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vohweekly
Month in Review- December from September, 2010
Participants if one day media advocacy work shop vow to initiate collaborative efforts to eradicate TB; 42 new cases identified during first two quarters in Hunza-Nagar district
VoH, RDs' Time Report
HUNZA, Karimabad, September: Collaborative conscious, integrated and comprehensive efforts are need of the hour to eradicate Tiber Closis, a silent killer in the region; Victims do not disclose the symptoms for Tuber Closis (T.B) is a fast spreading fatal disease and is usually considered as a mean and abominable disease in the society.
VoH, RDs' Time Report
HUNZA, Karimabad, September: Collaborative conscious, integrated and comprehensive efforts are need of the hour to eradicate Tiber Closis, a silent killer in the region; Victims do not disclose the symptoms for Tuber Closis (T.B) is a fast spreading fatal disease and is usually considered as a mean and abominable disease in the society.
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| HUNZA: Partcipants of the Media Advocacy session for TB control under Advocacy Communication and Social Mobilization (ACSM) exchanging their ideas regarding new approach. VoH Photo These views were expressed by participants during a one day media advocacy session by T.B control unit under the banner of Advocacy Communication and Social Mobilization (ACSM) programme in collaboration with Aga Khan Health Services Pakistan and few foreign NGOs here at a local hotel in Karimabad, Hunza on Wednesday. T.B control unit sought suggestions regarding new approaches, from media circles to implement initiative efficiently and effectively with in given periphery. Fida Nagri,social mobilizer T.B control unit shed light on efforts being done to keep the menace under control. Presenting his views, since last four years of its creation.Mr. Iftikhar Hussain said that those affected by this disease hardly disclose as it has had considered as abominable fatal disease. He emphasized to create more awareness through involving elders, scholars, writers, poets and other active civil society members to educate general masses about the causes, affects and cure to disease. For more, please log on:rdstime.blogspot.com |
Month in Review- August from January, 2010
Negligence or inability of public works department to deliver services- masses continue to suffer as the link roads not repaired so far
VoH Report
VoH Report
HUNZA, Karimabad, Hyderabad, Aliabad, August 31: As if it was not enough to face the troubles away from the families, who are already in trouble. A truck driver and cleaner got injuries in a road mishap at Karimabad, Hunza on last Sunday. Karakorum High Way ruined at various points right from the Besham to Khujarab pass during torrential rains and subsequent flooding along different nallahs in the region.
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| HUNZA, Hyderabad:Broken walls along parallel link road poses heavy vehicles to threats. VoH Photo |
Interestingly, a link road already with bad conditions due to lack of attention on part of public works department, provided a substitute for flow of traffic. Yet, with continuous rains, the walls and intersections at various places weakened gradually. The concerned department took little interest in the matter on pretext of lack of personnel and fuel. Constant flooding in three main nallahs namely, Phroo, Asaha,and Hyderbad Har (nallah) largely inundated KKH, leaving no option for public transport but to use only Aliabad, Karimabad and Ganish link road as alternate route.
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| HUNZA, Karimabad: A truck carrying goods from Attaabad blockade heading to down city ion last Saturday overturned due to bad road condition. Authorities allowed both heavy and light vehicles without ensuring proper repair of the Aliabad via Karimabad to Ganish link road. Image by Shams |
Few days earlier, a fleet of trucks carrying Chinese goods was allowed to use the same route in mid night without considering its condition. Consequently, last truck carrying tyres overturned, leaving two injured and ruined the potato crops under. Concerned department, instead of taking proper measures tried to place responsibility on the owner of the field who had left few stones on one side of the route. Public circles called upon regional government to repair this vital link road to facilitate not only the population along which it passes but also to have an alternative to use in times of necessity.
Impact of unemployment, adverse financial circumstances, poverty, social injustices-A man died of suicide attempt
VoH Report
VoH Report
HUNZA,Nasirabad, Aug 24: A man has reported died of suicide attempt yesterday night in Nasirabad.
