“Reading does not consist merely of decoding the written word or language; rather, it is preceded by and intertwined with knowledge of the world which always precedes reading the word,  involving critical perception, interpretation, and rewriting of what is read,” writes Rifat Syed, quoting Paulo Freire, Brazilian Educator, Philosopher, and author of the ‘Pedagogy of the Oppressed’. She has conducted …

Every year about 800,000 people take their own life — 11.4 people per 100,000 population and in Pakistan, it is 1.4 per 100,000, say reports and experts Herald Report Suicide is the 15th leading cause of death globally and around 11.4 people per 100,000 population kill themselves every year and in Pakistan, it is 1.4 persons per 100,000 population. Every …

Zulfiqar Ali Kalhoro offers a portrait of the village of Immit in Ghizer district by Zulfiqar Ali Kalhoro While going to Iskhoman, one passes by Gahkuch town, the headquarters of Ghizer district. It is also the main stop for Shandur, Yasin, Gupis and Ishkoman valleys. Ishkoman is one of the four tehsil of Ghizer district. The other three are Punial, …

Zulfiqar Ali Kalhoro on the heritage and folklore of the people of Punial in Gilgit-Baltistan by Zulfiqar Ali Kalhoro   Punial valley of Ghizer district of Gilgit-Baltistan is known for its oral history, folklore, visual culture, looming Hindu Kush mountains, verdant and sprawling villages, nullahs (side valleys) full of pastures, gushing Gilgit River coursing through Punial valley and, of course, the …

Paris-based Watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) warned of an “alarming decline” in the state of press freedom in Pakistan and called on Prime Minister Imran Khan to take urgent measures to address the situation. RSF took issue with Khan’s recent statement during a trip to Washington that talking about curbs on press freedom in Pakistan was a “joke,” outlining several …

GBYA, ‘Save GB Movement’ activists seek an end to occupation of community lands, resources by state under the pretext of development and security, demarcation of borders, release of political prisoners by Anayat Baig Karachi, July 21: The youth of Gilgit-Baltistan held a protest outside Karachi Press Club on Sunday against Ghizer incident, land grabbing in the region, and violation of its …

Being a rare guest in a valley hitherto unspoilt by the ravages of tourism can be a magical and an unforgettable experience, writes Asif Farrukhi. by Asif Farrukhi A geographical confusion landed me in the Ishkoman Valley but having reached there, I decided to stay put. Like many Karachiites, I was filled with vague notions to travel up North as …

Locals demand SP Ghizer’s suspension, deployment of  police on border areas. Over 30 armed men from Kohistan intruded Handarap Valley in Gupis, kidnapped four people.    By Inayat Abdali GAHKUCH: Notables and political leaders of Ghizer District have given 24 hours ultimatum to GB government for recovery of four people who have been kidnapped by armed gangsters from Handarap Valley. They …

Over 20,000 tourists and spectators enjoyed the three-day Shandur festival that ended on Tuesday amid dance, music, and paragliding show   By Karim Ullah CHITRAL, July 9: Chitral retained its title and won trophy sixth consecutive time beating Gilgit-Baltistan by 6-5 goals after the sensational contest on the final match on Tuesday. The three-day mega annual cultural-cum-sports event ended amid …

  Gul Nayab Islamabad: Residents of Yasin Valley, mostly youth and students residing in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, converged at the open air theatre of Lok Virsa on Sunday to celebrate their rich culture, art, and unique but endangered language ‘Burushaski’. The indigenous language is spoken over 150,000 people in Yasin, Nagar, and Hunza. “Burushaski is the …