Current Final

Tag: Gilgit Baltistan

  • Gul Bar Khan elected as Gilgit-Baltistan’s new chief minister

    Gul Bar Khan elected as Gilgit-Baltistan’s new chief minister

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) forward bloc leader Gul Bar Khan has been elected as the new Chief Minister of Giglit-Baltistan (GB) on Thrusday.

    Gul Bar received 19 votes out of 20 members present in the assembly. He got elected unopposed after the other three opponents withdrew their nomination papers.

    Haji Gul Bar Khan had the support of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP).


    It should be noted that former Chief Minister Khalid Khursheed of the PTI got unqualified in a fake degree case. After his disqualification, the number of members of the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly has reduced to 32.

  • At least 9 killed after avalanche hits Gilgit Baltistan’s Astore region

    At least 9 killed after avalanche hits Gilgit Baltistan’s Astore region

    At least 9 people were killed and 26 were injured in an avalanche in the Astore district of Gilgit Baltistan on Saturday.

    The accident occurred in the Shounter Top area of the district.

    Local police have confirmed the death toll while also expressing concerns that the number of victims could rise as rescue operations go on. Many individuals are still believed to be buried under the debris.

    Locals gathered to provide support and aid to those affected by the disaster.

    Chief Minister of Gilgit Baltistan Khalid Khurshid Khan expressed sorrow over the fatalities and has ordered complete rescue operations.

  • Smuggled phones flood AJK and GB as device identification system remains unimplemented

    Smuggled phones flood AJK and GB as device identification system remains unimplemented

    According to a source in the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the non-implementation of the Device Identification, Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS) has led to an increase in the use of smuggled mobile phones in the Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan region. Unlike the rest of the country, the Special Communications Organisation (SCOM) is the main mobile phone operator in this region, and the DIRBS does not apply to its connections.

    The purpose of the DIRBS is to identify non-compliant devices operating on local mobile networks and eventually block them while registering compliant ones. Despite a halt in local manufacturing and import of mobile phones, around 100,000 mobile phones are being smuggled into the region every month.

    Industry experts have confirmed that non-duty paid mobile phones smuggled from Dubai have made their way to the region. Zeeshan Mianoor, Deputy Vice Chairman of Pakistan Mobile Phone Manufacturers Association, stated that the monthly sales of local mobile sets were around 2 million devices, with around 8-10% of them sold in the AJK and GB region.

    According to Dawn, Muhammad Ishaq Jalal, a Skardu-based journalist, explained that unregistered phones do not work in mainland Pakistan, but they operate on SCOM, and the same connection works in mainland Pakistan on the Ufone network due to the agreement between SCOM and Ufone. Jalal also noted that expensive, used smartphones are available at reasonable prices in the GB region because many of them are blocked in mainland Pakistan either because they were not registered with PTA or stolen, and their IMEI has been blocked.

    The spokesperson of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) stated that both the PTA and the Ministry of IT and Telecom have requested the Cabinet Division to ensure the implementation of DIRBS on SCOM. The spokesperson added that the system would be extended to the SCOM connections once the Cabinet Division approves the request. The DIRBS was introduced to protect local mobile device manufacturing by imposing duties on imports of mobile phones, as well as those brought by travellers coming from abroad. However, this system also helped to reduce mobile phone smuggling.

  • Restaurant shut down by Assistant Commissioner for refusing to give discount, claim owners

    Restaurant shut down by Assistant Commissioner for refusing to give discount, claim owners

    Yak Grill in Gilgit has shared a post on their Instagram page revealing that their eatery had been sealed by Assistant Comissioner Gojal, Rao Rafy Afzal, because they had refused to give the administration a discount.
    In the caption, the owners revealed that they would be challenging this order in court and called out the AC for the corrupt practice.

    “AC Gojal Rao Rafy Afzal has illegally sealed Yakgrill restaurant in Passu, Gojal, Hunza due to the restaurant not providing discounts to the administration.
    He made electric heaters in the restaurant a base and sealed the restaurant. The right to operate a business and offer services is protected under the law, and it is important that these rights are upheld and respected.
    We will challenge this in court to restore our operation as soon as possible.
    Our restaurant will remain close till further notice .”

    In a video that is currently circulating on Twitter, AC Afzal can be seen in an argument with the owners.

