By Syed Shamsuddin IN AN ERA illuminated by scientific breakthroughs, technological prowess, and expanding institutional authority, humanity confronts a subtle yet grave paradox: unprecedented progress alongside a steady erosion of authentic human values. Credentials, offices, wealth, and influence have multiplied, yet the moral essence of being truly human is increasingly marginalized. History and moral philosophy, however, remain unequivocal—the highest distinction a human being can attain is not power or prestige, but fidelity to pure human values and an unshakeable commitment to humanity. A truly human being is not sculpted merely by outward success, but refined inwardly by conscience. Such a person radiates compassion without condescension, humility without weakness, justice without prejudice, and empathy without calculation. Knowledge divorced from ethics breeds arrogance; authority stripped of morality descends into tyranny. ...
By Syed Shamsuddin A recent and timely discussion on social media has brought into sharp focus the hazardous traffic situation confronting Gilgit , compelling serious reflection on how this growing crisis can be addressed. Central to this debate is the possibility of introducing environment-friendly e-buses as the backbone of an intra-city mass transit system—an idea that forces us to re-examine Gilgit’s mobility challenges in their full structural context. Gilgit at a Turning Point: Identifying the Core Mobility Failures Gilgit’s traffic problem has evolved from a routine urban inconvenience into a systemic crisis affecting public safety, economic efficiency, environmental quality, and everyday livability. Roads that were once adequate for a small town now carry traffic volumes far beyond their design capacity. Pedestrians, motorcyclists, private cars, freight vehicles, and informal transport all compete for the same limited spac...