DOCSLIB.ORG

GILGIT-BALTISTAN EMPOWERMENT and SELF–GOVERNANCE ORDER 2009 Opportunities and Challenges

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
GILGIT-BALTISTAN EMPOWERMENT and SELF–GOVERNANCE ORDER 2009 Opportunities and Challenges GILGIT-BALTISTAN EMPOWERMENT AND SELF–GOVERNANCE ORDER 2009 Opportunities and Challenges Arranged By : Gilgit-Baltistan Policy Institute (GBPI) Centre For Civic Education Pakistan & Forum of Federation Canada July 2010 Islamabad, Pakistan Executive Summary The Gilgit-Baltistan has been formerly known as the Federally Administered Northern Areas (FANA), is strategically located between China, India and Pakistan. The area is home to a number of endangered wild animals and plants species, and internationally known for its mountain peaks, famous glaciers and high altitude lakes. The world’s second highest mountain peak K-2 is also located in this region. For over 60 years, the people of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) had been living in a constitutional vacuum, directly administered by the Federal Government of Pakistan from Islamabad without granting legal and constitutional rights to the local people. This curious position arises from the unresolved dispute between Pakistan and India over the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir of which the GB has be annexed with the disputed territory since the days of British Empire. Pakistan’s Constitutions of 1956, 1962 and 1973 do not recognize GB as territorial part of the country, however, democratic governments and military regimes had been introducing various administrative and governance reforms to strengthen direct rule of Islamabad over the area. The Gilgit-Baltistan has been ruled by cosmetic and band-aid Ordinances introduced time to time without any constitutional cover. After independence in 1947, the Frontier Crimes Regulations (FCR) was enforced in the area. Under this colonial law a civil servant, called Political Agent, exercised all judicial and administrative powers. Initially the Political Agent in Gilgit was placed under the Political Resident of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, (formerly NWFP), in an attempt to extend administrative control and later controlled directly from Islamabad. Other key administrative measures undertaken are: establishment of the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas (KANA) (1950), appointment of a joint secretary of the Ministry of KANA as Resident with administrative and judicial powers (1952), organizing elections of 16 members of Northern Areas Advisory Council (1970), package of administrative and judicial reforms 1974, declaration of the area as Martial Law Zone-E by Gen. Zia and granting representation in the non-elected Majlis-e-Shura, appointment of a representative from the area as Advisor to Minister for KANA (1985), followed by appointment of an advisor to the Prime Minister in 1988, LFO or Reforms Package of 1994, delegation of legislative powers in 1999, establishment of Northern Areas Court of Appeal in 2005, and Northern Areas Governance order in 2007. The Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self-Governance Order 2009 is a turning point in the administrative history of the region. Anchored in article 258 of the Constitution of Pakistan, the Order, though short of providing constitutional status to GB, has given the region identity by renaming it as Gilgit-Baltistan and introducing an improved setup of legislative system i.e. Legislative Assembly and GB Council. Now the region has its own Governor, Chief Minster and legislative Assembly. Under GB Empowerment and Self-Governance Order 2009, elections for the Legislative Assembly were held on November 14, 2009. Pakistan Peoples Party emerged as the majority party by winning 14 seats out of the total 33 and formed a coalition government. Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) secured four seats, Pakistan Muslim League (Q) 3, Muttahida Quami Movement one seat, Pakistan Muslim League (N) two, and two independent seats in the Legislative Assembly. With assumption of offices by a new government including governor, chief minister and his cabinet ministers, the GB is experiencing a major administrative transformation. To examine and discuss challenges to the new system and opportunities that it brings, the Gilgit-Baltistan Policy Institute in collaboration with Centre for Civic Education Pakistan and the Forum of Federations organized a two-day event titled “Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self-Governance Order 2009: Challenges and Opportunities” from 12 to 13 July, 2010, in Islamabad. The participants were 14 members of the newly-elected Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly (GBLA) including the Chief Minister, Speaker and Deputy Speaker as well as two cabinet ministers. Among others were three members of the Gilgit-Baltistan Council, and five former members of the former Northern Areas Legislative Council, social and political activists, and journalists from the GB and Islamabad. The