An alternative to Gilgit-Baltistan’s controversial land reform bill
Herald Special Recently, the Gilgit-Baltistan Cabinet approved the controversial Land Reform Bill 2024, sparking widespread criticism from opposition political parties,
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Author: thehighasia
Call for increased partnership between Pak-Saudi businesses
Saudi Arabia has been a major investor in Pakistan investing in various sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and agriculture. Saudi Arabia pledged $3 billion in aid and loans to Pakistan, with $1.5 billion deposited in Pakistan’s central bank.
Saudi Arabia has shown keen interest in investing in various sectors notably nearly 1 billion dollars in the Reko Diq Mining Project. The construction of one of the largest oil refineries in Pakistan is underway, aimed at boosting local energy production and reducing dependency on imported oil.
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Pathways to Development: book explores a sustainable future
Herald Special Reporter Islamabad: The Centre for Strategic Perspectives (CSP) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) Wednesday launched
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The Anti-Colonial Marxism of Mahdi Amel
The Lebanese Marxist thinker Mahdi Amel was assassinated on this day in 1987. Amel developed a version of Marxism that was grounded in the experience of colonized societies, showing how class struggle converges with the fight for national liberation.
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Murkum: the Deity of Pristine Nature
Murkum is, perhaps, the most prominent deity among the deities in Gilgit. She remains alive in the collective cultural memory and the remnants of ideas and rituals associated with her. Women believe that she is the one who favours the birth of a child.
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Pamirian Crossroads and Beyond
Prof Kreutzmann’s explorations have taken him across the mountainous terrains of Xinjiang, Gilgit-Baltistan, Chitral, the Pamir Knot, Central Asia, and cities like London and Moscow. Over the years, he has authored numerous books, articles, and chapters that shine light on the complex history and geography of Central Asia, High Asia, and South Asia.
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Dark side of tourism: threatening wildlife & local communities
To preserve the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, it is essential to promote sustainable tourism practices, enforce existing laws, and raise awareness among tourists about the importance of respecting the environment and local communities.
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Sustainable designs: artists showcase climate-conscious sculptures
In an inspiring collaboration, a husband-and-wife architect duo, Syeda Hafsah Fatima and Syed Warris Hussain and visual artist Amelia Ilyas came together to create sustainable designs and sculptors that address the pressing issue of climate change. The exhibition highlighted the intersection of architecture, art, and environmental responsibility, showcasing how creativity can lead to impactful solutions for our planet.
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AWPGB opposes power plants’ privatisation in Hunza
The leadership of the Awami Workers Party Gilgit-Baltistan Hunza expresses serious concern over the decision to hand over four power plants and future electricity projects and all water resources to a private company. We believe this move poses a risk of depriving the people of Hunza of their natural water resources, employment, and lands, which could enslave them to profit-driven corporate capitalism.
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G-B: Protests against resource capture, & misuse of ATA against activists
Political leaders, representatives from trade and hotel associations, and youth organizations addressed the protesters at Ittehad Chowk in Gilgit and Aliabad in Hunza and criticised Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) authorities for what they termed as ‘anti-people decisions,’ including leasing public assets, tourist spots, and guest houses to the Green Tourism company.
Moreover, they denounced the leasing of mineral and water resources to corporate and influential entities, the increase in university fees, and the exploitation of local traders at the Sost border.
Empowering Diamer youth: bridging the digital divide
Arshad initiated the groundbreaking “Digital Diamer” project. This ambitious initiative aims to empower local youth through comprehensive training in marketing and web development.
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Bodies of four climbers recovered from Everest ‘death zone’
BBC KATHMANDU (Nepal): Tshiring Jangbu Sherpa cannot forget the dead body he saw just metres from the summit of Mount
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Hyper-tourism: Skardu residents’ predicament
The recent surge in tourism — often referred to as “hyper-tourism” — has cast a shadow over Skardu once-idyllic haven. The influx of vehicles has overwhelmed the city’s already fragile ecology and poor infrastructure, creating significant challenges for the local population.To ensure that tourism remains a blessing rather than a problem in the region, a multi-layered approach is needed to ameliorate the situation.
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Putting people and ecology at the core: fostering ecotourism in G-B
Gilgit-Baltistan government’s recent decision to lease out 37 properties, including motels, guesthouses, and nurseries, along with lands owned collectively by local communities, to a newly established ‘green tourism company,’ has sparked significant controversy and debate both in the public sphere and on social media platforms. By prioritising community involvement in decision-making processes and honouring their rights, the GB government can pave the way for responsible tourism
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Tajikistan’s top court bans six Pakistani religious bodies, 23 others
Quoting reports from the Khovar news agency, the website detailed the Supreme Court’s declaration of 29 religious parties, groups, associations, and websites as “terrorist and extremist organisations” in Tajikistan. The court’s ruling led to the prohibition of their activities within Tajikistan’s territory. Additionally, the websites associated with these banned entities have been blocked, and the import of their literature has been prohibited. Among those listed are Pakistan’s Jamaat-i-Islami, Lashkar-e-Taeba, Hizbut Tahrir, Tablighi Jamaat, and the Taliban
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