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Greening Urbanization in Gilgit-Baltistan: A Vision Rooted in Simplicity and Sustainability

By Syed Shams Uddin As global awareness grows around the threats of climate change, countries like China have begun implementing radical solutions such as forest cities — urban spaces where buildings are covered with thousands of trees and plants to mitigate air pollution and rising temperatures. While such grand innovations may seem out of reach for economically modest regions like Gilgit-Baltistan, their underlying philosophy — that of integrating nature into urban design — is deeply relevant, perhaps even essential, for our part of the world. The environmental challenges faced by Gilgit-Baltistan are stark and immediate. Once characterized by clean mountain air, glacial rivers, and green valleys, many parts of the region are now under siege from unplanned urban expansion, haphazard construction, and the rapid loss of vegetation. Increasing tourist influx, combined with infrastructure pressures and population growth, has led to the mushrooming of concrete dwellings — often at t...
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Non-ordinary Realms - Zarbiali's Tale

By Syed Shams Uddin A recent Facebook post by The Sacred Science casts an evocative and illuminating spotlight on the ancient, potent tradition of shamanism—particularly the sacred practice known among its initiates as “spiritual journeying” into what is termed non-ordinary reality. Rooted in indigenous wisdom that spans continents, this transformative practice transcends the physical plane, allowing practitioners to commune with benevolent spirits for healing, insight, and guidance. The post resonates deeply—especially for those familiar with the mountain cultures of Gilgit-Baltistan, where such traditions, though often cloaked in secrecy, have been whispered about for generations in twilight gatherings beside hearth fires. For the people of Gilgit, this post rekindles memories of one of the region’s most enigmatic and revered spiritual figures: the legendary shaman of Satmaski, Zarbiali of Bagrote Valley. A figure celebrated as both healer and mystic, Zarbiali looms large in th...

The Case for Teaching Empathy in Schools: A Blueprint for a Compassionate Society

By Syed Shams Uddin Education is often seen as the key to progress, but what if it focused not just on intellect but also on emotional intelligence? In Denmark, empathy is reportedly being taught as a school subject, alongside mathematics and science, instilling in children the ability to understand, relate to, and support others. If implemented in other societies—such as in Pakistan and for that matter, in Gilgit-Baltistan—this approach could lead to a profound transformation, shaping future generations into kinder, more responsible, and socially aware citizens. The Importance of Empathy in Human Development Empathy is the ability to put oneself in another person's shoes, to feel their joy, pain, and struggles. It is not just a moral virtue but a crucial skill that affects relationships, decision-making, leadership, and even economic progress. Studies have shown that societies where empathy is deeply ingrained tend to have lower crime rates, stronger community bonds, and greater...

Muhammad Amin Zia: A Trailblazer in Literature and Education

By Syed Shams Uddin I recently had the chance to watch an exceptionally inspiring interview of Muhammad Amin Zia, conducted on March 21, 2021, by the renowned poet and bureaucrat Rehman Shah on Ibex Media Network (IMN). The interview illuminated the remarkable contributions of Muhammad Amin Zia, who embodies the rare and distinguished qualities of a poet, author, and educationist. With his eloquent Urdu, Rehman Shah began by tracing the literary history of the region, emphasizing the persistent efforts of intellectuals who pursued knowledge despite an unfavorable educational environment. Over time, he noted, these endeavors bore fruit. He went on to commend Muhammad Amin Zia’s outstanding contributions, particularly highlighting his pioneering work in compiling a precise Shina dictionary comprising some 1500 words back in 1974 —a monumental achievement in the preservation and development of the language. About his propensity, Zia said it is always his wont to embark on a a very ne...

Raji-ur-Rahmat Nazar: A Great Poet and Educator

Syed Shams Uddin During my student days in the late 1960s at Government High School Gilgit—later known as F.G. Government Boys School—I had the privilege of being taught Urdu by the revered Maulvi Raji-ur-Rehmat, affectionately known in literary circles by his poetic pen name, Nazar. He was not only a dedicated educator but also a towering figure in Urdu poetry, admired for his extraordinary gift of spontaneous composition. Maulvi Raji-ur-Rehmat possessed a rare poetic intuition. It was not uncommon for him to break into an impromptu couplet during the course of a lesson, captivating his students with verses that were at once witty, profound, and beautifully crafted. These spontaneous poetic expressions would often be met with delight and admiration from all of us, a testament to his effortless command over language and his innate poetic brilliance. His verses carried both substance and elegance, revealing a natural gift that could neither be taught nor imitated. He was a livin...

California Dreams and a Swift Return: A Sojourn Remembered

By Syed Shams Uddin Concluding our memorable sojourn in California, we began our journey back to Pakistan on the evening of May 23 (California Standard Time), once again choosing the reliable services of Qatar Airways. With a sense of both fulfillment and nostalgia, we boarded our return flight from San Francisco International Airport, carrying with us not only our belongings but also a trove of cherished memories accumulated over the preceding weeks. As the aircraft ascended into the Pacific skies, leaving behind the golden state of California, a bittersweet sentiment settled in—one marked by gratitude for the experiences we had enjoyed and an awareness that we were heading back to the demanding rhythm of responsibilities and daily life in Pakistan. Our travel itinerary involved a relatively short layover at Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar—a modern, efficient, and traveler-friendly hub that provided just enough time to refresh and prepare ourselves for the second leg...

A Memorable Sojourn to Santa Cruz – 18.05.2025

By Syed Shams Uddin A Soulful Sojourn to Santa Cruz – 18th May 2025 Setting Out: A Drive Beyond Distance On the early afternoon of May 19, 2025, beneath the warm embrace of a golden Californian sun and the whisper of a gentle breeze, we set out from Dublin, California. Our destination was the storied coastal town of Santa Cruz—but this was no ordinary trip. It was a journey of transition: from suburb to sea, from motion to stillness, from the familiar to the profoundly felt. But before the road unfurled its scenic poetry, we paused for a different kind of experience—one of culinary and cultural significance. A Taste of Home at Bundoo Khan: Subcontinental Flavors in the Heart of America Just fifteen minutes from downtown Dublin and conveniently located off the freeway, Bundoo Khan welcomed us with the rich promise of home. More than just a restaurant, Bundoo Khan is a vibrant cultural outpost—an establishment bringing the authentic flavors of the Indo-Pak subcontinent to American s...