Federal Minister for Information, Mr. Qamar Zaman Kaira who was former governor of the GB was the chief guest at the inaugural session. The speakers/resource persons and participants explored and discussed challenges and opportunities of transformation of the GB administrative and constitutional system in the light of GB Empowerment and Self-Governance Order 2009. This Order was rated as a major step towards integration of the GB into the federation; however, most of the participants were not satisfied with the semi-autonomous provincial status without representation in the national Parliament. The participants were given copies of the Forum of Federation’s research paper on GB Reforms 2009, Urdu translation of the Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self-Governance Order 2009, copies of the 18 th Amendment of Constitution of Pakistan, and Forum’s publications on different aspects of federalism. A set of Forum’s publications was presented to the Chief Minister, Syed Mehdi Shah, and another to Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Wazir Baig, for library of the Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly. The Chief Minister and other participants appreciated the effort of collaborating partners as an enabling exercise in comprehending different aspects of the law, highlighted the need and called for holding of similar events in future. Proceedings Session-I Mr. Zafarullah Khan, Executive Director of the Centre for Civic Education Pakistan, in his opening remarks said that the Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self-Governance Order 2009 was a significant development that had ushered a new era of empowerment and self-rule in the region. He said federations, laws, and constitutions could not remain static and must evolve with the passage of time and should change according to the peoples’ aspirations. He expressed the hope that the process of giving people of GB right to self-rule and strengthening of the federation would continue in future. Prof. Dr. Rasul Bakhsh Rais, Pakistan’s renowned academic and professor at Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), in his speech said that the GB Order 2009 was a historic decision and a big step towards regional autonomy and self-rule. He said that perhaps the region was not given constitutional status of a separate province because of the Kashmir dispute and its related international complications; however, the GB now had its own Legislative Assembly, Council, and Executive. Prof. Rais said that to get full benefit of the opportunities that the new governance order had open up, attention must be paid to improve quality of education in the region, especially the higher education. Quality higher education would enable people to explore natural wealth of the region and exploit these resources for their development. He said that the GB Order 2009 must not be viewed as a mere legal framework of rights, powers and limits, but as a fresh start of self-governance. Dr. Rais said that the government of Gilgit-Baltistan could claim more powers and autonomy by evolving best governance and management practices. People of the region were well-aware and very hard working and they could become a role model for the rest of Pakistan by running their affairs effectively and responsibly, he remarked. He said the region had great untapped potential for hydro-electricity generation and asked members of the GB Legislative Assembly to devise power projects and seek international assistance for these schemes. These hydro-projects could be a source of royalty that might help improve living standards in the region. Mr. Qamar Zaman Kaira, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, who is also one of the key architects of the Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self-Governance Order 2009, gave credit of the GB Reforms Package to his late party leader, Benazir Bhutto, who had promised administrative reforms for the region in the Charter of Democracy (CoD), signed in 2006 with PML (N). He quoted form the CoD which says that Northern Areas shall be developed by giving it a special status and further empowering the Northern Areas Legislative Council to provide people of Northern Areas access to justice and human rights. The Minister said that he considered the GB Reforms Package a big milestone of his political career. He said that the PPP has always strived to serve the people across the country and the people of GB have a lot of expectations from the newly elected Assembly there. He said that it is not that much important weather constitutionally Gilgit-Baltistan is part of Pakistan or not, but practically it was an integral part of the country and its people had rendered many sacrifices for Pakistan and in the struggle for democracy in the country. He said the Reforms Package and subsequent PPP’s victory in elections are significant achievements but coming up to the expectations of the people of the area is the bigger
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Constitutional Status of Gilgit Baltistan: Factors and Implications
