Seminar on Gilgit Baltistan on 25th September), 2009, under the

auspices of United Kashmir People’s National Party at

International Press centre Brussels. On 25th September-2009

United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP), condemns

Pakistan advancing interests through Gilgit-Baltistan.
 Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmir, Jamil Maqsood, Ishaq Khan, Zafar Iqbal Manhas,
Nasir Aziz Khan, Dr Qmar Uz Zaman, Yasir Navid and Khalil Habib are speaking
at the seminar on Gilgit Baltistan.

Chairman United Kashmir People’s National Party speaking as

Chief Guest at seminar focused on Gilgit Baltistan.

Before going to start the moderator throw light on some historical facts
regarding Gilgit Baltistan, which has been called in different names
throughout the long journey of history. Jamil Maqsood welcomed all the
delegates on behalf of United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP)
and thanked for attending this august seminar specially organised to
discuss prevailing situation in one part of the former Princely state of
Jammu and Kashmir, which is known as Gilgit Baltistan. The new situation
emerged drastically since present civil Government of Pakistan has issued
and imposed so called self-Governance and empowerment package
regarding this region in 2009. Before going in to details I would like to
highlight some facts and historical background of this area and its
historical and territorial link with Jammu and Kashmir. It is the
northernmost political entity within the Pakistani-controlled part of the former
princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. It borders Afghanistan to the north, China
to the northeast, the Pakistani-administered so called Azad Jammu and Kashmir
(AJK) to the south, and the Indian-administered state of Jammu and Kashmir to
the southeast. The territory became a single administrative unit in 1970 under
the term "Northern Areas" and was formed by the amalgamation of the Gilgit
Agency, the Baltistan District of the Ladakh Wazarat, and the states of Hunza
and Nagar. With its administrative center at the town of Gilgit, Gilgit-Baltistan
covers an area of 72,971 km² (28,174 mi²) and has an estimated population
approaching two million. Pakistan considers the territory as separate from
Kashmir whereas India considers the territory as a part of the larger disputed
territory of former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir that has been in dispute
between India, Pakistan, and China since 1947. The Kashmiri political parties
have the same stance that the Gilgit and Baltistan region is indispensible part of
the former state of Jammu and Kashmir. Except ruling Pakistan People’s Party
the people of Kashmir through their voices unanimously rejected this move to
annex this region by any mean and conspiracy. There are five languages are
spoken in the region. It is constituted by seven districts. The population consists
of many diverse linguistic, ethnic and religious groups, due in part to the many
isolated valleys separated by some of the world’s highest mountains and peaks.
The majority of the population of this region is Shia (Muslims). Urdu is the lingua
Franca of the region, understood by the majority of male inhabitants .The Shina
language with several local dialects is the language of 40% of the total
population, spoken mainly in Gilgit, throughout Diamer, and in some of Ghizer as
well. The Balti dialect a sub-dialect of Ladakhi and part of Tibetan language
group, spoken by the entire population of Baltistan. Minor languages spoken in
the regions are Wakhi spoken in upper Hunza, and in some villages in Ghizer,
while Khowar is major language of Ghizer. Broshashki is an isolated language
spoken in Hunza, Nagar, and Yasin (Where Khowar) is also spoken in some parts
of Gilgit and in some villages of Punyal. Another interesting language in this
region is Domaaki, spoken by the musician clans in the region. A small minority
of the people also speaks pushto. People who live in Gilgit Baltistan despite that
region being referred to as Part of former princely state of Jammu Kashmir don’t
speak the Kashmiri language or any of its dialect. There is only one university in
the region of two million populations which was established in 2002. There is no
medical, law, engineering college in this region. The health facilities are only
provided by Agha Khan Foundation without whom the entire population of this
region would completely marginalized in health and education sectors.

