Apna Bagh Blog

23 vehicles looted on way to Bagh

2009-06-30T04:46:00.000-07:00

BAGH (SANA): 23 vehicles coming from Rawalpindi to Bagh were looted at gunpoint in Kotli Satian on Wednesday.

The dacoits manged to escape from the site after robbing the vehicles where passengers were deprived of their 0.4 million besides that robbers took away one hundred mobiles as well.

According to the details, owing to the series of the robbing incidents, the masses demanded the Pakistani government as well as of AJK government to take immediate actions against the dacoits and brought them before the court so that no one could do dare to commit such heinous crime in the time to come.

Nation not let rulers to back out from Kashmir: Munawar

2009-06-22T21:23:00.000-07:00

BAGH (SANA): Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Syed Munawar Hassan said on Monday that the freedom movement of Kashmir is the war for Pakistan’s completion and nation will not allow any ruler to deceit with Kashmir issue.

He assured Syed Ali Gilani and the whole Kashmiri nation that the whole nation is on the back of Mujahideen.

This Munawar Hassan said while addressing the “Right of Self-Determination Conference”, adding that peace in the region is only possible after accepting the right of self determination of Kashmiri’s.

He asked the rulers to stop the military operation and solve the problem through dialogue process with Taliban in Swat, Malakand and Dir.

He said India is hatching conspiracies against Pakistan to weaken it, adding that the need is to counter the Indian efforts to weaken Pakistan.

Munawar Hassan said that the unity among the political parties is the need of the hour for the success of Kashmiri’s freedom movement.

He said that all the people living in Pakistan support the freedom movement of Jammu Kashmir.

He said that the rulers are fighting American war and through a conspiracy Pakistan Army is fighting its own people.

Addressing the conference Amir Jamaat-e-Islami Abdul Rashid Turabi said that Azad Kashmir is not playing its role as the base camp for the freedom movement of Indian Occupied Kashmir.

He asked the people to pressurize the AJK rulers to restore the true role of AJK as the base camp of Kashmiri’s freedom struggle.

He said that India is hatching conspiracies against Pakistan and wants to weaken Pakistan within it.

He said that the weak Pakistan will certainly affect the Kashmiris freedom struggle.

Turabi said that the Kashmiris are fighting the war of Pakistan’s survival, adding that strong Pakistan will provide guarantee for the independence of Kashmir’s.

Addressing the conference United Jihad Council Chairman Syed Salahuddin said that the Kashmiris are fighting to achieve their inherent right which is the independence of Kashmir from the Indian tyrant rule.

He said that India is committing the human rights violations in Jammu Kashmir and rape of two women in Shopian is the worst example of Indian suppression in Kashmir.

Salahuddin hoped that the Pakistani government will continue its support for the Kashmiris freedom struggle.

Hurriyat leader Ghulam Muhammad Safi, Ghulam Nabi Nowsheri, JI Naib Amir AJK sheikh Aqeel-ur-Rehman, Amir Jamiat Ah-le-Hadis AJK Maulana Noor Ruknuddin, Maulana Syed Ataullah Shah, and others also addressed the conference.

Pak, China sign loan agreement for $300 million

2009-06-19T21:51:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

ISLAMABAD, Jun 18 (APP): The Government of Pakistan has signed an MoU, with the Government of China on Thursday to reconstruct and rehabilitate three major cities of AJK destroyed in the 2005 earthquake, under AJK Urban Development Programme. The umbrella contract for this project has already been signed between ERRA and the Two Chinese Construction Companies.

In order to assist the Government of Pakistan to complete the development work in the earthquake affected areas of Muzaffarabad, Bagh and Rawalakot, the Government of China offered credit worth US$ 300 million, whereas the Government of Pakistan contributed additional US$ 53 million to complete various reconstruction projects under AJK Urban Development Project.

For smooth and effective implementation of MCDP, a Steering Committee” has been constituted under the Deputy Chairman ERRA Lt. Gen Sajjad Akram, which has the mandate to give policy direction for Project Implementation and ensure timely and effective coordination of all inputs.

The contract signing is in line with ERRA’s Mission of “Build Back Better”.

The AJK Urban Development Programme aimed at providing safe housing, improved city environment, modern physical and social infrastructures with the target to boost economic and social growth in the Earthquake affected areas.

For Muzaffarabad City, an amount of US$ 190.62 million has been allocated for completion of 90 projects.

In Bagh 50 projects worth $ 123.55 million and in Rawalakot city, 30 projects with a cost of US$ 38.83 million will be completed in the next 4 and half years.

These projects will provide all modern day facilities including construction of Government buildings, roads bridges, shopping centers, Satellite towns, play grounds, parks, education and health facilities, wholesale markets, slaughterhouses, transport terminals, neighborhood centers, designing and Laying of infrastructure facilities like water supply, sewerage, underground electricity and telecom cables. These facilities will be developed by Chinese Companies.

