Need to Strengthen and Encourage the local Artisans in Gilgit-Baltistan.

The craftsman /artisans played a vital role in the socio-economic and cultural development of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). It reflects from the construction of various forts, clothing , artifacts, utensils, music instruments and defence related weapons. As, it is pertinent that there are many forts and palaces in Gilgit-Baltistan, it is proudly mentioned that GB is home to many historical forts, such as Kharpocho fort Skardu, Altit fort Hunza, Shigar fort, Baltit fort Hunza, Khaplu Palace, Chilas fort, Gupis fort, Gahkuch fort, Dorkhand fort in Yasin, Ghizer.

Altit Fort Hunza Photo by

Zia Khan Ghulkin 

With the passage of time some of these forts turned into dialapted condition and only their ruins are visible today while few were renovated by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) and Aga Khan Cultural Services Pakistan (AKCSP) contributing in socio-economic development and promotion of cultural trousim in the region.

Furthermore it is worth to mention that in the early and medieval ages the communities of the area were dependent own their own resources. They relied on their agro based economy and defence strategies.The rulers and the communities believed in the old proverb " Necessity is the mother of invention". The Rulers/Mirs were responsible to bring the skilled persons to their kingdom from one part to the other part of the area or even from abroad such as Mir of Hunza Mr. Ghazan Khan in 1870-71 brought Mr. Adeenah the inventor of Hunza-Cannon and his assistant craftsman Degriz (a pot maker-a blacksmith) from Badakhshan. In response Mr. Zafar Khan Mir of Nagar brought the Cannon maker Mr. Abu Hassan from Kashmir.

Hunza Cannon at Baltit Fort

Moreover, there are the examples of bringing skilled persons/artisans from other regions such as the Balti skilled people were invited by the Mirs of Hunza to build the historical forts of "Altit Fort" and Baltit Fort" which shows the true and inspirational pieces of artifacts and architecture of the past. 

In the same way the artisan's were brought from Kashmir and other parts of the region to build the historical forts of Shigir, Khapulo and the historical Chaqchan Mosque in Khapulo Baltistan. In addition the carpenters, Masons and experts in other fields of life were cared and paid with respect and dignity. 

Many unique architectures such as Forts, Mosques, Imam Barga's Jamatkhana,s and traditional houses were built by the local artisans. They took care of the the traditional values using climate friendly ingredients within their limited and locally available resources.

On the other hand there are many examples of the skilled people who performed their best services to the people of the region and a common example is the availability of the craftsman/blacksmith brought by the Mirs to their princely state in GB to strengthen their public demands in agro based economy and more importantly to prepare the hand made weapons for defence purposes.

It is also evident that craftsman contributed in clothing such traditional woolen coats (Chughas), woolen pant, coats, sweaters,woolen caps, woolen socks and leather made shoes etc, while the experts also contributed to prepare traditional rugs (Sharma/Pulos) from goat and Yak hairs and the local people were totally dependent on these goods in a sustainable way.

It has also been observed that in the earlier days the locally available skilled persons such as carpenters and blacksmiths were responsible for preparing tools used for agriculture both for ploughing for storage of agriculture based products. These skilled persons also prepared Musical instruments which were used in ceremonies and preparations before Wars.

For instance, the tool for ploughing with oxen, thrashing, and even the sophisticated local flour mills were totally dependent on the hand made crafts and technologies made by the local artisans. 

Furthermore, with the passage of time the new inventions and development construction process and agro based technologies replaced the old traditions. In present days the concrete based construction brought paradigm shift.

The former artisans reached to its maturity and the new generation are rarely following their footsteps. As a result, in the modern age the local artisans are rarely available in the area today.

Consequently the local people are compelled to bring the skilled people from other regions. Neither they are easily available and nor the costs are affordable.

Besides that today,various government and non governmental organizations are working on the enhancement of technical education through certificate courses, Diploma in various fields and apprenticeships but yet there is no visible change and does not fulfill the market demand. For instance there are very rare number of carpenters, masons and electricians. 

In addition with the rising numbers of tourists and the flow of border trade through China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in GB, the demand of hoteling and hospitality industry is giving rise to the need of the skilled persons. For example the demand of professionals in carving , plumbing, tiling, electrical,technical and mechanical professionals availability are of higher demands in the market but local people hesitate to adopt such professions despite of its charming wages and salaries. 

As a result, the people from other regions of the country are requested to fill the gaps and consequently they get lucrative incentives, while the local people face unemployment and indulge in social evils and face mental health issues.

Therefore, our educational institutions/training organisations and communities require to revisit their syllabus and training manuals with proper identifications to inculcate skills among the students and the target age group of youth to overcome these issues. 

It is equally important that the parents as well as youth to make sure the proverb "right person for the right job". 

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a charming window for the local people of GB to stay interconnected and enhance the enterpernuerial skills to get benefits from border trade, mechanical and technical skills in construction various mega projects such as agro based technologies and enterpernuerial skills can help in minimising the unemployment through potential employability.

In Conclusion, the youth and mass people from GB need to learn from their past to equip themselves through various skills. It is only possible by giving them opportunity as a qualified resilient community with care and respect. Thus It will ensure the availability of skilled human resources for the provision of quality service to the community in a sustainable way.