Gojal Educational and Cultural Association (GECA)

[Rehman]

by Shafqat Karim

(PAMIR TIMES: Posted on December 24, 2009)

The idea of Gojal Educational and Cultural Association (GECA) was
initially conceived by a group of five young students studying in the
twin cities of Pakistan. The idea gradually got its depth as the
enthusiastic and visionary students started their move to address the
immediate needs of some of the then students struggling for knowledge
and intellect.

In the last five years this idea gradually transcribed and finally
transformed into an association which is now on the surface to execute
its role more prominently in the field of Language and Culture. The
inception and final accomplishment of the wakhi week is a strong
witness to justify its due role. Many intricate questions about the
role of GECA are coming up in the minds as, what is it in reality? Is
it really the translation of the idea encoded a few years back? Does
it give the true picture of what was envisioned? Does it really
address the issues of students?

Before going into the depth of the above questions I would like to
give you a brief history of the currently called GECA. In an evening,
in the month of Ramadan 2004, a group of five students sitting in a
local hotel in Karachi Company were seriously involved in a discussion
about their financial constraints towards the attainment of their
university degrees. The topic had warmed up as a student of their
circle had failed to submit his semester dues because of financial
constraints. The topic further became hot as no immediate ways could
be envisioned to solve his problem and all were fully involved in
brain storming to address the immediate shortcomings at the earliest.
Thanks to HOAP foundation which helped him through to get his
immediate needs settled.

The idea got its inception from the discussion to immediately think
over the establishment of a platform to support the deserving and
needy students. The best time to catalyze and practicalize the process
was the upcoming ritual of Eid Ul-fitr. That was the best opportunity
to speed up the entire activities towards the initiative. The students
started meeting the notables, dignitaries and professionals of Gojal
residing in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. They faced a very hard time in
mobilizing part of the Wakhi community residing in the twin cities and
in the out skirts.

The contributions and kind support of Mr. Fayaz Ahmed Dewan in the
whole process can not be denied at any length. Mr. Fayyaz Dewan fully
supported the idea and frequent meetings were held at his residence to
make the initiative a success. A get together was held on the second
day of eid at Metropolitan Hotel for the first time ever in Islamabad.
It was the efforts of those five students under the supervision of Mr.
Fayaz along with some other friends and relatives. It was not a very
big gathering but good enough to make many realize about the
importance of a platform. The students who really strived hard were
Ahmed Aziz, Rehmat Karim, Rahim Ud Din, Amjad Karim and Shafqat Karim
who burnt their calories to make it a success. They shared this with
their friends and relatives. Later Rehber Ali, Hidayat Ali Shah,
Ghulam Mussa, Kiramat, Shahbul Aziz, Amir Ahmed Khan, Yaqoob Ali,
Daulat Wali Baig, Aziz Ahmed Khan, Gul Murad and many more got
involved and made a commitment to make it a purely student’s welfare
organization because Wakhi Tajik Cultural Association (WTCA) was
already well in picture for organizing different kind of cultural
activities and have no doubt contributed a lot up till now. It would
not be fair if we do not value the contributions of WTCA which has
played a pivotal role in the region in mobilizing and arranging
different soul touching cultural events. If it is not active for now
then it doesn’t mean always that it can not revive its strengths as an
effective cultural organization in the region. I believe that WTCA
already exists for the cultural events in the region and would
overcome its immediate shortcomings.

The elders and especially Mr. Fayaz Ahmed is one of the founders who
time and again advised the students and facilitated them to meet at
his own residence frequently to make the cause stronger and more
effective. His efforts are and will always be cherished as is a good
human being and a visionary man without any ambiguities in the mind.
It was all his greatness as in no time the arrangements were made at
Metropolitan Hotel at a reasonable rate. The Eid gathering
successfully ended with much good and supporting news. Mr. Zafar Iqbal
is yet another great man who extended his sincere support and helped
the students towards the formation of the organization. The role of
the dignitaries including Mr. Baig Ali, Mr. Jabbar Khan, Mr. Gul Baig,
Brig. Salman, Major Ejaz, Mr. Darjat, Mr. Ghulam Shah, Mr. Sultan
Mehmood and all the others not mentioned here have remained
significant and praise worthy. On the eve of the first ever gathering
Professor Brig Salman Ali suggested to give a name to the platform and
some of the names he quoted were Kunjud Student Organization or any
name on the Sufism pattern as Al-Shams students, Shah Talib Students
or Baba Ghundi students’ organization. The get together was held on
the name of Gojal Ismaili Stutent Association (GISA).

Later the dream came true when there was a huge gathering at Shah
Abdul Latif Bithayi Hall on Eid- ul- Azha in 2006.
Today unfortunately GECA organizes cultural festival without giving
any attention towards the students’ ongoing and upcoming challenges. I
personally would have been more than happy if some funds were obtained
for the educational activities as well. There are a huge number of
students who are badly suffering from financial as well as social
problems in Rawalpindi and Islamabad but they are unable to express
that. This organization was basically found for the students but not
for only entertainment. Moreover it was not meant for the promotion of
personal ideologies and interests.

Entertainment was supposed to be held once a year on the big occasions
like Eid or Norouz or any other day so that the students besides
entertainment could brief the elders and professionals about their
studies and progress and the professionals and elders were supposed to
guide them.

It was thought to be like an annual meeting between students and the
professionals of Gojal. The idea was to seek help from the elders and
professionals of Gojal who are already at the key positions in various
organizations in Rawalpindi and Islamabad and to support the deserving
students to attain their goals. Unfortunately students still suffer
and the elders and professionals have made it an entertainment
organization or rather a typical cultural organization. I know at the
same time that it’s appreciable for arranging a magnificent cultural
event but the main objectives of forming this organization have
abruptly disappeared with the aid of some areas which ought to be
secondary in priority. There is no data about the students who are in
schools, colleges and universities in the jurisdiction and so far a
little or no effort has been made in education keeping in view the
current scenario. Those students who get free from their studies start
struggling in getting jobs and that has also become a challenge as the
system doesn’t always welcome the deserving and multiskilled. It is
also very much true that in our country a person without any
experience can not make his way to any organization without any
reference so the objective of this organization was to give references
to the fresh graduates to any organization in the country as we have
got our respectable elders working in almost every government and non
government organizations.

It seems all those efforts got vanished with the current activities of
GECA. A student hopes in his student life that someone may extend
support to him financially if his family cannot afford and after
completion of degree he still needs a right direction to get to any
organization not for job but at least for internship. I am sure GECA
is not paying any attention towards all these problems. Some of the
innocent students felt a flaw in the system which doesn’t really
fulfill their expectations and went on to a new formation with the
same idea which was conceived five years back by the then students.

The formation of the Gojal Student Federation called GSF is a witness
to the fact that instead of focusing the educational needs of the
students the dance sessions were preferred which we have been doing
and would do. If the social and educational issues of the students are
not rectified and resolved then promoting culture in a disbalanced
society or system is useless. Why the need of GSF was felt when GECA
was already there to assist the students in their educational and
social pursuits?