PPP still offering Sharif Brothers for reconciliation: Khurshid Shah

2009-03-03T20:18:00.000-08:00

BAGH: Federal Minister for Labour and Manpower Syed Khurshid Shah has said that PPP has still invited Mian Brothers for reconciliation for the larger interest of country. He expressed these views while addressing a public gathering. He said, the impact that government was involved behind the SC verdict against Mian Brothers was wrong because if they look in the past history PPP leadership was also being targeted. He said that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was exiled while President Asif Ali Zardari was put into jail. He said they did not wanted to practice the politics of confrontation and their leadership was being targeted but PPP didn’t give up hope.

He stated further that they wanted reconciliation with PML-N for the integrity of the country and providing relief to the people. He said that people still considered Asif Ali Zardari their leader and were agreed on their policies. President PPP (AJK) Chaudhary Majeed while addressing the public gathering said that the electoral process has been started in AJK while the policies of Sardar Ateeq’s government were continued. He said that merit was being neglected and institutions were ruining. PPP’s other leader Sardar Qamaruz Zaman, Latif Akbar, Mian Waheed, Hanif Awan, Ali Raza Bukhari, Dr Mirza Akhtiar Baig, Amjad Yousuf, Khurshid Kashmiri and Zia ul Qamar were also present in the public gathering.

Courtesy: onlinenews.com.pk

Chinese firms to undertake urban development project

2009-02-15T05:45:00.000-08:00

ISLAMABAD - Two leading Chinese firms would undertake the urban development projects in three quake affected cities Muzaffarabad, Bagh and Rawlakot. An umbrella contract for the AJK urban development project was signed here at Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA) in presence of the President AJK Raja Zulqarnain, PM AJK Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob, Federal Minister for Kashmir and Northern Affairs (KANA) Qamar-uz-Zaman Kaira and Chinese ambassador H.E. Luo Zhaohui. The Contract was signed by representatives of two Chinese construction companies and ERRA deputy chairman Lt Gen Sajjad Akram.

In order to assist Pakistan to complete the development work in earthquake affected areas, China offered credit worth $300 million whereas Pakistan government contributed additional $53 Million to complete the reconstruction projects, said ERRA deputy chairman in his address to the ceremony. Meanwhile, for smooth and effective implementation of Muzaffarabad city development project, a steering committee has been constituted under deputy chairman of ERRA Lt Gen Sajjad Akram which has the mandate to give policy direction to project implementation. ERRA's Urban Development Programme aims at providing safe housing, improved city environment, modern physical and social infrastructures with a target to boost economic and social growth in the earthquake affected areas, said Akram.

He said for Muzaffarabad a fund of $190.62 million was allocated for completion of 90 projects. In Bagh 50 projects with the cost of $123.55 million whereas 30 projects in Rawlakot city with a cost of $38.83 million will be completed in next four and half years. These projects will provide all modern days facilities including construction of govt buildings, roads, bridges, shopping centers, satellite towns, play grounds, besides education and health facilities. Addressing the ceremony, ambassador of China; Luo Zhaohui said that 2005 earthquake was a great disaster in Pakistan's national history and Chinese government and people were always prepared to cooperate with people of Pakistan to mitigate the sufferings caused due to this great catastrophe.

Federal Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira, hailed the ERRA and SERRA role for recovery and reconstruction efforts after devastating catastrophe. He acknowledged role of China in construction and development of various projects in Pakistan and AJK. "I assure you of full security and other support to complete targets and hope that this urban development project will bring positive change in the lives of the people of AJK," the Minister remarked.

Courtesy: Khalid Amin - The Daily Mail

Pictures of Ashura Procession in Bagh

2009-01-20T11:22:00.000-08:00

Ashura observed in Kashmir with full religious solemnity

2009-01-09T04:35:00.000-08:00

BAGH - MIRPUR ( AJK ) Jan. 8 (APP): Amidst exceptionally‑tightened security arrangements Ashura, the sanctified day of the global history and a unique icon of the supreme sacrifice, made by Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions for the cause of Islam, was observed with religious fervor, reverence and solemnity at both sides of the line of control in the Himalayan State of Jammu & Kashmir on the 10th of Muharram, Thursday with a steadfast resolve to fight against all types of tyrannical forces, wherever they exist to accomplish the cherished mission, to take to the great mission, the glory of Islam, in all circumstances.

This exceptionally important day dawned with special prayers by the faithful at all mosques and Imambargahs, on both sides of the LoC with Nimaz‑e‑Fajar.

In Azad Jammu Kashmir, Alam, ZulÆjinnah and Tazia processions were brought out from Imambargahs which culminated at their fixed spots after marching through their tradition routes in all eight district headquarters of AJK including Mirpur, Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Bhimbher, Bagh, Sudahnoti, Rawalakot and Neelam valley besides all other major and small towns across the liberated territory.

A large number of social and political and religious organizations representing all sects of the society as well as individuals had established stalls nÆ sabeels of juices and sweet water on the processionsÆ route to facilitate the faithful in each and every nook and corner of Azad Jammu Kashmir.

