Arts, Culture & Heritage
Preservation of Ancient Rock Carvings in Diamer
WAPDA implements Cultural Heritage Plan at Diamer-Basha Dam Site
Civilization and culture is the mirror of any nation. Cultural values are the beacon for the bright future of nations. According to sociologists, culture includes knowledge, belief, art, ethics, law, language, customs, etiquette, food, clothing, sports, getting up and sitting down and all the things that a person, as a member of society has created. If a society is aware of these cultural factors and acts on them, then that society is considered civilized. There is no denying the fact that the promotion of positive cultural values fosters peace and security in the society. The only living nations in the world are those that are civilized. The only society that is successful and prosperous is the one whose culture is sustainable. Only a country with a vibrant civilization and a positive culture can thrive. The only society that can be a cradle of peace is the one where truly positive civilization and culture is flourishing. We must be proud that we have a reflection of civilization and culture stretching from the sea shore of Karachi to the tops of Khunjerab.
Diamer is the gateway to Gilgit-Baltistan, which is why for thousands of years tourists, traders, soldiers and travelers have been using this corridor for transportation in different parts of China, Central Asia and Gilgit-Baltistan. There are many remains of Buddhists and other religions which are thousands of years old and can be found in this passage way. Diamer is a treasure trove of information for historians, scientists, and archaeologists as one can easily access and find the religious and other significant drawings and sketches on rocks and mountains across the region and near Indus River.
The Diamer Basha Dam will be the largest ever water storage project in the country upon completion of its construction. It will generate 4500 MW of electricity. This dam will also help the capacity and the life of Tarbela Dam to be increased in manifolds.
With the commencement of construction work on the main dam site of the Diamer Basha Dam project, WAPDA is working on a broad-based management plan for the protection of cultural and historical heritage in the project area under its national and international responsibilities regarding the construction of the project. The plan aims to preserve the images and inscriptions carved on the submerged rocks due to the construction of the Diamer-Basha Dam. Moreover almost 5,000 most important Carving or petroglyphs will be scan through three D technology and their record will be compiled. Some moveable Carving that could be shift easily that will be shifted to a safer location or move in a museum.
Under the Cultural Heritage Management Plan, Chilas Fort will be rehabilitated and renovated in collaboration with the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan, and various measures will be taken to promote cultural tourism in and around Chilas. According to WAPDA’s Cultural Heritage Management Plan all other precautionary measures, including banners, screens and signs, will be taken at the site to preserve the historic mountain carvings during the construction work.
Under the Diamer Basha Dam Project’s Cultural Heritage Management Plan, a workshop was held on November 15, 2021 in Diamer on protection of cultural heritage in the project area. In this workshop, WAPDA’s Advisor Cultural heritage Feryal Ali Gohar briefed Consultants group and contractors of Diamar Bhasha Dam about the important points of the Cultural Heritage Management Plan and their responsibilities. She informed about the protection of cultural heritage, the responsibilities of all stakeholders for the protection of this heritage and their implementation. Seniors engineers and officials of Diamer Basha Consultants Group and Contractors expressed their commitment to ensure and implement Cultural heritage management plan with its protocol and sensitization. According to Faryal Ali Gohar, WAPDA has taken a number of initiatives under the Cultural Heritage Management Plan in collaboration with local people, experts and other organizations with the aim of preserving this heritage forever.
Earlier, German experts have also done extensive work on the cultural heritage of the area. The historic Thor Mosque and Chilas Fort will be restored to their original condition. Addressing the meeting, Secretary Tourism Gilgit Baltistan Rasheed Ali expressed his determination that all possible cooperation and measures would be taken for the protection of cultural heritage in Diamer, especially in Diamer Basha Dam project area. It is to be noted that under the Diamer Basha Dam Project Cultural Heritage Management Plan, special measures have been taken to preserve the thousands of years old historical carvings in the project area and transfer them to the museum. Under this initiative, steps are being taken for the restoration of Chilas Fort with the support of Gilgit-Baltistan government.
