Window to Gilgit-Baltistan

By Syed Shams Uddin Burushaski: The Mysterious Language That Defies Time and Classification In an era where languages vanish at an alarming rate—some disappearing without leaving behind a single speaker—Burushaski stands as a linguistic marvel, a living monument to endurance, mystery, and cultural pride. Spoken in the lofty valleys of Hunza, Nagar, and parts of Yasin in Gilgit-Baltistan, and by a proud tiny diaspora in Indian-occupied Kashmir, Burushaski is one of the world’s most fascinating and least understood languages. What sets Burushaski apart is its classification as a language isolate. This means it has no known linguistic relatives—neither in the neighboring regions nor across the broader linguistic families of Asia or Europe. While most languages of South and Central Asia fall under well-mapped families like Indo-European, Turkic, or Sino-Tibetan, Burushaski appears to have emerged from a linguistic lineage entirely its own, unconnected to any other tongue on Earth. Fo...

Syed Shamas Uddin Mount Diablo – A Sunset Sanctuary of the East Bay Nestled in the heart of Contra Costa County, Mount Diablo rises to an elevation of approximately 3,849 feet (1,173 meters), making it one of the most prominent peaks in the San Francisco Bay Area. On May 7, 2025, we had the opportunity to visit this majestic landmark, located about 17 miles southeast of San Ramon—a short yet scenic drive that led us away from urban rhythm and into serene wilderness. Unlike its usual reputation for drawing flocks of sunset admirers, our visit was surprisingly tranquil. As we zigzagged our way up the winding mountain road, we encountered only a vehicle or two descending from the summit. An equal number of cyclists could be seen pedaling steadily uphill, their silhouettes etched against the backdrop of rolling hills and chaparral slopes. The climb itself was an experience—quiet, reflective, and filled with the crisp scent of spring foliage. Upon reaching the summit, the sense of solit...

By Syed Shams Uddin A Trio of Lakes: Reflections from River Islands to San Ramon Three Lakes, Three Worlds: Exploring the Spirit of Water in Northern California The first week of May 2025 brought a sequence of serene and contrasting visits to three remarkable water bodies in Northern California—each unique in character and experience. From the thoughtfully engineered waterways of River Islands to the tranquil wilderness of Lake Del Valle, and finally to the quaint charm of San Ramon Lake, the journey offered an enriching glimpse into the interplay between natural and manmade landscapes. 🏞️ May 3, 2025 – River Islands, Lathrop Our first stop was the expansive, master-planned community of River Islands in Lathrop. Located along the San Joaquin River delta system, this residential haven features a network of engineered lakes and canals woven seamlessly into neighborhoods. While its lakes are artificial, they serve multiple roles: stormwater management, flood control, and recreationa...

By Syed Shams Uddin It is said that in Japan, trees standing in the path of urban development or road construction are often relocated rather than cut down. This practice stands as a remarkable testament to the country’s deep-rooted respect for nature and unwavering commitment to environmental preservation. Unlike many parts of the world, where rapid urbanization frequently results in large-scale deforestation and the loss of mature trees, Japan has developed highly sophisticated and prudent methods to protect and relocate trees, fully recognizing their invaluable role in both the ecosystem and the cultural heritage. Relocating trees is far from a simple endeavor. It is a meticulous, highly specialized process requiring careful planning, expert knowledge, and precision execution. Arboriculture and horticulture experts play a crucial role in ensuring that each tree is safely transplanted to a new environment. Before any relocation effort begins, extensive assessments are conducted to...

By Syed Shams Uddin As resonating across social media in recent days, the eminent educationist and distinguished academic, Professor Manzoom Ali, has once again rekindled the literary and intellectual spirit of Gilgit-Baltistan. The launch of “Ma'arif-e-Jugrafia Gilgit-Baltistan” (Geographical Knowledge of Gilgit-Baltistan) on World Book and Copyright Day, April 23, 2025, marks a defining milestone in the literary and scholarly chronicles of the region. This event, of profound and enduring significance, not only extols the timeless power of the written word but also enshrines an extraordinary scholarly contribution to the understanding of one of Pakistan’s most geographically, historically, and culturally resplendent regions. It stands as a resounding affirmation of Gilgit-Baltistan’s vibrant intellectual heritage and a clarion call for deeper academic engagement with its multifaceted legacy. In this luminous moment, the spotlight fittingly returns to Professor Manzoom Ali—an er...

By Syed Shams Uddin Safeguarding Pakistan’s Glaciers: A Call to Urgent Action The rapid glacial melt in Pakistan’s northern highlands—especially in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral—poses a growing threat to the country’s water security, ecological stability, and the wellbeing of mountain communities. As global temperatures rise, the retreat of glaciers is accelerating, heightening the risks of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), erratic river flows, and long-term water shortages. The recent visit by the Federal Minister for Climate Change to Gilgit-Baltistan highlights the gravity of this crisis. It underscores the urgent need for immediate and coordinated action, especially considering that the environmental pulse of Pakistan is intrinsically linked to the ecological health of Gilgit-Baltistan—the primary source of the Indus River. 1. Strengthen Glacier Monitoring and Early Warning Systems To effectively address the growing threats from glacial retreat, robust monitoring and earl...