Soon after the European Parliament (EP) in Brussels expressed concern over the human rights violation in the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, the ISI allegedly arrested Ghulam Shezad Agha, the chairperson of the Gilgit Baltistan Democratic Alliance (GBDA). He was arrested in Skardu, the capital of Baltistan in POK on April 14. A press release on the issue noted that he was charged of criticizing the construction of hydropower Sadpara dam which was said to have adverse effects on the environment and on the society1. In a related development, Manzoor Hussain Parwana, Chairman of the Gilgit Baltisan United Movement supported the cause of Agha and affirmed that the ISI had detained him illegally2.

In other developments, the Federal Minister of Kashmir (POK) Affairs and Northern Areas in Pakistan, Qamar Zaman Kaira vowed to bring about all round development in the neglected POK region. In a meeting with the Prime Minister of the region Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan in Islamabad, the Federal Minister took stock of the ongoing development activities and assured him that the government of Pakistan would extend full cooperation in this regard3.

• 1. Press release by Shafqat Inqalabi, Former spokesman BNF, Pakistan Occupied Gilgit Baltistan (POGB)
• 2. Press release by Manzoor Hussain Parwana, Chairman,Gilgit Baltistan United Movement.
• 3. “AJK PM calls on KANA Minister,” April 15, 2008 at http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/Stock%20News/1364432/ (Asia Pulse Data Source via COMTEX)