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| HUNZA, Nasirabad: The body of deceased is kept on ground in front of people before burial. Image by: Shams |
According to the details, a man named as Shamsher , 38 son of Dudal Baig resident of Nasirabad, indigenously called Hindi committed suicide for an unknown reason by opening fire by a 30 bore pistol in his upper torso at 10:00 P.M on Monday in Nasirabad Hindi, lower Hunza limits. A local told Voice of Hunza that his father, a witness of the incident tried to stop him but he showed him gun and threaten to shot dead and immediately he opened fire on himself through a pistol gun. A local police person reached the spot and asked the family not to move the body till the police not arrive and take the body into custody to ascertain the reason of attempt. Interestingly, police could arrive at 9:00 A.M, around 11 hours later of the death of man. Police took the the body to civil hospital and after formal procedures brought to his ancestral town. The 38 years decease Shamsher, according to locals and his family was facing adverse financial circumstance, subsequent poverty and he left four sons and two daughters and wife behind. He was buried among hundreds in the ancestral graveyard in the afternoon.
Relief goods from Chinese government reached Gojal
VoH Report
VoH Report
GOJAL, Khyber, August 30: According to media sources, around 50 trucks loaded with around 3000 tons of relief items donated by Chinese government for Attaabad land slide affectees finally reached first Sost and then Khyber, Gojal on Monday. The goods including edible items and petroleum products were dispatched by Chinese government a week earlier which reached Sost dry port few days ago.
According to the officials that thousands of tons of relief goods would be distributed among the slide affected areas in Upstream to avert food crisis during the closure of Sino-Pakistan border for about next six months in winter. Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan Syed Mehdi Shah received the Chinese delegation in the form of convoy first at Sost during a special ceremony and then most of them were transferred to Gulmit, the Tehsil headquarter Gojal. He, on behalf of Gilgit-Baltistan government thanked Chinese government saying her a time-tested friend of Pakistan that helped us whenever it needed. Chief Secretary Babar Yaqoob Fatah Muhammad, Force commander and other government officials were also present on the occasion. Later, Chinese representatives handed over relief goods to the Pakistani officials which is said to be utilized to cope the new challenge in terms of scarcity of petroleum products in the region. Pakistani officials paid gratitude for aid package in hard times
According to the officials that thousands of tons of relief goods would be distributed among the slide affected areas in Upstream to avert food crisis during the closure of Sino-Pakistan border for about next six months in winter. Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan Syed Mehdi Shah received the Chinese delegation in the form of convoy first at Sost during a special ceremony and then most of them were transferred to Gulmit, the Tehsil headquarter Gojal. He, on behalf of Gilgit-Baltistan government thanked Chinese government saying her a time-tested friend of Pakistan that helped us whenever it needed. Chief Secretary Babar Yaqoob Fatah Muhammad, Force commander and other government officials were also present on the occasion. Later, Chinese representatives handed over relief goods to the Pakistani officials which is said to be utilized to cope the new challenge in terms of scarcity of petroleum products in the region. Pakistani officials paid gratitude for aid package in hard times
Gilani gives Rs 50 million for flood affected of Gilgit Baltistan
Monitoring Report
GILGIT, August 23: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani Monday handed over a cheque of Rs 50 million to the Chief Minister Gilgit Baltistan for the urgent purchase of food, medicine and relief goods for the flood affected people.The Prime Minister who is here on a day long visit to meet the people who have been displaced and affected by the recent heavy rains assured that the government would do all within its means to help the people. He handed over cheque of Rs 50 million to the Chief Minister for acquisition of urgent goods. Gilani was briefed at the airport about the devastation and urgent requirements of the area.Prime Minister Gilani also directed that 10 mobile medical units including male and female staff and Lady Health Visitors would be dispatched to the area. Besides, Gilani said, a field hospital with necessary equipment would also be rushed to the area.