This shows the elements of ignorance on GECA’s part and will surely
create a flaw and gap in the society. Why are the students hesitant in
going to GECA for their urgent needs? The GECA management definitely
has created a gap between the students and the elders and no evident
effort can be seen in bringing them at a platform where they could
share their problems, also getting solutions.

Being one of the founders of this organization, now I feel a bit
disappointed about what is being done and what ought to be done to
meet the requirements of the set goal. Those main objectives of this
organization have been reshaped and a more focus on the cultural
activities is being observed. That, in my view, was not the basic
ideology of this organization and culture was secondary in priority.
If the young blood is loosing its hope as is not getting any support
then what would we get out of what we are doing right at the moment?
It was created for students by students unfortunately it doesn’t seem
so. Now the students have found another organization known as GSF WHY?
It seems clearer now that GECA seems less an educational and more a
cultural association. There are thousands of problems a student faces
in the cities during their studies. Some of them may face financial
problems, some of them may face social problems, and some of them may
face accommodation problems and many more. It is the time to rethink
and make it worth for the students otherwise it would be just a
cultural organization arranging cultural events and entertainments for
the people and nothing else. Alas! It could have been a student
friendly organization.

I personally feel disgraced internally on the formation of this
organization when I again heard a student facing financial constrains
a couple of days ago. People have changed in the organization but the
situation and practices are the same. The situation for the students
is the same as used to prevail five years back.

We don’t care for the student’s affairs and would retain involving big
amounts in celebrations and events. Students are secondary in priority
because only culture can build the nation and not education.
Surprising, but true!

Again as one of the founders of this organization I beg to the
authorities to please keep Culture a part of this organization and
make a serious efforts towards the students’ problems and students’
affair so that the students do not feel to form any other such
organization. It was formed for the students by the students. Hope you
would pay a serious attention to my suggestions as a founder of the
organization.

The writer can be reached at: gulm...@yahoo.com.

=================================

28 Responses to [Opinion] Gojal Educational and Cultural Association

1. Malang jon says:
December 24, 2009 at 3:13 pm
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Shaefqat has rightly raised the issue by giving an historical
background of the GECA. Yes we all are aware of the history. The
problem started when the professional were reluctant in giving the
leadership to the students by providing them an opportunity to learn
and use this organization as an institute for students to learn and
develop their leadership skills.

The second dilemma with the organization started when some of the
people being very inactive with WTCA or were responsible for the
stagnant position of WTCA joined this organization with responsible
position.

Farman Ali indeed is a good and dynamic personality but the team he is
leading – or members have always thought leading as their right. These
activities of ours have always ruined the organizations. Some of the
members from this existing cabinet were very much against of GECA,
when they were out but today they are the only one who thinks and acts
well…..?

It is again my sincere request let each organization to act according
to their mandate…. WTCA is a cultural organization of ours – and we
should support it ……while GECA let be a representative body of
students and professionals residing in Islamabad and Pindi and should
deal with the issues related to education or others…
The example of Students Aid Society-Karachi is a president where
students were always given opportunity to lead this organization and
today it has produced so many leaders and those are playing their
roles in social and political sectors

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2. saeed ahmed says:
December 24, 2009 at 4:47 pm
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It seems that Students took an initiative to form a platform to help
other students in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, but
later on some senior professionals who are very much found of keeping
offices, holding positions, and enjoying dancing/songs etc hijacked
the idea, and are using it to please themselves.

When we call it Gojal Educational and Cultrual Association, what are
they doing to benefit the youth? by circulating educational related
emails are they helping out students? I dont think so, why dont they
establish a unit within GECA, just like SAS (students aid society)
that works in Karachi from the last many years and it helped out many
students so far?\If they are competent enough to write proposals for a
cultural event, why can’t they write one for get something for the
students? Is there a lack of interest?

There is no harm in organizing a cultural show, but we need to support
our students in their education, and especially the fresh graduates
who have completed their studies and are looking for jobs. In today’s
world, it is not easy for them, no matter how capable and intelligent
they are, but the one gets a job that comes up with a strong
reference. May I dare to ask our elders, did you people help your
younger ones by using your references in getting them good jobs? Look
at the GB scenario, how other communities are putting their people in
good positions everywhere, in real terms, they can not compete our
youth, but still they are holding good positions, only because their
people support them, everywhere, whether it is the government
departments or non governmental. But in our case, people who attained
good positions are jealous of their younger ones; they even give
negative remarks about them, when contacted. This is all reality. I
don’t think we are progressing in the right direction only by enjoying
cultural shows, dancing singing….By they way is why we confine our
culture only to traditional songs and dances?
I full support and encourage the students to form their own Gojal
Students Organizations or whatever they name it, and help out
themselves, and definitely you will find some people who will stand
beside you guys, there can be few more Fayyaz Ahmed, who truly will
help support and encourage.

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3. saeed Hawaii USA says:
December 24, 2009 at 5:17 pm
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Very interesting ,but i would like to say the first time Wakhi get
together was held on 2000 at Pak Continental Hotel G.8 Markaz.That was
Eid Get together and token of appreciationfor Nazir sabir when he
became the first climber from Pakistan to summit Mt.Everest.That time
four social worker from Gojal arrange the program. It is just
information .

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o Ghulam Mussa Shimshali says:
December 26, 2009 at 12:20 pm
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dear saeed.
i would suggest you to kindly study the artical very carefully and try
to understand it that what Shafqat wants to explain. after in deatail
study, i hope that you would be able to get at it and then kindly give
your comments.

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4. Fabeg Musofir says:
December 25, 2009 at 10:30 am
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I’m really very pleased to go through the article of Shafaqat, which
does not provide only a historical background, but also reflects
especially the prototype of the envisioned forum in addressing the
students’ affairs. I fully agree wtih him on this matter as I also
witness it (when I had been consulted by Rahber and group), probably
being a senior student (M.Phil) and keeping in view my lttle
contribution for the students of GB in reserving seats in different
departments of Peshawar University in 1996 and little endeavors in
restoration of the medical seats in the medical colleges of Punjab
abolished by the Lahore HIgh Court in May 1998 by also attending the
Supreme Court’s hearings. I really endorse the views of our great
junior students’ efforts they made in the twin cities of Rawalpindi-
Islamabad. I had also written a long comment on this issue (vide under
the them: GECA launches its website) on Pamirtimes.

GECA’s formation at Gojal level, I must say, is not bad now rather
could prove to be a very good omen if concentration is made on its
first and third most crucial components (i.e., Educational and Social
Welfare) and then secondary priority for the cultural component to
fuel up the students. I would therefore also request that GECA ought
to be “Educational Culture and Social Welfare Association” rather than
“Cultural Education and Social Welfare Association.” I spent more than
a decade with WTCA and I had to confront with the office bearers in
the same manner as cited in the article.