    The Constitutional Status of Gilgit Baltistan: Factors and Implications By Name: Syeda Batool National University of Modern Languages, Islamabad April 2019 1 The Constitutional Status of Gilgit Baltistan: Factors and Implications by Name: Syeda Batool M.Phil Pakistan Studies, National University of Modern Languages, 2019 A THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF PHILOSOPHY in PAKISTAN STUDIES To FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES, DEPARTMENT OF PAKISTAN STUDIES National University of Modern Languages, Islamabad April 2019 @Syeda Batool, April 2019 2 NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF MODERN LANGUAGES FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES THESIS/DISSERTATION AND DEFENSE APPROVAL FORM The undersigned certify that they have read the following thesis, examined the defense, are satisfied with the overall exam performance, and recommend the thesis to the Faculty of Social Sciences for acceptance: Thesis/ Dissertation Title: The Constitutional Status of Gilgit Baltistan: Factors and Implications Submitted By: Syed Batool Registration #: 1095-Mphil/PS/F15 Name of Student Master of Philosophy in Pakistan Studies Degree Name in Full (e.g Master of Philosophy, Doctor of Philosophy) Degree Name in Full Pakistan Studies Name of Discipline Dr. Fazal Rabbi ______________________________ Name of Research Supervisor Signature of Research Supervisor Prof. Dr. Shahid Siddiqui ______________________________ Signature of Dean (FSS) Name of Dean (FSS) Brig Muhammad Ibrahim ______________________________ Name of Director General Signature of
    [Show full text]
  • AJCONF2019.Pdf
    1 ASMA JAHANGIR CONFERENCE – 2019 ROADMAP FOR HUMAN RIGHTS 19 & 20TH OCTOBER, 2019 LAHORE 2 Contents Acknowledgements ...................................................................................................................................... 6 Conference Committee ................................................................................................................................ 9 Executive Summary .................................................................................................................................... 10 Aims & Objectives ...................................................................................................................................... 12 Synopsis ...................................................................................................................................................... 14 Day 1 ....................................................................................................................................................... 14 Day 2 ....................................................................................................................................................... 16 Resolutions: ................................................................................................................................................ 19 Theme A: Strengthening the Justice System ......................................................................................... 19 Topic 1 – Upholding the Rule of Law ................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Jammu & Kashmir
    POK NEWS DIGEST A MONTHLY NEWS DIGEST ON PAKISTAN OCCUPIED KASHMIR Volume 2 Number 8 August 2009 • Commentary Political Unrest In Gilgit Baltistan: Possible Indian Initiatives - Senge Hasnan Sering • Political Developments Dawa Expanding Operations in AJK: Report Independent Commission to Resolve the Boundaries of Diamer Bhasha Dam: BNF Gilgit Baltistan: Nationalist Activists Booked in Skardu • Economic Developments ADB to Fund AJK Power Project Cross LoC Trade on Srinagar-Muzaffarabad Road Crosses Rs 13 Cr • International Developments Gilgit Baltistan Issues Echoe at Interfaith Moot in Geneva • Other Developments Compiled & Edited Concern Over Dumping of Debris Into Indus by ERRA Accused of Gross Nepotism Blunders in Dr Priyanka Singh MCDP INSTITUTE FOR DEFENCE STUDIES AND ANALYSES No. 1, Development Enclave, Rao Tula Ram Marg August 2009 New Delhi-110 010 1 Jammu & Kashmir (Source: Based on the Survey of India Map, Govt of India 2000 ) A Monthly Newsletter on Pakistan Occupied Kashmir 2 About this Issue The existence of terrorists' camps in the Pakistan occupied Kashmir has been a grave issue of concern for India and also the international forces fighting the Taliban in the Afghan-Pak region. The region has proved to be a convenient hideout for militants especially the ones operating in Kashmir. The reports in this issue which include reliable international news sources endorse the fact once again. Notably, Pakistan has in the past denied any such clandestine activities in the PoK. A report in this issue draws attention towards the ambiguity in the political status of PoK where it is questioned whether the Supreme Court of Pakistan has jurisdiction over issues pertaining to the so called 'AJK' since it apparently is an independent entity.