Tourism is an important source of economic growth and employment opportunities around the world and it has been given industry status in different countries of the world. It is the way of wise nations. Our cultural activities must guarantee sustainable national development.
Gilgit-Baltistan is geographically, historically, culturally, literary and culturally most suitable region for tourism in Pakistan. But these tourist destinations and monuments need to be wisely highlighted globally and the facilities required for tourists need to be made possible. Also, the people of Gilgit-Baltistan need to make positive changes in their attitudes towards the past and preserve the cultural values of the region and use it for tourism purposes. Thus, tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan will be promoted and this sector will be a guarantor of sustainable economic development for Pakistan.
Masroor Ahmed Qureshi
The author is Freelancer, Writes on Cultural and Social issues.
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Altit Fort Hunza is a hidden gem in the heart of the Hunza Valley, Pakistan. This ancient fortress, dating back to the 11th century, offers a captivating blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty.
This is an ancient fort in the Altit town in the Hunza valley in Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan. It was originally home to the hereditary rulers of the Hunza state who carried the title of ‘Mir‘, although they moved to the somewhat younger Baltit fort nearby three centuries later. The Fort and in particular the Shikari tower is around 1100 years old, which makes it the oldest monument in the Gilgit–Baltistan. The fort has received the UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation in 2011.
Why visit Altit Fort Hunza?
- Historical Significance: As one of the oldest surviving monuments in the Hunza Valley, Altit Fort provides a glimpse into the region’s rich past.
- Architectural Marvel: The fort’s intricate woodwork, carved balconies, and beautiful murals are a testament to the craftsmanship of its builders.
- Panoramic Views: Perched on a hilltop, Altit Fort offers breathtaking vistas of the Hunza Valley and surrounding mountains.
- Cultural Experience: The fort serves as a museum, showcasing artifacts and traditions of the Hunza people.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: Its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site highlights its cultural and historical importance.
Tips for Visiting:
Best Time to Visit: Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer the most pleasant weather for visiting.
How to Get There: You can reach Altit Fort by trekking from Karimabad or hiring a taxi.
Entrance Fee: There is a small entrance fee to enter the fort.
Things to Do: Explore the fort’s chambers, visit the museum, and enjoy the panoramic views.
Don’t Forget: Bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery and architecture.
Here are some additional photos:
This fort is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Pakistan. Its historical significance, architectural beauty, and cultural richness make it a truly unforgettable experience.
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Arts, Culture & Heritage
Gilgit-Baltistan Jashan Azadi Polo Festival 2024 Concludes with NLI Victory
Jashan Azadi Polo Festival Concludes with NLI Victory. A total of 15 teams participated in the Jashan Azadi Polo Festival, while teams from Chitral also participated for the first time. The NLI polo team defeated the Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts Polo Team in the final, scoring 4 goals to 3. Both teams had advanced to the final round by competing against various other polo teams. The match was a thrilling contest.
The match played at the Wahab Shaheed Polo Ground was watched and enjoyed by a large number of fans, a spectacular fireworks display was also performed at the end of the match.
A large number of fans from all districts of Gilgit-Baltistan, including Chitral, and from both domestic and foreign tourists, gathered at Wahab Shaheed Polo Ground to watch the final match. However, due to overcrowding, thousands were unable to enter. Some fans resorted to watching the match from the rooftops of nearby structures.
Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan Haji Gulbar Khan attended the final match of Jashan Azadi Polo Festival at Wahab Shaheed Polo Ground as a special guest. On this occasion, he said that polo is the national sport of Gilgit-Baltistan and a part of our historical and cultural heritage. Concrete steps will be taken at the government level to make polo popular among the people and to promote long-standing traditions.
He expressed his appreciation for Chitral’s participation in the Jashan Azadi Polo Festival and commended Major General Kashif Khalil Force Commander Gilgit-Baltistan for successfully organizing the event. The Force Commander pledged to further enhance the Wahab Shaheed Polo Ground and expand the seating capacity to accommodate more spectators.
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