Gilani when informed that the area had only ten days more of wheat left, assured that the government would ensure supply of wheat to the area. Accompanied by Ministers of Information Qamar Zaman Kaira, Water and Power Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Law Babar Awan, Communications Arbab Alamgir Khan and Chairman Pakistan Baitul Maal Zamurrad Khan, Gilani later went to visit Ganche and Diamir, to see for himself the devastation. Prime Minister Gilani met Chief Operating Manager of World Health Organisation Dr Altaf Musani while on his way to Gilgit from Islamabad, and assured that the organisation would do all to counter any epidemic in the flood affected areas, The Nation Reports.
GILGIT, August 23: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani Monday handed over a cheque of Rs 50 million to the Chief Minister Gilgit Baltistan for the urgent purchase of food, medicine and relief goods for the flood affected people.The Prime Minister who is here on a day long visit to meet the people who have been displaced and affected by the recent heavy rains assured that the government would do all within its means to help the people. He handed over cheque of Rs 50 million to the Chief Minister for acquisition of urgent goods. Gilani was briefed at the airport about the devastation and urgent requirements of the area.Prime Minister Gilani also directed that 10 mobile medical units including male and female staff and Lady Health Visitors would be dispatched to the area. Besides, Gilani said, a field hospital with necessary equipment would also be rushed to the area.
Gilani when informed that the area had only ten days more of wheat left, assured that the government would ensure supply of wheat to the area. Accompanied by Ministers of Information Qamar Zaman Kaira, Water and Power Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Law Babar Awan, Communications Arbab Alamgir Khan and Chairman Pakistan Baitul Maal Zamurrad Khan, Gilani later went to visit Ganche and Diamir, to see for himself the devastation. Prime Minister Gilani met Chief Operating Manager of World Health Organisation Dr Altaf Musani while on his way to Gilgit from Islamabad, and assured that the organisation would do all to counter any epidemic in the flood affected areas, The Nation Reports.
Scorching sun accelerates glacier melting rate in Upstream for last two days; sliding remained continued over the blockade, out flow increases as the spill way widens of rapid erosion
VoH Weekly ReportAttaabad, Gulmit, Hunza,July 21: The high temperature for last two days has accelerated melting rate of glaciers in Upstream serving to increase inflow in the barrier. According to the media reports, least difference between inflow and outflow has reportedly halted any further increase in level of water in the Attaabad land slide spawned lake. Nevertheless, the gradual widening of spill way due to rapid erosion gave more way for overflow, bringing the discharge around 21,500 Cu-sec at exit point..
On the other hand, a huge part of the mount above the blockade as well as the Eastern part of devastated Attaabad and Sarat hamlet is in vulnerable condition as the land sliding remained continue from the dawn to dust. Geological experts, monitoring the movement of glaciers, rocks and water has warned of slid of this huge part at the bottleneck around the blockade site. Public circles have demanded of government to take possible steps to avert any mishap and ensure moment of commuters. Experts feared in case of slide of such a huge mass may serve to block flow of water via spill way.
President asks Shah to pay special attention to communication projects in Gilgit-Baltistan
Monitoring Desk
The President asked the Chief Minister to pay special attention to communications and connectivity projects in Gilgit-Baltistan which,he said, were crucial for the long term development of the region. The President apprised the Chief Minister that two MoUs had been signed during his recently concluded visit to China for building of 165 km long Jaglot- Skardu road and 135 km long Thakot-Sazin road.
He said that Pakistan was also seeking Chinese assistance in the proposed realignment of Karakurram Highway - a part of which had been submerged in the AttaAbad Lake. The President also urged for undertaking all possible measures for rehabilitation and maximum facilitation of the victims of AttaAbad Lake. He said that the federal government would continue to assist local authorities and provide all possible support for relief and rehabilitation of the displaced people through the National Disaster Management Authority, Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal, BISP and other government agencies. Syed Mehdi Shah thanked the President for his keen interest in development of Gilgit- Baltistan and rehabilitation of AttaAbad lake victims.