I would also let you know that Kashmir is name of the valley of Kashmir. It has
its distinct characteristics in terms of culture, language, religion and
demography. Jammu is different than the valley and it is overwhelmingly a Dogri
speaking region with majority Hindu and Dogra population, while Ladakh is
Buddhist majority region. Before the treaty of Amrtser Kashmir was not a
country it was also divided between powerful tribal and feudal clans and due to
their territorial or tribal clashes it was easy for outsiders to conquer this area.
The Mughals, The Afghans have conquered this region and finally Sikh kingdom
of Maharajah Ranjit Singh was its last foreign masters. The modern Jammu and
Kashmir state which we claim today is formed by Maharajah Gulab Singh after
the treaty of Amrtser in 1846. At this point I would like to clear one historical
misconception and misinterpretation regarding the sale of Kashmir. That was not
sale of Kashmir; the Maharajah Gulab Singh had to pay money to the British
after defeated at war as indemnity. He paid the indemnity and get Himalayan
region under treaty of Amrster in 1846. It is also matter of the fact that in 5000
years of the history of Kashmir, Kashmir (valley) and its surrounded areas were
also independent and ruled by local tribal clans and feudal lords. Due to their
own fighting for the areas the foreign powers like Mughals, Afghans and finally
the Sikh kingdom of Ranjit Singh was able to conquer this area and than the
modern satte of Jammu and Kashmir was a came into bei
We are holding this seminar at International Press centre under the title of
“United Nations, Global standards, European Union, Role and
Responsibilities of Pakistan". To discuss past, present and future
prospects of the package going to be implemented by the Government of
Pakistan. Kashmiri diaspora community in Belgium, journalists,
intellectual, civil society activists and human rights defenders has
participated in this seminar. United Kashmir People’s National Party
Belgium unit put in a lot of effort to make the event a success and timely
in the backdrop of the raging debate after Pakistani government
announced to annex Gilgit-Baltistan. Party Chair and prominent Kashmiri
statesman Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri was the guest of honour in this
seminar. Among known political activists, human rights defenders,
intellectual and writers were Dr Qamar Uz Zaman, who came from
Moscow, Kashmiri intellectual and writer Zafar Iqbal Manhas from
(Srinagar), Jammu & Kashmir, former secretary General of Jammu
Kashmir Liberation Front Khalil Ahmed Habib, Party spokesperson Nasir
Aziz Khan and Syed Zulfiqar Shah came from Switzerland, while Yasir
Navid Khan, came from Italy to participate in this seminar. The seminar
was presided by Ishaq Khan President of United Kashmir People's National
Party Belgium unit and moderated by Jamil Maqsood General Secretary of
United Kashmir People’s National Party Belgium unit. In his address to the
seminar, Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri said that the recent constitutional
and empowerment package imposed on the people of Gilgit Baltistan is a
reflection of previously imposed packages and glimpse of old policies of
Islamabad towards these areas. Whenever Government of Pakistan face
any pressure or challenge from regional political and democratic forces,
Human Rights Organizations and world community Islamabad used to
disguise their hegemony over this area under the shelter of such
packages. It is irony that despite the facts this regions provides safe
corridors to Pakistan to establish its links with China and central Asian
states, the Government of Pakistan has always subjugated the people and
marginalised them of the benefit of their strategic importance and
economic worth. He said the desire for a secular and liberal united
Kashmir cannot be diminished by the fake impositions. "Kashmiris have
historically rejected such stunts and they will not yield to pressure this
time and will resist their colonisation through democratic means." Other
speakers asked the government of Pakistan to respect the wishes of
Kashmiris and not divide Kashmir as it remains a disputed area according
to the UN resolutions and attempts to subjugate the people will only
backfire and not help anyone.
Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri told the audience and journalists that there
are some misconceptions about Gilgit and Baltistan as well. In fact these
areas were also divided between powerful tribal clans and feudal lords in
the past. The entire area was governed by them since centuries like it was
the fashion of the governance in those times. Gilgit, Nagar, Hunza, Yasin,