Unfortunately, our seniors/leaders have taken the lay-persons approach
in comprehending the conceptual frame of culture and confined or
specified it to music, dance and cusine, dresses or poetry. They don’t
or can’t see “culture” in a holistic perspective. Many theories are
there about “culture”, but I avoid delving in the theoretical frame
and would say only this much by quoting a renowned anthropologist,
Ferraro, “Culture is that what we think, what we do and what we have”,
besides Taylor the great’s comprehensive defination.

I myself, too, perceive culture as a very broader frame by
exemplifying it so. If the word “culture” derives from Latin colere,
meaning “cultivate or cultivation”, then we can exemplify it so that
human minds are like the pieces of land and ideas like the seeds that
comes and cultivates in the minds, gets nourishment and gives the
products in the aftermath. This interpretation coincides with Ferraro,
and even Taylor or other great anthropologists who educate us in
looking at culture in a holistic way.

The recent festival of GECA in the Lok Virsa was worthy in sense,
which I told them even in the house of Mr. Farman Ali who had hosted a
dinner for the artistes, that the only distinction of GECA’s program
with that of WTCA’s was holding a seminar, which was cultural
educational part. Promotion of music, dance and poetry etc has already
been done by WTCA, whehter effective and sustainable or not, is
another debate.

We need GECA, I have been advocating at different platform, as a
regional forum, which is inclusive and never ever exclusive. We need
to include peoples of different walks of life at least in the twin
cities and more particularly, if the forum is for Gojal (Upper Hunza),
then we must aiso legally include the two linguistic communities of
Gojal (the Burusho and Domaki speaking communinities)by providing them
adequate space in the bylaws of GECA but unforunately there in the
bylaws, it describes only about the Wakhi speaking community of Gojal.

I would recommend again our students that when we talk about students
of Gojal then we must also focus on the three linguistic
communinities, as GISAK has been working (to what extent GISAK is
effective presently is another question). We need to comply by the
teaching of our beloved Iman of the time regarding Pluralistic
approach. The time has come that we the people of Hunza and GB as a
whole need to work on the regional, linguistic, cultural/tribal,
economic and individual and global pluralism.
Shafqat has mentioned about Mr. Fayaz Ahmad Diwan’s conttribution,
which I do appreciate, I must mention that Fayz Ahmad is a person who
is selfless, honest, humble and braod looking guy. He has been
assisting many students being a silent philanthropist. I know him very
well. When I was writing my MPhil field study (last draft of my MPhil
dissertation), it was him who provided me a shelter in his house for
one month where I could carry out my work in a silent and enabling
environment. At that time I was analysing his selfless views for our
students of the entire region. Same contributions and encouragement I
got from Sultan Mehmood as well.
You are absolutely right, Shafqat, before GECA, we were confronting
such problems by liviing in the twin cities.

I also agree with Saeed Akbar’s remarks that the first gathering of
people of Gojal was in 2000 on an Eid gathering in G-8 Markaz wherein
Mr. Nazir Sabir was the Chief Guest, besides Prof Salman Ali and I
myself being the speakers.

Saeed Ahmed has nicely pinpointed the issues in his comments and I
would humbly suggest/advise our students that instead of opting for a
separate forum for our students in the twin cities (as Saeed opines)
and surrounding cities or peripheries, the students should strengthen
GECA and run it according to the educational vision, mission and
objectives. The current ofice bearers, and especialy Tayib Jan (being
a qualified graduate/teacher and professional) can better understand
the sentiments of our students by focusing on the educational
component. I would earnestly request GECA office bearers to kindly
include more students, especially the founders, in cabint and ensure
in the next election that the students are there to run the GECA and
not the professionals. Our great professionals can play the advisory
role by forming an advisory board of GECA wherein the professionals
can play their due roles. The period of advisors of GECA should not
exceed one year in order to ensure that different professionals can
get opportunity to serve in voluntary capacity.
Last but never the least, we need to appreciate GECA’s performance for
a very short period and the internal matters should be dealt with
internally. Second, I would advise both GECA, GISAK and WTCA to join
hands with each other in the development of the entire region and
accept each others’ existence now. We may not allow any
confrontational campaign or otherwise. We need to see the present and
upcoming issues with pluralistic appraoch.

if someone does something wrong with the community’s organization
should be held accountable or if someone does something for the sake
of one’s own interests keeping aside the communal and organizational
interests/mandates must be made public.
Fazal Amin Beg

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5. Mr. Toojik says:
December 25, 2009 at 11:01 am
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——Happy Christmass Day to all the Christian Brothern & Sisters with
Happy Birth Day of the Great Quaid-E-Azam)—–

—Dear Brothers & Sisters!!!

Whatever has narrated in the aricle. This is correct to his vision if
all of us agree for a short while-but the actual situation is
different. In the articlethe writterhas given his idea and
undestanding-whatever he expects from GECA but I have understand it A
BIT different.

Which of the established departments are catering the requirements of
every individuals-not seen till today. There are lapsed and places to
do better. If we will appriciate the effort of GECA whom are encourged
not locally and regionally but, appriciated internationally. We have
to highlight the positive aspects, works of the institutions.

Student mean for me is the individual to prepare to face challanges
and to face problems and challanges of the comming time ahead. If all
the things the students get in a single plat they wou’nt be face the
prcticality of life.
Whom formed GECA? is again pointed very difficult subject to credit to
a single. Just at once relating to a single one.

My respectable brothers& sisters institutions are comming in to being
by collective ideas, collective man power and comprehensive ideas of
all and that gives the name and shape od an institutions like GECA.
Just narrating a few names and ignoring the others will be a cause of
distoration, NOT A POINT OF STRENGTH -I am of the openion.
-How we for get the Ex. Chairman Commander Ejaz, whom gave his time
and financial resources for placing of the first legal frame of GECA.
How we for get Mr. Gul baig & Mr. Jabbar, Mr. Darjat & Mr. Zafar and
OUR PROFESSIONAL SISTERS, NUSRAT NASAB, NABAT, NAJMA, GULNAR, MRS.
ZAFAR, MRS. DARJAT, MRS, GUL BAIG MRS. FAYYAZ- & MRS MOWLA WALI all
whom owned the idea not possible to describe all the names whom
inspite of all thier obligations and duties given time and thoughts
for GECA’S formation.

Not possible to for get the present Chairman Mr. Farman Ali, Mr.
Tayyab, Mr, Waheed Murad and their team, whom devoted his power of pen
and offical office and cordinate and liaison with the institutions
whom are related with the goal and objectives of GECA.

In conclusion all of us have positive as well as nagative aspects-
being an educated person we have to lay buried the negative parts and
exposture the positive aspects at large.

This GECA is the institute of all Gojalee from Aaeen Abad to Misgar
and Chipursaan. Like other institutions a lot of improvement is
required to address and for that we need honourary zealous workers
like YOU all with in the norms and cultural values that THE YOUTH OF
GOJAL HAVE.

