You do know that by "constitutional rights" they mean recognition of Gilgit Baltistan as a province?
Islamic Republic of Pakistan : News, Discussions & Updates
- Thread starter Butter Chicken
- Start date
I would say they just need some relief from high taxes. why hiding behind technicalities or declaration of province. It is under Pakistani control so pakistani government has responsibility towards citizens. I dont know whats tax rates now or what was earlier but there must be a strong reason for such a big crowd gathering up.
No that is not what the protest is really about.
They are protesting that if they want to pay federal taxes which is mandatory for all provinces, they must be recognized as an official province and full citizens. Their links with the Kashmir dispute (which they believe they have nothing to do with) hampers this effort.
You should read this article, it will explain you the situation more.
‘Almost’ Pakistan: Gilgit-Baltistan in a constitutional limbo - Pakistan - DAWN.COM
So they are all in situation of being kept in liquid oxygen. Liquid will not let them live and oxygen will not let them die.
What stops government to give them basic rights and facilities which a normal pakistani enjoys. When you collect taxes you do have responsibility towards citizens to provide them with basic infrastructure and means of livelihood.
Army warns US against ‘unilateral action’ in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: The military on Thursday warned the US against ‘unilateral action’, saying that despite its desire for cooperation on Afghanistan, there could be no compromise on national respect and sovereignty.
“The armed forces are working with friends and want to continue doing so, but there can be no compromise on our national honour. We do not want a conflict with our friends, but will ensure the security of Pakistan,” Military spokesperson Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor told a media briefing, recalling that the country was being threatened with “unilateral action” by the US.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) chief spoke in both English and Urdu, in what appeared to be an effort to convey the institutional sentiment to an international audience.
This is perhaps the strongest-ever reaction from Islamabad since US functionaries and statements recently began alluding to the possibility of unilateral action, amidst an ongoing row over alleged terrorist sanctuaries.
Earlier this month, CIA Director Mike Pompeo warned the US would do everything it could to ensure the elimination of “terrorist safe havens” in Pakistan.
Meanwhile, a Pentagon report on Afghanistan, released alongside Mr Pompeo’s statement, said the US could take “unilateral steps in areas of divergence”. The warnings were accentuated further when, during his trip to Afghanistan last week, Vice President Mike Pence said President Trump had put Pakistan on notice.
The military spokesman maintained that the nation would have to stand united in the face of possible unilateral action, saying such challenges could only be tackled through unity.
“Let it be known to all misadventure seekers and probably naïve thinkers that notwithstanding any temporary domestic differences, when it comes to security of our beloved Pakistan, we are all one,” he maintained. But he would not say how serious the threat was, even when asked directly.
Maj Gen Ghafoor said the “unfounded” US and Afghan narrative had lately acquired a “threatening” tone.
The spokesperson said the US claims were no longer valid after operations Zarb-i-Azb and Raddul Fasaad indiscriminately targeted terrorist of all shades. “We are confident that no terrorist organisation has an organized sanctuary in Pakistan”.
Rejecting the ‘do-more’ mantra, he said that after having fought “imposed and imported war(s) inside Pakistan” and having paid the price, there was a conviction that “we have done enough and we can’t do it any more for anyone”.
Nevertheless, he emphasised, Islamabad remained committed to assisting efforts for peace in Afghanistan due to its interest in seeing stability return to its war-ravaged neighbour.
He went on to list Pakistan’s expectations from the US: ending coercion, engagement based on trust and cooperation, repatriation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan, checking the Indian role in Afghanistan, and getting New Delhi to stop ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC).
This year alone, India has committed 1,813 ceasefire violations, the most since the 2003 truce. These resulted in 52 civilian casualties, as per the statistics shared at the briefing.
Referring to recent Indian claims of cross-LoC actions, which have already been denied by ISPR, he said Pakistan is a “responsible state” with a “professional army” and would not be led into an escalation trap.
“You cannot lure us into unprofessional undertakings to reinforce your beaten narrative of our physical interference in [India-held] Kashmir. Brave young Kashmiris are good enough for you,” he underscored.
Saying that threats had not yet subsided, Maj Gen Ghafoor noted that the current situation was the “new normal” as far as peace and security in the country was concerned.
Responding to a query about former army chief and president retired Gen Pervez Muharraf’s claim that “rogue elements within the establishment” could be involved in Benazir Bhutto’s murder, the spokesperson said there was no rogue element in the Pakistan Army.
“Journalists should ask Gen Musharraf to clarify his comments,” he said.
War of words
He also termed as ‘irresponsible’ a recent statement by Khawaja Saad Rafique, where the railways minister had called on army men to support Army Chief Gen Qamar Bajwa’s pro-democracy stance.
