[Karachi] Black Day January 4

“14 children have died in Gojal due to lack of health facilities”

Press Release

KARACHI: Karachi based people belonging to Gojal, Hunza, staged a protest demonstration against apathy of the government towards the disaster struck people of Gojal Valley. The protest demonstration was held in front of the Karachi Press Club. The demonstrators chanted slogans in favour of their demands and rebutted the official claims regarding ground reality in the disaster affected region.

The protest demonstration was followed by a press conference, addressed by leaders of the Save Hunza-Gojal Committee.

During the press conference the committee presented a list of demands. They demanded immediate and fast action on drainage of the lake. Compensation for and rehabilitation of the affected people was also presented as a top demand.

The media was told that 14 children have died in different parts of Gojal Valley due to unavailability of proper medical facilities. The protesters deplored the failure of GB government and administration to depute a single doctor for the population of 25,000 people.

The Hunza – Nagar administration was accused of misusing the relief items received from China. Allegations of corruption in sale of petroleum products received from China as relief were also levelled against the District Administration.

The speakers also condemned the imposition of section 144 in Central Hunza. They termed it an act of embarrassment and shame for the democratically elected government. The speakers further added that protesters in Gulmit were being threatened by the administration of dire consequences for commemorating Black Day.

The speakers also paid glowing rich tribute to the Chinese government for coming to rescue of the calamity hit people. They demanded action against General (r) Farooq, former NDMA Chairman, and Usman Younis, former Home Secretary GB, for misleading and torturing the disaster hit people.

The speakers asked the GB government to start twice-a-week Chopper service for the affected region.