Skip to main content

Posts

Featured Post

GRAPPLING WITH CLIMATE-CHANGE By Syed Shams Uddin In December 2015, the Paris Agreement was signed by 195 member countries of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), marking a pivotal moment in the global effort to combat climate change. This landmark agreement represented the first legally binding international accord on climate action, setting forth a global action plan to limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with aspirations to limit the increase to 1.5°C. The agreement emphasized the need for global cooperation, calling on all countries to take ambitious measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance climate resilience, and support climate adaptation efforts. Despite this significant step forward in the fight against climate change, the effects of global warming were already becoming increasingly evident. The State of the Climate report, released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), highligh
Post a Comment
Read more
Recent posts

Gilgit-Baltistan's Economic Woes

In early 2020, the government made a significant decision to  slash the job quota for Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) to a meager one percent . This move’s outcome became starkly evident in the aftermath, particularly highlighted by the Federal Public Service Commission’s (FPSC) advertisement Case No. F.4-51/2020-R (3/2020), concerning the filling of 157 Appraisers positions in the Revenue Division. Out of these, only one post was allocated for Gilgit-Baltistan, while five were designated for FATA and four for AJK. This allocation sparked profound disappointment and resentment among the populace of GB. This mode of new dispensation has become rife insofar as allocation of federal jobs in all federal ministries and other institutions since then. The decision, seemingly a fallout from GB’s separation from the GB/FATA combination, contradicts expectations for a comprehensive approach to tackle longstanding issues. It is perceived as unjust and inequitable, directly undermining the essence of the qu
Post a Comment
Read more

Gilgit: Bereft of A Lovable, Sage Personality!

TRANGFA MUHAMMAD ANWAR A GREAT PERSONALITY Societies and nations rarely produce highly gifted individuals, such as sages and savants, who can carry out a mission and promote social cohesiveness by preaching love and amity. These remarkable individuals are remembered for their iconic role in upholding grand cultural ethos and mores. Walter Lippmann once said that our perception is influenced by the cultural stereotypes that we have internalized. To achieve social harmony, peace, and tranquility based on values that align with the most acceptable customs and traditions of the past, it is necessary to bring them into harmony with modern-day practices. Highly gifted individuals who do this earn a lasting place for themselves in history and are remembered for generations. However, when these noble souls pass away, especially during times when their wisdom is desperately needed, it creates a colossal loss that cannot be repaired in any way. Such losses leave behind a great void that may take
Post a Comment
Read more

'Neelobat - The Historic Blue or Bluish Stone

‘NEELOBAT’ in Shina means blue, bluish or turquoise-colored stone which in the instant case, is attributed to signify an historic stone weighing about two and a half maund.  It is related that it lay at the  ‘neelo rako’ – blue or bluish  palace of the local rulers (Rajas) - showing its locus where the Kote Mohella in Gilgit city stands presently. Very interestingly, ‘taimuri vlog’ dated  17 April 2022, so aptly disseminated a brief talk with Haji Muhammad Shafa of Danyore Shangote - a credible person possessing ample knowledge on history, customs and traditions of the area. Generally speaking, Shafa is social worker of repute who has devoted his prime life to welfare of society. Born in lower Bagrote, he later shifted to and settled permanently at Danyore some six decades back on his retirement from military service. However, he was re-employed in the Education Department as a ‘Physical Instructor’ obviously against the quota reserved for ex-servicemen. After completing his term in th
Post a Comment
Read more

Gilgit-Baltistan: The Ponderables vs Imponderables!

By   Syed Shamsuddin Each year, Ist November is celebrated in Gilgit-Baltistan with great fanfare, marking the day on which the regional people rose successfully and so proudly rose en masse in revolt against the Dogra occupiers. A unique revolution indeed, it was so valiantly undertaken without any assistance whatsoever, from outside. The grand celebrations of the day to be followed in their heel by those of 14th August 1948 commemorating the momentous occasion of liberation of Baltistan, glowing tributes are paid to the Ghazis and Shaheeds in a befitting manner. Volumes can be written about them all for their supreme sacrifices but space constraints may dissuade. Given this, a precise writing like this outlining the historic feats of bravery and supreme courage has to be consecrated to them as mere token of eulogy on that score. Let the first thing first taking start with the great revolutionary character - Raja , Ghazi Muhammad Babar Khan, Fakhar-e-Kashmir (Sitara-e-Quaid-e-Azam), s
Post a Comment
Read more