Window to Gilgit-Baltistan

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

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