– “I PERSONALLY SALAM TO THE YOUTH OF GOJAL AND MY CONGRATS GOES TO
THEIR PARENTS AS WELL THAT, DURING MY SOCIAL AND IMAMATI INSTITUTIONS
SERVICES OF 18 YEARS I NEVER SAW THEM ARROGANCE AND ROUD TO THEIR
ELDERS AND TO THE INSTITUTIONAL HEADS. I AM PROUD ON THEM AND I HAVE A
LOT OF EXPECTIONS FORM EVERY INDIVIDUALS”
( Based on my practicle works and observations)-

WHATEVER, YOU HIGHLIGHTED WE DO ACCEPT ALL OF THEM BEING THE SENIORS
OF THAT AREA, BUT TOGATHER WE CAN TRY TO MINIMISE IT. YOU AND WE ARE
NOT SPREAT WE ARE TOGATER-
“INSHALLAH TOGATHER WE WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE”
THIS WAS THE FIRST SLOGAN OF THE PROGARMME OF GECA.
I PERSONALLY TILL DATE AND TIME OWN THE SLOGAN AND EVERY ONE OF US
HAVE TO OWN IT.
–Inshall we will plan such educational and cultural programmes with
other institutions on the level of great GIlgit-Baltistan for peace
and harmony.
INDIVIDUALLYLISIUM WILL SPOIL US AND COHERENCE WILL GIVES US STRENGTH
I AM OF THE OPENION.
This was an openion of mine may be YOU not agree-very briefly I shared
with all of YOU.
Baig Moulabardi Ali

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6. naseer ahmed says:
December 25, 2009 at 11:03 am
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The cultural show of wakhi , wakhi week at Virsa was very interesting
and let us see on the biger picture than the smaller.let me educate
all of you to ask your self the following questions>>
- Read the objectives and aims of the organization?
- What we got or done in the wakhi week?
-Was this show beneficial for us?
-was the amount given has been spent honestly?
-Auditor has a big job to do now???
– What are your concerns about???
- Point it out come out and do it …
Any help please let me know>>>

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7. Shah Zaman says:
December 25, 2009 at 11:29 am
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Dear Shafqat Karim,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and opinions; I do personally respect
you and other founding members since my joining of GECA in November
2008. What I have perceived and witnessed in GECA is and would be
little bit diverse.

When GECA was officially formed and registered in December 08 with a
mandate of work in areas of education and culture, The Then Management
decided to hold a large gathering as usual and celeberate eid-ul-Azha
in the first week of December 08, The Managing Committee members and
other notable seniors went to Lok Virsa to avail permission for Open
Air Theature / premises, after a detailed discussions and interaction
with Lok Virsa Management, they (LV) offered a funded contract to GECA
for arranging a One Week Cultural Event in order to introduce and
promote Wakhi Culture in the Federal Capital. As it was funded and a
single penny was not going to be paid by GECA, The Offer and Contract
of Lok Virsa was unanimously approved by a large gathering in one of
their meeting, this was the turning point because LV-Contract put GECA
into a challenging phase.

This event was cancelled and put off three times (Jan 09, March 09 and
October 09) during the year due to worse law and order situation, and
finally this event was concluded on December 13, 2009.

During this period GECA also conducted Management Elections in May
2009 and Eid-ul-Azha in September 09.

As far as the matter of GSF is concern, we have invited them many
times for interaction and participation but some of their hard liners
are hesitant, despite of all these the Doors of GECA is and will be
always open for them, they are our future.
What I want to express and convey is that GECA was hanged up with
challenging tasks and assignments during its first year of 2009, lets
hope and expect further progress and development in the year 2010. We
must be positive and optimistic in this regard, all the members of
GECA are working in honorary capacity, overnight change is not
possible, many things need to be done in the years ahead
Lets hope and Pray
Shah Zaman
Islamabad

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8. Sher Karim says:
December 25, 2009 at 12:32 pm
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Thanks, Zaqyor Shafqat for this detailed write-up.

In my personal capacity i would like to invite all who have concerns
about GECA to see anyone in the office or personally contact them to
share your ideas and concrete suggestions to establish youth wing or
student affairs to address some of the issues raised in the article
and comments. I would also suggest Shafqat to see our VP Education Mr.
Tayib Jan, who himself is an enthusiast development professional in
the field of educational development for what ever points in your
minds to address matters regarding education.

I would like our young professionals like Shafqat Karim and his
colleagues to be part of GECA instead of forming another organization
and work practically. GECA is an open end organization and can expand
to accommodate activities which aim at benefiting our young students
and professionals.

I think it is very easy to talk of things then practically doing it in
an organized way. There are limitations like working voluntarily
besides doing full time jobs.
I am sure GECA will seriously take these suggestions and criticism to
guide its activities in the light of aspirations of our youth.

But surely GECA can not do anything without enthusiast young
professionals like Shafqat, Aziz and others. A lot of time, intellect
and monetary resources would be required to accomplish these goals.
Sher
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9. Shabir Shah says:
December 25, 2009 at 1:17 pm
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Does it harm when we fully hand over this organization to the
students…. who were involved in establishing it,,,,,,, why we always
refer to the people …. or ask people to contact us for clarity rather
reviewing our goals and actions
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10. Sultan Ahmed says:
December 25, 2009 at 1:31 pm
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I think Shafqat has a point which cannot be ignored. This frustration
from the youth is not new and has been there since the time we had
just registered GECA and in the books, I am supposed to be the General
Secretary, while Mr. Ejaz was the first Chairman of who Mr. Baig Ali
has mentioned and I really think that the initial contributions from
the forming body cannot be denied. Anyways, from the article of
Shafqat, I came accross a word “promotion of personal idelogies and
interests” which really needs to be exlpored further. Is this just a
sweeping statement or is there something else behind the curtain.

I can recall the frustration of youth when they had joined a GECA
meeting at Mr. Ejaz’s house and at that time their point of departure
was “resolving social issues” of the youth. By the way, defining youth
is also a major issue in that matter and I would say that we may be
prmoting another interest group in the wake of turning down the other.
If we remain in this tug of war, I dont see we can make pace with the
fast changing world. If we are defining culture something beyond the
prevalant notions, then we may also think of education not just
limited to paying fee and helping students in hostels. We better do
that but simultaneosly we need to take steps which are in accordance
to our needs. Who will prioritise the needs and how should we do it is
an important question rather than putting Education first and Culture
later. My dear student brothers and sisters, if you have a gathering,
please do a brainstorming session on the emerging issues, proposed
solutions, responsibilities and timeline (from the entire team). Then
share it with GECA and start working on it. If it doesnt work, come up
with a new strategy. The formats for creating database of all studnets
were prepared and a team was asked to consolidate the same. Please
accelerate that and do something concrete. In a family, what happens
if there is a dispute. They may even fight and may come to an
agreement sooner or later, when down the road, they extend family view
point not the ones which were the concerns in the limits of NIKARD,
Yorch etc.
regards,
SA

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11. Noor says:
December 25, 2009 at 1:41 pm
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Greetings!

It is never unhealthy for a society to openly deliberate issues
pertaining to institutions concerning collective well being. The
vitality of such debates increases manifolds when we are dealing with
concepts and process as delicate and overarching as education,
intellectual well being, and culture.

