By Syed Shamsuddin Gilgit Media Network (GMN) has aptly foregrounded today the expert opinion of a seasoned environmentalist—reportedly affiliated with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)—on the pernicious effects of fuels and materials currently being used by households and micro-industrial units in Gilgit. This expert assessment reinforces a critical but often overlooked truth: the worsening winter smog in Gilgit is not primarily a failure of awareness, but a manifestation of deep-rooted energy poverty . While public education on environmental hazards is undoubtedly important, it becomes insufficient—and at times misplaced—when economically vulnerable households lack viable alternatives to endure prolonged sub-zero winters. The core issue, therefore, is not irresponsible behaviour; it is constrained choice imposed by poverty and structural neglect . As documented in the Ibex Media report cited in an earlier piece dated 4 Dec...
By Syed Shamsuddin "میں نے ساری دنیا چھان ماری، مگر ایک بھی ایسا شخص نہ ملا جو حقیقی معنوں میں مسلمان ہو۔ انسانیت بذاتِ خود سب سے بڑا دین ہے، اور تمام مذاہب کی بنیاد انسانوں کے ساتھ ہمدردی اور رحم دلی سے پھوٹی ہے۔ جو خود کو مسلمان کہتے ہیں وہ بازار اور عمارتیں تو کھڑی کر لیتے ہیں، مگر بھوکے انسان کو کھانا نہیں کھلاتے۔ وہ حج کے لیے تو چلے جاتے ہیں، لیکن کسی غریب باپ کی بیٹی کی شادی میں مدد کرنے کو تیار نہیں ہوتے۔" Late Abdus Sattar Edhi , the angelic humanist par excellence , devoted his entire life to the service of humanity until his final breath. Words fall short—indeed, they are ineffable—when one attempts to encompass the magnitude of his virtuous deeds. Yet, even in his plain and austere speech, Edhi conveyed truths so piercing that they continue to unsettle consciences long after his passing. Today, on December 16, 2025, while browsing Facebook, I came across an invaluable video originally posted by Karamat Hussain Raja ...