Nation not let rulers to back out from Kashmir: Munawar

BAGH (SANA): Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Syed Munawar Hassan said on Monday that the freedom movement of Kashmir is the war for Pakistan’s completion and nation will not allow any ruler to deceit with Kashmir issue.

He assured Syed Ali Gilani and the whole Kashmiri nation that the whole nation is on the back of Mujahideen.

This Munawar Hassan said while addressing the “Right of Self-Determination Conference”, adding that peace in the region is only possible after accepting the right of self determination of Kashmiri’s.

He asked the rulers to stop the military operation and solve the problem through dialogue process with Taliban in Swat, Malakand and Dir.

He said India is hatching conspiracies against Pakistan to weaken it, adding that the need is to counter the Indian efforts to weaken Pakistan.

Munawar Hassan said that the unity among the political parties is the need of the hour for the success of Kashmiri’s freedom movement.

He said that all the people living in Pakistan support the freedom movement of Jammu Kashmir.

He said that the rulers are fighting American war and through a conspiracy Pakistan Army is fighting its own people.

Addressing the conference Amir Jamaat-e-Islami Abdul Rashid Turabi said that Azad Kashmir is not playing its role as the base camp for the freedom movement of Indian Occupied Kashmir.

He asked the people to pressurize the AJK rulers to restore the true role of AJK as the base camp of Kashmiri’s freedom struggle.

He said that India is hatching conspiracies against Pakistan and wants to weaken Pakistan within it.

He said that the weak Pakistan will certainly affect the Kashmiris freedom struggle.

Turabi said that the Kashmiris are fighting the war of Pakistan’s survival, adding that strong Pakistan will provide guarantee for the independence of Kashmir’s.

Addressing the conference United Jihad Council Chairman Syed Salahuddin said that the Kashmiris are fighting to achieve their inherent right which is the independence of Kashmir from the Indian tyrant rule.

He said that India is committing the human rights violations in Jammu Kashmir and rape of two women in Shopian is the worst example of Indian suppression in Kashmir.

Salahuddin hoped that the Pakistani government will continue its support for the Kashmiris freedom struggle.

Hurriyat leader Ghulam Muhammad Safi, Ghulam Nabi Nowsheri, JI Naib Amir AJK sheikh Aqeel-ur-Rehman, Amir Jamiat Ah-le-Hadis AJK Maulana Noor Ruknuddin, Maulana Syed Ataullah Shah, and others also addressed the conference.

Pak, China sign loan agreement for $300 million

Image via Wikipedia

ISLAMABAD, Jun 18 (APP): The Government of Pakistan has signed an MoU, with the Government of China on Thursday to reconstruct and rehabilitate three major cities of AJK destroyed in the 2005 earthquake, under AJK Urban Development Programme. The umbrella contract for this project has already been signed between ERRA and the Two Chinese Construction Companies.

In order to assist the Government of Pakistan to complete the development work in the earthquake affected areas of Muzaffarabad, Bagh and Rawalakot, the Government of China offered credit worth US$ 300 million, whereas the Government of Pakistan contributed additional US$ 53 million to complete various reconstruction projects under AJK Urban Development Project.

For smooth and effective implementation of MCDP, a Steering Committee” has been constituted under the Deputy Chairman ERRA Lt. Gen Sajjad Akram, which has the mandate to give policy direction for Project Implementation and ensure timely and effective coordination of all inputs.

The contract signing is in line with ERRA’s Mission of “Build Back Better”.

The AJK Urban Development Programme aimed at providing safe housing, improved city environment, modern physical and social infrastructures with the target to boost economic and social growth in the Earthquake affected areas.

For Muzaffarabad City, an amount of US$ 190.62 million has been allocated for completion of 90 projects.

In Bagh 50 projects worth $ 123.55 million and in Rawalakot city, 30 projects with a cost of US$ 38.83 million will be completed in the next 4 and half years.

These projects will provide all modern day facilities including construction of Government buildings, roads bridges, shopping centers, Satellite towns, play grounds, parks, education and health facilities, wholesale markets, slaughterhouses, transport terminals, neighborhood centers, designing and Laying of infrastructure facilities like water supply, sewerage, underground electricity and telecom cables. These facilities will be developed by Chinese Companies.

Chinese firms to undertake urban development project

ISLAMABAD - Two leading Chinese firms would undertake the urban development projects in three quake affected cities Muzaffarabad, Bagh and Rawlakot. An umbrella contract for the AJK urban development project was signed here at Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA) in presence of the President AJK Raja Zulqarnain, PM AJK Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob, Federal Minister for Kashmir and Northern Affairs (KANA) Qamar-uz-Zaman Kaira and Chinese ambassador H.E. Luo Zhaohui. The Contract was signed by representatives of two Chinese construction companies and ERRA deputy chairman Lt Gen Sajjad Akram.