Public and private hospitals and Edhi like welfare organisatgions also provided ambulances to go along the processions. Re‑calling the martyrdom of Hazarat Imam Hussain (AS), Ulema and Zakerin during the course of the procession delivered speeches highlighting the great essence of the day.

Like elsewhere, in Mirpur, the divisional and district administration, led by Commissioner Ehsan Khalid Kiyani, DIG Police Sheikh Tahir Qayyum, DC Arbab Khalid Abbasi, Additional SP Ch. Munir Hussain, ASP Hassan Qayyum and other senior officers, had made convoluted security arrangements to ensure safeguarding of peace and harmony during the course of processionùstarting from Markazi Imambargah SaÆadat colony, and heavy contingents of police remained alert in an amiable way till the time the ZulÆjinnah procession reached its set destination. All entering the Muharram procession was thoroughly checked by the volunteers of Imamia Youth wing.

Majlis‑i‑Sham‑i‑Ghariban was yet another key event of the day where Nohas and Marsias were recited paying beguiling tributes to the martyrs of Karbala.

As usual, it was an unparalleled manifestation of unity, cohesion and brotherhood as a result of which absolute was evident ever since the first days of Muharram‑ul‑Haram.

Ulema in meticulous and people in broad‑spectrumùalong with social organizations, volunteers, notables and government personnel deserve a spontaneous gratitude for their splendid nÆ round‑the‑clock cohesion, backed by a persistent vigil which did not allow any problematic episode to crop up.

Leading religious scholars and eminent leaders including Sayed Mahmood Hussain Bukhari, Vice President Islami Tehrik Pakistan, Supreme head of Anjuman‑a‑Imamia Mirpur Sayed Zahoor Hussain Shah, Agha Sajaad Hussain, Sayed Nishat Hussain Kazmi, Presidenrt Anuman‑e‑Immamia Sayed Sarfraz Hussain Kazmi, General Secretary Sayed Asher Himdani and Dr. Sayed Abid Hussain Shah were prominent among others who led Alam, Zuljinnah and Tazia processions taken out from Markazi Imam Bargah Sadaat Colony.

Paying glorious tributes to the martyrs of Karbala including Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), the grandson of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), and his companions for the cause of Islam, at Imambargh Sadaat Colony and Alraie Squire, uleme and Zakirs including Moulana Tanveer Shirazi, Moulana Akhter Abass, Moulana Zulfiqar Ali Baloach and others said ôthe event of Karbala inspires us to uphold the glory of Islam. They continued by adding that æwe should not hesitate to render any sacrifice, even of our lives, for the lofty ideals of Islam. They said, the Muslims the world over are mourning the great martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) in a strong‑willed way. Though the tenth of Muharram, the Ashura, is very important for diverse reasons, nevertheless, it gains special impact as Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS)’s martyrdom and the event of Karbala also occurred on this day.

They urged the nation to work for creating an atmosphere of brotherhood, sacrifice and moderation by transcending their mutual differences.

Speakers said that the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) had earned an elevation for Islam and the Muslims; they said and added that his great sacrifice has given us the lesson that irrespective of the limited material resources and numbers, “the real power lies in the truthfulness of the objectives.”

Hence the struggle against tyrannyùinitiated by Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) along with his companions “is a shining minaret of humanity, patience, perseverance, courage and determination, they added.

Courtesy: APP

7 killed, one injured in Dhirkot accident

2008-12-20T05:49:00.000-08:00

BAGH, Dec 19 (APP): At least seven persons were killed and one injured when a Hiace plunged into a deep ravine near Ghaziabad, on Friday. According to Dirkot police sources, a Hiace was heading towards Muzaffarabad from here, when it plunged into a deep ravine.

As a result, seven persons died on the spot. The injured identified as Kabir was shifted to hospital.
Those killed were Fayaz, Haji Siab, Mustafa Rathore, Zaheer, Naseem Begum, Imran Shah, and Ahsan.

Inclusion of forward block, Opposition members in AJK cabinet hailed

2008-12-12T11:29:00.000-08:00

BAGH (AJK), Dec 12 (APP): Prime Minister Azad Kashmir Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan has strengthened democracy in Azad Kashmir while dissolving the AJK cabinet.

The steps taken by the PPP central leadership for strengthening the democracy and the democratic institutions in Azad Kashmir will also pave the way for liberating occupied Kashmir.

These views were expressed by Administrator district council Bagh Sheikh Mehmood Ahmed Advocate, President Muslim Conference district Bagh Sardar Mir Akbar Khan, Municipal administrator Syed Shujaat Hussain Gardezi and Chairman Development Authority district Bagh Tariq Masood while talking to APP here on Friday.

They were of the view that with the inclusion of members of Forward Bloc (FB) and opposition in the AJK Cabinet would strengthen democracy.

They appreciated the step for saving democracy in Azad Kashmir and expressed confidence that Sardar Attique government would complete its constitutional tenure.

