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Shilajit: A Natural Wonder from the Mountains of Gilgit-Baltistan

By Syed Shams Uddin Introduction Shilajit, known as Salajeet in Urdu, is a blackish-brown, tar-like resin that oozes from the cracks of rocks in high-altitude mountain ranges, particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan, the Himalayas, the Karakorams, and the Hindu Kush. Formed over centuries by the decomposition of plant material and minerals, this rare substance has been treasured in traditional medicine for its remarkable health benefits and rejuvenating properties. During this scribe’s visits to various parts outside his native area of Gilgit-Baltistan, a great many people encountering him asked whether he could make a pint of Shilajit available to them, but such a demand was always overlooked for the reason that he didn’t believe in the efficacy of this substance found in the mountains of Gilgit-Baltistan. Therefore, he often politely offered an evasive reply to them. When he was in Rawalpindi in the line of duty about eighteen years ago, a retired official of PIAC (Pakistan International A...
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The Alarming State of Government School Education in Gilgit-Baltistan

Syed Shams Uddin Dr. Rizwan Karim, in a recent Facebook post, expressed deep concern over the dismal state of government schools in Gilgit-Baltistan, particularly at the primary and middle levels. He lamented that while this poor performance is regrettable, it is also a stark reflection of the region’s true educational landscape. Despite the widely held perception—frequently echoed across Pakistan and on international platforms—that Gilgit-Baltistan is an educated region, this assumption remains largely unchallenged. The illusion persists because it reinforces GB’s positive image, but the reality is far bleaker, especially for those deprived of private education due to financial hardships or lack of access. During a recent discussion with an educationist in Islamabad, the subject of academic standards came up. He remarked, "Everyone I have met from Gilgit-Baltistan is highly educated." He also praised the region’s education system and inquired about the reason behind its p...
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Dr. Fazil Hussain – A Savior of the Ailing Humanity

By Syed Shams Uddin I recently came across a compelling appeal on social media from the civil society of Gilgit-Baltistan, advocating for the due recognition of Dr. Fazil Hussain , a distinguished medical specialist, compassionate humanitarian, and selfless doctor who has dedicated his life to serving the people of the region. His unwavering commitment during the COVID-19 pandemic and his exemplary service to humanity have earned him immense respect and admiration. A Call for Recognition The civil society has strongly urged the government to bestow upon Dr. Fazil Hussain the prestigious civilian award in acknowledgment of his invaluable contributions. It is pertinent to mention that Dr. Fazil was recommended by the Gilgit-Baltistan Government for the national award under Sl. No.07 of No.SO(G)-1(68)/2019 (Awards) dated 04.08.2020 , addressed to the Joint Secretary (Awards), Cabinet Division, Islamabad . However, despite this recommendation, the matter remains unresolved, depriving him ...
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Elegy For Beloved Mother

By Syed Shams Uddin The passing of one’s mother is an unfathomable sorrow, an agony that transcends the limits of expression. It is a wound that never heals, an emptiness that no earthly presence can ever fill. The departure of a beloved mother not only marks the severance of an unbreakable bond but also leaves behind a void so profound that the heart, no matter how resilient, struggles to bear its weight. It is the kind of grief that lingers indefinitely, an ever-present ache that time, despite its unrelenting march, fails to diminish. The loss of a mother is unlike any other bereavement. While all deaths are heartbreaking, the transition of one’s mother from this ephemeral world to eternity is a loss beyond measure. It is the end of a sanctuary, the disappearance of a source of boundless love, care, and warmth that once enveloped one’s existence. The moment she departs, the shelter crumbles, leaving her children orphaned in a world that, without her presence, feels bleak and unwelcom...
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Jamshid Khan Dukhi: A Poet of Peace and Humanism

By Syed Shams Uddin Jamshid Khan Dukhi stands as a towering literary figure whose poetry transcends the boundaries of time, ideology, and division. A true humanist, his verses breathe life into the universal ideals of love, peace, and coexistence. Like every great visionary who espouses grand humanistic values, Dukhi’s poetic expression is imbued with a deep longing for harmony—an aspiration that he believed to be the cornerstone of true societal progress. The essence of his poetry lies not just in its linguistic elegance but in the powerful message it carries: the urgent call to dismantle the barriers of hatred and intolerance and to raise a world where love reigns supreme. His words do not merely describe an ideal world; they compel us to strive for one. This is what makes his poetry so compelling, so indispensable. A Quest for His Majestic Works Like many admirers of his thought-provoking poetry, I have long sought access to his documented and published works, which reportedly captu...
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Ensuring Equitable Access to Border Passes: A Call for Justice

By Syed Shamsuddin Genesis and Raison d’Être of the Border Pass System The inception of the Border Pass System can be traced back to the construction of the Karakoram Highway (KKH) and the signing of the first Border Protocol Agreement between Pakistan and China. Recognizing the deep-rooted historical ties and the enduring legacy of the ancient Silk Route, both governments agreed to grant the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and the Xinjiang Autonomous Region of China unhindered access across the border. This initiative aimed to foster people-to-people interactions, revitalize age-old trade routes, and strengthen socio-economic cooperation. By facilitating seamless cross-border movement, the system sought to bolster economic integration and reinforce cultural and commercial bonds that had historically flourished along these trans-Himalayan trade corridors. To institutionalize and regulate this framework, specialized trade bodies were established on both sides. In Gilgit-Baltistan, the Northe...
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Gilgit-Baltistan's Socio-cultural Transformation

Social media recently sparked a fascinating discussion about Gilgit-Baltistan, a region renowned for its rich diversity, where each district proudly upholds its distinct cultural, social, and linguistic characteristics. This mosaic of unique identities is a defining hallmark of the region, distinguishing it from others. However, the social transformations occurring across Gilgit-Baltistan have been far from uniform. It is widely acknowledged that the evolution of social and cultural traits is a dynamic and ongoing process, shaped by constant change. The pace and nature of this transformation vary significantly across districts and communities. While it might be tempting to suggest that certain areas are more affected than others, the reality is that every district and community is experiencing these waves of change in its own unique way. The younger generation today exemplifies this shift vividly. Across all districts and communities, young people not only dress differently from their ...
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