    [Show full text]
  • Pakistan Media: Impact on Society and Foreign and Security Policy”
    “Pakistan Media: Impact on Society and Foreign and Security Policy” One-day Seminar organized by The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) arranged a One – day seminar to highlight the emerging contours of the Pakistani media landscape and its impact on the society, and foreign and security policy. The Chief Guest of the seminar was former Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting and currently Central Information Secretary, Pakistan Peoples Party Mr. Qamar Zaman Kaira who said that that before independence media in this part of the world has been a ‘movement media’ which was the need of the time. However, he lamented, it has been unable to assume the role of nation-building, and has continued to act as a ‘movement’ institution. Lack of objectivity, according to him, was lacking in the most of the content produced by the media. He also referred to the divisions within the media of of pro-democracy, anti-democracy, pro-military and jihadi segments. Earlier, Tanvir Ahmed Khan, Director General / Chairman, Institute of Strategic Studies in his opening remarks said that the media offers a new dimension that cannot be ignored while studying security, social and political affairs. He said that it is no longer possible or even profitable to stifle the media. He further highlighted the role of new technologies in media that transform and establish the ‘shape, color and scent’ of our time. According to him the Face book generation, using technological devices and tools for mass communication through what is now called ‘social media’ have necessitated a rethinking of traditional media roles.
    [Show full text]
  • Pok News Digest a Monthly News Digest on Pakistan Occupied Kashmir
    POK NEWS DIGEST A MONTHLY NEWS DIGEST ON PAKISTAN OCCUPIED KASHMIR Volume 2 Number 11 November 2009 • Commentary Gilgit Ordinance 2009 Undermines Baroness Emma Nicholson's Endeavors - Senge Hasnan Sering • Political Developments AJK: Unstable Again Farooq Elected New AJK Premier POK Leaders Justify India's Objection to Chinese Projects 7, 14,966 Votes Registered in GB Elections • Economic Developments LCCI to Hold Int’l Investment Conference for Gilgit-Baltistan Rs500m Value Gemstones Extracted Annually From GB • International Developments Kashmiri Parties Hold Pak Govt Responsible For Terrorism in Valley Kashmiri Demonstrators Urge Pakistan to Leave Kashmir Compiled & Edited • Other Developments by Gilgit-Baltistan Has Potential to Produce Dr Priyanka Singh 40,000 MW Electricity INSTITUTE FOR DEFENCE STUDIES AND ANALYSES No. 1, Development Enclave, Rao Tula Ram Marg November 2009 New Delhi-110 010 1 Jammu & Kashmir (Source: Based on the Survey of India Map, Govt of India 2000 ) A Monthly Newsletter on Pakistan Occupied Kashmir 2 About this Issue There was a change in government in the so called 'AJK' which reiterates the precarious form of politics there. The outgoing Prime Minister Sardar Yaqoob was in office only for ten months since January 2009, when he assumed office after toppling Atiq Ahmed Khan. Atiq Khan was allegedly involved in the overthrow of Yaqoobs's government this time around as is indicated in one of the reports included in this issue. This development reveals the wretched situation of political structures in PoK which are subject to the whims and fancies of the establishment in Pakistan. Not only this, some reports in the issue also point to the fact that the party in power in Pakistan makes use of its position to ensure its interests are best secured in PoK, keeping in view its strategic significance.