Responding to a question, Maj Gen Ghafoor said: “The statement was extremely irresponsible and unwarranted as it targets the chain of command. The Pakistan Army is a disciplined institution and the army chief’s orders are followed without question”.
He expressed “concern” over the statement, saying: “The army takes pride in its institutional mechanisms. These remarks should not have been made,” also noting that Mr Rafique’s statement did not appear to be unintended.
The ISPR chief went as far as to suggest that the statement could constitute a violation of the Constitution, given the constitutional privilege and protection enjoyed by the army. He said that since the army was operating within the confines of the Constitution, it expected others to observe the same.
“If this line is followed, it would create lot of rifts,” he cautioned.
At a political gathering a few days ago, Mr Rafique had hailed Gen Qamar Bajwa’s appearance before the Senate, saying that the army chief had openly supported democracy and democratic norms, adding that the rank and file should also emulate him.
He went on to clarify that he was referring to those who regularly committed “petty mischief”.
“Such mischievous actions would not get us anywhere, it is better we end them,” he had said.
Later on Thursday night, Mr Rafique expressed shock over the ISPR chief’s reaction, but said he stood by his remarks and was insistent that he had not issued any “irresponsible statement”.
In a series of tweets, and subsequently on Shahzeb Khanzada’s show on Geo News, he claimed that parts of his speech were presented in a distorted manner by “certain news channels”, but admitting that his party was not always in agreement with establishment on policy issues.
“People are aware of my intentions and they are very clear; national institutions such as the judiciary, parliament and the army should not get confrontational. This will only benefit our enemies. We should move forward with harmony and understanding.”
He also questioned Gen Musharraf’s reference to the possible involvement of “some rogue establishment elements” in Benazir Bhutto’s murder, saying: “No one questions him or raises concern when he makes such big claims,” Mr Rafique lamented.
ISLAMABAD: The military on Thursday warned the US against ‘unilateral action’, saying that despite its desire for cooperation on Afghanistan, there could be no compromise on national respect and sovereignty.
“The armed forces are working with friends and want to continue doing so, but there can be no compromise on our national honour. We do not want a conflict with our friends, but will ensure the security of Pakistan,” Military spokesperson Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor told a media briefing, recalling that the country was being threatened with “unilateral action” by the US.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) chief spoke in both English and Urdu, in what appeared to be an effort to convey the institutional sentiment to an international audience.
This is perhaps the strongest-ever reaction from Islamabad since US functionaries and statements recently began alluding to the possibility of unilateral action, amidst an ongoing row over alleged terrorist sanctuaries.
Earlier this month, CIA Director Mike Pompeo warned the US would do everything it could to ensure the elimination of “terrorist safe havens” in Pakistan.
Meanwhile, a Pentagon report on Afghanistan, released alongside Mr Pompeo’s statement, said the US could take “unilateral steps in areas of divergence”. The warnings were accentuated further when, during his trip to Afghanistan last week, Vice President Mike Pence said President Trump had put Pakistan on notice.
The military spokesman maintained that the nation would have to stand united in the face of possible unilateral action, saying such challenges could only be tackled through unity.
“Let it be known to all misadventure seekers and probably naïve thinkers that notwithstanding any temporary domestic differences, when it comes to security of our beloved Pakistan, we are all one,” he maintained. But he would not say how serious the threat was, even when asked directly.
Maj Gen Ghafoor said the “unfounded” US and Afghan narrative had lately acquired a “threatening” tone.
The spokesperson said the US claims were no longer valid after operations Zarb-i-Azb and Raddul Fasaad indiscriminately targeted terrorist of all shades. “We are confident that no terrorist organisation has an organized sanctuary in Pakistan”.
Rejecting the ‘do-more’ mantra, he said that after having fought “imposed and imported war(s) inside Pakistan” and having paid the price, there was a conviction that “we have done enough and we can’t do it any more for anyone”.
Nevertheless, he emphasised, Islamabad remained committed to assisting efforts for peace in Afghanistan due to its interest in seeing stability return to its war-ravaged neighbour.
He went on to list Pakistan’s expectations from the US: ending coercion, engagement based on trust and cooperation, repatriation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan, checking the Indian role in Afghanistan, and getting New Delhi to stop ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC).
This year alone, India has committed 1,813 ceasefire violations, the most since the 2003 truce. These resulted in 52 civilian casualties, as per the statistics shared at the briefing.
Referring to recent Indian claims of cross-LoC actions, which have already been denied by ISPR, he said Pakistan is a “responsible state” with a “professional army” and would not be led into an escalation trap.