Courtesy: APP

Bagh - Bhutto Mela 2008

2008-11-01T23:44:00.000-07:00

Nine killed as Jeep falls into deep ravine near Khurshidabad

2008-10-03T22:00:00.000-07:00

Bagh, Oct 3 (APP) - A passenger jeep carrying 20 passengers Friday fell into a deep ravine while negotiating a sharp curve near Khurshidabad in District Bagh of Azad Jammu & Kashmir killing nine persons and injuring critically four passengers including a girl. According to Express News on sensing danger most of the passengers jumped from the jeep and managed to save their precious lives. The injured has been shifted to hospital in forward Kahuta.While emergency has been declared in district hospital Bagh. The dead bodies have been retrieved from the ravine following a swift relief operation by locals and police.

Prime Minister of Pakistan Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has expressed shock and grief over the loss of precious lives in this tragic accident. In a message to AJK President Raja Zulqarnain Khan and Prime Minister Sardar Attique Khan on Friday, the Prime Minister conveyed his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families. He prayed for the eternal rest of the departed souls.

Islamabad CDA director dies

2008-08-27T21:25:00.000-07:00

Islamabad - CDA Director Administration Gul Hasan died of heart failure late Tuesday night. The dead body of Gul Hasan was taken to his hometown Bagh in AJK for burial. Gul Hasan was a soft-spoken, polite and competent officer of the CDA. He also served as Parliament Lodges director and held other important posts in the civic body. CDA Chairman Kamran Lashari and employees of the CDA have expressed shock over the sudden demise of Gul Hasan. They prayed to Allah to rest the departed soul in peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss.

Corutesy: The News

Bagh - Heavy damage at Paddar Gulsher Khan due to rains

2008-08-06T22:32:00.000-07:00

Bagh (Yousuf Kashmiri) Recent heavy rains have badly damaged the roads in various parts of Bagh.The road connecting Bagh to Muzaffarabad via Sudhan Galli has been totally vanished at Paddar Nallah. Several houses have been reported to be destroyed while land sliding has also caused damages at various places of Bagh. The people of Paddar Gulsher Khan and adjacent areas are suffering a lot of problems due to the main road link disconnection which has been wiped away by the flooded water. Specially children, women and patients are suffering the most. The road contactors are always using insufficient and poor quality materials for the roads which cause this kind of destruction every year. The people of Paddar Gulsher Khan had always been demanding the government of AJK to construct a bridge on Paddar mini river and even many politicians promised near elections to construct the bridge but no step has been taken so far.

Pictures Courtesy: Muhammad Yousuf Kashmiri

Bagh AJK - Zakaat Fund employees on strike !

2008-08-06T04:19:00.000-07:00

Bagh AJK (Yousuf Kashmiri) The employees of the Department of Zakaat Fund protested for their rights of pension. They stressed the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu & Kashmir to recognize their right of pension and issue a pension rules notification in favor of the employees. The protestants declared that we will continue our strike untill the recognition and acceptance of our demands.

Bagh - July 2008 in Pictures

2008-08-02T09:25:00.000-07:00

World Population Day observed in Bagh

2008-07-12T21:43:00.000-07:00

Bagh (Yousuf Kashmiri) The World Population Day was celebrated in the whole state of Jammu & Kashmir including Bagh. This day is observed every year all over the world on 11th of July to raise awareness among the public about the dangers of rapidly increasing population. A walk was conducted in Bagh city by the Population Welfare Department of Bagh AJK. The participants of the walk were carrying placards and banners reflecting the messages about the population stabilization. The participants of the walk said that organizing the the world population day at big levels and other seminars in this connection will surely promote the family planning. The speakers called for taking steps to ensure the supply of basic health facilities in the rural areas of Bagh. The people of Bagh city appreciated the steps taken by the Govt. for the population welfare. The walk started from Khan chowk and passing through the main bazaar, it ended at Haidri Chowk.

District wise population in 1998 (Census) and 1999 (Projected)

Year	M.Abad	Poonch	Sudhnuti	Bagh	Kotli	Mirpur	Bhimber	AJK
1998	725000	403000	214000	395000	558000	323000	297000	2.915
1999	741000	412000	219000	404000	570000	333000	303000	2.982

Statistics Source: www.muzaffarabadak.com

Harighel Subdivision – Injustice with the people of South Bagh

2008-07-11T21:43:00.000-07:00

Bagh (INP) the people of South Bagh have rejected the declaration of AJK Govt. to make Harighel a subdivision. They said that this decision is not based on sincerity and only a particular area and tribe will benefit from it. The most suitable place for Tehsil Headquarter is South Bagh, the govt. has to take back its decision otherwise we will come out on roads to protest. 30 thousand people belonging to the 2 union councils of South Bagh have condemned the Govt. decision on Harighel Subdivision project.

