By Syed Shams Uddin In a thought-provoking Facebook post, Waseem Baigal recently showcased the transformative work of the Aga Khan Rural Support Program (AKRSP) in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral. This post sheds light on AKRSP's significant efforts to address the chronic shortage of arable land in these mountainous regions, where agriculture has long been constrained by terrain, climate, and scarcity of suitable farmland. By introducing innovative techniques and sustainable practices, the AKRSP has empowered local communities to cultivate their land more efficiently, maximizing limited resources and supporting local food security. AKRSP’s initiatives date back to the 1980s when the organization began developing programs to modernize traditional farming in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral. The regions’ remote location and challenging geography, nestled in the northern Himalayas and Karakoram ranges, had kept agricultural practices largely rudimentary and subsistence-focused. However,
By Syed Shams Uddin In the rich tapestry of Gilgit-Baltistan’s history, certain stories of bravery often remain in the shadows, yet these tales hold profound significance, symbolizing the indomitable spirit of the people. One such powerful narrative emerged recently, shedding light on the courage of an unsung heroine, Mujahida Sipar Begum, from Barmas—a locality near the Governor House in Gilgit. Her story is an emblem of defiance against oppression, courage in the face of adversity, and silent resilience that contributed to the historic overthrow of the Dogra regime in Gilgit. This poignant account, shared in Part 8 of Gilgit-Baltistan in the Eye of Historians, published on October 14, 2023, has rightfully drawn attention to her forgotten legacy, illuminating the sacrifices made by Sipar Begum and many like her during a tumultuous era. Sipar Begum’s life began in 1925 in Mohellah Barmas, where she grew up in a community defined by close bonds and traditional values. At just 16, she