“You cannot lure us into unprofessional undertakings to reinforce your beaten narrative of our physical interference in [India-held] Kashmir. Brave young Kashmiris are good enough for you,” he underscored.
Saying that threats had not yet subsided, Maj Gen Ghafoor noted that the current situation was the “new normal” as far as peace and security in the country was concerned.
Responding to a query about former army chief and president retired Gen Pervez Muharraf’s claim that “rogue elements within the establishment” could be involved in Benazir Bhutto’s murder, the spokesperson said there was no rogue element in the Pakistan Army.
“Journalists should ask Gen Musharraf to clarify his comments,” he said.
War of words
He also termed as ‘irresponsible’ a recent statement by Khawaja Saad Rafique, where the railways minister had called on army men to support Army Chief Gen Qamar Bajwa’s pro-democracy stance.
Responding to a question, Maj Gen Ghafoor said: “The statement was extremely irresponsible and unwarranted as it targets the chain of command. The Pakistan Army is a disciplined institution and the army chief’s orders are followed without question”.
He expressed “concern” over the statement, saying: “The army takes pride in its institutional mechanisms. These remarks should not have been made,” also noting that Mr Rafique’s statement did not appear to be unintended.
The ISPR chief went as far as to suggest that the statement could constitute a violation of the Constitution, given the constitutional privilege and protection enjoyed by the army. He said that since the army was operating within the confines of the Constitution, it expected others to observe the same.
“If this line is followed, it would create lot of rifts,” he cautioned.
At a political gathering a few days ago, Mr Rafique had hailed Gen Qamar Bajwa’s appearance before the Senate, saying that the army chief had openly supported democracy and democratic norms, adding that the rank and file should also emulate him.
He went on to clarify that he was referring to those who regularly committed “petty mischief”.
“Such mischievous actions would not get us anywhere, it is better we end them,” he had said.
Later on Thursday night, Mr Rafique expressed shock over the ISPR chief’s reaction, but said he stood by his remarks and was insistent that he had not issued any “irresponsible statement”.
In a series of tweets, and subsequently on Shahzeb Khanzada’s show on Geo News, he claimed that parts of his speech were presented in a distorted manner by “certain news channels”, but admitting that his party was not always in agreement with establishment on policy issues.
“People are aware of my intentions and they are very clear; national institutions such as the judiciary, parliament and the army should not get confrontational. This will only benefit our enemies. We should move forward with harmony and understanding.”
He also questioned Gen Musharraf’s reference to the possible involvement of “some rogue establishment elements” in Benazir Bhutto’s murder, saying: “No one questions him or raises concern when he makes such big claims,” Mr Rafique lamented.
Indian design to hamper CPEC project to be foiled, asserts Ahsan Iqbal
QUETTA: Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal has said that conspiracies being hatched by India against the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will be foiled with the support of the people of Pakistan.
Talking to journalists after inaugurating an executive passport office here on Thursday, he said that India was using the soil of Afghanistan for such conspiracies, but expressed the hope that the CPEC project would be made successful.
He said that Pakistan allowed the mother and wife of Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav to meet him purely on humanitarian grounds, but the same day the Indian army violated the ceasefire agreement and opened unprovoked fire from across the Line of Control, resulting in the martyrdom of three Pakistani soldiers.
The minister said that under the one-window operation at the executive passport office, 160 passports would be issued daily. Male and female applicants would be entertained separately, he added.
He said that earlier the people had faced difficulties in acquiring passports and CNICs, but now they would get the same facilities being enjoyed in developed countries.
Says Afghan soil being used for such conspiracies
“The PML-N government would fulfil all promises it made with the people,” the minister said.
Mr Iqbal said that the federal government was making all-out efforts to take Balochistan forward in the process of development so as to bring it on a par with other provinces of the country.
He said that the federal government had already started construction of roads to connect far-flung areas of Balochistan with main highways to provide batter travelling facilities to the people.
He said that the enemies of Pakistan were using different tactics and propaganda to fail it economically.
Mr Iqbal said that it was the PML-N government which ended loadshedding and energy shortfall in the country. He said that the PML-N would never go for a National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO).
He said that the policy of sit-ins must end as it would damage the country economically and politically and asked Allama Tahirul Qadri to abandon his sit-in plan and save the country from further damage.
The minister said that the United States should stop hurling threats at Pakistan and recognise the sacrifices it had rendered in the war against terrorism.
He said the PML-N government would complete its five-year term and elections would be held in 2018 on time.
QUETTA: Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal has said that conspiracies being hatched by India against the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will be foiled with the support of the people of Pakistan.