Various political and social leaders from the different parts of South Bagh, Sardar Maqsood Advocate, Sardar Irshad and Parvez Mughal from Chitra Topi, Sardar Aqeel, Muhammad Shabir from Kothian, Haji Iftikhar and Sardar Faris from Bhurka, Sardar Muhammad Parvez from Potha, Sardar Liaqat Ali and Ghulam Mustafa from Kalri Topi, Sardar Muhammad Zahid, Muhammad Farid, Irshad Mughal, from Bhata Sangarh, Sardar Muhammad Niaz and Shakeel Ahmed from Mehra, Sardar Mukhtar and Sardar Mahroof from Nariola told the reporters and journalists that this decision is based on cheating and injustice. They said that 30 thousand population of South Bagh will not get any benefit from this subdivision. They appealed to the Prime Minister of AJ&K, Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan to look into this matter and decide any other suitable place for the establishment of subdivision which will benefit the masses rather than a few special people.

Harighel Sub Division - A Gateway for new developments in Bagh : Col. Nasim

2008-07-11T21:19:00.000-07:00

The minister of constructions, Col. Raja Muhammad Nasim Khan has said that the establishment of Harighel Subdivision is the gateway for the development in the central region of Bagh. The prime minister of AJ&K has put forth 99 percent and I have put 1 percent effort in the establishment of Harighel Sub Division. Sardar Attique is the party leader of Muslim Conference and he has got the full confidence and support of the parliamentarian party of Muslim Conference. There is no forward block in AJK Assembly but the losers are spreading false information to keep themselves alive in the politics. Nasim further said that Muslim Conference will not only complete its current ruling period but will form the government for the next 10 years under the leadership of Sardar Attique. Opposition is taking undue advantage of the friendly behavior of Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan but if the opposition does not change its negative attitude then we will have to take some steps.

Col. Nasim was addressing a huge public procession at Harighel, central Bagh. The procession was organized in connection with upgrading the status of Harighel to the Sub Division. Col. Nasim was welcomed from Mang Bajri to Harighel in a rally with hundreds of motor cycles and vans. Men, women and children were present on both sides of the road to welcome the minister. The whole way was decorated with beautiful flags, banners and flowers. Col. Nasim further said during the procession that along with the development in the construction sector, AJK Govt. is also spreading the network of rural health centers and schools to provide the health and education facilities to the people of rural areas. The prime minister of Pakistan has provided a grant of 11 billion rupees for the development in AJK. We are thankful to the Govt. of Pakistan for starting the projects of billions of rupees for the population living along the line of control. Col. Nasim declared that we will make Azad Jammu & Kashmir a developed state like Dubai. The procession was lead by the president of the Trade Union of Harighel, Sardar Asif. Professor Abdul Jalil Khan, Raja Said Inqalabi, Raja Muhammad Ashraf, Sardar Khurshid, Sardar Niaz Khan, Sardar Muhammad Rasheed Khan Chughtai, Raja Tayyab Advocate, Rana Abdul Sattar, Maqsood Toheedi, Subedar Sarwar, Haji Saleem, Raja Maqsood and others also addressed the procession.

AJ&K Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority

2008-07-06T22:18:00.000-07:00

The website of Azad Jammu & Kashmir Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (AJKTEVTA) has been launched (www.ajktevta.org). A lot of useful information regarding the increasing trend of technical & IT education is available on the site. Further you can find Course details, online results, job openings, upcoming projects, and a lot more useful information on this portal.

About AJKTEVTA: Under the Act III dated 17th February 2007 vide Notification No. Admin./Accounts/315-25/2007 dated 25th January 2007, the Azad Jammu & Kashmir Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority has been established.

Azad Jammu and Kashmir Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority is established with the objectives to strengthen the skill development programme, produce required No. of trained manpower and bring it at par with the National and international standards so that skilled manpower can contribute towards reducing unemployment, alleviation of poverty and thus provide a strong base for the sustainable socioeconomic development .

With the establishment of office since July 2007 AJK TEVTA is on its way to achieve its goals fixed at the time of its establishment.

Mission

To produce Skilled / trained manpower for employability, poverty alleviation and sustainable economic development.

Vision

The AJK TEVTA is established with the objective to strengthen the skill development programme, produce required number of trained manpower and bring it at par with the national and international standards so that skilled manpower can contribute towards reducing unemployment, alleviation of poverty and thus provide a strong base for the sustainable socio economic development.

For more information, visit AJK TEVTA website at www.ajktevta.org

AJK electricity dept slams WAPDA for power cuts

2008-07-05T05:56:00.000-07:00

The Electricity Department of Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Southern region, has asked WAPDA to put an end to the ongoing frequent and unscheduled loadshedding in various parts of AJK, particularly at Chakswari/Kotli 132KV circuits, which terminate at its stipulated destination Bagh, official sources said.

Chief Engineer, AJK Electricity Department (South), Mirpur region, Tariq Mahmood Mallick when contacted, told The News on Friday that by defying all moral and legal norms, WAPDA had been resorting to forced and unscheduled loadshedding for hours at the Chakswari/Kotli 132KV circuits for the last 48 hours.

The chief engineer electricity expressed the electricity minister’s displeasure at WAPDA’s power cuts, which were in excess of the daily seven-hour schedule of loadshedding.

The chief engineer said that he contacted the concerned senior official of WAPDA, Director/In charge at the Regional Control Centre, Sarwar. The official not only flatly declined the request for rectification of the ugly situation faced by the consumers in the area, but was also not ready to cooperate for quelling the flaring sentiments of local power consumers.