In order to assist Pakistan to complete the development work in earthquake affected areas, China offered credit worth $300 million whereas Pakistan government contributed additional $53 Million to complete the reconstruction projects, said ERRA deputy chairman in his address to the ceremony. Meanwhile, for smooth and effective implementation of Muzaffarabad city development project, a steering committee has been constituted under deputy chairman of ERRA Lt Gen Sajjad Akram which has the mandate to give policy direction to project implementation. ERRA's Urban Development Programme aims at providing safe housing, improved city environment, modern physical and social infrastructures with a target to boost economic and social growth in the earthquake affected areas, said Akram.

He said for Muzaffarabad a fund of $190.62 million was allocated for completion of 90 projects. In Bagh 50 projects with the cost of $123.55 million whereas 30 projects in Rawlakot city with a cost of $38.83 million will be completed in next four and half years. These projects will provide all modern days facilities including construction of govt buildings, roads, bridges, shopping centers, satellite towns, play grounds, besides education and health facilities. Addressing the ceremony, ambassador of China; Luo Zhaohui said that 2005 earthquake was a great disaster in Pakistan's national history and Chinese government and people were always prepared to cooperate with people of Pakistan to mitigate the sufferings caused due to this great catastrophe.

Federal Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira, hailed the ERRA and SERRA role for recovery and reconstruction efforts after devastating catastrophe. He acknowledged role of China in construction and development of various projects in Pakistan and AJK. "I assure you of full security and other support to complete targets and hope that this urban development project will bring positive change in the lives of the people of AJK," the Minister remarked.

Courtesy: Khalid Amin - The Daily Mail

Ashura observed in Kashmir with full religious solemnity

BAGH - MIRPUR ( AJK ) Jan. 8 (APP): Amidst exceptionally‑tightened security arrangements Ashura, the sanctified day of the global history and a unique icon of the supreme sacrifice, made by Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions for the cause of Islam, was observed with religious fervor, reverence and solemnity at both sides of the line of control in the Himalayan State of Jammu & Kashmir on the 10th of Muharram, Thursday with a steadfast resolve to fight against all types of tyrannical forces, wherever they exist to accomplish the cherished mission, to take to the great mission, the glory of Islam, in all circumstances.

This exceptionally important day dawned with special prayers by the faithful at all mosques and Imambargahs, on both sides of the LoC with Nimaz‑e‑Fajar.

In Azad Jammu Kashmir, Alam, ZulÆjinnah and Tazia processions were brought out from Imambargahs which culminated at their fixed spots after marching through their tradition routes in all eight district headquarters of AJK including Mirpur, Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Bhimbher, Bagh, Sudahnoti, Rawalakot and Neelam valley besides all other major and small towns across the liberated territory.

A large number of social and political and religious organizations representing all sects of the society as well as individuals had established stalls nÆ sabeels of juices and sweet water on the processionsÆ route to facilitate the faithful in each and every nook and corner of Azad Jammu Kashmir.

Public and private hospitals and Edhi like welfare organisatgions also provided ambulances to go along the processions. Re‑calling the martyrdom of Hazarat Imam Hussain (AS), Ulema and Zakerin during the course of the procession delivered speeches highlighting the great essence of the day.

Like elsewhere, in Mirpur, the divisional and district administration, led by Commissioner Ehsan Khalid Kiyani, DIG Police Sheikh Tahir Qayyum, DC Arbab Khalid Abbasi, Additional SP Ch. Munir Hussain, ASP Hassan Qayyum and other senior officers, had made convoluted security arrangements to ensure safeguarding of peace and harmony during the course of processionùstarting from Markazi Imambargah SaÆadat colony, and heavy contingents of police remained alert in an amiable way till the time the ZulÆjinnah procession reached its set destination. All entering the Muharram procession was thoroughly checked by the volunteers of Imamia Youth wing.

Majlis‑i‑Sham‑i‑Ghariban was yet another key event of the day where Nohas and Marsias were recited paying beguiling tributes to the martyrs of Karbala.

As usual, it was an unparalleled manifestation of unity, cohesion and brotherhood as a result of which absolute was evident ever since the first days of Muharram‑ul‑Haram.

Ulema in meticulous and people in broad‑spectrumùalong with social organizations, volunteers, notables and government personnel deserve a spontaneous gratitude for their splendid nÆ round‑the‑clock cohesion, backed by a persistent vigil which did not allow any problematic episode to crop up.

Leading religious scholars and eminent leaders including Sayed Mahmood Hussain Bukhari, Vice President Islami Tehrik Pakistan, Supreme head of Anjuman‑a‑Imamia Mirpur Sayed Zahoor Hussain Shah, Agha Sajaad Hussain, Sayed Nishat Hussain Kazmi, Presidenrt Anuman‑e‑Immamia Sayed Sarfraz Hussain Kazmi, General Secretary Sayed Asher Himdani and Dr. Sayed Abid Hussain Shah were prominent among others who led Alam, Zuljinnah and Tazia processions taken out from Markazi Imam Bargah Sadaat Colony.

