By Syed Shamsuddin PERHAPS the greening of Gilgit-Baltistan must begin with retaining water—not merely planting trees. Whenever the subject of greening Gilgit-Baltistan arises, our immediate response is usually tree plantation. Trees are undoubtedly essential to the ecological health of our mountains. But perhaps we need to ask a more fundamental question: Where will the water come from to sustain the trees? Gilgit-Baltistan is a cold-arid, mountainous region with limited and irregular rainfall. Yet enormous quantities of water enter its valleys through snowfall, snowmelt, glacier melt and episodic rainfall. Much of this water rapidly descends through countless nullahs and mountain channels, carrying away fertile soil and sediment before disappearing downstream. The real challenge, therefore, may not simply be to plant more trees. It may be to retain more water within the mountains . This brings forth a potentially transformative idea...
By Syed Shamsuddin THERE are occasions when a long-standing demand ceases to be a demand and becomes an imperative. The construction of a new, modern airport at Gilgit is now precisely such an imperative. As reported on social media on 16 July 2026, the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan has, in his letter dated 15 July 2026 addressed to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, most justifiably drawn attention to the urgent need for a new airport at Gilgit. The appeal deserves the serious and positive consideration of the federal government—not as another routine administrative request, but as a matter of overriding importance for the future of Gilgit-Baltistan. It is, indeed, difficult to understand why the issue continues to linger. Gilgit-Baltistan has changed dramatically. Its aviation infrastructure has not. The region has emerged as one of Pakistan's most coveted tourist destinations and has earned international recognition, having ...