While some components of educational logistics, like monetary
assistance and expert, timely, information dispensation, may be
included as deduction points in the broader debate on differences
between culture and education, I think there’s no fine line
differentiating educational process in class rooms from the
educational processes that take place on and off the stage, while
reading poems, addressing gatherings, creating harmony between the
sounds of musical instruments, emotions and body movements; or in
other terms, dancing!

The debate gets philosophical and rationally speaking everything we do
in our lives educates us in one way or the other, complementing
learning within the four walls of the class rooms. In my understanding
it is not completely practical to use schooling as the alternate term
for education.

Nevertheless, not being an expert of education, let me also say that I
might be thinking in the wrong direction. Practitioners of education
may better be able to throw some light on the topic.

This does not mean that we shall completely ignore the processes that
enable students to benefit from the experience of learning at schools,
colleges and universities.

I agree with Shafqat bhai and some other comments that there’s a need
to address practical issues faced by students during and after their
studies. Social organization for pooling finances is not new for the
communities of Gojal/Hunza/Gilgit – Baltistan. Someone has rightly
mentioned the name of Students Aid Society which has some accumulated
capital for loaning students in their hours of need. But let me remind
you that SAS has taken 17 years to reach where it is today. Other
examples of such successes are the Karachi based Shishkat Youth
Society and Nasirabad Students Helping Association (NASHAK). There are
many other small and large organizations that are practically giving
loans to their members, mostly students.

It is not an impossible task and GECA will have to work strategically
on these patterns, creating a component that deals specifically with
micro-financing of education. It can very well be run on commercial
basis, to safeguard investors’ interest.

On the other hand as a student I know that no support is enough
support during the times of studies. The onus, most of time, is on
ourselves. We will have to mobilize organizations and resources to
make them usable for our objectives.

And as Mr Sher Karim has said, by investing “time, intellect and
monetary resources” the youth will be able to convince and constitute
such sustainable organizations.
I am, personally, not in favor of creating new organizations,
unnecessarily.

Specialization is need of the hour. Replicating similar organizational
models across the society might give momentary success, in the long
run it exhausts human and material resources.
regards
Noor

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12. Zulfiqar Ali Khan says:
December 25, 2009 at 5:33 pm
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I ave a suggestion to create a close-ended /properly moderated forum
within PT for discussions on themes having sensitivities. The open
ended discussions on organisations could create ways for improvements
but may also create conflicts/clashes which are not in the interest of
us as members of a small and closely knitted community.

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13. amjad karim says:
December 25, 2009 at 8:06 pm
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well done shafqat,
it is a moment of pleasure for me that first time ever shafqat
presented the true picture of GECA. my feelings were truely portraited
by shafqat,i do,t want to write any more comment.i hope my co founder
members would have the same feelings.keep it up man.

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14. Ghulam Mussa Shimshali says:
December 26, 2009 at 1:44 pm
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I think that Shafqat has better tried to explain the main purpose of
this organization and it reflects the views of all the founder and co-
founders of this organization. The article explicitly reveals the
history of this platform, which evidences to enhance its vision and
objective and I should not go further to explain it. However, it is
not a point of hesitation to openly say that the management of GECA is
simply a QABZA group; who has occupied this platform rather then
strengthening its own.

Since the very initial stage of developing the concept for this
platform, I have been a very active part of the founder group and no
body knows that how we putted our efforts together to organize the
youth. We didn’t care for our time and resources to meet the objective
that we had sated up, because we could know the problems of students
in the cities as we went through practically. Shafqat has forgotten to
mention here that for the first time when we organized the programme
at Metropolitan Hotel Islamabad, we had Rs. 7000 shot to meet the
expenses of the hotel and we were stopped by the hotel management and
asked for the desired money. We approached many people but none of
them responded and we adjusted the fund from our own pockets. Very
interestingly, the people who enjoyed the food and programme over
there and did’t even paid their ticket are now owning the GICA.

GICA has a separate identify, which is working in Gojal for last many
year. It is a platform for the promotion of culture and heritage in
Gojal but not concerned with education at all. It was mixed up with
the aforesaid educational forum by some of those people, who were part
of us at Islamabad having crocodile tears in their eyes but they were
willing for their personal exposure and benefit, not for the solution
of the desired problems.

It took five years to establish the platform and to organize the
student community of Gojal. In this regard, very few students of that
time worked hard to establish this platform but now QABZA group has
converted it into a cultural association and thrown the founders out.
Because they got a readymade platform without any effort and cost, now
it is time for them to access funds to spend on meaningless and vague
purposes. This is what they were interested, because they need
entertainment and if possible collecting fake money but they will
never care about the poor students, who could be benefited from this
programme.
(JOIN PE GOZ, CULTURE PAPOZ)

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15. Taiq Mahmood says:
December 26, 2009 at 2:35 pm
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Dear Shafqat
Thanks for your kind information and as u were the founder of the
institution which is know as GECA, we are the founder of GSF.GSF is
formed for students and we will not let this plattform to be hijacked
like the two plattforms were …. we will only work in education sector
… and as Mr Shah Zaman who wrote
“As far as the matter of GSF is concern, we have invited them many
times for interaction and participation but some of their hard liners
are hesitant, despite of all these the Doors of GECA is and will be
always open for them, they are our future.”

i just want to ask that why we were forced to make this institution
and GSF always tried for a bridging and every time GECA broke that…
Gojal Student Federation is a Non-Political institution and ill always
work with those institution who will work for the betterment of
Gojal….
Hope for the best
Mastana Mast

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16. Arshad Ali Sakhi says:
December 26, 2009 at 3:32 pm
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Shafqat bhai, you have raised an important issue but in my
understanding it is always better to first sharing it with the concern
authority i.e. Board and management. This kind of open debates some
times discourages the people who contribute their time and knowledge
and creates ambiguities among the people.

Instead of open debate, focus group discussions can be effective tool
to resolve conflicts. Well I believe that, successfully organizing
wakhi week in Islamabad was a big achievement of GECA. In educational
related activities, GECA has successfully arranged lecture programmes
for students in which renowned scholars were invited, GECA has
established library for students and a MoU has signed with National
Book Foundation. The term education is very broad, it doesn’t mean
just providing financial aid to the students but it is imperative to
address social and educational problems of students as well according
the institutional mandate.

The ethical values are important for the sustainability of the civil
society organizations that includes:

Pluralism, Tolerance, Conflict resolution, The Rule of Law, Integrity,
Transparency
, Accountability, Gender equity, Compassion etc.

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17. Tayib Jan says:
December 26, 2009 at 4:27 pm
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Dear Readers,
Sorry for coming so late to enter into the abyss discussion. I like
people’s views and the ways they present it. We all have our personal
biases, priorities, perspectives and views; it can be positive
provided if it is within the limits of morality and social and moral
values. These type of platforms provide people to depict themselves as
individual and as members of a society.

I am not here to defend my position as Vice Chairman Education for
GECA rather I want to open up some more deliberation on what we want
to be as a community. Can I ask you to please unpack some of the term
used in the article and in the comments? Words like “Founder”,
“Vision”, “Youth”, “Support” and “Education”.

