Window to Gilgit-Baltistan

Syed Shams Uddin The meteoric rise of Zafar Waqar Taj in the realm of Shina poetry stands as a testament to his remarkable talent and mastery of the craft, earning him recognition and acclaim far beyond the borders of his native region. Notably, Taj’s proficiency extends seamlessly to both Shina and Urdu poetry, a rare duality indicative of his exceptional literary acumen. Yet, his apparent preference for Shina over Urdu reflects his deep connection to his roots and his alignment with the growing cultural resurgence among the people of the region. Taj’s poetical compositions are a compelling blend of profound thought, vivid imagination, nuanced insight, and a delicate sensitivity, all of which underscore his stature as a poet of considerable depth. His ability to weave diverse customs, traditions, and themes into his poetry further highlights his versatility and his skill in connecting the universal with the regional. The event in New York, organized by the Gilgit-Baltistan dias...

By Syed Shams Uddin Senior analyst Irshad Bhatti critically examines the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government's approach to the ongoing situation in Parachinar, highlighting potential solutions. This discussion, aired on Geo News 23 hours ago on December 26, 2024, featured prominent participants, including Aleena Farooq Sheikh, Mazhar Abbas, Fakhar Durrani, Saleem Safi, and Irshad Bhatti. The focus of the debate centered on the KP government's optimism regarding a peace agreement. Aleena Farooq Sheikh, building on Saleem Safi’s detailed explanation of the conflict, questioned Irshad Bhatti about the reasons behind the prolonged unrest. In response, Irshad Bhatti emphasized a critical shift in the dynamics of the dispute. Contrary to the perception of a two-party conflict, he pointed out the involvement of multiple actors: 1. Afghanistan, 2. Criminal elements, 3. Warlords, This escalation has transformed the situation into a multifaceted crisis. Bhatti illustrated the gravity of t...

By Syed Shams Uddin [A pertinent and truly marvellous piece of poetry, retrieved on 16.10.2024] I came across a poetic expression by one, Dr. Khapluvi, perhaps about two and a half years ago, and noted down his wonderful poetic portrayal of events, which, given its pith and substance, compels me to reproduce it here. However, I don’t recall the exact date or source.He writes: ‘Ahle Jahan ko barsar-e-paikar mat bana... Is zindagi ko baees-e-azar mat bana... Rugbat hay kam jinko pehlay kam apnay deen say...Ab aor inko deen say baizar mat bana...Tehreer say na kar kabhi jazboonka qatal-e-aam... Apnay qalam ko zulom ke talwar mat bana... Ahle shabab ko na ta'assub ka daras day... En shugufta rohonko baimar mat bana... Jo tairay gird hain enhain mazhab kay nam par... Har Vaqt sar pharool par tayyar mat bana.... Mansab jo ek mila hay tujay es ke qadar kar... Aor esko waqaf-w-rahat-e-pindar mat bana...Logon kay dil qareeb agar la sakay to la...Nafrat kay enkay beech may deevar mat b...

Syed Shams Uddin The Malopa section of the Skardu Expressway has garnered a reputation as the most treacherous portion of this vital route, with recurring landslides and rockfalls presenting a persistent and life-threatening danger to passengers traveling between Gilgit and Skardu. This expressway, envisioned as a lifeline for the region, connecting communities and facilitating economic growth, has unfortunately become a source of peril for travelers. The Malopa stretch, in particular, stands out as a glaring example of the challenges posed by the rugged mountainous terrain of Gilgit-Baltistan. From the day the expressway was inaugurated, concerns about its safety have been raised by locals and travelers alike. Their primary demand has been the construction of tunnels at the most hazardous points, particularly in areas prone to frequent landslides. Such infrastructure, while expensive, is considered essential for mitigating the dangers associated with the unstable geology of the re...

