Hunza: All Parties Conference demands clarity on Pak-China Economic Corridor
Aliabaad, April 26: Leaders of a number of national and regional parties and activists gathered in Aliabad, Hunza, to discuss the recently signed agreements vis-à-vis the Pak-China Economic Corridor. The ‘All Parties’ Conference’ had been called by Awami Action Committee’s local chapter.
The impact of the corridor on the region was discussed at lengths and a declaration was unanimously agreed, calling for clarity on the project and its benefits for the Gilgit-Baltistan region. The declaration said that the benefits are being shifted to Punjab, while the Gilgit-Baltistan region and other smaller units have been ignored deliberately. It called for making the details of the corridor public, particularly related to the Gilgit-Baltistan region.
The speakers also said that despite of the lapse of almost a decade, the people affected by the KKH expansion project remain deprived of the rightful and legal compensation amount. The leaders gathered blasted the National Highways Authority and the regional bureaucracy for delaying the payments on one pretext or the other.
The speakers expressed disgust and surprise at the policies of the ‘socialist’ Chinese republic, saying the red country has ignored the plight of the downtrodden people of Gilgit-Baltistan and ignoring their rights. They urged the Chinese authorities to ensure that the economic and political rights of the people of Gilgit-Baltsitan are not compromised.
Through the declaration, all the parties of the region were urged to unite for defending the rights of the local people of Gilgit-Baltistan.
The conference was attended among others by AAC leader Sheikh Hakeemi, PPP leader Zafar Iqbal, former MLA Mirza Hussain, PTI leader Izhar Ali Hunzai, Jahanzeb, an environmentalist, and representatives of several parties and groups.
We need to be clear that Pakistan has agreed through this protocal for the Chinese to use Pakistan territory for the ECONOMIC CORRIDOR (ENERGY CORRIDOR). Many in Pakistan will attempt to benefit from various possibilities. One such entity PCECC was recently launched in Islamabad as a viable attempt and the thrust being GAWADAR ( Port/International Airport) We in GB are in a much better position to organise ourselves and reap possible benefits than any others. Protesting against others trying to utilise this opportunity does not give us the opportunities It is thoughtful cooperative efforts which are needed.
For a clarification of the nature project read my analyses shared a few years back through a blogpost on this link:
http://hisamullahbeg.blogspot.ru/2011/01/link-between-gawadar-port-and-kkh.html
Thanks to God, at the last, ,this important issue which has brought all political leaders and think takers of Hunza on negotiating table with the sense of unity .
without consensus of the people in a disputed area, such economic activities are violation of fundamental human rights. This is a critical issue and its effects will be long lasting. We need to be clear where we stand in this activity. So far, we are away from the decisions made by Chinese and Pakistan. It is also interesting to know that even Pakistanis authorities themselves do not know details of the current agreements.
Government of Pakistan operating a Custom House at Gilgit and dry port is operating at Sust. The status dry port and custom house Giglit are not discussed in memorandum signed by both governments. Government of Gilgit Baltistan should collect a copy of Memo to ascetain the facts.