Founder is the one who manages to follow a vision to reach to target.
Like the father of Nation Quaid e Azam is the founder of Pakistan. Did
he only sit in a hotel and talk about making a separate country and
thus called The Founder? Vision is not a dream or a rough thinking and
it is not static it keeps on changing and it is subjective. I will not
put my efforts to an organization which had a narrow rather a tunnel
vision. GECA now has a broader vision, come and study it. Change of
head means change of idea and way of seeing and approaching to the
issues and dealing it. Leaders means setting examples by working and
showing what teams can do. If there were four founders of GECA, I
would be very interested in knowing their educational activities. When
I was asked to join I did not find a single example which I could
carry forward. Why people think they are the founders when they did
not contribute to take the organization to a level where others
continue with what have already been done.

We have defined Youth with what we want to see it, this means
including people who are against GECA as youth the dozens of serious
people who are working in GECA are not youth. I do not understand the
meaning especially when some literate people have used it so
deceptively. Please think over it.

In case of Education and Educational support I want to mention here
that please do not confine it to supporting financially and managing
individual’s need. I think education is a part of culture and when we
want to draw a line between the two it will be very thin or no line.

I do not understand some of the people that why people are so jealous
of the GECA’s activities and keep on comparing it with WTCA and other
organization. There was a seminar beside the songs and dances but
people were so busy with dancing they did not see it. Is it GECA
educational fault? If students are not able to use the links and
updates I send to students to quality for a better opportunity and
some students do not qualify is it senior’s fault?

I want to ask one more question, it is hardly a few months since I
have taken the responsibility why people are so impatient and want to
bring revolutionary changes in education. There are some very good
people who even do not want to discuss it with me, they are scared
that they will be asked for their biases.
I am very open and welcome anybody who can just walk in and tell me
that he/she is contribute more them me I would be more then glad to
hand over my responsibility. Please “Talk” but “walk the talk”, show
you can and you will work. It is all voluntarily work and those who
have enough time come and contribute.

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18. Qurban Harri says:
December 26, 2009 at 9:00 pm
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hello all reader,
just a question from all…….
why allways seniors think that they are rite???
waiting for ur answerssssss

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19. Sher Karim says:
December 27, 2009 at 12:13 pm
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Seniors?? Who to define who is senior, I do not think I am senior,
Youth????? , What is the definition of youth? Who ever can think
vibrantly and is in a process of learning, enthusiast to bring change
in his personal life and the whole society, accepting challenges and a
person before the ager of 50 is a youth.

Student????? Who is a student, whoever is registered in an educational
institution in pursuit of a degree is a student, so am I. Those who
attribute their failures to others that they did not help us in our
fees, studies and this and that are wasting their time and parents
finances.

In my times when I was a student at Karachi, It was more difficult for
me and my fellow students except for those who were well off. We had
to remain within the resources and I never dreamed of a luxury because
I knew what was my financial limits and had to keep my aspirations
accordingly and now it is my duty to provide every resources for my
children which I was not able to afford but still I have a limit, I
can not have my children to Beacon house or the City School which is
beyond my limits.

GECA was registered in the end of 2007, and it is not possible for any
welfare organization which has no financial resources except the fees
and donations from members to establish and raise a fund which is
enough to fulfill everyone’s needs overnight.

GECA got it name in the last Cabinet who have done all the hard work
of getting it registered and arranged events including lecture
programs and seminars under the learned leadership of Commander Ejaz
Ahmed, Mohammad Darjat, Baig Ali, Gul Baig, Zafar Iqbal, Mohammad
Jabbar Khan, Farman Ali, Fayaz Ahmed, Sultan Mehmood, Sultan Ahmed,
Ghulam Shah, Safida Begum, Nusrat Nasab, and a lot of youth. The long
sessions of brainstorming, deliberations, documentations all needed
physical, moral, material and intellectual contribution of these
professional people is disgraced by calling it a Qabza Group, it is
very unfortunate, unethical and sheer irresponsible attitude of some
of the commentators.

I am personally hurt and disgraced by these comments because in my
opinion, it kills the volunteerism and will to serve because in a
situation where people think volunteers have to do everything and they
only have to sit and criticize.
Do we think we are showing responsibility by throwing indecent remarks
against elders.

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20. Rahim says:
December 27, 2009 at 9:03 pm
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100% agree with Shafqat and Mussa, we have really worked hard to
manage that all and gave a concept of making a forum which can help
students. Unfortunately, that concept has been diverted and limited
only for culture and entertainment. Now GECA management has to think
and work to sustain the concept of for what it has formed. Other wise
they will lose confidence of students and youth which will result so
many differences.
Rahim
Almaty KZ

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21. Odveri says:
December 28, 2009 at 12:08 am
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Respeceted lupyor it looks little bit strainge for me that someone
from the pioneers of the GECA is giving some wrong statements that
what should have to do under the GECA? I have attaineded only one
meeting of GECA and got alot about this organization. In that meeting
the main objective was to give a final shape for the programme
organized at the Lok Versa, which is now under hot discussions in
these days. But after 4 to 5 days that was delayed for the security
concerns.

What I want to tell all readers here is that I think this programme
was important because of registration of GECA. In that meeting this
have several times been repeated that the Norwegian Embassy is going
to support the GECA to organize a grand cultural event at Lok Versa.
According to one of the founder of the GECA, some necessary conditions
was given to them and one of which was to organize two to three events
under the Logo of GECA, so they organized this programme.

Even I am not a member of that organiztion nor I have attainded the
programme but I think that the job done by them is remarkable. Because
our culture got a way to come in front of others through media. Our
language which Dr. Tariq Rehman says is Threatened Language, got some
attention which was recorded in the Red Book of UNESCO. We ourselves
realized that our culture needs to be promoted. So, how we can say
that this programme should not have to be organized?

You foccused the need of students and their hurdles in the twin cities
of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. No doubt GECA should support those
students who are in need of some attention and financial support. But
the question arises here that, if GECA itself is in need of financial
support, then how is it possible that, it can support the needy
students??? If there is not someone who can give support to GECA, how
it can give support to others????

Being an educated person we should think with cool mind and give hand
to GECA, so may we ourselves bring this organization in such a stage
where it can give quick support to the students as you mentioned in
your article.

No doubt our youth is facing too many problems but how we can solve
all that without the support of our elders or any donor? We should get
our hands together and try our best in supporting the youth as you
said.
Fazal
Bagh – AJK

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22. Student from Gojal says:
December 28, 2009 at 7:14 pm
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Viewers Ambassador,
1)
=>All the comments i read are from the people
=>Who formed GECA
=>Who met at Forums, DEcided the Programs
=>and Performed very openly as well!!!!

Gud to see that the issue raising scheme was also a part of their own
job
& very bad to see that you could not talk about them and sort them
internally!
very very very very very unwise! i must say i think u need to learn
the correct role of urself in the organization…founder or whatever
make it clear Again Solve Internally!

2) Masla Banana nahi masla chlana bhi hey u knw

3)Lobbying is discouraged!

