible for the mountains. The airport is situated 16 kilometer south-west of the Skardu. The most important monuments in the region is the rock carving of Buddha, some one and half kilometer south on the road to Satpara. It dates back to the 10th century AD. The entire surface of the rock, 8 meter high and some 5 meter wide, is carved with great imagination and skill. At 15th century aqueduct located in the town is an interesting feature to see. The fort of Kharpochu, which stands high up on the rock of Skardu, overlooks the streets of the town. Hotels for tourist are available, as there are many hotels. International/domestic telephone calls are available. The internet facilities are also available. <br /><br />While waiting for a flight, bus, jeep or car, worthwhile diversions include. Going around the eastern end of the Skardu Rock, you come to village of Narsok, where a pure spring emerges from the base of a monolithic rock. The ascent of Skardu rock is quite tough. From Skardu fort there is an extended view over cultivated fields and the Indus River below. Lake Satpara is about 6 kilometers south-west of the Skardu.<br /><a href="http://www.summitpost.org/images/medium/361067.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://www.summitpost.org/images/medium/361067.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />KHAPLU<br /><br />At 2355 meter, this historic town lies on the south side of the Shyok River, among innumerable trees on a fertile alluvial plain. The Khaplu is the District Headquarter of the Ganchee District. Facilities include a rest house, shops, and a few hotels and telephone. It is about 103 kilometers east of Skardu and can be reached by bus, van, jeep and car. The ever changing landscapes follow the sandy valley floor, black mountains reflecting in the waters of the Shyok River. On the slopes, little communities have carved their terraced fields and homes out of the mountainside, diverting the waters along a network of ancient irrigation aqueducts. <br /><br />The capital of this valley, distinctively Tibetan in its people and architecture, is spread out along the greenest and broadest bowl of the valley, an arena that for the non-trekker is the key point to of the entire visit to Baltistan. For only in Khaplu, so high and close together are the regions other valleys, do you catch sight of “raison d’ etre” for any visit to Baltistan, its mountains. Here, in the early morning, as the sun slopes above the eastern horizon, its rays burst in a dazzling shower of diamonds on the scintillating peak of mighty 7821 meters high Masherbrum. <br /><br />Khaplu town is the historic base of many voyages of exploration to the mountains in the region of the Karakoram. G.T.Vigne, after whome one of the glaciers south of Concordia is named. had ascended the Saltoro valley from Khaplu in 1838 in his search for the Saltoro Pass. Some 70 years later the great Tom Longstaff, accompanied by Arthur Neve and A.M. Slingaby, repeated the journey and found the pass at the head of Bilafond glacier; they then crossed and descended to the Siachen glacier. And it was from Khaplu that James Waller in 1935 with John Hunt and four others reached the Kondus valley and made an attempt to climb Saltoro Kangri (7742-m). Waller returned in 1938 with Graham Brown and two others, ascended the Hushe valley and pitched a base camp at the junction of the two torrents draining the Masherbrum and Gondogoro Glacier, from there they attempted to ascend Masherbrum (7821-M) from the South. These valleys and glacier areas had also benn visited from Khaplu by the Workmans in 1911 and 1912. <br /><br />Khaplu today is still the gateway to many adventurous treks, most of which lead to the north side of the Shyok River. The river is crossable from Khaplu by a jeep. The other bridge is located some 10 kilometer east of Khaplu, a little beyond Surmo where the Shyok valley floor narrows down considerably. The walk to Surmo along the river bed is quite easy. The Saling Bridge and Surmo bridge are the only other ways to approach the valley of Hushe, Saltoro, Dansum, etc. It incorporates many famous passes such as Masherbrum La and Gondogoro la. <br />SHIGAR:<br />At 2316 and some 32 kilometers from Skardu, Shigar is picturesquely set in a lush green valley and enjoy a pleasant climate. The town is not only greener and richer than Skardu, but it has appearance of being older. Shigar was once the capital of a strong local Raja and its fortress was a symbol of his power. Games of Polo and archery were frequent. One can still see several old houses with beautiful architectural designs. There are a few mosques built in Tibetan style, which carved panels round the wooden doors. A few shops built of wood comprising the bazaar are found near the mosque. The houses of old Shigar are build distinctly in Tibetan style. The modern buildings, such as hospital, rest house, government staff quarters, etc are built round old Shigar. Ancient Buddhist settlements dating back to the 8th and 10th centuries have been discovered here recently; they contain a monastery and thousands of inscriptions and rock carvings. The discovery of a Chinese pagoda with inscriptions indicates friendly relation with China in olden days. <br /><br />Shigar is the gateway to many adventurous treks that lead over famous glaciers and the base of numerous high peaks. The wide Shigar valley is formed by the confluence of the Braldu and Basna rivers, about 33 kilometers upstream from Shigar. It is watered by several great glaciers such as the Baltoro, Biafo Chogo Lungma, Panmah and Chogtoi; and this vast region contains 5 of the world’s highest peaks, K-2, the Gasherbrum group, Broad Peak and Masherbrum are some of them. It incorporates many famous passes such as, Sokha La, Skam La, Hisper Pass, Naushik La, Braldu La, Sim La, Muztagh Pass and Gondogoro la. Once frequented by local people and traders. Some of passes have become strictly technical ascent or have gone out of use due to the melting, cracking or other changes in the pattern of the glaciers. <br /><br />The best way to reach the town from Skardu is to hire a Car, Jeep or va. There are clean and comfortable hotels, rest house and camping site for stoplovers.Ayub_Baltihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01985670790978279383noreply@blogger.com3