    [Show full text]
  • 1St CABINET UNDER the PREMIERSHIP of SYED YOUSAF RAZA GILLANI, the PRIME MINISTER from 25.03.2008 to 11.02.2011
    1st CABINET UNDER THE PREMIERSHIP OF SYED YOUSAF RAZA GILLANI, THE PRIME MINISTER FROM 25.03.2008 to 11.02.2011 S.NO. NAME WITH TENURE PORTFOLIO PERIOD OF PORTFOLIO 1 2 3 4 SYED YOUSAF RAZA GILLANI, PRIME MINSITER, 25.03.2008 to 11.02.2011 FEDERAL MINISTERS 1. Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan i) Communication and 31.03.2008 to 13.05.2008 Senior Minister ii) Inter Provincial Coordination 08.04.2008 to 13.05.2008 31.03.2008 to 13.05.2008 iii) Food Agriculture & Livestock (Addl. Charge) 31.03.2008 to 13.05.2008 2. Makhdoom Amin Fahim Commerce 04.11.2008 to 11.02.2011 03.11.2008 to 11.02.2011 3. Mr. Shahid Khaqan Abbassi, Commerce 31.03.2008 to 12.05.2008 31.03.2008 to 12.05.2008 4. Dr. Arbab Alamgir Khan Communications 04.11.2008 to 11.02.2011 03.11.2008 to 11.02.2011 5. Khawaja Saad Rafique i) Culture 31.03.2008 to 13.05.2008 31.03.2008 to 13.05.2008 ii) Youth Affairs (Addl. Charge) 31.03.2008 to 13.05.2008 6. Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar i) Defence 31.03.2008 to 11.02.2011 31.03.2008 to 11.02.2011 ii) Textile Industry 15.04.2008 to 03.11.2008 iii) Commerce 15.04.2008 to 03.11.2008 7. Rana Tanveer Hussain Defence Production 31.03.2008 to 13.05.2008 31.03.2008 to 13.5.2008 8. Mr. Abdul Qayyum Khan Jatoi Defence Production 04.11.2008 to 03.10.2010 03.11.2008 to 03.10.2010 9.
    [Show full text]
  • Pok Dec 2014.Cdr
    POK Volume 7 | Number 12 | December 2014 News Digest A MONTHLY NEWS DIGEST ON PAKISTAN OCCUPIED KASHMIR Compiled & Edited by Dr Priyanka Singh & Charisma MS Kundan Political Developments GBLA Elections: Summary Forwarded to PM for Election Commissioner's Appointment Gilgit Courts Have no Jurisdiction in Pakistan, Say Experts 'One of Us': G-B Lawyers Threaten Poll Boycott Voice of Dissident: 'Where is the Empowerment Promised?' KP-GB Tension Over Disputed Territory Eases Refreshing Our Faulty Memory: Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir Go Hand in Hand G-B CM Slams Federal Govt's Apathy Over Civil Rights Economic Developments Rs. 99.821 Billion Released for Development Projects KPK, GB Chambers Join United Business Group International Developments U.S. Extends Financial Adviser Call for Pakistan's 4,500-MW Diamer Bhasha Hydro Project UNESCO has Called for Entries for its Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation Other Developments Trophying Hunt of Markhor to Cost $60,000 Road to Chitral Village Restored After Four Years Clearing Away: Anti-Encroachment Drive in Mirpur No. 1, Development Enclave, Rao Tula Ram Marg New Delhi-110 010 Jammu & Kashmir (Source: Based on the Survey of India Map, Govt of India 2000 ) In this Edition Under the Gilgit Baltistan Empowerment and Self Rule order, the first ever elections were held in the region in 2009. The PPP (Pakistan's Peoples Party) led government in Gilgit Baltistan completed its term in December 2014. However, fresh elections could not be held and there was a debate whether a care taker set could be installed in Gilgit Baltistan. Notably, under the self-rule order, there is no provision for a care taker set up.