Chitral and Baltistan was never been a single political or social entity in
the history of this region. The wheel of the history has been moving
forward with the stories of bloodshed and killing of each other to control
trade route and main area was Gilgit of this fight in the history. It is also
matter of the fact that some areas of Kashmir like Bandi Pura and Tragbal
once have been under the rule of the local Raja of Gilgit. Gilgit Baltistan
relationship with Kashmir is not recent but has been established centuries
ago, when the local Raja of Gilgit called Kashmiri arts and craftsmen to
introduce such skills and arts in their area. It proves that these regions
have very strong relationship in terms of trade and others spheres of life.
All these local Rajas once came under the Great Maharajah of Kashmir
after Treaty of Amrtser in 1846. The British were keeping an eye on these
areas and they have also been trying to persuade Maharajah Gulab Singh
and one way or the other they were pressurizing him to handover these
areas to the British raj of sub-continent so that they can establish their
own rule in this region. It is now an open secret that after the Treaty of
Amrtser the British realize the geo-political importance of Jammu &
Kashmir and until the death of Gulab Sigh they have been using all the
tools to take these areas on lease. At that time the British realizes that
they have made mistake to include these areas into the treaty, and it was
important to have their own control over these areas in order to defend
sub-continent against possible and assumed Russian aggression through
central Asian states.

The map of the United States of Kashmir.

Elaborating on the role of political parties and leaders in this region Sardar
Shaukat Ali Kashmiri pointed out that majority of the leaders and political
workers are living under the propaganda of the different establishments
just to confuse the people and sustained their rule. He said that United
Kashmir People’s National Party is the only organization which believes in
the plural democratic values and inclusiveness of the social, cultural, and
political entities of the entire state of Jammu & Kashmir. We respect the
wishes of the common people and also recognize the right of self-
determination of the people of any entity. But it doesn’t mean that we
start demands of the separation of each district today. The modern world
is the result of different treaties and accords between the nations and
nationalities so we would also like to tell them that we have presented
new social contract. And our social, economical, cultural and political
program provides equal opportunities for each region. We believe that the
defense and prosperity of entire region is linked with each other and no
region would be able to survive independently. Post cold war European
development has showed us that together we are strong and separate we
are weak, so instead of serving the interest of ruling elite we people
should serve the interest of common people. We should raise social,
political, constitutional and democratic issues of our society as well as we
should also address the issue of unemployment, poverty, deprivation, and
poor health and infrastructure facilities for common people. Today we
need more unity and strength than ever.

Party Chair and prominent Kashmiri statesman Sardar Shaukat Ali

Kashmiri was the guest of honour in this seminar. Among known political
activists, human rights defenders, intellectual and writers were Dr, Qamar
Uz Zaman Party activist who came from Moscow. Kashmiri intellectual and
writer, Zafar Iqbal Manhas from (Srinagar), Jammu & Kashmir, former
secretary General of Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front Khalil Ahmed Habib,
Party spokesperson Nasir Aziz Khan and Syed Zulfiqar Shah came from
Switzerland, while Yasir Navid Khan, came from Italy to participate in this
seminar.