I could not see your appreciation on a single aspect of the event….it
was not that bad though and it was by your side as well
remember wen u say it was dancing and all
u were the first to dance!

u laughed at every one! in your poetry and drama…
Hoping that “bananey aur chalaney waley mil k kaam karengey”LOL
“Aur har issue ko net ki zeenat nahi banayengey”!LOL again
Gud Luck to GECA
w8ng for upcoming fun events:-)

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23. yaqub says:
December 29, 2009 at 11:35 am
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Thanks Shafqat for your detailed narration about the background of the
GECA’s evolution. Sorry for joining you guys late in this discussion,
I have gone through this article and found that there many things on
which I agree with you but there are also many thing which need
further exploration, as they show only one side of the picture..
Specially regarding the founding members which you have limited to few
names. about objectives and achievements of GECA, again there is lot
of ambiguity.
Shah Abdul Litif Behati Hall show actually attracted the attentions of
many including our senior and things started to pace up from then
onward. A series of meeting held during the period, where many issues
relating to youth in particular and social, cultural, and educational
in general were not only identified but also some solution were
mutually agreed.. The idea of forming new plat form was still under
discussion and no final decision was made. Then the second show held
at National Library on December 24, 2009 which was again very
successful despite its short comings. And I don’t need to mention
names here who make these two program a big success and what benefits
we derived from these two event. These two programs helped us to win
the confidence both of youth and seniors residing in Pindi and after
three month of the last program our seniors called a meeting at Rose
Club G-10 Markaz where all the notables including large number of
youth were invited. This was the meeting where a mutual decision was
taken to form an organization for Pindi Islamabad and surrounding area
and the first cabinet chaired by Ejaz Ahmed was formed. The major
mandate given to this newly elected cabinet was to work on the by laws
of the organization and registration with government and the election
or selection of the second cabinet. The new cabinet not only
registered GECA with government but also organized a lecture session
for youth where renowned scholar Dr. Hud Bai was invited and students
and professional in large number participated in the event. During all
this period a series of meeting held at different places, mostly at
Ejaz and Farman places where our seniors participate regularly despite
their busy schedules and family life, but its worth mentioning here
despite invitations the participation of youth was very less in number
for un non reasons. And specially those five persons named as the
founder never or hardly have attained these meetings. As I used to be
the main focal person for communicating. I used to send massaged to
around 70 to 80 people which include mostly youth but only few manage
to attained the meeting. As a result these people mostly youth
remained where unaware of the proceeding and development going in
these meeting, this self created gap and the lake of interest by the
by the youth leads them towards many confusion , misunderstanding and
ambiguity. Later in last periods of the first cabinet they managed to
singe an MOU with lok Versa to hold a week long wahki festival at
national level this was so far the biggest success of GECA. To hold
this event successfully was the uphill task for GECA and a challenge
to our Xik community, as we were for the first time going to represent
ourselves in our separate identity at national level. off course
without youth this was never going to be possible and time and again
the involvement of youth was stressed in the meetings. Mean while
another responsibility of the first cabinet was to hold first
election, for which pamire times help was also taken but no one, not a
single person volunteer them self for the positions of the office
bearer, as a result we had to go through selection process. In the
mean while a few number of youngster acted very immaturely over an
self created incident, which is not worth mentioning here these guys
tried there level best to create confusion among youth, senior and
GECA office bearers they managed to further widen the gap between the
senior and youth of pindi Islamabad by propagating misleading things.
GECA also hold a very detailed meeting with these youngsters in the
mean time, where youngster participated in large number at the place
of Mr. Ejaz. The youngesters ware given opportunity to express their
concern and point of view, they did come up with some suggestion and
social problems but not any solid solutions to those issues. The
office bearers of GECA and senior seating in large number again
cleared the minds of these youngster regarding GECA specially about
its objectives and area of work and its role for youth and most of the
youngster assured their full cooperation and expressed their gratitude
to find their seniors took up the responsibility to resolve the issues
of youth, the meeting ended up at a very positive note. Soon after
this meeting I came to know through Pamir Times, about the formation
of a new plat form formed by the group of youngsters , which was
hugely discrouged by the Pamir times reader (you can see the news if
still available at pamir times). All this happened within one week
despite all this happening Seniors and GECA keep the door open for
discussion and many time offer then to come up with some proposed
solution but this group of youngster never responded positively I in
my personal capacity did many corner meeting with these guys but they
were not ready to listen to any one. The senior youth of pindi
Islamabad also tried to convinced these guys but all in vain. In the
mean while the new cabinet took its responsibility during the event
organized by GECA at Lok Versa in the presence of Pindi Islamabad
community.

The purpose to narrate all this story is to just give you another side
of the picture, that only my opinion and the perceptive, I perceived
during my affiliation with GECA during all this period. Regarding the
formation of the GECA I personally believe that It was an collective
effort of all the people present at that time in pindi Islamabad.
Every one has there contribution in the formation of GECA and the in
organizing the events. Some people spared their valuable time, some of
them helped us through their experience, expertise, linkages and
finance, there are many who encouraged us and many of them strengthen
GECA through positive and healthy criticism, which helped in the
improvement. I believe all these people are the contributors and
founder of this organization.

GECAs present cabinet has done marvelous job by organizing a national
level events despite all the odd situation it faced, certainly they
have set a new bench mark for the up coming people. Youth needs to
take full advantage of the experience, expertise of our seniors
residing in Islamabad, they can come up with suggestion and solution
to them to resolve there social, cultural, and educational issues
togather. GECAs door are always open to any one, there are no harder
liner with self interest, GECA is certainly working with its defined
objectives, as it is an open end organization and let me clear once
again here that GECA has not hijacked by any one this an organization
of both youth and senior, we need to strengthen our institution and
try to make linkages between then so that they can be the source of
strength of each other.

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24. Darjat says:
December 29, 2009 at 4:46 pm
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I could see very interesting debate about the vey young organization
which I guess is healthy! If I am correct it was an open invitation to
all to participate in the process of electing Executive committee for
the 2nd term and hardly some people showed their willingness to take
reposnsibility to carry on GECA mission forward.
GECA, EC is requested to respect and review the key concerns which
have been identified and remove the anemolies. Wakhi Festival had
funding, it was a need and there was demand that is way it was
organized and most people in my view did enjoy it. Let us come up with
Educational activities and access funding ( internal or external ) and
respond to the priority needs of the students/ young professionals.
I had requested time and again to undertake an assessment of priority
needs of students/young professionals and others but we have yet to do
this exercise and devise a work plan to implement it.

Its difficult to foster an ideal situation. Apart from all those
whoever participated in whatever capacity in organizing Wakhi fesivel,
we are grateful to the management / EC of GECA.

Its time to have a workshop- discuss/ debate and review the priority
areas of focus and respond to the needs of people who own the
organization. To ensure positive growth of GECA we need to ensure
effective participation of the stakeholders, establish transparent
systems and inculcate professionalism and respect those who give their
time for positive collective actions.
Best
Darjat

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25. mohammad aslam khan says:
December 31, 2009 at 7:48 am
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organizations are important to be formed for different purposes and
GECA is one of those. Debates are also important to be held as that
develop clarity but we need to be open as well as positive and
constructive. Secondly a comment on an article or report need to be a
comment and to to be another article.

