Diverse Dreams

GB Assembly Image: https://share.google/988yPyYbBt4OEC8Zr   گلگت بلتستان میں جمہوریت کے ارتقا کے  موجودہ دور میں، جہاں موجودہ اسمبلی کا دور نومبر 2025ء میں اختتام پذیر ہو رہا ہے اور 2026ء کے آغاز می ں نئے انتخابات متوقع ہیں، وہاں ڈیٹا کی اہمیت ایک ناگزیر حقیقت بن کر سامنے آ رہی ہے۔ جدید ڈیجیٹل دور میں ڈیٹا محض اعداد و شمار کا ذخیرہ نہیں رہا، بلکہ یہ موثر حکمرانی کا ایک اہم ستون بن چکا ہے (Mayer-Schönberger & Cukier, 2013)۔ تاہم، ڈیٹا کی عدم دستیابی یا اس کے غیر موثر استعمال سے پیدا ہونے والے مسائل نے حکمرانی کے معیار پر سوالیہ نشان کھڑے کیے ہیں۔ آئندہ انتخابات نہ صرف ایک نئی حکومت کے انتخاب کا موقع ہیں، بلکہ ڈیٹا پر مبنی احتساب کے ایک نئے معاہدے کا نقطۂ آغاز بھی ہو سکتے ہیں۔ شفافیت کے بحران کا منظرنامہ: ثبوتوں کی روشنی میں حکومتی نظام میں ڈیٹا کی شفافیت کو یقینی بنانا وقت کی اہم ترین ضرورت بن چکا ہے، خاص کر ترقیاتی منصوبوں اور داخلی انتظامیہ کے شعبوں میں، جہاں وعدوں اور عملی کارکردگی کے درمیان اکثر ایک بڑا فرق دیکھنے میں آتا ہے۔ 1. ترقیاتی منصوبوں میں خامیوں کا انکشاف:...

As 2025 dawns, the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistan are filled with excitement and anticipation, driven by the nation's unyielding spirit and perseverance. The preceding year's advancements have paved the way for transformative change in the upcoming year. Notably, Gilgit-Baltistan is poised for remarkable economic expansion in 2025, driven by the completion of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project. This monumental project is expected to boost trade and commerce, creating new avenues for the local population. Despite facing myriad challenges, including climate change, mental health issues, and unemployment, the people of Gilgit-Baltistan remain optimistic. The region's stunning natural beauty and rich cultural legacy are anticipated to attract a surge in tourism, further contributing to the local economy. Happy New Year  To overcome these challenges, fostering entrepreneurship, cross-border trade, quality education, healthcare, family harmony, wildlife ...

Education is the cornerstone of human civilization, enabling individuals to acquire knowledge, skills, and values essential for personal and societal development (UNESCO, 2019 ).  The Latin origins of "education" emphasize its importance in human progress, with "educare" and "educere" highlighting the significance of education in shaping individuals and societies (Dewey, 1916 ; Freire, 1970 ). Islamic teachings also underscore the importance of education, with the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasizing that "acquiring knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim" (Ibn Majah). In the context of Gilgit-Baltistan, education and skills development are critical for the region's prosperity, particularly in light of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) (Government of Pakistan, 2017 ). To leverage the opportunities presented by CPEC, the region's education system must prioritize modern skills development, focusing on vocational training, lan...

Mental health is a vital component of our overall well-being, enabling us to cope with life's stresses, realize our potential, and contribute to our communities. However, mental health issues have become a pressing concern in the digital age, affecting millions of people worldwide, including those in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health disorder each year (WHO, 2020). The most common mental health disorders include anxiety disorders, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, dementia, and eating disorders. These conditions can have a debilitating impact on an individual's quality of life, relationships, and productivity. The WHO reports that 792 million people live with mental health issues, accounting for 10.7% of the global population (WHO, 2020). Anxiety disorders affect 284 million people, comprising 3.35% of the population (WHO, 2020). Recent studies have highlighted the alarmin...

The 29th Conference of the Parties (COP 29) of the United Nations Climate Change Conference, held from November 11-22, 2024, in Baku, Azerbaijan, has defined a new collective goal measured on climate finance (NCQG), aiming to replace and increase the current USD 100 billion per year goal. This development has rekindled hopes for global cooperation in addressing the pressing issue of climate change. Pakistan, in particular, needs to develop and implement strategies to combat climate change, involving local communities and stakeholders in the process. This requires short-term and long-term planning, executed with dedication and sincerity. The country's mountainous regions, such as Hunza and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), are particularly vulnerable to the devastating effects of climate change. Cutting of plants for heating purposes may affect Climate Changes Erratic weather patterns, characterized by inadequate snowfall in winters and unusual rainfall in summers, have led to droughts and flo...

It is encouraging that Prime Minister of Pakistan made it possible to visit Gilgit-Baltistan on November 7, 2024. The inaugural ceremonies of different projects gives hope to the people of GB to minimise the severe issues such as the electricity crisis in GB. Gilgit Baltistan is a hub of tourism and the hospitality industry is the only hope of rays to boost the economic growth in the region. The future of tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan is promising, with the government and stakeholders collaborating to address the industry's challenges. The new tourism policy aims to enhance and ensure sustainability in Pakistan's tourism industry, focusing on creating new experiences and attractions, improving infrastructure, and promoting cultural heritage. It is lured that the present government is supposed to frame new Tourism and hospitality policy in Pakistan under dynamic leadership of Mr. Aftab Rana who is heading as Managing Director (MD) of PTDC, who is an experienced individual with wel...