Talking about ongoing dialogues between Indian and Pakistan and CBMs
Sardar Shaukat Ali kashmiri said that, While Pakistan’s lop-sided policy
towards a specific group in a socially diverse state threatens political
rights of minority stakeholders, who are treated like bystanders during the
peace process, India on the other hand has adopted a consistent and
holistic approach to the CBMs on Kashmir. It looks at the issue as a
constitutional matter owing to the fact that the Maharaja of Kashmir
sealed the fate of his state in favour of India by the virtue of the letter of
accession. India believes that an amicable solution to the lingering dispute
may come soon if participation of all stakeholders is ensured during the
peace-talks. Even when successive Pakistani constitutions consider Jammu
& Kashmir outside the territorial limits of Pakistan, it continues to claim
itself as a party to the dispute and expects an instant resolution on
Kashmir before embarking on other CBMs. Over the years, many of these
CBMs have been used by Pakistan to win over a specific constituency of
Jammu & Kashmir, like the separatists of the Kashmir valley, which
compels other stakeholders to question Pakistan’s sincerity towards a
peaceful solution to the chronic dispute.
Since the issue is very complex and chronic, we could put forward the
proposals of economic integration will remain unimplemented due to the
double standard of Pakistani establishment which has a myopic view of
Jammu & Kashmir to advance its strategic interests; exploit the resources;
and use against India as a bargaining tool. For the last six decades,
Pakistan has maintained a policy of ethnic and religious divide in Gilgit-
Baltistan which has weakened the society and tightened Islamabad’s grip
on the people there. The state and its people cannot afford further division
and weakening of society due to Pakistani policies. With the help of
continued dialogues, a policy framework at the broader regional level has
to be devised, which recognizes the right of peaceful co-existence for all
the residents of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Such CBMs can help
bring the fractured state and its people closer and enhance political
understanding. Opening LoC (Line of Control) will help create economic
interdependency and advance regular interaction. This will help diffuse
sectarian and ethnic differences, enhance social cohesion, and allow all
stakeholders to arrive at a political consensus without any prejudice to the
social diversity. This cannot happen if the issue remains hostage in the
hands of a few individuals who impose themselves upon others as sole
representatives.
The leadership of the Kashmir valley needs to change its attitude and
speak for the interests of their own people rather than protecting Pakistani
interests. In the past, they failed to condemn Pakistan for human rights
violations in Gilgit-Baltistan; for awarding more than 20,000 square
kilometers of Jammu & Kashmir to China in 1963; for stealing water and
mineral resources of Gilgit-Baltistan and building dams for the benefit of
Pakistan; and also failed to reach out to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and
acknowledge their right to participation during the dialogues. Again there
are issues that need to be dealt with in a holistic manner but remained
hostage to internal problems of the Kashmir valley thus ignoring the
overall wellbeing of the people of Jammu & Kashmir. The valley leaders
can also help diffuse constraints by separating valley-related micro socio-
economic and political matters from the broader national and regional
issues, which generally do not come under the purview of Jammu &
Kashmir dispute.

Speaking before the diaspora Kashmiris and journalists Sardar Shaukat Ali
Kashmiri said that the recent the recent constitutional and empowerment
package imposed on the people of Gilgit Baltistan is a reflection of
previously imposed packages and glimpse of old policies of Islamabad
towards these areas. Whenever Government of Pakistan faces any
pressure or challenge from regional political and democratic forces,
Human Rights Organizations and world community Islamabad used to
disguise their hegemony over this area under the shelter of such
packages. It is irony that despite of facts this region provides safe
corridors to Pakistan to establish its links with China and central Asian
states, the Government of Pakistan has always subjugated the people and
marginalised them of the benefit of their strategic importance and
economic worth.

Speaking on each point of 2009, constitutional and empowerment

package, Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri has said that the only appreciatable
step taken in this package is that the name of Gilgit Baltistan is returned
to the region and 63 years ambiguity of the term Northern Areas of
Pakistan came to an end. Commenting on the jurisprudence of this region
Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri criticized on the role of different successive
Pakistani regimes and said that Pakistan had to fulfil its pledges and
obligations to make sure the complete withdrawal from its peripheries of
Jammu & Kashmir areas. The historical rolling of so called Azad Kashmir
High court in 1993, the verdict of Supreme Court of Pakistan in 1999,
United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan (UNCIP) resolutions,
stipulations of truce agreement, article 257 of 1973s, constitution of
Pakistan, prevent Pakistan of imposing such controversial packages on the
people of this region.

The appointment of Chief Minister and Governor didn’t change the

authority of Northern Areas Legislative Council. It is only change of names
and designations. Previously all the powers enjoyed by Minister of Kashmir
Affairs and Northern areas now have been concentrated to the Governor.
The chief Minister and his cabinet would be on the mercy of Governor for
any public or private privilege. Elaborating on the sociao-economic
conditions of Gilgit Baltistan Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri has said that
Pakistan is using natural resources of this region without paying single
penny, even huge foreign exchange in tourism sector and expeditions of
lofty peaks which attracts hundred thousand people every year across the
world. He said that majority of the people in this region are compelled to
live below the poverty line. Pakistan is plundering natural resources and
has badly damaged the environment of this region. This resourceful region
is deprived of modern health, education facilities and infrastructure
development. There are only few colleges and only one university for the
two million people of this region. The literacy rate among women in this
region is regrettably low, which needs urgent attention by the world
community.

