Window to Gilgit-Baltistan

By  Syed Shamsuddin THE constitutional and political journey of Gilgit-Baltistan (formerly known as the Northern Areas) has been characterized by gradual institutional development rather than abrupt constitutional transformation. Over the past five and a half decades, successive governments—both military and civilian—have introduced a series of reforms aimed at expanding representative governance, strengthening administrative structures, and enhancing the legislative and executive role of locally elected institutions. The following chronology highlights the principal milestones in this evolutionary process, together with the Head of State (President of Pakistan or, where applicable, the Chief Martial Law Administrator/Chief Executive) and the Head of Government who held executive authority at the time each reform or electoral milestone occurred. Year Major Reform / Milestone Head of State Head of Government 1970 Establishment of the No...

By  Syed Shamsuddin The recent speech by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in Pakistan's Parliament, wherein he underscored the imperative of resolving the constitutional ambiguity surrounding Gilgit-Baltistan, has been widely welcomed across the region. His remarks have rekindled a long-standing national conversation on an issue that has remained unresolved for more than five decades despite successive constitutional and administrative reforms. For the people of Gilgit-Baltistan, constitutional ambiguity is not merely an academic or legal concern; it has tangible implications for democratic representation, governance, judicial certainty, economic planning, investment, and the overall trajectory of regional development. It is, therefore, encouraging that a national political leader has once again brought this matter to the forefront of parliamentary discourse. What makes Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's statement particularly noteworthy is its histor...

By  Syed Shamsuddin RAPID urbanization is often regarded as a sign of progress and economic growth. However, when urban expansion occurs without proper planning and provision of civic amenities, it can gradually erode the very quality of life it seeks to improve. Across Gilgit-Baltistan, particularly in and around the expanding urban centres, one of the most neglected aspects of development is the preservation and creation of public spaces, parks, playgrounds, and community recreation facilities. Traditionally, the settlements of Gilgit-Baltistan were not merely clusters of houses. Villages were designed around communal spaces that fostered social interaction, cultural cohesion, and physical recreation. Among these were the cherished beyaks (community gathering spaces), village squares, polo grounds, open fields, and other common areas where people met, discussed community affairs, celebrated festivals, resolved disputes, and streng...

By  Syed Shamsuddin   ACCORDING to reports circulating on social media on 3 June 2026, the commencement of angiography and angioplasty services at the Cardiac Hospital in Gilgit marks a landmark achievement for Gilgit-Baltistan, reflecting a significant advancement in the region’s healthcare infrastructure and specialized cardiac care. This development is particularly important in view of the alarming rise in cardiovascular diseases across this mountainous region over the past several decades. The availability of such life-saving diagnostic and interventional procedures within the region is expected to ensure timely access to treatment, reduce the physical and financial burden of travel on patients and their families, and substantially improve overall cardiac health outcomes. A Landmark Achievement for Gilgit-Baltistan For decades, patients suffering from coronary artery disease and other serious cardiac conditions in Gilgit-Baltistan were compelled to und...

By  Syed Shamsuddin لوگوں سے عداوت میرا دستور نہیں ہے، فرقوں کی سیاست مجھے منظور نہیں ہے، مخلوق کی خدمت میں بسر ہو میرا جیون، بس اِس کے سِوا اور کوئی منشور نہیں ہے۔ — جمشید خان دُکھی English Translation “I hold no creed of hostility toward people; The politics of sectarian divisions finds no acceptance in me. May my life be spent in the service of humanity— Beyond this, I cherish no other manifesto.” In an age increasingly overshadowed by division, intolerance, and ideological polarization, these thoughtful lines by Jamshed Khan Dukhi emerge as a profound declaration of humanism, humility, and social harmony. The poet distances himself from hatred and sectarian politics, presenting instead a philosophy rooted in compassion and service to humanity. The opening verse rejects animosity as a way of life. It reflects a moral stance that transcends personal grudges, communal conflicts, and social prejudices. By declaring that hosti...

By  Syed Shamsuddin The herb locally known in Chitral as Aspandor and in Shina as Ispandur , commonly referred to as Wild Rue or Harmal , bears the botanical name Peganum harmala and belongs to the Nitrariaceae family. As noted in the Facebook post of Flora of Chitral dated 29 May 2026, it is a naturally growing perennial herb that flourishes in semi-arid environments, especially along dry mountain slopes and heavily grazed pastures at elevations ranging between 2,000 and 3,500 metres. In Chitral, the plant generally flowers from May to June, while its fruits and seeds mature and appear during August. This notable herb is not restricted to Chitral alone; it is widely distributed throughout the mountainous regions of Gilgit-Baltistan as well, where it forms an integral part of local traditions, indigenous knowledge, and folk healing practices. Among many communities, Harmal is regarded as a sacred and spiritually significant plant, ...