Every journey is a story

The tale of each individual commences with their birth, a customary event accompanied by joyous waves within the family and heartfelt congratulations from well-wishers. This narrative takes a captivating turn when a person attains the shores of consciousness, discerning the nuances between right and wrong, grappling with the awareness of good and evil, and embracing the weight of responsibilities for the first time. While the story maintains its everyday rhythm, it becomes truly engrossing when an individual evolves into an intimate companion of life. This marks the juncture where a person transforms into a story, assuming the role of both protagonist and traveler embarking on the subsequent chapters of existence.

Consider this perspective! Musa Ali and Muhammad Afzal are protagonists within a narrative. They assert that their story is crafted with a deliberate intention, carrying a profound message of peace, love, and a well-defined concept of tourism. Both contend that the extensive voyage from Skardu to Islamabad is secure, emphasizing that no harm should befall any creature, let alone a human, throughout this expedition.

Both traveled and set the story. One made himself part of the story by riding a horse and the other chose to walk and became the main character of the story. Now we are not debating whether the tourist trip of these two has anything to do with the problems of Gilgit-Baltistan. One held the horse's stirrup and the other chose to travel on foot while twirling his moustache. I have heard that soon some other people are going to adopt a unique behavior and will try to reach Islamabad by traveling. Let's see which aspect of the story will be highlighted by the actions of these gentlemen.

Nevertheless, actions lacking purpose and indifferent to their far-reaching consequences constitute a subplot within the narrative. Conversely, those whose actions are purposeful and consequential take center stage in the unfolding tale. Within their story, a page of history is inscribed, destined to be scrutinized by every subsequent generation.

The assertion here is that we are all voyagers. Some embark on a journey to champion righteousness, while others undertake it to convey a message. There are those who, even while stationary, become integral characters in the annals of history. Once the journey unfolds, the narrative takes shape, and at that juncture, the captivating theme of the Gilgit-Baltistan story emerges—focused on fostering both protest and tourism as avenues to attain justice.

 

What has befallen the "Switzerland of Pakistan"?

Gilgit-Baltistan, an exquisite region within Pakistan and the world at present, finds itself immersed in widespread protests. All districts have converged at the heart of Gilgit-Baltistan, with hundreds of thousands rallying against the removal of the special status enjoyed by the region's residents in certain matters. The protesters question why their sentiments are toyed with each time the issue of wheat arises, demanding answers and expressing discontent over the changes.

As the momentum of the movement intensifies, the nation's media has sworn to maintain a conspicuous silence, refraining from any discourse or coverage. Is the entire identity of Gilgit-Baltistan reduced to its tourism status? It seems the residents are denied the right to have an identity beyond being a tourist attraction. The question echoes: Where has the "Switzerland of Pakistan" disappeared to?

The national media caught sight of the lighthearted banter and innocent gestures of our diminutive-faced YouTuber, Muhammad Shiraz. In the backdrop, even if not directly observed, a significant movement unfolded in Gilgit-Baltistan, marking a groundbreaking occurrence where the national alliance surpassed all previous records for the first time.

It appears that the national media is fixated solely on the scenic beauty of Gilgit-Baltistan, oblivious to the pressing needs and fundamental rights of its inhabitants. While there is a flurry of anticipation for elections across the country at this time, it is hoped that the media's attention won't be exclusively diverted there. What kind of engagement is this, where on one hand, our Muhammad Shiraz is remembered, yet on the other hand, the significance of the national movement seems to be overlooked? As Pakistanis, we have made significant contributions to the establishment and endurance of our nation. Kindly extend the same consideration to us as you do to the other provinces of the country.

 

Conscious awareness is vital:

A conscious equilibrium in nature is indispensable. Merely asserting responsibility within the realm of social media resembles a conduct where words abound, but the certainty of accompanying actions is conspicuously absent. Such is our current existence. Each one of us is immersed day and night in serving others and fulfilling responsibilities. There's a possibility that, amid our busy lives, we might be overlooked and unaware of certain issues in society. In a society where the norm is a diligent approach to both work and life, could there possibly exist weak social foundations? My response would unequivocally be that such a society becomes an exemplar of progress, characterized by civility, courtesy, and a remarkable display of mutual understanding. However, the stark reality is quite the opposite. We have failed to uphold social responsibilities, and the essence of benevolence is not ingrained in our ethos. Instead, we often assume the role of passive spectators, deriving pleasure from the injustice and harm inflicted upon those around us, oblivious to the hands of injustice inching closer to us.

The populace has been encamped in Skardu for several days now, rallying against the wheat subsidy issue amidst the biting cold of this harsh winter. The protest is fervently underway in the Baltistan region, while Chilas and its environs remain free of any commotion. Does the predicament of the elevated wheat prices pertain only to specific areas, or is the entire region of Gilgit-Baltistan similarly affected? Seeking an answer reveals the same absence of conscientiousness. We, the "Unknown Mujahideen" of social media, content ourselves with sharing a couple of pictures and crafting a handful of words, thinking we have discharged our duty. This brief composition, much like a cry, falls short of effecting any substantial change. As is customary, amidst the clamor of social media, a vociferous "Mujahid" persists, whose voice remains unheard in the grand call to action.