Pointing out the judicial deficit in the region Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri
told the audience that the people of this region deserve apex courts, but a
chief court on contractual and Adhoc basis is established there. The judges
appointed in chief court don’t meet the merit especially required in this
field. The judges appointed for three years and their extension in service
depends obedience and loyalty to Islamabad. Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri
criticized. Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri also expressed deep concern over
the lack in press and media and has told the participants that there is no
indigenous media; no TV channel operating in this region, no news papers
is published from that region. It is the main reason the people in our area
which is under the administration of Pakistan are not well-informed about
day today development and goe-political changes. Mr. Kashmiri
emphasized on democratic and political forces of entire Jammu & Kashmir
to express solidarity with this part and consult with the people of the
region as well to formulate a common strategy to address immediate
issues of the people.

Commenting on the role of secret agencies of Pakistan Sardar Shaukat Ali

Kashmiri has told the gathering that whenever people of this region has
demanded and waged struggle for the revival of fundamental rights they
instigate communal riots to sabotage the public demands, in this situation
every conscious person would have to play its role and they would have to
be vigilant for their rights and to catalyst communal harmony which is
being over shadowed by fundamentalism and extremism in the region. Mr.
Kashmiri appealed to the world community to support democratic and
political forces in the region so that peace, stability and human rights
catered in South Asian region. Party Chair appreciated Libyan president
Qaddafi’s statement for supporting independent Jammu & Kashmir. He in
strongly words deliver message to regional forces to learn lesson of this
statement.

Party Chair Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri; explained that in May, 2007,
European Parliament has passed a Resolution under the title of

“Kashmir present situation and future prospects”

Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri, Nasir Aziz and Jamil Maqsood with Baroness Emma
Nicholson of Winterbourne MEP the author of the European Parliament Resolution of May
2007, in the European parliament.

” the resolutions describe as in point 18th, Regrets, however that Pakistan

has subsequently failed to fulfil its obligations to introduce meaningful and
representative democratic structures in AJK; notes in particular the
continuing absence of Kashmiri representation in the Pakistani national
assembly, the fact that AJK is governed through Ministry of Kashmir
Affairs in Islamabad, that Pakistan officials dominate the Kashmir Council
and that the chief Secretary, the Inspector General of police, the
accountant General and the Finance Secretary all are from Pakistan;
disapproves of the provisions in the 1974 interim constitution which
forbids any political activity that is not in accordance with the doctrine of
Jammu and Kashmir as part of Pakistan and obliges any candidate for a
parliamentary seat in AJK to sign a declaration of loyalty to that effect; is
concerned that the Gilgit Baltistan region enjoys no form of democratic
representation whatsoever; furthermore, draws attention to the fact that
the Government of Pakistan’s 1961 Jammu and Kashmir (Administration
of Property) ordinance transferred the land controlled by Pakistan and
which belonged to the state of Jammu and Kashmir on 15 August 1947 to
the federal Government.

The resolution went on further describe in article 19th as “Very much

regrets the continuing ambivalence of the current Government of Pakistan
with regard to the ethnic identity Gilgit Baltistan, whereby statements
made by the president are contradicted by official government
communications; strongly recommends that the Government of Pakistan
endorse and implement the judgement of the Supreme Court of Pakistan
of 28th May 1999 which validates the Kashmiri heritage of the people of
Gilgit and Baltistan an states that the Government should implement
their fundamental human rights, democratic freedoms and access to
justice.

Kashmiri writer and intellectual Zafar Iqbal Manhas carefully examined the
package and expressed his views on the subject. He said that the people
of Gilgit Baltistan have got some rights after such a long time. Although it
should be more and up to the international standards and present package
is not fulfilling the wishes of the people that’s why it is rejected and
criticized.

Dr. Qamar Uz Zaman, party activist who came from Moscow stated that
Jammu & Kashmir state officially came into being in 1846, by Maharajah
Gulab Singh, but unfortunately our history has been badly distorted and it
is still going on. He asked Kashmiri youth to study well about the historical
facts and realities of our region and its geo-political importance. He
emphasized that Kashmiri youth to counter the conspiracies from different
quarters to divide Jammu & Kashmir. Party spokesperson Nasir Aziz Khan
told the audience that he along with the Party chair has highlighted all
these issues at the United Nations human rights council in Geneva and
had organized briefings, seminars and press conference to raise the voice
in front of world conscious and conscience.