Talking to journalists after inaugurating an executive passport office here on Thursday, he said that India was using the soil of Afghanistan for such conspiracies, but expressed the hope that the CPEC project would be made successful.
He said that Pakistan allowed the mother and wife of Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav to meet him purely on humanitarian grounds, but the same day the Indian army violated the ceasefire agreement and opened unprovoked fire from across the Line of Control, resulting in the martyrdom of three Pakistani soldiers.
The minister said that under the one-window operation at the executive passport office, 160 passports would be issued daily. Male and female applicants would be entertained separately, he added.
He said that earlier the people had faced difficulties in acquiring passports and CNICs, but now they would get the same facilities being enjoyed in developed countries.
Says Afghan soil being used for such conspiracies
“The PML-N government would fulfil all promises it made with the people,” the minister said.
Mr Iqbal said that the federal government was making all-out efforts to take Balochistan forward in the process of development so as to bring it on a par with other provinces of the country.
He said that the federal government had already started construction of roads to connect far-flung areas of Balochistan with main highways to provide batter travelling facilities to the people.
He said that the enemies of Pakistan were using different tactics and propaganda to fail it economically.
Mr Iqbal said that it was the PML-N government which ended loadshedding and energy shortfall in the country. He said that the PML-N would never go for a National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO).
He said that the policy of sit-ins must end as it would damage the country economically and politically and asked Allama Tahirul Qadri to abandon his sit-in plan and save the country from further damage.
The minister said that the United States should stop hurling threats at Pakistan and recognise the sacrifices it had rendered in the war against terrorism.
He said the PML-N government would complete its five-year term and elections would be held in 2018 on time.
Transboundary dispute with India, root cause of China not financing Diamer-Bhasha Dam
ISLAMABAD: Due to lingering transboundary dispute with India, China has refused to provide financing for Diamer-Bhasha Dam, following in the footsteps of Asian Development Bank (ADB) and World Bank (WB).
Secretary Water Resources Shamail Ahmed Khawaja gave this news during a meeting of Cabinet Committee on CPEC, chaired by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, reported Business Recorder.
Mr. Khawaja provided status updates regarding suggestions to include Diamer-Bhasha Dam into China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He shared the Chinese had carried out a detailed feasibility study of DBD project and raised various concerns.
The concerns raised by the Chinese were linked to logistics, seismic hazard, social and environmental impact, geopolitical aspect and technical aspects of construction and equipment.
He further informed the committee regarding the transboundary issue raised by the Chinese and the Indian refusal to provide no-objection certificate to ADB and WB for financing this project. Khawaja said this seriously damaged the prospects of DBD’s inclusion into CPEC and concluded in Chinese assistance in not being materialized.
Secretary Power Division stated dam should be setup through indigenous resources via combination of commercial financing, PSDP grant and Wapda equity. He added power generation may be initiated 2-3 years after work on DBD starts.
Furthermore, over 85 percent of the land had already been purchased at a cost of Rs86 billion for DBD project and relocation/resettlement was underway, said Secretary power division.
In November, it was reported China’s demand of ownership rights and other strict conditions for Diamer-Bhasha dam had forced Pakistan to exclude this project from China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
This was stated by Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) Chairman Muzammil Hussain, who said Chinese conditions for financing Diamer-Bhasha dam weren’t workable and stood against the country’s interests.
He shared that Chinese conditions included taking ownership of project, operation and maintenance cost and securitization of Diamer-Bhasha project by promising another operational dam.
Considering these conditions as unacceptable, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi had moved a summary saying that Pakistan would finance Diamer-Bhasha dam from its own resources.
ISLAMABAD: Due to lingering transboundary dispute with India, China has refused to provide financing for Diamer-Bhasha Dam, following in the footsteps of Asian Development Bank (ADB) and World Bank (WB).
Secretary Water Resources Shamail Ahmed Khawaja gave this news during a meeting of Cabinet Committee on CPEC, chaired by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, reported Business Recorder.
Mr. Khawaja provided status updates regarding suggestions to include Diamer-Bhasha Dam into China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He shared the Chinese had carried out a detailed feasibility study of DBD project and raised various concerns.
The concerns raised by the Chinese were linked to logistics, seismic hazard, social and environmental impact, geopolitical aspect and technical aspects of construction and equipment.
He further informed the committee regarding the transboundary issue raised by the Chinese and the Indian refusal to provide no-objection certificate to ADB and WB for financing this project. Khawaja said this seriously damaged the prospects of DBD’s inclusion into CPEC and concluded in Chinese assistance in not being materialized.