On the other hand, geological experts observing the movement of rocks have warned of possiblity of fall of rest of the forty percent are and asked public to avoid to get approach to the red zones.
He said that Pakistan was also seeking Chinese assistance in the proposed realignment of Karakurram Highway - a part of which had been submerged in the AttaAbad Lake. The President also urged for undertaking all possible measures for rehabilitation and maximum facilitation of the victims of AttaAbad Lake. He said that the federal government would continue to assist local authorities and provide all possible support for relief and rehabilitation of the displaced people through the National Disaster Management Authority, Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal, BISP and other government agencies. Syed Mehdi Shah thanked the President for his keen interest in development of Gilgit- Baltistan and rehabilitation of AttaAbad lake victims.
On the other hand, geological experts observing the movement of rocks have warned of possiblity of fall of rest of the forty percent are and asked public to avoid to get approach to the red zones.
WORLD BANK REFUSES TO FUND BHASHA-DIAMIR DAM
Bureau ReportISLAMABAD, July 02:(Hassan Mohammad Zaman) World Bank has categorically refused to fund water and energy projects in Azad Jammu Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan including the Diamir-Bhasha dam in Pakistan, on alleged Indian objections. The World Bank isn’t ready to fund any projects in disputed area.
The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) of Pakistan were told about the refusal in a recent meeting. Water and Power Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf, WAPDA chairman Shakeel Durrani, officials of the planning commission the finance ministry and the Economic Affairs Division attended the meeting held at the Water and Power ministry on hydropower generation and water resources. The bank’s refusal to provide funds has virtually endangered the practicability of the Bhasha Dam. Based on technical and feasibility reports, huge amounts have already been spent since 2006. WAPDA required thirty to forty billion dollars for the project, including the Bhasha Dam and another 15 projects to meet the growing electricity requirements through cheap power.
Frequent power outages have caused huge country wide protests increasing the pressure on government to build new water reservoirs. According to media source,WAPDA officials informed about it to National Assembly (NA) standing committee on inter-provincial coordination here Friday.The officials informed members of the standing committee that India had called to question the status of Gilgit – Baltistan and the World Bank apparently, declared the Indian stance correct.
Bureau ReportISLAMABAD, July 02:(Hassan Mohammad Zaman) World Bank has categorically refused to fund water and energy projects in Azad Jammu Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan including the Diamir-Bhasha dam in Pakistan, on alleged Indian objections. The World Bank isn’t ready to fund any projects in disputed area.
The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) of Pakistan were told about the refusal in a recent meeting. Water and Power Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf, WAPDA chairman Shakeel Durrani, officials of the planning commission the finance ministry and the Economic Affairs Division attended the meeting held at the Water and Power ministry on hydropower generation and water resources. The bank’s refusal to provide funds has virtually endangered the practicability of the Bhasha Dam. Based on technical and feasibility reports, huge amounts have already been spent since 2006. WAPDA required thirty to forty billion dollars for the project, including the Bhasha Dam and another 15 projects to meet the growing electricity requirements through cheap power.
Frequent power outages have caused huge country wide protests increasing the pressure on government to build new water reservoirs. According to media source,WAPDA officials informed about it to National Assembly (NA) standing committee on inter-provincial coordination here Friday.The officials informed members of the standing committee that India had called to question the status of Gilgit – Baltistan and the World Bank apparently, declared the Indian stance correct.
Commuters calls for accommodation facility at Aliabad; replacement of boat service demanded; transport charges beyond payment capacity of far-flung population
VoH Weekly Report |
| HUNZA: Commuters stranded at Aliabad have to spend hours under scorching sun with out any accommodation facility for them. Image by: Shams |
They have demanded of regional government to take immediate steps to resume boat service in order to reduce burden or pressure on airlift. "Amidst economic disparities and prices hikes, travelers have to face various issues ranging from accommodation to food on the way as nothing is certain," said Aslam of Gulkin.