    The Current reached out to AC Afzal who explained that the restaurant had broken Section 144, which is a law pertaining to using electric heaters. Upon inspection, the team had found electric heaters in use and thus gave orders to shut down the place.
    “The owners are spreading propaganda to hide the truth. We had imposed Section 144 CrPC on the use of electric heaters. On spot checking and inspection they were found using them. Thus, orders were given to seal the restaurant and to confiscate the heaters. Upon which the owner and his team used threatening and offensive language. They came up with this fake story to cover up. The owner is being prosecuted against under PPC for relevant offences.”

    On whether this Section has been imposed before on other restaurants before and why was this the issue to focus on, the AC responded that it was due to the electricity shortage problem which is why it was emphasized on.

    “This is enforced all over Gojal. There is shortage of electricity in Gojal. Which is why this was imposed.”

    Regarding whether Yak Grill and its owners were given a prior warning about their use of electric heaters before being sealed, the AC responded with:

    “The administration issues a notification/ order under Sec 144 CrPC which is displayed on social media and showcased at different places also. Individuals/ hotels/ restaurants can’t be sent such an order individually as it’s administratively impossible.

    It’s an open truth. Spot checking is done afterwards and legal action is taken. The notification/ order was passed on November 28th which has validity of 90 days.”

  • ‘Mujhe gaali dega, mai uskay jawab mein thapar maaroonga usko’: PPP’s Kaira’s argument with journalist Kazmi

    ‘Mujhe gaali dega, mai uskay jawab mein thapar maaroonga usko’: PPP’s Kaira’s argument with journalist Kazmi

    Adviser to Prime Minister (PM) for Kashmir & Gilgit Baltistan, Qamar Zaman Kaira, in a verbal argument with journalist Athar Kazmi said that no one has the right to verbally abuse him.

    Speaking on Samaa News’ programme, ‘Meray Sawal with Mansoor Ali Khan’, Kaira said, “If someone verbally abuses me, I will slap them in return.”

    The panel of guests, which included Athar Kazmi, was discussing how families should be excluded from political criticism. Kaira argued that it was highly inappropriate to drag families into the criticism. Kazmi went on to say that it is inappropriate but not a crime.

    Kaira shrugged the point off, telling Kazmi not to become partisan while following someone. Kazmi added that one should be patient in arguments, to which Kaira responded, “I do not give anyone the right to abuse me.”

    Kazmi then posed a question, asking where it was written in the law or in the constitution that one could file a case against someone for verbally abusing them? Anchorperson Mansoor Ali Khan interjected and said it was possible.

    Kaira responded, “Defamation can be both civil and criminal. An FIR followed by an arrest can happen in such a case.”

  • Gilgit-Baltistan minister, abducted by militants, returns home

    Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Prisons Minister Colonel (retd) Abaidullah Baig has returned home after being abducted by militants on Friday while en route to Skardu from Islamabad.

    According to police, the minister was travelling with two foreigners when abducted by terrorists.

    Geo News’ sources have said that the kidnappers had demanded the release of their jailed accomplices.

    Earlier, former GB government spokesperson Faizullah told Geo News that he has spoken to the minister and talks were underway for the release. He had said he was present at the Jirga where negotiations were held with the kidnappers.

    Faizullah said that the militants had kept Baig and his companions in a house for six hours. They were released at 3am after negotiations.

    Baig was elected from Hunza 6 on a PTI ticket and he is a member of the GB Legislative Assembly since 2020.

  • Free-of-cost bus service launched in Gilgit-Baltistan for women

    Free-of-cost bus service launched in Gilgit-Baltistan for women

    A women-only, free-of-cost bus service has been launched in Gilgit-Baltistan. It was inaugurated by Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) Chief Minister Khalid Khursheed. The bus service will initially be run on four routes.


    “Pink buses for women have been inaugurated today by Chief Minister GB. For the first time in Pakistan’s history, free buses for women have been launched. Three buses each have been made operational in Gilgit and Skardu city, with the government planning to expand it to further areas of the province,” a tweet by Office of the Chief Secretary, Gilgit Baltistan read.


    4 routes have been earmarked where buses will operate at two times i.e. 6am to 9am and 1pm to 3pm. Female students, doctors, teachers, lawyers and other professionals will benefit from this initiative. Traffic police have been instructed to facilitate these buses on roads,” It added.

