Powering up Gilgit-Baltistan: a clarion call to end energy crisis
by Roheena Ali Shah Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), a region abundant in water resources, is grappling with a severe electricity crisis that
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Opinion
Last year broke heat records – will 2025 be more similar?
Roughly 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.
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Malupa tragedy’s wake-up call: fix Jaglot-Skardu Highway
by Roheena Ali Shah As Gilgit-Baltistan mourns the loss of five more lives, the message is clear: enough is enough.
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Gilgit-Baltistan’s mountain dilemma: threats and prospects
International 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.
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Islamic banking vs conventional one
Islamic banking is not just a rebranding effort; it represents a comprehensive system designed to promote justice, transparency, and financial stability in a way that conventional banking cannot.
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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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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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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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Is a bully-free educational environment achievable?
Bullying, whether traditional or cyber, inflicts intentional harm due to power imbalances. Victims, often from diverse backgrounds, suffer social, emotional, and psychological consequences, including prolonged low self-esteem and confidence issues.
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Falak Noor case: a clarion call for justice and protection
The case of Falak Noor has revealed significant differences between medical assessments, legal interpretations, and the protection of minors’ rights.
It appears that both the medical board and the two-judge bench of the Chief Court were not sensitive enough or failed to fully consider the implications of child marriage and the legal definition of minors.
The core issue at hand revolves around a fundamental question: How can we, as a society, tolerate such ambiguity when it comes to establishing the age of a minor? The court disregarded the official Form B of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and the birth certificate issued by the hospital where the child was born, for reasons unspecified.
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Beyond wheat: a cry for justice in Gilgit-Baltistan
The 15-point charter of demands reflect a multifaceted approach to addressing the economic, social, and political challenges facing Gilgit-Baltistan. They highlight the aspirations of the people for greater autonomy, representation, and economic development within the region.
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Pakistan’s chronic energy woes and solutions
The power and gas shortages in Pakistan are a complex issue with profound social, economic, and environmental consequences. Addressing this crisis requires a coordinated effort from the government, industry, and society to tackle the complex issue and unlock Pakistan’s full potential for growth and development.
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Combating GBV: a call for collective action
Gender-based violencet is deeply rooted in society and manifests in various forms, including physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse. It’s crucial to establish the universality of the problem to garner global support and collaboration and to address this pervasive issue.
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Contested Commons under Threat
The 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.
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Cybercrime: Skardu incident needs soul searching
The Skardu incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address online exploitation and its potential real-world consequences. By focusing on education, awareness, and robust legal frameworks, we can create a society that values privacy and respect both online and offline.
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