Contrary to the suppression of women in the patriarchal society of Pakistan, females in #Gilgit-Baltistan contribute in all types of work from housekeeping to strenuous farming
#Pakistan is often characterised as a failed state, which has become a breeding ground for militants combating the law enforcement agencies. Reports of bomb blasts and cold-blooded killings circulate on the airwaves, contributing to the already tarnished image of Pakistan in the comity of nations. But what escapes the tentacles of these airwaves is the natural pristine beauty this country is blessed with. To the north of Pakistan, nestled in the embrace of mountains lies the eye-catching region of Gilgit-Baltistan. The flowing springs gushing from the mouths of mountains, the razor-sharp cliffs capped by sheets of whitish snow, the interplay of cultural heritage and ethno-lingual diversity and the diversified matrix of species collectively knit together to define the beauty of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Gilgit-Baltistan is an autonomous territory with an area of 72,000 square kilometres. Bordered by the emerging engine of the global economy China on the east, Gilgit-Baltistan also assumes geographical association with India and Afghanistan, thus gaining the status of a high value strategic location in South Asia.
Hunza Valley in Gilgit-Baltistan offers a tranquil look with a gentle breeze in the evenings. Located in the Hunza-Nagar district, it was once a princely state with its own royal ruler. The cultural and traditional legacy is well preserved and is evident in the still intact architecture. The Baltit Fort, perched on an irregular, rugged terrain, encompasses in its wooden handiwork the unforgettable memories of the past. From the top of the fort, there is a panoramic view of the entire Hunza Valley. The apples of Hunza are famous in the whole region farmed both by males and females. Contrary to the suppression of women in the patriarchal society of Pakistan, females in Gilgit-Baltistan contribute in all types of work from housekeeping to strenuous farming. Social taboos rarely have a footprint.
Imbued profusely with the fragrance of colourful flowers, the Naltar Valley appears to dance to the tune set by the tranquillity of majestic mountains and peaceful landscapes. It is thinly populated by the locals who earn their livelihood through farming potatoes. It has a perfectly enabling environment for the cultivation of high-quality potatoes, which are sold in the open market of Gilgit city at nominal rates. Without even the tepid sponsorship of government, the local inhabitants produce a huge volume of harvest annually. The valley has an irregular landscape that is covered by a carpet of grass. Rows and columns of thick forest run across the never-ending mountains, which are also an abode of ‘endangered species’. Way up on the cliffs in the frigid temperatures of winter, Himalayan Monals can be sighted with the naked eye. But winters are too tough to put up with. The entire valley is covered in three to four feet snow. The National Skiing Championship is organised under the auspices of government in the freezing temperatures.
It might be very surprising to most of the people that even though Gilgit-Baltistan is socially and geographically marginalised vis-à-vis mainstream Pakistan, it holds political and social activities that have an impact upon the dynamics of Pakistan. The flame of education fails to extinguish in the hearts of the people. A small town with a sizeable population in the district of Astore, Bonji is the only town in the entire Pakistan to have a 100 percent literacy rate.
Famously dubbed as the ‘Land of Giants’, Deosai National Park nestles between Skardu and Astore. It is the second highest plateau in the world after Tibet. In the depths of the night, the vibes of Deosai resonate with a unique cacophony of sounds emanating from every nook and corner. As the day grows, an air of tranquillity prevails. The National Park of Deosai is closed in the winters owing to the blockage of roads caused by heavy snowfall.
Traditionally known as the Silk Route, the Karakoram Highway is the highest motorway in the world, stretching from the outskirts of China, cutting through the mountainous terrain of Gilgit-Baltistan and hitting the Zero Point of Islamabad. The road is now under construction with the collaboration of the Chinese government. Scores of Chinese labours and engineers have built camps in Gilgit-Baltistan and have developed an understanding with the local inhabitants. The region is converted into a melting pot where the cultures and traditions of both the nations interact and help build an environment of camaraderie.
A few kilometres shy of the town of Juglote (in the South of Gilgit city), the ranges of the Himalayas, Hindu Kush and Karakoram converge. Right beneath its shadow flows the River Indus coming all the way from the lands of Kashmir and emptying into the Arabian Sea. This unique spectacle is truly qualified to be considered as one of the wonders of the world.
Beyond the horrid stories of corruption, use of brute force in the streets and the usurpation of the democratic rights of the people, there is an unexplored world of Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan that seeks our attention.
The writer is currently studying Economics and International Relations at the New York University and can be reached at rehanbinnazeem@gmail.com