Rising artists reflect on self, society, and ecology
By F. Ali Islamabad: A dynamic group exhibition that opened at Gallery 6 on May 24 captures the evolving voice
Read MoreBy F. Ali Islamabad: A dynamic group exhibition that opened at Gallery 6 on May 24 captures the evolving voice
Read MoreNews Desk Islamabad: The Progressive Students Federation (PrSF), a Left-wing student body has expressed ‘unwavering solidarity’ with the ongoing resistance
Read MoreThe Party warns of ecological, and social crises if the pillage of mineral, and water resources continues, expresses solidarity with
Read MoreResource capture in Gilgit-Baltistan is a stark reminder of the region’s continued exploitation and marginalisation. The control of the Sost Dry Port, the leasing of mineral resources to non-local investors, and the disregard for environmental and indigenous laws all point to a systemic pattern of exclusion and exploitation. If this trend continues, Gilgit-Baltistan risks becoming a textbook example of how powerful actors can hijack development initiatives to serve their interests at the expense of local communities and the environment.
Read MoreThe Awami Workers Party (AWP) has declared its unwavering solidarity with the protest movement led by the people of Diamer
Read MoreRoughly a quarter of the global population grappled with at least 30 days of dangerous heat this year, while the planet hit its hottest day on record in July. In 2024, there were 24 billion-dollar weather and climate disasters from January to November 2024 – a total second only to the 28 annual disasters experienced in 2023. Among them, the US logged one of its deadliest hurricanes as the furious storm Helene roared across the south-east and swept through Appalachian mountain towns.
Read MoreInternational Mountain Day reminds us of the critical importance of mountains, not only for those who live in their shadow but for the entire globe. In the context of Gilgit-Baltistan, the day highlights the urgent need to address the challenges posed by climate change, unplanned construction and mass tourism.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreGilgit-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
Read MoreThe wider Himalayan Arc, consisting of mountain ranges that incorporate major mountain systems such as the Tien Shan, Pamir, Hindu Kush, Karakoram, Himalaya, and Kun Lun Shan Mountains, is ecologically a very diverse mountainous region with peaks and plateaux. Steep mountain slopes and deeply incised valleys, glaciated areas above the snow lines, deserts and steppes, forests, rangelands, and wetlands compose a region that offers limited space for mountain communities to settle in compact oases and vast areas for extensive forms of pastoral practices herding predominantly for 16 million yaks, and much higher numbers of sheep and goats. About 60% of the Hindukush-Himalayan surface is composed of rangelands and pastures.
Read MoreClimate change, neoliberal development, resource capture by the elite and the powerful as well as unbridled mass tourism have posed potential threats to the inhabitants, their society, culture, health, and the fragile ecology of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Read MoreCorporate giants use clever tactics to quickly make massive profits, but they don’t realize the climate crisis is caused by their rapacious exploitation of land use, water use, and fossil fuel, and their endless quest for profiteering is seizing our ability to breathe clean air.
Read Morepromoting real estate business in mountain regions should be discouraged as it may result in disfiguring mountain landscape, create ecological and civic problems, as well as mass scale displacement and migration of people
Read MoreSports Tourism plays a key role in enhancing economic growth and social development in many destinations. It creates jobs and supports businesses in cities and rural communities alike.
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