Sher Alam, a resident of Passu claimed that despite of spending three days, he was unable to get permission to abroad saying many people with acquaintances to authorities manage to travel on the same day of their arrival to Aliabad.
Shreen Bibi, a dweller of Shishkat also blamed for Mal-treatment of personnel deputed for the facilitation of commuters saying her child was forced to travel on the next day on pretext of fewer sorties to their respective places. Shehzad Ali of Chipurson claimed that in case of successful airlift the next stage is even more hazardous journey saying transport fares were beyond the payment capacity of majority of the people of the far-flung valleys of Gojal." We people have to pay thrice travel charges for what they had to pay once," he added. Mere three tents have been installed to facilitate travelers especially to female but proved utterly insufficient due to lack of other facilities like sanitation etc.
Sher Alam, a resident of Passu claimed that despite of spending three days, he was unable to get permission to abroad saying many people with acquaintances to authorities manage to travel on the same day of their arrival to Aliabad.
Shreen Bibi, a dweller of Shishkat also blamed for Mal-treatment of personnel deputed for the facilitation of commuters saying her child was forced to travel on the next day on pretext of fewer sorties to their respective places. Shehzad Ali of Chipurson claimed that in case of successful airlift the next stage is even more hazardous journey saying transport fares were beyond the payment capacity of majority of the people of the far-flung valleys of Gojal." We people have to pay thrice travel charges for what they had to pay once," he added. Mere three tents have been installed to facilitate travelers especially to female but proved utterly insufficient due to lack of other facilities like sanitation etc.
Behria Town for affectees reached Hunza
VoH Report
HUNZA, Aliabad, May 31: Relief goods comprising floor, cooking oil, ghee, pulses, life saving medicines and many other essentials from Behria Town residency, Islamabad reached Aliabad, Hunza here on Tuesday Morning.VoH Report
Interestingly, he could not spare time to answer a question of VoH that though the relief items for affectees of Hunza was a great contribution but why half of items were unloaded at Gilgit? It was pertinent to tell our leaders, trucks carrying relief goods used to bring half of items only while the record of rest is unknown.Which is a big concern for intelligentsia.
Overflow around 4800 cu-sec, equals to inflow cumulatively, swelling of lake stopped in Upstream areas; around 180 houses , four community homes, 2 D.J. High School, three community led primary schools, one maternity home, a dispensary, vocational school, 20,000 canal cultivated land and 250,000 trees submerged in Ayeenabad and Shishkat; Hundreds of houses, a community home, commercial market, restaurants and thousands of canals of land , orchards along trees sank in Gulmit and Hussani, erosion expands spill-way around 35 meter; local authorities resumes helicopter, boat service
Bureau ReportHUNZA, Gojal, June 05: According to media sources, the length of the land slide spawned lake after stretching to 22 kilometer has stopped further expansion in Upstream area early this morning. According to Zafar Waqar Taj, deputy commissioner, Hunza-Nagar, the lake has stopped to expend after 7: 00 A.M, Friday. It was for the first time that entry of water in the lake was equal to the out flow at around 4800 cusec per second. The local administration has resumed both boat and helicopter service following normality in weather after a heavy rain pour that suspended chopper services, causing many people to get stranded at Aliabad, Gulmit, Shishkat and Husani.
Image Source: daveslandslideblog.blogspot.com
Deputy Commissioner sources claimed that flow of water at the various points like that in Ganish was around 4800 equal to water being entering in the barrier.
For more, please visit:www.rdstime.blogspot.com
Aliabad Headquarter Civil hospital out of proper medical staff, a local lady specialist doctor fills the vacuum
Bureau Report HUNZA, June 4: Aliabad, the Tehsil Headquarter Civil hospital is out of proper medical staff. According to the details, government civil hospital, Aliabad which serves as a focal point for the patients of both Hunza and Nagar was facing shortage of medical staff.A graceful building of PC-4, being constructed to upgrade existing health facility was in the last phase of its completion still did not get adequate paramedical and addition medical officers to cater the need being faced in wake of influx of hundreds patients from the newly paralyzed district that lack its self lack proper departmentalization.
