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Farewell to a Noble Soul: Remembering Haji Mirza Ali

By Syed Shams Uddin It is with a heavy heart and profound sorrow that I received the heartbreaking news of the passing of my longtime friend, Haji Mirza Ali, Senior Advocate of the Supreme Appellate Court, Gilgit-Baltistan.This instantly led me to make a call to Mirza Sikandar Ali, the eldest son of the deceased who confirmed the newa. His death has left an immeasurable void in my heart and mind—one that words can hardly capture. It feels as though a chapter of my own life story has quietly closed with his departure. The grief I feel is deeply personal, and the loss serves as a poignant reminder of life’s fragility and the fleeting nature of our time in this world. With his passing, a significant and cherished era of our enduring friendship has come to an end—one that gracefully spanned many decades and was grounded in mutual respect, trust, unwavering loyalty, and deeply shared values that withstood the test of time and distance. Haji Mirza Ali was more than a dear friend—he was a...
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Wajidullah Nagari: A Summit Seeker from the Valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan

By Syed Shams Uddin Amid the towering cathedrals of rock and ice that rise where the Karakoram embraces the Himalayas, where the winds are as ancient as the stones and the stars linger close to the earth, dwell souls forged in silence and solitude—guardians of the highlands, tempered by altitude and time. Among these mountain-bred hearts is Wajidullah Nagari, a native of Gilgit-Baltistan, whose quiet yet resolute pursuit of mountaineering excellence is now beginning to echo across the national consciousness. Hailing from a land where peaks kiss the heavens and valleys echo with tales of ancestral courage, Wajidullah is a product of the mountains—shaped by their ferocity, inspired by their grace. In a recent video that has gone viral on social media, his humble demeanor and heartfelt appeal for support have moved nearly 200,000 viewers. But his journey to this moment has been long and arduous, etched not only in sweat and struggle, but also in a fierce love for his homeland and its s...
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A Hidden Paradise in Such Close Contiguity to Gilgit

By Syed Shams Uddin Not far from Gilgit—the provincial metropolis of Gilgit-Baltistan—lies the idyllic Bagrote Valley, a hidden gem that stands as one of the region’s most breathtaking landscapes. Nestled within a dramatic setting, Bagrote encapsulates the grandeur of Gilgit-Baltistan, offering visitors a harmonious blend of natural beauty, tranquility, and adventure. Its proximity to Gilgit, a mere 30 kilometers away, makes it an easily accessible yet serene retreat, ideal for both day trips and extended stays. Unlike other tourist destinations that require arduous journeys, Bagrote is just a short drive from the provincial capital, maintaining an untouched charm that feels as if lifted from the pages of a fairy tale. The valley's defining features include lush green meadows, crystal-clear glacial streams, and traditional wooden houses that contribute to its enchanting atmosphere. Framed by the majestic triad of Rakaposhi, Diran Peak, and Bilchar Dobani, Bagrote’s scenery is no...
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International Day of Forests and the Urgency of Climate Action

By Syed Shams Uddin Observed annually on March 21, the International Day of Forests underscores the vital role forests play in sustaining life on Earth. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012, this day promotes awareness about conservation, sustainable management, and reforestation efforts to combat climate change and biodiversity loss. The Critical Role of Forests in Climate Regulation Forests cover nearly one-third of the planet's land area, acting as essential carbon sinks, regulating global temperatures, and supporting 80% of terrestrial biodiversity. They are indispensable for oxygen production, water cycle regulation, and ecosystem stability. However, rapid deforestation, land degradation, and escalating greenhouse gas emissions pose severe threats to these ecosystems. A recent BBC report, citing the United Nations, warns that one-third of the world’s glaciers could disappear by 2050 due to rising greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxid...
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A Monumental Milestone for the Literary Heritage of Gilgit-Baltistan

By Syed Shams Uddin It is indeed a moment of immense honor that the name of Zafar Viqar Taj stands included in the list of distinguished individuals set to receive national accolades on March 23 this year. Among these luminaries stands Waqar Taj, whose exceptional literary contributions have earned him the coveted Sitara-e-Imtiaz. The Sitara-e-Imtiaz, Pakistan’s third-highest civilian award, is a distinction reserved for those who have demonstrated extraordinary excellence in fields that contribute significantly to national interests, cultural heritage, global peace, and the nation’s intellectual landscape. Zafar Waqar Taj’s recognition is not only a personal triumph but a monumental milestone for the literary heritage of Gilgit-Baltistan. It becomes ascertainable that Zafar Waqar Taj’s poetic journey began in his student years, where his natural affinity for poetry flourished obviously under the tutelage of his esteemed father, Abdul Khaliq Taj, and a circle of intellectual mentors. ...
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The Significance of Psychiatry Clinical Facilities for the Citizenry

By Syed Shams Uddin The positive aspect of mental health is emphasized in the definition: "Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." It refers to a state of well-being in which an individual recognizes their own abilities, effectively manages everyday stresses, works productively, and contributes to their community. Mental health promotion is a broad concept encompassing various strategies designed to enhance mental well-being. These strategies include fostering individual skills and resources as well as improving socio-economic conditions. However, the majority of healthcare resources are allocated to specialized treatment and care for individuals with mental illnesses, with comparatively less investment in community-based treatment and rehabilitation services. Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, yet it is often overlooked in public healthcare systems. Psychiatry clinical ...
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Elaeagnus angustifolia: A Hardy and Fragrant Species of Gilgit-Baltistan

By Syed Shams Uddin The Significance of Elaeagnus angustifolia in Gilgit-Baltistan: A Botanical and Historical Perspective Historical Cultivation in Gilgit-Baltistan Elaeagnus angustifolia, commonly known as the Russian olive or oleaster, has played a vital role in the agricultural and ecological history of Gilgit-Baltistan. The species was widely cultivated in areas ranging from Bunji to Astore (between 1300 to 2400 meters) in the Gilgit region. In Baltistan, this tree species has been grown from Kiris to Parkuta (2700 meters), Shigar (2600 meters), from Baghicha to Olding (2900 meters), and down to Skardu. According to famed agro-forester late Ghulam Rasul in his compendium Darakht Oogao, its natural growth has been recorded from 1800 to 3500 meters. Elaeagnus angustifolia was particularly cultivated in regions where barren land was first brought under irrigation and cultivation. One of the earliest known areas where it was extensively planted includes Jalalabad and Oshikhanda...
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