Former secretary General of Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front Khalil

Ahmed Habib criticized civil Governments and appreciated the role of
military towards Kashmir issue. In his speech he called the than
leadership of his organization visionless, and courage less. He warned
Pakistan that if it will not take aggressive steps India will ditch it in the
community of nations.

Party spokesperson Nasir Aziz Khan strongly rejected the imposition of

said package and calls it an old wine in a new bottle. He told the
audiences that he along with Party leadership would also speak on the
subject at the United Nations council for Hum Rights session this year. He
expressed solidarity with the people of the region who are at the forefront
to reject sugar coated poison which would eventually lead the division of
Jammu & Kashmir. He said that we are pro human rights and therefore
struggling for the revival of all those rights which civilised world is
enjoying today.
Yasir Navid khan also addressed the seminar and expressed his concern
over such conspiracies and urged Kashmiri people to stand against the
division of motherland. He emphasised on the nationalist political workers
to unite against Pakistan advancing and expansionists designs in the
region.

In concluding remarks Party’s Belgium unit President Ishaq Khan thanks

every participant to spare the time out of busy life in Europe and said that
the purpose of this initiative at International Press centre was to address
present situation and future prospects of constitutional package and its
repercussions. At the end of the seminar many resolutions were also
passed in which immediate and basic issues of the people of this region
particularly Gilgit Baltistan and so called Azad Kashmir.

At the end of the seminar following resolutions were passed.

1-We urge the Government of Pakistan to ensure effective and

honourable representation of the two million people of Gilgit Baltistan in
their own Legislative Assembly with full lawful authority. An independent
judiciary and civil services commission be created and Government of
Pakistan has to ensure that the people of Gilgit and Baltistan are not
discriminated against at Universities, Health care facilities, in terms of
fundamental rights and freedoms and other centres of learning in the
region. We the representatives of different political parties from the
region, civil society and human rights activists emphasize on Government
of Pakistan to revisit its package, which reflects old packages and policies.
It is also widely understood in the region that aims of policy makers has
always been to subjugate people, marginalise them in fundamental
rights, strengthen undemocratic forces promote communalism, extremism
and hatred to divide the people and plunder the natural resources. We
emphasize that in the democratic Governance Chief Minister has the right
to select the cabinet, but in Gilgit Baltistan these powers would rest with
the Governor and Prime Minister of Pakistan through its councils.

We appreciate the change of name of this region as Gilgit Baltistan.

2-We also demand that in bureaucratic set up local people must be given
priority without any discrimination of caste, colour creed, political opinion
and social orientation.

3-We recall Government of Pakistan, and the world community not to

change the natural and geographic boundaries of this region, and any act
to change its demography and violation of State subject rule of 27 th April-
1927, would not only rejected but shall be resisted which would have dire
consequences for the whole region.

4-The peace loving people of Gilgit Baltistan are having democratic and
human rights endeavour. Their aspirations should be supported by the
world community to have access to a transparent and accountable system
of Governance.

5-We call on world community under the umbrella of the United Nations
including Human Rights organizations, civil society movement and
European Union to support us in social, economical and political
emancipation, that our languages and culture must protected and the
plundering of natural resources must stop and these resources should be
properly exploited for the well-being of our people and social and
economical development of the region, instead of filling the pockets of few
greedy individuals.

We the participants of this august seminar warmly welcome and

vehemently appreciate the statement of Libyan president Mr. Qaddafi that
Jammu & Kashmir should recognised as an independent state. To foster
peace, prosperity, stability and development in the entire south Asian
region. We believe that it is only tool to defeat the forces of
fundamentalism, extremism and fanaticism in our region.

Issued by,
Jamil Maqsood

General Secretary

United Kashmir People’s National Party (Belgium)

Rue du Trone.115/ 3

1050, Brussels Belgium.

Off: 32 (0) 2 610 43 15

Cell: 32 (0) 484 062 952

Email: ukpnp.ukpnp@yahoo.com

Web: www.UKPNP.Com