    [Show full text]
  • Qwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwe
    qwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyui opasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfgh jklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvb nmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwer tyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasProfiles of Political Personalities dfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzx cvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmq wertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuio pasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghj klzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbn mqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwerty uiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdf ghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxc vbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmrty uiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdf ghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxc 22 Table of Contents 1. Mutahidda Qaumi Movement 11 1.1 Haider Abbas Rizvi……………………………………………………………………………………….4 1.2 Farooq Sattar………………………………………………………………………………………………66 1.3 Altaf Hussain ………………………………………………………………………………………………8 1.4 Waseem Akhtar…………………………………………………………………………………………….10 1.5 Babar ghauri…………………………………………………………………………………………………1111 1.6 Mustafa Kamal……………………………………………………………………………………………….13 1.7 Dr. Ishrat ul Iad……………………………………………………………………………………………….15 2. Awami National Party………………………………………………………………………………………….17 2.1 Afrasiab Khattak………………………………………………………………………………………………17 2.2 Azam Khan Hoti……………………………………………………………………………………………….19 2.3 Asfand yaar Wali Khan………………………………………………………………………………………20 2.4 Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour………………………………………………………………………………..22 2.5 Bashir Ahmed Bilour ………………………………………………………………………………………24 2.6 Mian Iftikhar Hussain………………………………………………………………………………………25 2.7 Mohad Zahid Khan ………………………………………………………………………………………….27 2.8 Bushra Gohar………………………………………………………………………………………………….29
    [Show full text]
  • MEI Report Sunni Deobandi-Shi`I Sectarian Violence in Pakistan Explaining the Resurgence Since 2007 Arif Ra!Q
    MEI Report Sunni Deobandi-Shi`i Sectarian Violence in Pakistan Explaining the Resurgence Since 2007 Arif Ra!q Photo Credit: AP Photo/B.K. Bangash December 2014 ! Sunni Deobandi-Shi‘i Sectarian Violence in Pakistan Explaining the Resurgence since 2007 Arif Rafiq! DECEMBER 2014 1 ! ! Contents ! ! I. Summary ................................................................................. 3! II. Acronyms ............................................................................... 5! III. The Author ............................................................................ 8! IV. Introduction .......................................................................... 9! V. Historic Roots of Sunni Deobandi-Shi‘i Conflict in Pakistan ...... 10! VI. Sectarian Violence Surges since 2007: How and Why? ............ 32! VII. Current Trends: Sectarianism Growing .................................. 91! VIII. Policy Recommendations .................................................. 105! IX. Bibliography ..................................................................... 110! X. Notes ................................................................................ 114! ! 2 I. Summary • Sectarian violence between Sunni Deobandi and Shi‘i Muslims in Pakistan has resurged since 2007, resulting in approximately 2,300 deaths in Pakistan’s four main provinces from 2007 to 2013 and an estimated 1,500 deaths in the Kurram Agency from 2007 to 2011. • Baluchistan and Karachi are now the two most active zones of violence between Sunni Deobandis and Shi‘a,
    [Show full text]
  • Pok News Digest a Monthly News Digest on Pakistan Occupied Kashmir
    POK NEWS DIGEST A MONTHLY NEWS DIGEST ON PAKISTAN OCCUPIED KASHMIR Volume 2 Number 10 October 2009 • Commentary What’s in a Name: The Rebirth of Gilgit and Baltistan - Senge Hasnan Sering • Political Developments The Northern Areas Reforms Undertaken Due to Chinese Pressure PM-Arrives in Gilgit on Two Day Visit Gunmen Kill Three, Wound Eight in Gilgit GBDA Rejects Gilgit Baltistan Reforms Package • Economic Developments AJK Finance Department Defies Rules Banking Facilities Urged for Cross-LoC Trade Rs207bn Power Project Awarded Without Bids • International Developments Pak-China Soon to Initiate Work on Development Project at AJK British Kashmiris Smell Conspiracy in Compiled & Edited Gilgit-Baltistan Package by • Other Developments Dr Priyanka Singh 78 Development Projects Launched in Astore District of Gilgit-Balistan INSTITUTE FOR DEFENCE STUDIES AND ANALYSES No. 1, Development Enclave, Rao Tula Ram Marg October 2009 New Delhi-110 010 1 Jammu & Kashmir (Source: Based on the Survey of India Map, Govt of India 2000 ) A Monthly Newsletter on Pakistan Occupied Kashmir 2 About this Issue There is great deal of despair amongst the local leaders in PoK on the recently announced reforms package on Gilgit Baltistan as indicated in few reports in this issue. The local leadership was not consulted at all in the formative stages of the order and this has led to serious grievances all across the PoK. Getting the sense of prevailing discontent, the government of Pakistan quickly called on the Kashmiri leadership in the PoK to pacify them while asserting that the new order would in no way dilute their commitment on Kashmir issue.
