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Jamshid Khan Dukhi: A Poet of Peace and Humanism

Syed Shams Uddin The Enduring Legacy of Jamshid Khan Dukhi: A Visionary Humanist and Poet Jamshid Khan Dukhi stands as a towering literary figure whose poetry transcends the boundaries of time, ideology, and division. A true humanist, his verses breathe life into the universal ideals of love, peace, and coexistence. Like every great visionary who espouses grand humanistic values, Dukhi’s poetic expression is imbued with a deep longing for harmony—an aspiration that he believed to be the cornerstone of true societal progress. The essence of his poetry lies not just in its linguistic elegance but in the powerful message it carries: the urgent call to dismantle the barriers of hatred and intolerance and to raise a world where love reigns supreme. His words do not merely describe an ideal world; they compel us to strive for one. This is what makes his poetry so compelling, so indispensable. A Quest for His Majestic Works Like many admirers of his thought-provoking poetry, I have long soug...
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Ensuring Equitable Access to Border Passes: A Call for Justice

By Syed Shams Uddin Border Pass System: Strengthening the Historic Socio-Economic and Trade Relations Between Gilgit-Baltistan and Xinjiang Genesis and Raison d’Être of the Border Pass System The inception of the Border Pass System can be traced back to the construction of the Karakoram Highway (KKH) and the signing of the first Border Protocol Agreement between Pakistan and China. Recognizing the deep-rooted historical ties and the enduring legacy of the ancient Silk Route, both governments agreed to grant the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and the Xinjiang Autonomous Region of China unhindered access across the border. This initiative was driven by a strategic vision to foster people-to-people interactions, revitalize age-old trade routes, and strengthen socio-economic cooperation between the two neighboring regions. By facilitating seamless cross-border movement, the system aimed to bolster economic integration and reinforce cultural and commercial bonds that had historically flourishe...
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GILGIT-BALTISTAN’S SOCIO-CULTURAL TRANSFORMATION

Syed Shams Uddin Social media recently sparked a fascinating discussion about Gilgit-Baltistan, a region renowned for its rich diversity, where each district proudly upholds its distinct cultural, social, and linguistic characteristics. This mosaic of unique identities is a defining hallmark of the region, distinguishing it from others. However, the social transformations occurring across Gilgit-Baltistan have been far from uniform. The Nature of Social and Cultural Change It is widely acknowledged that the evolution of social and cultural traits is a dynamic and ongoing process, shaped by constant change. The pace and nature of this transformation vary significantly across districts and communities. While it might be tempting to suggest that certain areas are more affected than others, the reality is that every district and community is experiencing these waves of change in its own unique way. The Role of the Younger Generation The younger generation today exemplifies this shift vi...
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Gilgit-Baltistan’s Constitutional Quest: A Unified Demand

Syed Shams Uddin All Parties Conference on Gilgit-Baltistan’s Constitutional Status Quite fortunate it is that the All Parties Conference (APC) held on January 17, 2025, at Islamabad’s National Press Club represents a landmark moment in Gilgit-Baltistan’s prolonged struggle for constitutional recognition. This event signifies a rare political consensus among various factions, including representatives from the PML-N, PPP, PTI, JUI-F, Majlis-i-Wahdat Muslimeen, Islami Tehreek-i-Pakistan, and the GB government spokesperson. The collective demand for constitutional recognition underscores the urgency of resolving GB’s ambiguous status within Pakistan’s political framework. Historical Context and Constitutional Ambiguity Gilgit-Baltistan has remained in a constitutional limbo since its liberation from Dogra rule in 1947. Historically, the region was forcibly annexed by the Jammu and Kashmir State during the latter half of the 19th century but was eventually freed by its own people on Nove...
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ELECTRICITY SHORTAGE IN GILGIT-BALTISTAN

By Syed Shams Uddin Manzar Shigri's latest podcast, aired on K2, January 10, 2025, sheds light on the alarming electricity shortage in Gilgit-Baltistan in 2025. The region continues to grapple with a severe energy crisis, marked by minimal power supply, often limited to just two hours a day in urban centers. This chronic shortage has had profound implications for the daily lives of residents, particularly as the harsh winter intensifies. Shigri highlighted the recent protests in Hunza, where women and children played an active role in drawing attention to the issue. The demonstrations ultimately led to a government assurance to address the energy crisis by deploying thermal power solutions. However, this temporary arrangement has sparked debates among environmentalists, who express concerns over the pollution caused by diesel generators. As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, residents fear the worsening of the already dire situation. Meanwhile, several hydropower projects remai...
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GIGLIT-BALTISTAN'S FORESTS -A CALL FOR ACTION

Syed Shams Uddin The Vital Importance of Forests in Gilgit-Baltistan: A Call for Action Environmental experts emphasize that for a country to maintain economic equilibrium and environmental stability, at least 25% of its total land area should ideally be under forest cover. However, Pakistan's forest cover is alarmingly low, comprising only about 4% of its total area. This national figure, concerning as it is, paints an even graver picture when it comes to Gilgit-Baltistan, the country's northernmost region and home to the critical water towers that sustain Pakistan's lifelines. Gilgit-Baltistan, a region of towering peaks and breathtaking landscapes, is alarmingly deficient in forest cover. The forested areas within the region are distributed as follows: 1. Chilas, Darel, and Tangir: 848 square miles 2. Astore: 120 square miles 3. Gilgit, Punyal, and Nagar: 96 square miles 4. Baltistan: 36 square miles Collectively, this accounts for a mere 4% of the region’s total area, ...
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ICE STUPA WATER SOLUTION .

Syed Shams Uddin The concept gained popularity and was subsequently replicated in Baltistan, where climate change and glacial retreats have disrupted traditional water sources. The initiative underscores the community-driven potential of low-cost, eco-friendly solutions to tackle the challenges posed by climate change. Tackling Water Scarcity in Gilgit-Baltistan: The Promise of Ice Stupas Water scarcity during the critical months of March and April poses a significant challenge to the arid and semi-arid regions of Gilgit-Baltistan. Innovative methods to mitigate this issue are currently underway, offering a sustainable and scientific approach to water management. Among these, the concept of Ice Stupas has emerged as a beacon of hope. If proven successful, this solution could be replicated across other water-scarce areas of the region, where traditional practices like glacier-grafting have been attempted but with limited success. In the past, communities in areas such as Jutal and Nom...
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