Window to Gilgit-Baltistan

By  Syed Shamsuddin The recent speech by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in Pakistan's Parliament, wherein he underscored the imperative of resolving the constitutional ambiguity surrounding Gilgit-Baltistan, has been widely welcomed across the region. His remarks have rekindled a long-standing national conversation on an issue that has remained unresolved for more than five decades despite successive constitutional and administrative reforms. For the people of Gilgit-Baltistan, constitutional ambiguity is not merely an academic or legal concern; it has tangible implications for democratic representation, governance, judicial certainty, economic planning, investment, and the overall trajectory of regional development. It is, therefore, encouraging that a national political leader has once again brought this matter to the forefront of parliamentary discourse. What makes Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's statement particularly noteworthy is its histor...

By  Syed Shamsuddin RAPID urbanization is often regarded as a sign of progress and economic growth. However, when urban expansion occurs without proper planning and provision of civic amenities, it can gradually erode the very quality of life it seeks to improve. Across Gilgit-Baltistan, particularly in and around the expanding urban centres, one of the most neglected aspects of development is the preservation and creation of public spaces, parks, playgrounds, and community recreation facilities. Traditionally, the settlements of Gilgit-Baltistan were not merely clusters of houses. Villages were designed around communal spaces that fostered social interaction, cultural cohesion, and physical recreation. Among these were the cherished beyaks (community gathering spaces), village squares, polo grounds, open fields, and other common areas where people met, discussed community affairs, celebrated festivals, resolved disputes, and streng...

By  Syed Shamsuddin   ACCORDING to reports circulating on social media on 3 June 2026, the commencement of angiography and angioplasty services at the Cardiac Hospital in Gilgit marks a landmark achievement for Gilgit-Baltistan, reflecting a significant advancement in the region’s healthcare infrastructure and specialized cardiac care. This development is particularly important in view of the alarming rise in cardiovascular diseases across this mountainous region over the past several decades. The availability of such life-saving diagnostic and interventional procedures within the region is expected to ensure timely access to treatment, reduce the physical and financial burden of travel on patients and their families, and substantially improve overall cardiac health outcomes. A Landmark Achievement for Gilgit-Baltistan For decades, patients suffering from coronary artery disease and other serious cardiac conditions in Gilgit-Baltistan were compelled to und...