    [Show full text]
  • Country Information and Guidance Pakistan: Background Information, Including Actors of Protection, and Internal Relocation
    Country Information and Guidance Pakistan: Background information, including actors of protection, and internal relocation Preface This document provides supporting guidance to Home Office decision makers on handling claims made by nationals/residents of – but is predominantly country of origin information (COI) about – Pakistan. It must be read in conjunction with the subject-specific country information and guidance reports. Public versions of these documents are available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pakistan-country-information-and-guidance. Decision makers must consider claims on an individual basis, taking into account the case specific facts and all relevant evidence, including: the guidance contained with this document; the available COI; any applicable caselaw; and the Home Office casework guidance in relation to relevant policies. Within this instruction, links to specific guidance are those on the Home Office’s internal system. Public versions of these documents are available at https://www.gov.uk/immigration- operational-guidance/asylum-policy. Country Information The COI within this document has been compiled from a wide range of external information sources (usually) published in English. Consideration has been given to the relevance, reliability, accuracy, objectivity, currency, transparency and traceability of the information and wherever possible attempts have been made to corroborate the information used across independent sources, to ensure accuracy. All sources cited have been referenced in footnotes. It has been researched and presented with reference to the Common EU [European Union] Guidelines for Processing Country of Origin Information (COI), dated April 2008, and the European Asylum Support Office’s research guidelines, Country of Origin Information report methodology, dated July 2012.
    [Show full text]
  • Participatory Federalism and Decentralization: from Framework to Functionality
    Three Day International Conference Participatory Federalism and Decentralization: From Framework to Functionality 25th - 27th September, 2013, Islamabad t t t t or or IUCPSS Rep Rep Pakistan Three Day International Conference Participatory Federalism and Decentralization: From Framework to Functionality 25th - 27th September, 2013, Islamabad Pakistan C SPFD - UNDP 2014 Islamabad - Pakistan Editors: Prof. Dr. Mohammad Nizammudin, Amjad Bhatti, Adnan Rehmat Copy Editing: Khalid Hussain Design & Layout: Mohammad Saeed Photography: Torsum Khan, UNDP, NCA Coordination: Daud Sharif, Syed Hashim Zaidi, Taimoor Javed, Areeb Shirazi Compilation: University of Gujrat Disclaimer: SPFD - UNDP does not necessarily subscribe to all the views expressed in the course of this conference. Views expressed in this Report are representations and perspectives from diverse backgrounds and contexts. C 05 ACRONYMS 07 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS O 09 PREFACE 11 SUMMARY N Introduction: Democratic Transition and Evolving Federalism 15 in Pakistan T 23 Inaugural Session E Session 1: Participatory Federalism and Decentralization: 31 Global Perspectives and Local Linkages N Session 2: Local Governance and Development Outcomes: 39 Frameworks of Institutional Interplay T 59 Session 3: Participatory Local Governance: Capacity, S Resources and Innovations Session 4: Fiscal Federalism: How to Operationalize 69 Economy of Autonomy Session 5: Political Economy of Inter-Governmental Relations 79 in a Federal Framework: Lessons Learnt and Way Forward 91 Panel Discussions Closing Session: International Conference on Participatory 107 Federalism and Decentralization: From Framework to Functionality 113 Glimpses from the 125 Annex I: Conference Chairs, Conference Speakers, Panelists and Discussants 167 ANNEX II: 179 ANNEX III: Participants’ List Conference Programme ACRONYMS 05 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The International Conference on Participatory Federalism and Decentralization was a team effort.
    [Show full text]