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26. khudadad says:
January 1, 2010 at 11:43 pm
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Dear All.
It is really a great debate. PT has provided a wonderful forum for us
to share our ideas and knowledge. Please do not give irresponsible
comments that makes organizations controversial and try to indicate
the really issues and give your suggestions to make organizations
workable to achieve its utmost targets. I fully support the point of
view of Mr. Shafqat who indicated the issues and problems of our
students of Gojal in particular. No doubt education must be on top of
the GECA’s agenda. From all the comments and deliberated discussions
it seems that we should focus on those areas which needs our
attention. I request to all our professionals and stakeholders that it
is time to build -up a proper mechanism for better co ordinations and
linkages between organizations working within Gojal in the field of
education, culture, social welfare and rural development. This
mechanism will not only highlight the loopholes and weaknesses of our
organizations but will take concrete steps to redress the issues and
declines, in other case there will be a huge gap between organizations
and we will be fail to achieve our goals and targets rather then
establishing parallel organizations in competition. Gojal is the hub
of Gilgit-Baltistan and we have tremendous opportunities in the field
of education, commerce, banking and trade but unfortunately we are
unable to get maximum benefits out of these opportunities which are at
our doorsteps although we have a number of community based
organizations working at village and regional levels and are still not
able to integrate our community to avail these opportunities. The
establishment of Hunza/Nager District will create new job market for
our young professionals in governments departments and it is time for
our organizations to give proper guidance to our youth to induct them
at various government agencies as our individuals face great hurdles
to get government jobs due to pressure groups and political elements.
We have great hope from GECA that it will integrate and strengthen all
the organizations of Gojal in future.

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27. CDR (Rtd.) Ijaz A.Quba says:
January 2, 2010 at 1:51 pm
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Though I’m not an internet surfer. But somebody goaded me to once
visit a net blog in The Name and Style of Pamir News.As soon as I
found the Blog, to be very candid that to my utter consternation, as I
read the materials there about the ongoing war of triviality(GECA &
Wakhi week celibration). I was totally astounded and lost for a while.
As to whether, we have grown so advance that, we are fighting hot and
cold wars concurrently on an arena of an internationally exposed net
service. Upon reading all the comments on an article of a catalystic
and cataclysmic nature written by Mr.Shafqat Karim. With my cool
thought and deeper senses of sobriety, I safely infer that, it seems,
taht we are virtually chasing a wild goose with a pipe dream, without
thinking that what a preciou time, efforts and energies we are
squandering fruitlessly. Upon further scrutiny of the article and
ensuing comments, it reflects that either we are an exceedingly
emotiomal and impulsive community or instinctively tending to slip
into a depth of negativism and a way of wilderness. Again further
delibration reveals that either we are living in a world of utopia or
dystopia. No any aspect of seriuosness is insight. Please come on be
pragmatic and be in this world of our mother earth planet, where there
are compromises, reciprocity, tolerance, forbearance, patience and
above all sacrifices. Why we are losing our tempers and drifting
towards waywardness just for no bonefide reasons. Please realise that
these are just zerosum games, we are one and shall remain so. And we
are the ones who will be intermingling, relating and interconnecting
with each others in the course of our lives. Do not waste your
precious efforts, time, time and energy on such nonchalances and
frivolities, which entail frustrations only. Come back and come back
do not flyaway into the castle being built in the air, as we are just
fledgling and that we may not lapse into a time warp. We have to go
very long way forward. As we are just at the stepping stone and
ititial threshold of a sea of enlightenment, mountain of culture and
desert of society and social services. Do we remember the storey which
suggests the strength of unity – a bunch of a number of sticks
togather does not even budge by the strok of a infinite force, while
the sticks individually shearoff by a simple srok of a finger.

Please try to tread the pathway of our parents and elders, which leads
to success and prosperty. And embark onto the aim and purpose for
which we have left our villages. Do we think that this very festival
of Wakhi week was the end of the world, which culminated into an
annihilation and we lost all our future prospects abysmally. NO a Big
No, please come up and amass all your gifted talents, potentialities,
capacities and an act of positivism. And sublimate them to a
cinstructive, cooperative and allenompassing attitudes and behaviours.
Let us every one of us sholud explore and hunt for lucrative and
positive opportunities and greener pastures. Rathes than bickering and
mutual mudslinging, which ensues only internecine misconceptions,
mistrusts and misunderstandings. We must think for a while before we
expose ourselves to an universalyl embarrassing situation. Else people
will certainly form a very negative image of us. Please always reflect
magnanimity and socially healthy attitudes.

Let us discuss very few of our role models. Mr. Qurban Jan (Gulmit),
Mr. Zafar Iqbal (Passu), Mr. Mutabyat Shah (Gulmit), Mr. Adena Baig-
Late (Moorkhun) and Professor Dr. Brig. Salman Ali and all brothers.
These are the very few ones amongst many (the others we could not
mention here due to paucity of time and space), who are really
quintessance of hard work, toil and success and achievements. Do we
ever thought, pondered and tried to ascertain and figureout as to how
these people succeded. And specifically how this fecund family of Late
Master Sultan Ali (Samar Qund ) did achieve such meteoric careers. It
is very unusual that all children of a parents could equally achieve
such a height of success. We think they merit to be researched and to
ascertain the key of their success educationally, morally and
ethically. So that our progeny may follow and emulate them. It would
be a matter of fillip to peep into the car of Prof.Dr. Salman, which
wears a look of a small compact library. What does this indicate, we
must ponder. We must also know that as to who helped, financed and
supported them.

Did we ever consider the selfless services rendering people of this
community. From my perspective a true selfless services rendered is by
Late Masret Sultan Ali for education. Who was scurrying most
frequently from Mayyun all the way to Chipurson by foot, attending and
addressing all schools, teachers and elders. Second most moving
selfless serives is by Mr Rehmat Ullah Baig of PIA, which is
selfevident, no need to elaborate.

So please be positive, save your precious time and efforts for
futuristic endeavours and excellences. And we should create a most
conducive and propetious melieu amd orient ourselves as sensible and
responsile people. Forget all ill wills if any, because we could not
justify our comments and critics. And I’ m sure that thus for nobody
has put a feather in their cap.

Finally and lastly, we may propound the following as food for thought
that: No Founders, Leaders,Guides and Deliverers ever speak, brag and
boast with any sort of hype and trumpet. They only act, deliver and
serve. Their actions, deeds and fruitleness reflect and translate into
plaudits. We sholud now cease here and desist from furthering no more
acrimony and misunderstsndings for the sake of ourselves. We should
also know that nobody will ever sympathize with us and will never pat
on our backs without an express aim and purpose. Come and join us to
pray that God Almighty may bestow upon us His most blessing ,
prudence, farsightedness and wisdom.
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