The WAPDA official was also apprised of the minister’s feelings about the intolerable situation. Tariq Mallick said that the senior WAPDA official was informed that consumers were frustrated and threatened to resort to street agitation against the loadshedding.

Tariq Mallick said that the Director RCC WAPDA was told that the AJK Electricity Department was always ready to share the ongoing national energy crisis by strictly acting on the announced schedule of load shedding, but the WAPDA official was not ready to listen to anything.

Mallick said that such an attitude might cause great hatred and unrest among the masses, not only over the loadshedding and subsequent acute shortage of drinking water, but could also lead to a negative impact on the ongoing Mangla Dam raising project.

He said that the local population has always been very cooperative and positive to this mega project (Mangla Dam) of national importance, which is not only beneficial for strengthening the economy of the country, but also for AJK.

British firm to provide web sites to AJK students

2008-06-25T04:28:00.001-07:00

British firm will provide web sites to the all students of all educational institutes of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. All students will have facility to communicate with the worldwide educational institutes, students and teachers. Prime Minister of AJK Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan surmises, “One Site per Child” is a very useful project and gives instruction to the relevant firm to prepare Projects for Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Army van accident at Rerah

2008-06-18T21:21:00.000-07:00

4 soldiers injured as a van of Pakistan Army fell down into a deep excavation in Rerah. The 3ton van was going from Dhulli to Bagh when it fell down into the excavation at Rerah, a town some 15 kilometers in north of Bagh city. The residents of Rerah town gathered immediately at the place of accident. The injured soldiers were taken out of the destroyed van and admitted in the MDS hospital Bagh where 2 of the soldiers are reported to be seriously injured and are being treated in the ICU.

Qamar-uz-Zaman visits the Old Kachehri

2008-06-03T04:24:00.000-07:00

Sardar Qamar-uz-Zaman Khan, the Opposition Leader in the Azad Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly visited the old Kachehri of Bagh.

Qamar-uz-Zaman visited the Centeral Jail and asked about the problems from the prisoners.

Qamar also visited the Press Club met the journalists.

STAR Opened Free Health Centre at Bagh

2008-05-08T01:09:00.000-07:00

STAR Foundation opened a Free Health Center in the District Bagh, an earthquake affected area of Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Pakistan. In the District Bagh there is a lack of health facilities especially for women diseases, a single District Hospital cannot fulfill the needs of people. This district hospital is always overfilled with patients. There are also some private clinics but their check up fees are very high, poor people cannot afford to go there. So this health center was urgently needed for the area.

There is only one gynecologist working in the District Hospital, there is no other free health center for women. Pregnant women are facing lots of problems. In this situation pregnant women prefer to deliver their children at home rather than in hospital. Some pregnant women & children die during home delivery.

So according to need of women diseases STAR took this step. The main objectives of this center are:

To give free health facilities (included medicines & check up) especially for women.
Provide services for pregnant women.
To raise awareness in the community about health problems especially for women by arranging free camps in different villages.
To provide free ambulance services for remote areas.

Not payment to quake affectees is injustice: Turabi

2008-04-27T23:15:00.000-07:00

ISLAMABAD: Former Amir Jamaat-e-Islami AJK and EX. Member AJK Assembly Abdur Rashid Turabi has said stopping payment to earthquake stricken people of Bagh and Azad Jummu and Kashmir is injustice as the rules and regulations regarding the payment has been issued when majority of the affectees has built their houses.

In a letter to the Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani, he has said that problems of the affectees should be immediately resolved, otherwise, they would organize a long March on May 11. In the letter Abur Rashid Turabi says, “The Fault is on the part of ERRA and other concerned officials as they have been issuing different code of conduct on different occasions.” He writes that the affectees are more perplexed when authorities apply double standard in this regard.

A strong protest was already staged under the auspices of Awami Action Forum Bagh and the authorities were urged to resolve the issue but no sincere effort had been made, he added. He hoped that the new government under dynamic leadership of the Prime Minister will take stock of the situation immediately. It is pertinent to mention that ERRA has stopped payment to the affectees on pretext that the residents have not used blocks of certain size.

Source: Earth-quake.Org

Bagh - This week in pictures

2008-03-25T03:35:00.000-07:00

Efforts to be continued till rehabilitation, Adam Polter

2008-03-18T22:33:00.000-07:00

BAGH (DISTRICT REPORTER) the area manger of Action Aid, Mr. Adam Polter has said that Action Aid has done its best to provide the basic rights and necessities to the earthquake affected people of Azad Jammu & Kashmir and NWFP and has proved its abilities by helping the affected people in reconstruction and rehabilitation. He said that Action Aid with the cooperation of Press for Peace will continue its struggle of providing basic rights to the people of affected areas. He was addressing as a chief guest to a ceremony organized by Press for Peace. The district coordinator of PFP Yousuf Kashmiri, the coordinator of Action Aid Syed Wajih Hussain Shah, the president of the central union of journalists Bagh Raja Muhammad Ashraf, Raja Muhammad Zakir, Shokat Taimoor, Syed Tahir Hussain Shah, Syed Zahid Gillani and Syed Imran Gillani also addressed the ceremony. Adam Polter said the difficulties in the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the educational institutes and other infrastructure will be resolved by mutual cooperation and Press for Peace can play its key role in this regard. Adam Polter presented shield to the field coordinator of Action Aid Syed Waheed Shah. While Raja Muhammad Ashraf presented the report of PFP to Adam Polter.

