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...
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...