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 resilience. This extraordinary feat of human ingenuity and determination saw builders from both China and Pakistan facing incredible challenges. They battled the formidable rocky peaks, the unforgiving snowy wilderness, and the steepest cliffs of the Karakoram Range. Despite these immense obstacles, their relentless efforts transformed an impassable natural barrier into a vital thoroughfare, symbolizing the strong and enduring friendship between China and Pakistan. The Karakoram Highway stands as a powerful testament to the bravery and dedication of the builders who sacrificed so much. Hundreds of young Chinese and Pakistani engineers and laborers lost their lives in this colossal endeavor, making the ultimate contribution to the enduring Sino-Pak friendship. In recognition of their sacrifice, the Pakistan government provided a large area of land in the village of Danyore near Gilgit city to the Chinese government. Here, about 80 Chinese road builders and engineers who lost their lives during the project are entombed, their legacy immortalized at the Danyore cemetery. This historic cemetery serves as a poignant reminder of the courageous spirit and exceptional service of these remarkable individuals who created a miracle in the history of road construction. A recent visit to the Chinese cemetery on July 4, 2024, highlighted the site’s deep historical significance and the dedicated care it receives. A team of committed caretakers and watchmen, including Nusrat Ali Mali, who has served for 22 years; Wajid Hussain, with 14 years as a chowkidar (watchman); Manzoor Hussain, who took over after his father, Ali Madad; Arif Hussain Mali, who succeeded his father, Ali Ahmad Jan; and Bakhtawar Shah Mali, with 21 years of service, ensures the cemetery is well- maintained assiduously. The staff, working in shifts, keeps the cemetery open from 9 AM to 7 PM daily for visitors. They can always be seen engrossed tirelessly in various maintenance works including trimming and manicuring the ever green decorative plants albeit manually with the use of a plant trimming scissors which in these times can better be replaced with automatic trimming an and manicuring mechanism for giving a more aesthetic look to the plants. Recognizing the critical importance of these caretakers' duties in preserving the cemetery, the Chinese government has shown immense appreciation and care for these employees. Ali Madad, the late father of Manzoor Hussain, and Ali Ahmad Jan, the father of Arif Hussain, were among the first to be invited to visit China by the Chinese authorities about fifteen years ago. More recently, Manzoor Hussain and the retired Ali Ahmad Jan were also invited to China with full governmental honors, returning just a few days ago. Yet of great significance is the fact that the Chinese government's benevolent act of selecting 02 students from amongst the children of the employees of the Danyore cemetery for undergraduate courses in China in 2017, revealed Manzoor Hussain Chowkidar.This powerful gesture underscores the Chinese government's deep respect and gratitude towards those who maintain this significant site, highlighting their unwavering commitment to honoring both their heroes and those who uphold the legacy of Sino-Pak friendship. The rest of the employees at the cemetery are confident and hopeful that they too will be invited by the Chinese government in the future, based on the principle of equitable dispensation. They view the recent invitations extended to Manzoor Hussain and the retired Ali Ahmad Jan as a clear signal of the Chinese government's deep appreciation for their diligent work and unwavering commitment to maintaining the cemetery. These employees, who have devoted many years to the upkeep and security of this historic site, anticipate that invitations will be extended on a rotational basis. This would enable each of them to experience the honor and recognition that comes with such a visit, further strengthening their connection to the legacy of Sino-Pak friendship. They firmly believe that their hard work and dedication will not go unnoticed and that, in due course, they will also be afforded the opportunity to visit China. This will reinforce the bond between the two nations and acknowledge the crucial role they play in preserving this powerful symbol of cooperation and camaraderie. All these men are eagerly awaiting the regularization of their employment, seeking formal recognition and stability in their roles. The Local Government and Rural Development (LG&RD) department upholds a commendable tradition of offering jobs to the immediate successors of retiring employees or, in the event of an employee's death, to one of their dependents. This practice is exemplified by Manzoor Hussain and Arif Hussain, who succeeded their fathers in their roles. Cognizant of the historical significance of the cemetery, the Overseas Chinese Association of Pakistan has aptly conceived a scheme to establish a museum adjacent to the existing Chinese cemetery in Danyore. Agha Abdul Shukoor, a prominent member of the association, revealed that the plan was submitted to the Chinese government through their embassy in Islamabad. The Chinese government approved the proposal and requested the Pakistan government to acquire an expansive area surrounding the cemetery to establish the museum. This museum aims to display the tools and implements used by Chinese engineers during the construction of the KKH. Agha Abdul Shukoor mentioned that he personally made successful efforts to collect many such items, which are currently stored in Gilgit, awaiting placement in the proposed museum. The plan undoubtedly holds immense historical significance. Showcasing the engineering tools used decades ago will captivate future generations, illustrating the Herculean tasks undertaken by dedicated individuals during a time of limited technological advancement. Their remarkable service to humanity paved the way for connecting previously landlocked regions and fostering connections between China and Pakistan. This grand achievement, as noted by Agha Abdul Shukoor, highlights the extraordinary efforts of those early pioneers. Agha Abdul Shukoor is optimistic that the project will soon be implemented. He suggests that to avoid any inordinate delays, the Overseas Chinese Association should be involved in the land acquisition process. This association could handle negotiations with the respective landowners, catalyzing the process crucial for starting the construction of the museum and other allied facilities. If the proposal receives approval, the association would negotiate with the landowners to reach agreements based on the rising market rates in Danyore, which is rapidly becoming highly commercialized. Emphasizing the urgency of this involvement, Agha Abdul Shukoor fears that any delay could result in a significant increase in the current market value of the land. He notes that at the time of the proposal's conception, most of the area around the cemetery lacked concrete buildings, with the Sehhat Foundation Hospital being a notable exception. However, over the past two years, there has been a steady rise in the construction of concrete buildings, causing land values to skyrocket. This trend is expected to continue if no immediate action is taken. By acting swiftly and involving the Overseas Chinese Association, they aim to secure the necessary land at reasonable rates, ensuring the timely and cost-effective realization of the project.