Bagh - increasing theft and robbery

2008-03-18T04:24:00.000-07:00

RERAH (Ausaf Correspondent) the citizens and traders of Bagh protested against the increasing theft and robbery in the city. The protestants blocked the road at Zaman Chowk to form a procession. The former president of the Trade Union of Bagh and a renowned businessman Maulana Abdul Qudoos urged the AJK Govt. to take emergency steps to stop such activities of thieves in the city before 12th of Rabi-ul-Awal. Otherwise the traders and shop owners will go on shutter down strike and will march towards the capital, Muzaffarabad. Abdul Qudoos said, no robbery or theft has been recovered because of the special cooperation of some of the top officials with the criminals. Instead the police department is being awarded with special incentives from Zakaat fund by the prime minister of AJK. Amjad Yousuf Khan, a well known politician of Bagh whose brother’s warehouse was looted a few days back said that these criminals have links with the Govt. officials and the matter is closed even before the investigation. Further he said that the Trade Union of Bagh has failed in securing the traders of Bagh from such loss and the Union has not yet taken any step nor has approached the Govt. to cope with such situation. The trade union is issuing the cards to the foreigners for 300 Rupees. He appealed the interior ministry of Pakistan to take notice of such activities. It is not worth to register the criminals by issuing them trade cards. How can those people be sincere with the poor who are betraying their department and the prime minister? The district president of the Peoples Party (Trade Wing) Sardar Abdul Qayum Chugtai said that robbers and thieves have occupied the Bagh city and the citizens and the traders are very much unsecure. A petition was also signed in the protest urging IG Police Javed Noor, Chief Secretary, DIG and the Deputy Commissioner of Bagh to start crackdown against these criminals.

Rising Star wins the Zubair Shaheed Cricket Series

2008-03-07T21:13:00.000-08:00

BAGH (Muhammad Yousuf) The final of the Zubair Shaheed Cricket Tournament was played between the Green Star Cricket club and the Rising Star Cricket Club at the Shamsi Stadium of Bagh on Tuesday, 4th of March 2008. A huge crowd was present at the Shamsi Stadium from all around Bagh. Green Star won the toss and elected to bat first. The top order batsmen played very well and helped the team to set a total of 135 at the end of allotted 20 overs. The total proved to be very challenging for the Rising Star team. Rising Star started their batting confidently but soon started losing wickets. After 15 orvers, the match entered into a very crucial stage and the entire stadium was turned into silence due to the ball by ball suspense. At the end, Rising Star scored 136 for the loss of 7 wickets in 19.3 overs and won the final by 3 wickets.

Sardar Ishtiaq Hussain is distributing prizes among the players.

The chief guest of the final match, Al Haaj Muhammad Siddique congratulated the winning team and encouraged the runner up for their team spirit. While Sardar Ishtiaq Hussain distributed the prizes among the players of the winning team, the captain of the runner up team, the man of the match and the man of the series. The captain of the Rising Star Cricket Club, Muhammad Shakoor said that it was all the team effort which helped us to win this crucial game.

Chehlum of Imam Hussain (A.S) observed in Bagh

2008-02-29T20:50:00.000-08:00

BAGH, Feb 28 (Q.A BANDAY): The devotees observed Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) on Thursday with religious solemnity. This day is observed every year to commemorate the great sacrifice of Imam Hussain (A.S) and his companions in Karbala. In this connection, the Majalis were held at various Imambargahs. The central procession was taken out from the Main Imam Bargah of Bagh.

The Chehlum procession started at 8:00 AM from the main Imam Bargah of Bagh with Kashmiri Majlis and Matam. As the Kashmiri group set out of Imam Bargah, various small processions taken out from Bhagloor, Kahna Mohri, Sir Sayedan, Hullar and Chatter also joined and a big jaloos was gathered at the Haideri Chowk. The procession moved through the traditional paths of Haideri Chowk, Jangalaat Road, Zaman Chowk and Main Bazar. During the procession, the mourners mourned over the martyrdom of Shuhada-e-Karbala. Ullema and other social personalities from the various parts of Bagh including Allama Mushtaq Hussain Mufakkari, Allama Jawad Jafri, Allama Riaz Hussain Kazmi, Shabir Shamim, Mustaq Haider Banday, Syed Ikhlaq Hussain Gardezi and Khawaja Manzoor Hussain highlighted the great sacrifices rendered by Hazrat Imam Hussain (A.S) and his other companions. They paid glowing tributes rendered by the Shuhada, who sacrificed their lives at Karbala for the glory of Islam. The procession ended in the evening at the main Imam Bargah with special prayers.