Paying glorious tributes to the martyrs of Karbala including Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), the grandson of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), and his companions for the cause of Islam, at Imambargh Sadaat Colony and Alraie Squire, uleme and Zakirs including Moulana Tanveer Shirazi, Moulana Akhter Abass, Moulana Zulfiqar Ali Baloach and others said ôthe event of Karbala inspires us to uphold the glory of Islam. They continued by adding that æwe should not hesitate to render any sacrifice, even of our lives, for the lofty ideals of Islam. They said, the Muslims the world over are mourning the great martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) in a strong‑willed way. Though the tenth of Muharram, the Ashura, is very important for diverse reasons, nevertheless, it gains special impact as Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS)’s martyrdom and the event of Karbala also occurred on this day.

They urged the nation to work for creating an atmosphere of brotherhood, sacrifice and moderation by transcending their mutual differences.

Speakers said that the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) had earned an elevation for Islam and the Muslims; they said and added that his great sacrifice has given us the lesson that irrespective of the limited material resources and numbers, “the real power lies in the truthfulness of the objectives.”

Hence the struggle against tyrannyùinitiated by Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) along with his companions “is a shining minaret of humanity, patience, perseverance, courage and determination, they added.

Courtesy: APP

7 killed, one injured in Dhirkot accident

BAGH, Dec 19 (APP): At least seven persons were killed and one injured when a Hiace plunged into a deep ravine near Ghaziabad, on Friday. According to Dirkot police sources, a Hiace was heading towards Muzaffarabad from here, when it plunged into a deep ravine.

As a result, seven persons died on the spot. The injured identified as Kabir was shifted to hospital.
Those killed were Fayaz, Haji Siab, Mustafa Rathore, Zaheer, Naseem Begum, Imran Shah, and Ahsan.

Inclusion of forward block, Opposition members in AJK cabinet hailed

BAGH (AJK), Dec 12 (APP): Prime Minister Azad Kashmir Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan has strengthened democracy in Azad Kashmir while dissolving the AJK cabinet.

The steps taken by the PPP central leadership for strengthening the democracy and the democratic institutions in Azad Kashmir will also pave the way for liberating occupied Kashmir.

These views were expressed by Administrator district council Bagh Sheikh Mehmood Ahmed Advocate, President Muslim Conference district Bagh Sardar Mir Akbar Khan, Municipal administrator Syed Shujaat Hussain Gardezi and Chairman Development Authority district Bagh Tariq Masood while talking to APP here on Friday.

They were of the view that with the inclusion of members of Forward Bloc (FB) and opposition in the AJK Cabinet would strengthen democracy.

They appreciated the step for saving democracy in Azad Kashmir and expressed confidence that Sardar Attique government would complete its constitutional tenure.

Courtesy: APP

Harighel Sub Division - A Gateway for new developments in Bagh : Col. Nasim

The minister of constructions, Col. Raja Muhammad Nasim Khan has said that the establishment of Harighel Subdivision is the gateway for the development in the central region of Bagh. The prime minister of AJ&K has put forth 99 percent and I have put 1 percent effort in the establishment of Harighel Sub Division. Sardar Attique is the party leader of Muslim Conference and he has got the full confidence and support of the parliamentarian party of Muslim Conference. There is no forward block in AJK Assembly but the losers are spreading false information to keep themselves alive in the politics. Nasim further said that Muslim Conference will not only complete its current ruling period but will form the government for the next 10 years under the leadership of Sardar Attique. Opposition is taking undue advantage of the friendly behavior of Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan but if the opposition does not change its negative attitude then we will have to take some steps.

Col. Nasim was addressing a huge public procession at Harighel, central Bagh. The procession was organized in connection with upgrading the status of Harighel to the Sub Division. Col. Nasim was welcomed from Mang Bajri to Harighel in a rally with hundreds of motor cycles and vans. Men, women and children were present on both sides of the road to welcome the minister. The whole way was decorated with beautiful flags, banners and flowers. Col. Nasim further said during the procession that along with the development in the construction sector, AJK Govt. is also spreading the network of rural health centers and schools to provide the health and education facilities to the people of rural areas. The prime minister of Pakistan has provided a grant of 11 billion rupees for the development in AJK. We are thankful to the Govt. of Pakistan for starting the projects of billions of rupees for the population living along the line of control. Col. Nasim declared that we will make Azad Jammu & Kashmir a developed state like Dubai. The procession was lead by the president of the Trade Union of Harighel, Sardar Asif. Professor Abdul Jalil Khan, Raja Said Inqalabi, Raja Muhammad Ashraf, Sardar Khurshid, Sardar Niaz Khan, Sardar Muhammad Rasheed Khan Chughtai, Raja Tayyab Advocate, Rana Abdul Sattar, Maqsood Toheedi, Subedar Sarwar, Haji Saleem, Raja Maqsood and others also addressed the procession.