Secretary Power Division stated dam should be setup through indigenous resources via combination of commercial financing, PSDP grant and Wapda equity. He added power generation may be initiated 2-3 years after work on DBD starts.
Furthermore, over 85 percent of the land had already been purchased at a cost of Rs86 billion for DBD project and relocation/resettlement was underway, said Secretary power division.
In November, it was reported China’s demand of ownership rights and other strict conditions for Diamer-Bhasha dam had forced Pakistan to exclude this project from China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
This was stated by Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) Chairman Muzammil Hussain, who said Chinese conditions for financing Diamer-Bhasha dam weren’t workable and stood against the country’s interests.
He shared that Chinese conditions included taking ownership of project, operation and maintenance cost and securitization of Diamer-Bhasha project by promising another operational dam.
Considering these conditions as unacceptable, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi had moved a summary saying that Pakistan would finance Diamer-Bhasha dam from its own resources.
India cut Siachen glacier using laser and killed Pak soldiers-Pak Media
India planned to make Kulbhushan disappear with clothes infused with Quantum technology-Pak Media
India planned to make Kulbhushan disappear with clothes infused with Quantum technology-Pak Media
10 FC soldiers injured in Quetta explosion
QUETTA: As many as 10 Frontier Corps (FC) soldiers were injured in an explosion in Quetta Tuesday evening.
According to sources, an FC check post in the city’s Baleli area was targetted.
Express News said intense gunfire was witnessed following the blast.
Security forces surrounded the area and rescue teams reached the scene. The injured were shifted to CMH, Quetta.
QUETTA: As many as 10 Frontier Corps (FC) soldiers were injured in an explosion in Quetta Tuesday evening.
According to sources, an FC check post in the city’s Baleli area was targetted.
Express News said intense gunfire was witnessed following the blast.
Security forces surrounded the area and rescue teams reached the scene. The injured were shifted to CMH, Quetta.
The Chinese are merely doing what colonisers have been doing throughout history. In recent times, the Indian battalions of the British Indian Army; the Vietnamisation of the Vietnam War; the reconstruction of the Iraqi Army, these are all reminders that a richer power hires poor recruits to avoid sacrificing its own citizens. And that's all that's happening here.
As if this august forum needed any refresher on the basics of international geopolitics!
As if this august forum needed any refresher on the basics of international geopolitics!
Couldn't help it; all the natural arrogance and uppity behaviour you've seen elsewhere coming bubbling out, uncorked by some unwary anonymous soul.
OK, Chief, I'll behave.
Couldn't help it; all the natural arrogance and uppity behaviour you've seen elsewhere coming bubbling out, uncorked by some unwary anonymous soul.
OK, Chief, I'll behave.
Nah Sir, your behavior here remains impeccable and indeed should be emulated. I am feeling quite relieved after logging out of someplace else on Dec 31, 2017 for the last time. My cup finally runneth over.
Pakistan Replaces Dollar With Yuan for Bilateral Trade With China
New Delhi: The central bank of Pakistan on Tuesday gave its green signal to using the Chinese currency, Yuan, for bilateral trade with China. The decision to cozy up to Beijing comes just a day after US President Donald Trump vowed to stop all aid to Islamabad.
Adoption of the Yuan would mean that Pakistan and China would be able to replace the US dollar for transactions in China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects.
Pakistan would now be able to pay for imports from China in Yuan and Chinese firms investing in CPEC projects in Pakistan would bring in funds and remit back their profits also in Yuan.
In a press release, the State Bank of Pakistan stated that “Chinese Yuan (CNY) is an approved foreign currency for denominating foreign currency transactions in Pakistan.”
New Delhi: The central bank of Pakistan on Tuesday gave its green signal to using the Chinese currency, Yuan, for bilateral trade with China. The decision to cozy up to Beijing comes just a day after US President Donald Trump vowed to stop all aid to Islamabad.
Adoption of the Yuan would mean that Pakistan and China would be able to replace the US dollar for transactions in China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects.
Pakistan would now be able to pay for imports from China in Yuan and Chinese firms investing in CPEC projects in Pakistan would bring in funds and remit back their profits also in Yuan.
In a press release, the State Bank of Pakistan stated that “Chinese Yuan (CNY) is an approved foreign currency for denominating foreign currency transactions in Pakistan.”
Good discussion on Pak media about what's coming next from USA
#BREAKING: US hands over list of 27 terrorists from Haqqani Network operating on Pakistan soil to Islamabad. Asks to act against LeT, JeM, HM also. Asks to kill or hand them over. Action taken report to be submitted to US by January 15. Clock is ticking backwards for Pakistan.