Window to Gilgit-Baltistan

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...

By Syed Shams Uddin UNDENIABLY, the gallant and unwavering struggle courageous individuals demands to be highlighted with due recognition, both regionally and nationally, through an enduring and monumental commemoration of their heroic deeds in the federal and provincial capitals. Such recognition would not only honor their extraordinary sacrifices but also inspire future generations to revere the legacy of their resilience and patriotism. In a poignant tribute to the unparalleled sacrifice made by Amir Hayat of the renowned Gilgit Scouts—the first martyr of the glorious Gilgit-Baltistan Freedom Struggle—esteemed journalist Manzar Shigri expressed deep sorrow in his article titled The First Martyr of the War of Liberation of Gilgit-Baltistan, published in Daily K2 on November 1, 2019. Shigri lamented the neglect of this iconic martyr’s final resting place, situated outside the Chinar Bagh in Gilgit - a neighborhood called Haiderpura, by the banks of the Gilgit River. What deepens the...

By Syed Shams Uddin A highly impactful and engaging discussion aired on the social media platform "Gilgit-Baltistan Nexus," Part I, on October 26, 2024, shedding light on the life and legacy of the legendary hero, Bakhtawar Shah. This broadcast serves as a poignant reminder of the recognition bestowed upon Bakhtawar Shah by none other than Colonel Hassan Khan, the Great Revolutionary Commander, who issued a high commendation certificate on December 10, 1947. This commendation was an acknowledgment of Bakhtawar Shah's invaluable acts of courage and extraordinary feats during the critical period of the region's history. The contents of the handwritten certificate, which is included as page 428 in Manzoom Ali's book Karakoram Hindukush, express a formal and authoritative recognition of Bakhtawar Shah's bravery. This discussion not only brings to the forefront the often-overlooked contributions of Bakhtawar Shah but also highlights the broader struggle for freed...

By Syed Shams Uddin On November 1, the people of Gilgit-Baltistan will solemnly commemorate the 77th anniversary of their liberation from the oppressive rule of the Maharaja of Kashmir, a historic step toward self-determination and regional autonomy. This monumental victory was fully aligned with the will of the people, resonating with the aspirations of the Subcontinent’s Muslims under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah to create a nation for Muslims. For the people of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan was not simply a political choice but a shared destiny—a vision of unity with a broader Muslim identity and purpose. Their accession transcended mere politics; it was a deliberate commitment to a unified Muslim homeland inspired by the same ideals that gave birth to Pakistan. This pivotal moment ended nearly a century of oppression, as Gilgit-Baltistan broke free from subjugation to stand as part of an independent and sovereign Pakistan. Following their courageous struggle, th...

By Syed Shams Uddin Sarfaraz Aakash, a distinguished Urdu poet hailing from Damote, Sai Valley, Gilgit, made his long-awaited public appearance recently, thanks to the commendable efforts of the Gilgit Media Network (GMN). The network deserves immense recognition for bringing to the spotlight a poet of such grand stature, whose reclusive nature has kept him away from the public eye for far too long. Special acknowledgment is also owed to Sher Alam Shehbaz, who played a pivotal role in reaching out to Sarfaraz Aakash and persuading him to share his poetic gems with the world. Aakash, known for his aversion to publicity and his quiet dedication to the craft, has finally graced us with his profound literary presence. In a remarkable display of poetic prowess, Aakash introduced himself to the audience with a striking couplet that immediately commanded attention, offering a glimpse into his mastery over composition, diction, and the grandeur of his expression. The sheer sophistication of h...

By Syed Shamsuddin One cannot help appreciating Walir ur Rehman Hami of Markhor Times for connecting with Syed Najam Ul Hassan, a retired teacher from Sakwar village near Gilgit city. Notably, Syed Najam also happens to be a poet who has showcased his remarkable poetic works in the poetical symposia organized by the Literacy Circle Gilgit, thereby establishing a distinguished place for himself in the literary domain. With a deep aspiration to carve out a niche in the Shina language, he began contemplating this goal in December 1978 and successfully achieved it. He states that he seriously commenced the translation of the Holy Qur'an in 1998, adhering to the research principles followed by numerous previous translators of the Holy book. During the interview, he reads out portions of his stupendous work, highlighting the lucidity of the original phraseology in the Shina language. Listeners or readers can appreciate that the carefully chosen Shina words are so captivating that every...