AJ&K Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority

The website of Azad Jammu & Kashmir Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (AJKTEVTA) has been launched (www.ajktevta.org). A lot of useful information regarding the increasing trend of technical & IT education is available on the site. Further you can find Course details, online results, job openings, upcoming projects, and a lot more useful information on this portal.

About AJKTEVTA: Under the Act III dated 17th February 2007 vide Notification No. Admin./Accounts/315-25/2007 dated 25th January 2007, the Azad Jammu & Kashmir Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority has been established.

Azad Jammu and Kashmir Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority is established with the objectives to strengthen the skill development programme, produce required No. of trained manpower and bring it at par with the National and international standards so that skilled manpower can contribute towards reducing unemployment, alleviation of poverty and thus provide a strong base for the sustainable socioeconomic development .

With the establishment of office since July 2007 AJK TEVTA is on its way to achieve its goals fixed at the time of its establishment.

Mission

To produce Skilled / trained manpower for employability, poverty alleviation and sustainable economic development.

Vision

The AJK TEVTA is established with the objective to strengthen the skill development programme, produce required number of trained manpower and bring it at par with the national and international standards so that skilled manpower can contribute towards reducing unemployment, alleviation of poverty and thus provide a strong base for the sustainable socio economic development.

For more information, visit AJK TEVTA website at www.ajktevta.org

AJK electricity dept slams WAPDA for power cuts

The Electricity Department of Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Southern region, has asked WAPDA to put an end to the ongoing frequent and unscheduled loadshedding in various parts of AJK, particularly at Chakswari/Kotli 132KV circuits, which terminate at its stipulated destination Bagh, official sources said.

Chief Engineer, AJK Electricity Department (South), Mirpur region, Tariq Mahmood Mallick when contacted, told The News on Friday that by defying all moral and legal norms, WAPDA had been resorting to forced and unscheduled loadshedding for hours at the Chakswari/Kotli 132KV circuits for the last 48 hours.

The chief engineer electricity expressed the electricity minister’s displeasure at WAPDA’s power cuts, which were in excess of the daily seven-hour schedule of loadshedding.

The chief engineer said that he contacted the concerned senior official of WAPDA, Director/In charge at the Regional Control Centre, Sarwar. The official not only flatly declined the request for rectification of the ugly situation faced by the consumers in the area, but was also not ready to cooperate for quelling the flaring sentiments of local power consumers.

The WAPDA official was also apprised of the minister’s feelings about the intolerable situation. Tariq Mallick said that the senior WAPDA official was informed that consumers were frustrated and threatened to resort to street agitation against the loadshedding.

Tariq Mallick said that the Director RCC WAPDA was told that the AJK Electricity Department was always ready to share the ongoing national energy crisis by strictly acting on the announced schedule of load shedding, but the WAPDA official was not ready to listen to anything.

Mallick said that such an attitude might cause great hatred and unrest among the masses, not only over the loadshedding and subsequent acute shortage of drinking water, but could also lead to a negative impact on the ongoing Mangla Dam raising project.

He said that the local population has always been very cooperative and positive to this mega project (Mangla Dam) of national importance, which is not only beneficial for strengthening the economy of the country, but also for AJK.

British firm to provide web sites to AJK students

British firm will provide web sites to the all students of all educational institutes of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. All students will have facility to communicate with the worldwide educational institutes, students and teachers. Prime Minister of AJK Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan surmises, “One Site per Child” is a very useful project and gives instruction to the relevant firm to prepare Projects for Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Election must be conducted in AJK also. Says Qamar

Muzaffarabad (Staff Reporter) Qamar-uz-Zaman Khan, the opposition leader in AJK Legislative Assembly has said that after the formation of new government in Pakistan, it will take only a few days that the forcefully implemented government of AJK will come to an end. Pakistani nation has rejected the dictators and has proved by its political sensibility that people want only a freely elected democratic government in Pakistan. This decision of Pakistani people will encourage the Kashmiri Nation as well. While talking to the news reporters, Qamar said that PPP will form a new government with other strong political allies in Pakistan and the new PPP government will take extraordinary steps for the resumption and uplift of judiciary and other departments. Further he said that soon after the new govt. takes over, free and fair elections will be conducted in the state of Azad Jammu & Kashmir and the leftovers of the dictatorship will be removed from this region as well. Peoples Party will continue its efforts for the well being of the people whose rights have been snatched by the dictators.