For More please visit: www.rdstime.blogspot.com
What ails you- CBR to impose value added Tax in Gilgit Baltistan; Parliament has powers to accept or reject VAT: CBR Chairman
VoH Monitor
ISLAMABAD, March 18: ( APP/AFP) Sohail Ahmed, chairman Federal Board of Revenue has said that about 40 million rupee will be additional income from value added taxes to be imposed in Gilgit Baltistan.He said that Wheat, flour, pulses, education, live saving medicines and health as well as imports will be exempt from value added tax. He said that Value Added Tax bill sought no role of International Monitory Fund (IMF) and World Bank (WB).
VoH Monitor
ISLAMABAD, March 18: ( APP/AFP) Sohail Ahmed, chairman Federal Board of Revenue has said that about 40 million rupee will be additional income from value added taxes to be imposed in Gilgit Baltistan.He said that Wheat, flour, pulses, education, live saving medicines and health as well as imports will be exempt from value added tax. He said that Value Added Tax bill sought no role of International Monitory Fund (IMF) and World Bank (WB).
Chairman FBR Sohail Ahmed ON Thursday said that the Value Added Tax (VAT) regime was not being implemented in the country on the dictations of International Monitory Fund (IMF) or World Bank (WB) and the parliament had the powers to accept or reject the same. He was addressing a session of Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industries (RCCI) at Pearl Continental here, which was also attended by the presidents of Chambers and Industries from across the country. He said the implementation of the VAT from July 2010 in place of existing General Sales Tax, could only be possible if all the federating units agreed on it. He said the VAT would ensure sovereign Pakistan. The final draft of the Value Added Tax (VAT) regime would be ready by the end of April or the beginning of May. The discussion in parliament committees would be started from this month. The VAT would be in final shape within a period of two months. VAT is currently implemented in 34 countries of the world. He said Pakistan had the potential to collect around Rs 2200 to Rs 2300 billion tax. If the taxes are collected according to the potential there would be no need to beg from International Monitory Fund or World Bank.The Federal Cabinet on Wednesday discussed the draft of Value Added Tax (VAT) Law in the presence of provincial Chief Ministers and decided that in order to get the country out of its current resource crunch, it is imperative to expand the resource base and consider the VAT Law as an important part of this effort. This was stated by Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira during a joint press briefing alongwith Minister for Interior Rehman Malik on Wednesday. The briefing was held after a special meeting of the Cabinet held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani here to discuss counter-terrorism measures with special focus on inter-provincial efforts in this respect. The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers, Ministers of State, Advisors to the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers of the four provinces and Prime Minister of AJK as well as the Provincial Chief Secretaries, IGs of Police and Chief of General Staff, GHQ. The minister told the briefing that the Cabinet decided that all the provinces will introduce the Provincial VAT Bill 2010 in their respective Provincial Assemblies immediately, so as to enable their respective finance Committees to deliberate the proposed law for its final disposal by June 2010.
Novroze is being celebrated in Gilgit-Blatistan
VoH Weekly Report
HUNZA, March 21:(Shamsuddin Muhammad) Novroze Festival is being celebrated with simplicity this year in most of the valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan. In Hunza-Nagar, the festival is observed with great zeal. Nevertheless, due to natural disaster of landsliding and its negative implications faced by Upper Hunza has overshadowed the the celebration. The day will start with special prayers in mosques, Jamat Khanas for world peace, prosperity and good time in future; and will mark the very first day of the natural calender of year lasts as a legacy of ancient Persian and central Asian tradition. According to the thinkers, the day itself brings a message to contemplate over nature for man is an important part of nature; emphasizes upon tolerance, patience and brotherhood among the human kind in the world. It also elucidates a philosophy that every autumn is followed by a spring; every difficulty is followed by ease; darkness is destined to light later. It is pertinent to mention here that majority of the areas in country in general and rest of the world in particular do not know about this festival for either they are deprived of diversity of seasonal manifestation(have only two seasons like summer and winter) or did not realized the change manifested in every living being on this world. May Lord bring the whole year with happiness, peace, solidarity and mutual love among human beings and eliminate hatred in our hearts for the others.On this occasion, we, the team of Voice of Hunza would like to extend our wishes for all our readers and pray for a good year with happiness and peace.
