Black Day at Thak Nala, Babusar Top: A Tragedy, A Wake-Up Call

By Syed Shams Uddin

Today, July 22, stands as one of the darkest and most painful days in the recent memory of Gilgit-Baltistan and the nation at large. A tragic incident unfolded at Thak Nala near Babusar Top, transforming a journey of joy and exploration into an unspeakable calamity for the innocent tourists who had come to embrace the natural splendor and hospitality of our mountainous region.

What was meant to be a celebration of Pakistan’s unparalleled beauty has become a national tragedy — a Black Day that will be remembered for the loss of precious lives, the suffering of survivors, and the haunting silence that now hangs over one of the most visited tourist corridors in the country.

A Grieving Region Stands United

The people of Gilgit-Baltistan are united in profound grief. We offer our heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in this devastating event. May Allah, the Most Merciful, grant the departed eternal peace, and bestow upon the bereaved families strength and patience in this moment of unimaginable sorrow. Our prayers also go out for the swift and full recovery of those injured and affected.

To the tourists and travelers who remain stranded in the region, our thoughts and prayers remain with you. We urge the Government of Pakistan and the Pakistan Armed Forces to immediately deploy rescue helicopters and all available resources to ensure your safety and return.

Tribute to the Heroes Among Us

In this time of sorrow, the response from the local community has been deeply moving. The residents of Chilas, members of the Diamer Hotel Association, social workers, and the district administration rose to the occasion with compassion, courage, and an unwavering spirit of service.

The coordination between the Diamer and Gilgit-Baltistan Hotel Associations in providing emergency shelter, food, and care to affected tourists deserves the highest praise. Equally commendable is the district administration’s prompt initiation of rescue operations. Your actions embody the true spirit of Gilgit-Baltistan — resilient, humane, and dignified.

The Message Behind the Tragedy

This heart-wrenching event is not just an isolated incident — it is a powerful message. A warning that, in the face of changing climatic conditions and fragile high-altitude infrastructure, we can no longer afford complacency. This tragedy compels us to move beyond mourning and into meaningful action.

Urgent Measures for Safer Travel

Short-Term Actions Needed:

Immediate Evacuation & Relief:

Swift deployment of helicopters and ambulances to rescue those stranded and injured.

Travel Restrictions in High-Risk Zones:

Temporary suspension of travel to areas like Babusar Top until conditions are deemed safe.

Real-Time Alerts and Weather Monitoring:

Tourists must receive timely weather and road condition updates through SMS, radio, and checkpoints.

Mandatory Safety Briefings at Checkpoints:

All travelers should undergo a risk assessment and be informed about emergency protocols before entering mountainous areas.

Long-Term Strategic Interventions:

Installation of Early Warning Systems:

High-risk zones must be equipped with real-time monitoring for landslides, flash floods, and extreme weather.

Climate-Responsive Infrastructure:

Rebuild roads, culverts, and shelters to withstand the evolving impact of climate change.

Permanent Emergency Units in Tourist Hubs:

Establish disaster response centers in vulnerable locations like Babusar, Deosai, and Fairy Meadows.

Tourist Safety & Liability Legislation:

A dedicated “Tourist Safety Act” must be enacted to regulate safe travel, tour operator accountability, and emergency preparedness.

Awareness & Education Campaigns:

Travelers and local communities should be regularly educated about safety protocols and emergency response.

Digital Tourist Tracking:

A centralized system should be developed to log and monitor tourist movements in real time.

A Turning Point, Not a Footnote

Let this tragedy not fade into the archives of forgetfulness. Let it serve as a national awakening — a solemn reminder that tourism, while a vital economic and cultural bridge, must be underpinned by robust safety mechanisms, climate consciousness, and preparedness.

Gilgit-Baltistan is a land of breathtaking grandeur. But beauty, when unguarded by wisdom and responsibility, can turn perilous. The loss at Thak Nala is a wound on our collective conscience — and we owe it to the victims, to our people, and to our future generations to ensure such suffering is never repeated.

May Allah protect the people of Pakistan and the guests who travel through its mountains. Ameen.

Episode 1: A Window to Gilgit-Baltistan

A window to Northern Areas-I, The Muslim dated July 4, 1997. By Syed Shamsuddin Most of our people even today seem quite oblivious of the geo-political position of Northern Areas while the exact historical background concerning Gilgit-Baltistan and where these must stand politically remains yet another subject of discussion. Not to speak of a layman, a person of the stature of Chief Executive of the country, once inquired whether the Northern Areas an integral part of the north west frontier province (NWFP). This happened when he rule the country in the aftermath of martial law. Yet another minister on Kashmir and Northern Areas, during the democratic government that followed, was pleased to tell a member of the northern areas council that he owed his minisitership not to them (Northern Areas people) but to the turbaned man of his constituency, standing at the door of his official chambers. There is infact, dearth of substantial historical evidence as to when exactly man ...

Episode 4: A Window to Gilgit-Baltistan part-1

A window to Northern Areas-IV, The Muslim dated July 7, 1997 Author: Syed Shams ud Din The word providence in Sheena language equates with ‘bagharo’ and in this sense, it may safely be implied that the term Bagrote emanated from this word as the valley once famous for its agricultural produce, wildlife and richness in fruits hence the people living there were used to be called ‘bagharoos’ – those distributing basic necessities of life. This attribute seems to have later degenerated into Bagrote – the land of ‘bagharoos’ (distributors). It has been noticed that the famous mythology of Gilgit is all in Brushiski which also includes that of Kirak Prince. The attribution of all the names to almost all places of what was formerly called the Brushal are a pointer to the firm hold of this kingdom in the past as a reality. The people of these areas, prior to Islam, all embraced ‘Shamanism’. A cursory glance over the ancient history of India may abundantly reveal the fa...

Episode 3: A Windows to Gilgit-Baltistan

A window to Northern Areas-III, The Muslim dated July 6,1997 Author: Syed Shamsuddin In the ‘History of Jammu and Kashmir’ by Maulvi Hashmatullah Khan Lakhnavi, there is a mention of ancient rulers (Rajas) of Gilgit called Aghurtham and Baghurtham who have been famous rulers of Brushal. It is to be noted that the word ‘Tham’ in Brushaski means ruler. When delved deep, it transpires that the words like Berish (the land of Berish), Malokush, Kanjukush etc., were further embellished by the Tibetans, the Baltis and Ladakhis by pronouncing at ease as like Brushal in their own tongue. The Aghutham’s rock still lies amidst Gilgit river near Thopchar in Gilgit city which is called “Aghurthamai Giri”. Likewise, Aghurtham’s Forte is situated at Konodas, Gilgit near Gulsher Mohellah where the remains are. It has been observed that the carvings on the above rock and that of the Karagha nullah and the one at Hal Nal near Nagaral are identical and hence seem to have been engrave...

Window to Gilgit-Baltistan

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