A Gem Lost Too Soon: Remembering Engr. Maisum Qasimi

The tragic news of a devastating accident at Havelian, Hazara Division, on September 9, 2025, has cast a deep shadow of grief across the region and among all who knew the victims. Among the five precious lives lost was Engr. Maisum Qasimi — a name synonymous with brilliance, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to intellectual and social causes. His sudden departure has created a void that words struggle to fill.

Maisum was not only a distinguished telecom engineer and a proud alumnus of the second batch of Cadet College Skardu — a classmate of both my son and nephew — but also a rare intellectual voice whose writings on the issues confronting Gilgit-Baltistan carried depth, precision, and eloquence. He possessed the uncommon ability to rise above rhetoric and articulate truth with clarity, balance, and conviction. For many, his thoughtful contributions served as a compass, inspiring reflection, awareness, and a sense of collective responsibility. Just about three weeks ago, my son—currently based in Italy, had came home for a month’s stay, reunited with his close friend from Cadet College days, the late Mesum Qasimi. According to him, they often went out together, joined at times by other Cadet College friends, for casual get-togethers.Today, as the heartbreaking news reached me, my heart sank, and I could not summon the courage to break it to my son in Italy

Those who had the privilege of interacting with him, whether in professional, academic, or personal settings, recognized his exceptional qualities. He was truly primus inter pares — first among equals — whose sincerity, humility, and wisdom won him respect and admiration. In him lived the spirit of Cadet College Skardu: discipline, excellence, and service to community.

The pain of his passing extends beyond his family and close friends; it is felt across Gilgit-Baltistan and beyond. The region has lost not only a promising thinker but also a devoted son, whose voice embodied both courage and compassion. His untimely death reminds us of life’s fragility, but also of the enduring legacy one can leave through thought, word, and action.

As we mourn Maisum, we also celebrate a life lived with meaning and purpose, however brief. We honor his memory by embracing the values he championed: sincerity of thought, clarity of expression, and compassion for his people. Senior journalist Shabbir Mir, in his heartfelt Urdu tribute today, recalled Maisum in these poignant words:

“The same picture—tea mug in hand, a smile on his face, and a calm confidence in his eyes. Today, when I came across the news on social media of Maisum Qasimi from Khomer, Gilgit, losing his life in an accident, my heart refused to believe it… Truly, this world is strange; today someone sits with us smiling, and tomorrow they exist only in memory. This is life’s harshest reality.”

At this hour of profound sorrow, our thoughts and prayers are with his bereaved family, friends, and all who held him in love and respect. May Allah, the Most Merciful, grant his noble soul eternal peace, raise his rank among the righteous, and bless his loved ones with patience and strength to bear this immense loss. My heart also mourns with the families of the four others who perished in this tragic accident. May Allah grant them fortitude and courage in the face of this irreparable loss.

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un.

Episode 1: A Window to Gilgit-Baltistan

A window to Northern Areas-I, The Muslim dated July 4, 1997. By Syed Shamsuddin Most of our people even today seem quite oblivious of the geo-political position of Northern Areas while the exact historical background concerning Gilgit-Baltistan and where these must stand politically remains yet another subject of discussion. Not to speak of a layman, a person of the stature of Chief Executive of the country, once inquired whether the Northern Areas an integral part of the north west frontier province (NWFP). This happened when he rule the country in the aftermath of martial law. Yet another minister on Kashmir and Northern Areas, during the democratic government that followed, was pleased to tell a member of the northern areas council that he owed his minisitership not to them (Northern Areas people) but to the turbaned man of his constituency, standing at the door of his official chambers. There is infact, dearth of substantial historical evidence as to when exactly man ...

Episode 4: A Window to Gilgit-Baltistan part-1

A window to Northern Areas-IV, The Muslim dated July 7, 1997 Author: Syed Shams ud Din The word providence in Sheena language equates with ‘bagharo’ and in this sense, it may safely be implied that the term Bagrote emanated from this word as the valley once famous for its agricultural produce, wildlife and richness in fruits hence the people living there were used to be called ‘bagharoos’ – those distributing basic necessities of life. This attribute seems to have later degenerated into Bagrote – the land of ‘bagharoos’ (distributors). It has been noticed that the famous mythology of Gilgit is all in Brushiski which also includes that of Kirak Prince. The attribution of all the names to almost all places of what was formerly called the Brushal are a pointer to the firm hold of this kingdom in the past as a reality. The people of these areas, prior to Islam, all embraced ‘Shamanism’. A cursory glance over the ancient history of India may abundantly reveal the fa...

Episode 3: A Windows to Gilgit-Baltistan

A window to Northern Areas-III, The Muslim dated July 6,1997 Author: Syed Shamsuddin In the ‘History of Jammu and Kashmir’ by Maulvi Hashmatullah Khan Lakhnavi, there is a mention of ancient rulers (Rajas) of Gilgit called Aghurtham and Baghurtham who have been famous rulers of Brushal. It is to be noted that the word ‘Tham’ in Brushaski means ruler. When delved deep, it transpires that the words like Berish (the land of Berish), Malokush, Kanjukush etc., were further embellished by the Tibetans, the Baltis and Ladakhis by pronouncing at ease as like Brushal in their own tongue. The Aghutham’s rock still lies amidst Gilgit river near Thopchar in Gilgit city which is called “Aghurthamai Giri”. Likewise, Aghurtham’s Forte is situated at Konodas, Gilgit near Gulsher Mohellah where the remains are. It has been observed that the carvings on the above rock and that of the Karagha nullah and the one at Hal Nal near Nagaral are identical and hence seem to have been engrave...

Window to Gilgit-Baltistan

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