Apprehensions become reality-A massive landslide turns the whole settlement into rubble;scores of trapped under rubble many hours; authorities did not take notice
VoH Weekly report
HUNZA, Attabad , January 2010 : A massive landslide destroyed nearly seventy percent of the Attabad village, leaving ten dead and dozens trapped under the rubble for many hours. According to initial reports from the affected area, the incident took place at 2 P.M. causing the Jamat Khana, a middle School and more than twenty five residential and dozens of cattle houses. Rescue work underway and number of volunteers, boy scouts , local representatives and government officials are busy to avoid further casualities.
HUNZA, Attabad , January 2010 : A massive landslide destroyed nearly seventy percent of the Attabad village, leaving ten dead and dozens trapped under the rubble for many hours. According to initial reports from the affected area, the incident took place at 2 P.M. causing the Jamat Khana, a middle School and more than twenty five residential and dozens of cattle houses. Rescue work underway and number of volunteers, boy scouts , local representatives and government officials are busy to avoid further casualities.
On the other hand sliding has changed course of Hunza river while Karakoram Highway (KKH) has been closed for traffic. Health department has declared emergency in all hospitals of Gilgit-Baltistan. Voice of Hunza had published a comprehensive report a couple of days ago but due to negligence of concerned authorities finally lead to loss of lives of common masses due to massive land slide.
Qouta for G.B students in Professional Institutes, colleges doubled
VoH Monitor
Qouta for G.B students in Professional Institutes, colleges doubled
VoH Monitor
LAHORE, Jan. 03, 2010: (Samar Abbas) According to media sources, Punjab government has announced increase of existing quota for students from Gilgit Baltistan in professional studies like MBBS, BDS, Vaternity and other relevant disciplines in the government colleges and universities. The concerned Punjab Department, on Saturday issued a notification with a review and fifty percent increase of seats: from 30 to 60 in both medical and dental and agricultural colleges and universities in the province. According to details, the existing MBBS seats will be doubled from three to six in the King Edward Medical University, Lahore; existing one to two in the Nishtar Medical College, Multan; from three to six in Quaid-e-Azam Medical College, Bahawalpur; from two to four in the Punjab Medical College, Faisalabad, from four to eight in the Rawalpindi Medical College; from existing three to six in the Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore; from four to eight in the Fatima Jinnah Medical College, Lahore; three to six in the Services Institute of Medical Sciences, Lahore and from two to four in the Shaikh Zayed Medical College, Rahimyar Khan. For BDS, the seats will be doubled from existing three to six in de’ Montmorency College of Dentistry, Lahore, and from existing two to four in the Nishtar Medical College (Dental Section), Multan. The students of Gilgit Baltistan shall receive free education until the completion of their academic courses as they will not be charged any tuition fee during their studies in medical colleges of Punjab.
