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SYED NAJAM’S LINGUISTIC LEGACY

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
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Honoring the Legacy of Late Muhammad Hashim: A Life of Compassion and Service

By Syed Shamsuddin A Facebook post last year (2023),by Mummad Ghazi Khan Lone, featuring a poignant photograph of the late Muhammad Hashim, a former colleague of his, stirred vivid memories of the extraordinary life led by this remarkable individual. Hashim’s life was a testament to tireless service, dedicated to the welfare of the public. Every endeavor he undertook reflected his unwavering commitment to making a meaningful impact on the lives of those around him. His legacy is one of altruism, resilience, and an enduring desire to uplift the community. I first had the privilege of meeting him in the 1990s at the district court in Gilgit, where I would often represent my department. From our very first interaction, I was struck by his humility and his deep-rooted compassion. Over the years, it became clear that he was not merely a man of words but of action, always willing to lend a helping hand to those in distress. At that time, I was residing in Khomar, Gilgit, and I vividly rec
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

Setting Up A Magnificent Museum

Window to Gilgit-Baltistan Date of Publication, July 7,2024 By Syed Shamsuddin The majestic Karakoram Highway (KKH) stands as a monumental testament to the enduring friendship and unparalleled ingenuity, bravery, and dedication of Pakistani and Chinese engineers. Celebrated as the Eighth Wonder of the World, this grand project was realized in 1978 through the steadfast collaboration of Chinese and Pakistani engineers. It fulfilled the long-cherished dream of establishing an all-weather link between the two nations, exemplifying their enduring camaraderie. The project's completion came at a great cost, with both sides enduring significant losses of human life. Constructed in two distinct phases from 1966 to 1978, the Karakoram Highway stretches 613 kilometers, connecting Khunjerab on the China-Pakistan border in the north to the Thakot Bridge, now known as the Youyi Bridge, in Pakistan's south. This engineering marvel remains a symbol of remarkable achievement and resilie

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