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The launch of “Ma'arif-e-Jugrafia Gilgit-Baltistan”

By Syed Shams Uddin As resonating across social media in recent days, the eminent educationist and distinguished academic, Professor Manzoom Ali, has once again rekindled the literary and intellectual spirit of Gilgit-Baltistan. The launch of “Ma'arif-e-Jugrafia Gilgit-Baltistan” (Geographical Knowledge of Gilgit-Baltistan) on World Book and Copyright Day, April 23, 2025, marks a defining milestone in the literary and scholarly chronicles of the region. This event, of profound and enduring significance, not only extols the timeless power of the written word but also enshrines an extraordinary scholarly contribution to the understanding of one of Pakistan’s most geographically, historically, and culturally resplendent regions. It stands as a resounding affirmation of Gilgit-Baltistan’s vibrant intellectual heritage and a clarion call for deeper academic engagement with its multifaceted legacy. In this luminous moment, the spotlight fittingly returns to Professor Manzoom Ali—an erudite scholar, a master geographer, and a beacon of intellectual excellence—whose unwavering dedication to knowledge continues to inspire generations of students, researchers, and seekers of truth. Decades ago, Professor Manzoom Ali first etched his name indelibly into the annals of academia with his magnum opus "Karakoram Hindu Kush"—a voluminous, pioneering work that redefined the parameters of geographical scholarship in the region. Yet his achievement extended far beyond the mere cataloging of terrains, glaciers, valleys, and peaks. He chronicled, with passionate fidelity, the saga of Gilgit-Baltistan’s liberation—giving voice to the aspirations, struggles, and triumphs of the indigenous leadership that forever altered the destiny of this majestic land. Today, with the unveiling of “Ma'arif-e-Jugrafia Gilgit-Baltistan,” Professor Manzoom Ali fortifies and elevates his illustrious scholarly legacy. This masterwork, launched on a day that celebrates literature, knowledge, and the sanctity of intellectual creation, magnifies the very spirit of World Book and Copyright Day. Inherent within its title is a promise—a promise of expansive, penetrating scholarship that intricately weaves together the physical, historical, human, cultural, and political dimensions of Gilgit-Baltistan’s identity. It is not merely a geographical study but an encyclopedic testament to the soul of the region. Gilgit-Baltistan, with its towering peaks, ancient trade routes, storied civilizations, and breathtaking cultural mosaic, stands as a confluence where the ancient and the modern harmoniously intertwine. Every earnest inquiry into its landscapes, communities, and historical currents unearths new marvels of understanding. Within this rich and dynamic context, the contributions of Professor Manzoom Ali rise to the stature of monumental achievements—pillars of intellectual heritage for generations to come. Universally acknowledged as a towering figure in the academic landscape of Gilgit-Baltistan, Professor Manzoom Ali has not only advanced the rigorous scientific study of geography but also steadfastly preserved the historical truths of the region’s freedom movement—a task few have pursued with such relentless passion, authenticity, and scholarly integrity. His earlier achievements, including the publication of a meticulously crafted geographical map soon after his initial seminal work, further solidified his stature as both a pioneering geographer and an accomplished cartographer whose works marry scientific precision with profound historical consciousness. A thorough study of “Ma'arif-e-Jugrafia Gilgit-Baltistan” is not merely advisable—it is indispensable. At first glance, the book promises, and upon deeper engagement, gloriously fulfills its aim to provide a panoramic and profound portrayal of the region’s awe-inspiring landscapes, resilient communities, intricate historical evolutions, vibrant cultural expressions, shifting political contours, and burgeoning economic pathways. Notably, its composition in Urdu—the national language—enhances its accessibility and impact, ensuring that its invaluable insights echo widely across Pakistan’s intellectual and public domains. It becomes a catalyst for national pride, reinforcing a collective identity rooted in the richness of the country's magnificent northern frontier. In sum, the launch of “Ma'arif-e-Jugrafia Gilgit-Baltistan” is a landmark event—a towering beacon lighting the way for future scholars, historians, policymakers, and visionaries. It is a proud and shining testament to the enduring intellectual spirit of Gilgit-Baltistan and the towering brilliance of one of its finest sons, Professor Manzoom Ali, whose scholarship, foresight, and devotion have forever enriched the literary and academic heritage of a region that today stands at the confluence of tourism, strategic importance, and national pride on both the national and global stage.

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