Daily Diary (DD) - Day 105 of 2019

1455hrs:

We've been without electricity since 0900hrs. Nothing new here, this is merely a small cost for azaadi, albeit without zimidaari. That is freedom without responsibility. In the words of our previous prime minister Choudhary Majeed, "We wish to remain in darkness so that Pakistan can be illuminated."

The problem is: This type of foolish charity only makes the beneficiary even more cruel towards you. Such is human nature.

Today, the current AJK prime minister decided to visit the sit-in protest conducted by civil society in Muzaffarabad at Azaadi Chowk, now into its 22nd day.

Here's some notes (in Urdu) based on a conversation between AJK PM Raja Farooq Haider and Advocate Raja Amjad Ali Khan, spokesman for the 'Save Rivers - Save Lives' Movement.

Translated thus:

(note: words in brackets are my emphasis, for context)

Muzaffarabad:

Prime minister Azad Kashmir visits sit-in protest of 'Save Rivers - Save Lives' Movement

A dialogue between the prime minister and Raja Amjad Khan, spokesman for 'Save Rivers - Save Lives' Movement:

"Strengthen my hands and end this sit-in protest so that I can engage in meaningful talks (with Pakistan) on the rivers issue."

Prime minister Azad Kashmir Raja Farooq Haider Khan

"If you can bring a copy of WAPDA's (Water and Power Development Authority - of Pakistan) agreement on its planning for electricity (in AJK), then we're ready to immediately end this sit-in protest."

"WAPDA is not taking our (public) affairs seriously and neither is it willing to make an agreement with us (AJK)."

Raja Amjad Khan

"The forthcoming (tomorrow - 16 April) protest in London (outside the Pakistani Embassy there) in favour of the sit-in protest (in Muzaffarabad) will be used by India as propaganda against Kashmiris."

Prime minister Azad Kashmir Raja Farooq Haider Khan

"The sit-in protest (here) is into its 22nd day. Kashmiris also protested outside WAPDA House (their headquarters in Lahore) but the bureaucracy of WAPDA didn't even flinch."

"We don't want to create any administrative issues for you and neither is this sit-in protest against the Azad Kashmir government."

"This is a protest against those (forces) who are not willing to enter into an agreement with the Azad Kashmir government. By asking us to end this sit-in protest, you are favouring them."

Raja Amjad Khan

"A matter that can be settled amicably should not lead to rancor (hostility)."

Cautioned (the prime minister)

"I am a son of the soil. This is where I will (always) live."

Prime minister Azad Kashmir Raja Farooq Haider Khan

"This is why we want to strengthen you, so that WAPDA is compelled to make an agreement with the Azad Kashmir government."

"If WAPDA doesn't want to fulfill the conditions for an NOC (No Objection Certificate) from (our) Environmental Protection Agency then it should invoke an independent international environmental study and follow its recommendations."

Raja Amjad Khan

"A file for creating water bodies on the dry bed of the river is on the desk of Imran Khan, prime minister of Pakistan."

"The prime minister of Pakistan has assured us that issues will be resolved."

Prime minister Azad Kashmir Raja Farooq Haider Khan

"You had said (in the past) that we will not allow the River Jhelum to be diverted. (However) you have now supported the building of a tunnel there."

Raja Amjad Khan

"Some sacrifices have to be made (after all)."

Prime minister Azad Kashmir Raja Farooq Haider Khan

......End of translation...

.....

 And the electricity in my region returns at 1830hrs, after 9 and a half hours.