Civil society calls for rehabilitation of Attaabad affecties; the area turned into battle ground of humanity and natural forces, gradually says Hakim Khan
VoH Report
HUNZA, Attaabad, Jan. 01, 2010: (Shamsuddin Muhammad) The affected area of Attaabad village has turned into a battle ground between human and natural forces and in the quest, property has been lost due to slope failure and sliding. This was stated by Mr. Hakim Khan, notable Attaabad, a village 760 Kilometers away from Capital, about thirty killometers of Aliaabad and 55 killometers from Karakorum High Way above Sarat village on a steep slope in Central Hunza. A large part of village settlement is suffered due to continuous movement of ground level for last four years causing houses pitched on mountain slope in Attaabad village. The valley was first inhibited by the Hunza people who were sent by the then Mir (ruler) of Hunza for cultivation and has remained an issolated village, an example of negligence of local and regional leadership. Mr.Hakim clarify that cracks were appeared very first time on top of the settlement when a high magnitude earth quack waves shoke the village in 1994, causing to move a certain area about 1000 feet above the residential periphery. The cracks began to get wider when the upper verburden slop started to move outward causing the soil sliding and eneven leveling of cultivated land, gradually. As a result, during last four years,the settlement affected badly;residential houses of about twenty six and agricultural land propert of sixty six families were forced to evacuate the area.
The situation became even more serious when a Kashmir earth quake of October, 2005 hit the area and intensified the movement of rocks, destroyed houses. Reports like that of Geological Survey of Pakistan (GSP) have declare the area a potential threat, which can demolish either gradually or haphazardly. These reports have recommended for public safety, animal and agricultural property. With the passage of time, the width of trenches have been increased as rain, snow melting water entering into cracks. The affected area is extremely cold during winter season; yet, four months of Summer remains only a pleasant season for the inhibitants. On the other hand, we should applaud their patience and endurance. Despite havy sufferings, the inhibitants are ready to face circumstances. Every day life is still alive and hostilities of natural forces could not impinge in the way of their little happinesses as evident from a wedding ceremony in the village in the photograph. Pulblic circles has urged the local administration to ensure the safe evacuation of dwellers of the affected areas at their earliest.
Civil society calls for rehabilitation of Attaabad affecties; the area turned into battle ground of humanity and natural forces, gradually says Hakim Khan
VoH Report
HUNZA, Attaabad, Jan. 01, 2010: (Shamsuddin Muhammad) The affected area of Attaabad village has turned into a battle ground between human and natural forces and in the quest, property has been lost due to slope failure and sliding. This was stated by Mr. Hakim Khan, notable Attaabad, a village 760 Kilometers away from Capital, about thirty killometers of Aliaabad and 55 killometers from Karakorum High Way above Sarat village on a steep slope in Central Hunza. A large part of village settlement is suffered due to continuous movement of ground level for last four years causing houses pitched on mountain slope in Attaabad village. The valley was first inhibited by the Hunza people who were sent by the then Mir (ruler) of Hunza for cultivation and has remained an issolated village, an example of negligence of local and regional leadership. Mr.Hakim clarify that cracks were appeared very first time on top of the settlement when a high magnitude earth quack waves shoke the village in 1994, causing to move a certain area about 1000 feet above the residential periphery. The cracks began to get wider when the upper verburden slop started to move outward causing the soil sliding and eneven leveling of cultivated land, gradually. As a result, during last four years,the settlement affected badly;residential houses of about twenty six and agricultural land propert of sixty six families were forced to evacuate the area.
The situation became even more serious when a Kashmir earth quake of October, 2005 hit the area and intensified the movement of rocks, destroyed houses. Reports like that of Geological Survey of Pakistan (GSP) have declare the area a potential threat, which can demolish either gradually or haphazardly. These reports have recommended for public safety, animal and agricultural property. With the passage of time, the width of trenches have been increased as rain, snow melting water entering into cracks. The affected area is extremely cold during winter season; yet, four months of Summer remains only a pleasant season for the inhibitants. On the other hand, we should applaud their patience and endurance. Despite havy sufferings, the inhibitants are ready to face circumstances. Every day life is still alive and hostilities of natural forces could not impinge in the way of their little happinesses as evident from a wedding ceremony in the village in the photograph. Pulblic circles has urged the local administration to ensure the safe evacuation of dwellers of the affected areas at their earliest.