Bagh - Satellite Town construction to be started soon.

2008-02-28T01:46:00.000-08:00

Hari Ghel (ApnaBagh Correspondent) the chairman of Bagh Development Authority, Sardar Tariq Masood has said that 325 Kanals of land has been purchased for the construction of Bagh satellite Town at Sahlian Maldyalan. We will cope with those land mafia groups who are active in Bagh and have occupied vast areas of land at various places in Bagh. He informed our correspondent that the master plan for half of the area of Bagh has been approved and soon the building codes will be issued to start the construction & development works.
Tariq Masood said that the construction maps will be approved by BDA and these maps will have to be strictly followed. Special investigation will be carried out against those who receive double fees for the approval of maps. Further he stressed that it will not be allowed to adopt the inappropriate methods and poor materials for construction. Mega projects will be started for the promotion of tourism in Bagh. BDA boundaries will be extended to Las Danna and Neela Butt. The first ever housing society of Bagh will be constructed along with the modern children park and amusement parks. The illegal properties will be removed throughout the bazaar and markets.

Election must be conducted in AJK also. Says Qamar

2008-02-24T21:55:00.000-08:00

Muzaffarabad (Staff Reporter) Qamar-uz-Zaman Khan, the opposition leader in AJK Legislative Assembly has said that after the formation of new government in Pakistan, it will take only a few days that the forcefully implemented government of AJK will come to an end. Pakistani nation has rejected the dictators and has proved by its political sensibility that people want only a freely elected democratic government in Pakistan. This decision of Pakistani people will encourage the Kashmiri Nation as well. While talking to the news reporters, Qamar said that PPP will form a new government with other strong political allies in Pakistan and the new PPP government will take extraordinary steps for the resumption and uplift of judiciary and other departments. Further he said that soon after the new govt. takes over, free and fair elections will be conducted in the state of Azad Jammu & Kashmir and the leftovers of the dictatorship will be removed from this region as well. Peoples Party will continue its efforts for the well being of the people whose rights have been snatched by the dictators.

Special steps to be taken for Bagh Bus Stand – Shujaat Zafar

2008-02-17T21:10:00.000-08:00

Bagh (Ausaf Correspondent) the Municipality Administrator Bagh, Syed Shujaat Zafar Gardezi has said that sewerage paths and containers for wastes will be built in the main bus stand area. Further he said that all the area of bus stand will be cemented to ensure the maximum cleanliness. He was addressing a meeting of the representatives of transporters and traders of Bagh. On the occasion, the State Officer Sardar Imtiaz Chugtai, Magistrate Municipality Syed Sadaqat Hussain Gardezi, President Public Transport Union Sardar Manzoor Chughtai, General Secretary Trade Union Raja Aziz Khan, trade representatives Haji Yousuf Khan, Sardar Sarfaraz Khan, Raja Ayaz Khan and Sardar Waqar Ahmed were also present.

Administrator Muncipality Bagh Syed Shujaat Zafar assured that all of the works related to the bus stand will be completed in 15 days time. The transporters and trade representatives thanked Gardezi and appreciated his concern and efforts for the cleanliness of Bagh City.

24th Death Anniversary of Maqbool Bhat being observerd today

2008-02-11T20:40:00.000-08:00

11 February 2008 is being commemorated as Maqbool Bhat’s 24th death anniversary. On this day the scene was set to make a modern day legend for Kashmir. On this day Kashmiris remember their hero with honors and pride. Kashmiri nationalist groups, on both sides of the dreaded line of control and all over the world, remember him well but his adversaries who had hoped that he would be forgotten with the passage of time wish their nightmare was over. Born after his death, young men of age 22 who have grown up with the only undisputed name in Kashmir’s turbulent history are not likely to forget his dream and his mission. That name will live on for centuries to come.

Today, the 24th Death Anniversary of Shaheed-e-Kashmir is being observed throughout Jammu & Kashmir on both sides of the line of control including Bagh. The day will start with the special prayers for the soul of Shaheed Bhat. Our correspondent, Yousuf Kashmiri from Bagh reports, this year, all the nationalist organizations have decided to celebrate Maqbool Bhat's day together. These organizations include UKPNP, JKPNP, NAP, NSF and JKLF.

Severe weather in Bagh due to heavy snowfall

2008-02-10T06:37:00.001-08:00

An extremely cold wave is blowing across Bagh now a days as a result of heavy snowfall in Bagh city and the surrounding localities. This year unexpectedly as compared to the previous years Bagh city has received a huge amount of snowfall which has caused some property and human loss as well. People are forced to remain inside their homes due to the extreme cold. Further electricity supply is also disconnected due to the damage to electricity pols at various places.

In spite of these problems, some people are also enjoying the recent snowfall. A number of local and foreign tourists are rushing towards the surrounding tourist places of Sudhan Galli, Las Danna, Mehmood Galli and Chitra Topi to enjoy the mysterious beauty of snow.