By Syed Shams Uddin The persistent lack of access to green energy in Gilgit city has plunged its residents into an environmental and public health crisis. The city, home to a growing population, faces the grim reality of widespread use of traditional and hazardous fuels for heating and cooking. This dire situation disproportionately impacts the economically disadvantaged, many of whom are forced to resort to burning plastics and other waste materials in their struggle to survive, especially during the long, bitter winters. The repercussions of this practice extend beyond individual households, blanketing the city in a dense haze of smoke and posing severe environmental and health risks. Fuelwood remains the primary source of energy for most households in Gilgit. However, this reliance on wood is not only unsustainable but also deeply damaging. Deforestation in the surrounding regions has accelerated, depriving the area of its natural beauty and ecological balance. The excessive har...

Syed Shams Uddin Dr. Ghulam Mustafa Shah, widely known as Mustafa Nagari, has accomplished a truly remarkable feat in the field of academia by attaining the highly prestigious professorial status in Norway within a remarkably short period. This achievement not only highlights his extraordinary academic prowess but also places him among the distinguished scholars who have made significant contributions to their fields on an international stage. His journey to this notable milestone is a testament to his dedication, resilience, and unwavering pursuit of excellence. Before embarking on his academic journey abroad, Mustafa Nagari had already established himself as a highly capable professional in Pakistan. He was selected through the rigorous Central Superior Service (CSS) examination and allocated to the Customs Group under the Pakistan Civil Service (PCS). During his tenure in the Customs Department, he served with diligence and rose to the rank of a BS-18 officer. His commitment to pub...

By Syed Shams Uddin Date: December 11, 2024 Theme: Mountains Matter: Connecting Ecosystems and Communities. International Mountain Day (IMD) 2024 focuses on the vital interconnectedness between mountain ecosystems and human well-being. It underscores mountains as critical sources of water, biodiversity, renewable energy, and cultural heritage, sustaining not only the lives of mountain communities but also millions of people worldwide. The gigantic mountain ranges of Asia—the Karakoram, the Hindu Kush, the Himalayas, and the Pamirs—are collectively referred to as the "Third Pole of the World" due to their remarkable ecosystem and unparalleled significance in the global climate and hydrological systems. These ranges are home to the largest ice reserves outside the polar regions, encompassing a vast network of glaciers, snowfields, and high-altitude wetlands that act as critical water towers for billions of people across Asia. Why "The Third Pole"? The term "Thir...

By Syed Shams Uddin QUITE INTERESTINGLY,Ubaid Khan's Facebook post dated December 5, 2024, reflecting on the exercise of 'power and authority' by individuals during their tenure and their eventual retirement upon reaching the stage of superannuation, brings forth the following noteworthy conclusions and points for reflection: 1. The Ephemeral Nature of Power: Authority is transient, and no position of power is everlasting. Those who wield it must remember that their tenure is limited, and they will eventually return to the ranks of ordinary citizens. 2. Legacy of Conduct: The behavior and decisions of individuals in authority define their legacy. Acts of fairness, empathy, and service create goodwill and respect, while arrogance and apathy lead to resentment and disapproval. 3. Accountability to Society: Upon retirement, officials find themselves surrounded by the very people they once governed. Their treatment at the hands of society becomes a mirror reflecting their co...

By Syed Shams Uddin On the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, let us reaffirm the supreme virtue of empathy by standing in solidarity with the vulnerable and embracing humanity with unbounded love. Those who walk this noble path are truly blessed, for a life of distinction and honor is defined not by personal gain but by selfless service to others. True greatness lies in uplifting those around us, earning admiration and enduring respect through acts of kindness and compassion. Such humanitarians become beacons of hope, inspiring generations with their noble deeds and leaving behind legacies that endure through the ages. Unlike those who live solely for themselves and fade into obscurity, these benefactors of humanity illuminate the world with their unwavering morality and boundless empathy. Their greatness is not found in momentary grandeur but in the enduring light of their virtues—a testament to the profound beauty of a life devoted to serving others. ...