    Free-of-cost bus service launched in Gilgit-Baltistan for women.

  • Monsoon in Pakistan: What is the situation now?

    Monsoon in Pakistan: What is the situation now?

    The Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned Sindh of another monsoon spell this week from Thursday (July 14) till Monday (July 18). It is also said that sea conditions will also remain “rough to very rough” during this timeframe.

    The Met department also said that torrential rains may generate urban flooding in Karachi, Hyderabad and other cities. It has also advised that travellers and tourists remain cautious during the forecast period.

    Climate Change Minister Sherry Rehman shared a rain update on her Twitter, saying: “Sindh and Balochistan still under heavy monsoon pressure for the last 13 days. Sindh is 625 per cent above the 30-year average while Balochistan is 501.”

    Action taken by the authorities:

    Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has claimed that rainwater from 90 per cent of the city has been drained out and roads have been cleared.

    Meanwhile, K-Electric spokesperson Imran Rana tweeted, “Wherever possible power has been restored, however, few parts of DHA remain severely water logged like Bukhari Commercial seen below (as of 10:00 PM 12th July). Power in inundated areas expected to be restored once water recedes to safe operating levels.”

    On Sunday, the Sindh government imposed a rain emergency in Karachi after severe rain. Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa took an aerial view of Karachi on Tuesday to oversee the catastrophic situation.

    The Pakistan Navy is also taking part in the relief and rescue operations.

    Destruction

    According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and Sindh Police, 49 people have died in the province, 31 in Karachi alone, in the monsoon spell from July 4 to July 12.

    In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), at least six people were killed in Swabi, Mardan, South Waziristan and Bajaur districts. The rains also damaged the crops and infrastructure. Swabi, Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Nowshera and Malakand were the worst affected.

    https://twitter.com/AlySyyed/status/1546142995099095040?s=20&t=QoYYOLOXER70LfjJXTHi5A

    Six people died and dozens of houses collapsed throughout over Eid across Balochistan. Many areas across Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) were cut off from each other after roads, bridges, electricity supply and properties were damaged due to the melting glaciers.

  • Tourists stranded at Babusar Top after heavy snowfall

    Tourists stranded at Babusar Top after heavy snowfall

    Heavy snowfall in Gilgit-Baltistan’s Babusar Top area has trapped many tourists including their vehicles.

    According to the government, up to 3 inches of snow have fallen on the Babusar Top and emergency teams have been sent to the area to evacuate tourists who have got stuck in their vehicles. Passengers and visitors are advised to avoid using the highway until further notice.

    Heavy snowfall is continuing at Babusar Top, according to the Gilgit-Baltistan chief secretary, and the Babusar-Naran National Highway has been momentarily closed for all kinds of traffic.

    More than 50 vehicles, carrying lots of passengers and visitors, were evacuated at Babusar Top due to snowfall and harsh weather, as per rescue personnel. The rescued tourists were taken to Babusar Centre.

    Periodic snowfall is continuing at Babusar Top, according to rescue officials, while the mercury has fallen below freezing.

  • Alert issued after Lahore and Islamabad terror attacks

    Alert issued after Lahore and Islamabad terror attacks

    The Interior Ministry of Pakistan has issued a notification on Saturday in which it directed the Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) to exercise “extreme vigilance”.

    The notification alert has asked LEAs of all provinces, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan to tighten security measures to prevent any unforeseen terror attacks.

    “… In view of recent terrorist attack in Anarkali Bazar, Lahore and threat posed by activities of anti-state elements, all provincial and special area governments/Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) are requested to exercise extreme vigilance and be on alert to deal with any untoward situation,” the notification said.

    On January 17, militants opened fire on a police checkpoint in the vicinity of the Karachi Company Police Station in Islamabad. The incident resulted in a policeman’s death and two injuries. The Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility.

    After this incident, Interior Minister, Sheikh Rasheed has also warned of more terrorism-related incidents in Islamabad and said that the capital’s police and other forces are on alert.

    However, another terror attack on January 20 took place in which terrorists targeted the famous Anarkali market in Lahore. Three people died and 28 people got injured in the Lahore bomb blast. An investigation is still underway.

    Sheikh Rasheed also faced criticism from the Opposition for rising terrorism activities in the country. One of the senators from the Opposition commented that he “not seen the interior minister in the House for any briefing during the last nine months”.