BEHIND CLOSED DOORS: THE CRIMINAL REALITY OF MARITAL RAPE

Mahtab Bashir
mahtabbashir@gmail.com
0333 53 63 248
ISLAMABAD

In the early hours of July 22, in a dimly lit room of Karachi’s Civil Hospital, a 19-year-old girl breathed her last. Her body, torn by brutality, her spirit crushed long before death- was the final proof of a crime that many in this country still refuse to acknowledge: marital rape. Her story, one of countless others buried in silence, forces us to confront an uncomfortable truth- that within the sacred institution of marriage, barbarism often finds shelter behind tradition, law, and society’s willful ignorance.

The young girl from Lyari, married on June 15, was subjected to unspeakable violence by the man who vowed to protect her. Her husband sodomised her and assaulted her with a metal pipe. Her health deteriorated rapidly, and she slipped into a coma. For weeks, she battled for life in hospitals—her body a battleground of internal injuries and trauma. She lost the fight. But this nation—its lawmakers, courts, and collective conscience—must not lose the opportunity to listen, to act, and to change.

Marital Rape: An Oxymoron or an Evil? 

Across the world, rape is recognized as a crime that shreds human dignity. And yet, Pakistan remains among the nations where marital rape is not a crime, a dark stain on the country’s already fragile human rights record. Rooted in colonial-era laws and deepened by patriarchal mindsets, Pakistani statutes continue to uphold a twisted notion: that marriage equals irrevocable consent. In essence, a husband’s access to his wife’s body is assumed permanent, unquestionable—even when it's violent, coercive, or life-threatening.

This is not just a legal loophole. It is an institutional betrayal. The Constitution of Pakistan guarantees the right to dignity under Article 14, yet our laws carve out an exception when the assailant wears a wedding ring. How can we, as a society, claim to protect women when the very law of the land shields their rapists within marriage?

Let us be clear: marital rape is rape. No semantics, no cultural justifications, no religious misinterpretations can alter that fact. It is a form of sexual violence—often more insidious than stranger rape—because it comes cloaked in the guise of love and legal obligation. The home, instead of being a sanctuary, becomes a prison where suffering is locked behind closed doors and muffled by shame.

The brutality inflicted on the Lyari victim is not an isolated incident. Every month, hospitals across Pakistan admit women with injuries consistent with sexual assault—many inflicted by their spouses. A rare judgement in Gujranwala this April sentenced a husband to 10 years in prison for an unnatural offence against his wife. But such rulings are exceptions, not the norm. Most cases are never reported. Victims fear disbelief, dishonour, or worse—legal inaction.

Video Courtesy Geo.tv

The irony is sharp: Pakistan has passed anti-rape legislation with stringent punishments, yet continues to exclude marital rape from its scope. Even when the victim is left bleeding, in coma, or dead, the law hesitates to call the crime by its name.

We demand that this silence be shattered.

Pakistan must urgently amend its penal code to criminalize marital rape—unequivocally, without conditions. Any act of non-consensual sexual activity, regardless of marital status, must be punishable by law. Medical institutions must be empowered to report and examine such cases without bureaucratic delay. Police must be trained to handle them with sensitivity, not suspicion. And most importantly, society must reject the age-old lie that marriage is a license to violate.

The young girl from Lyari didn’t just die from physical trauma. She was killed by a culture that treats wives as property, a justice system that moves too slowly, and a society that refuses to look evil in the eye if it wears the mask of marriage.

Let her death not be another fleeting headline.
Let it be a turning point.
Let us no longer be a country where the sacred bond of marriage becomes a license for pain.
Let us speak, legislate, and act—before another bride bleeds silently into her grave.

CONSCIENCE FOR SALE, FAITH BETRAYED: PAKISTAN'S HALAL SYSTEM UNDONE BY A BUTCHERED TRUTH

A Page of my Diary

Mahtab Bashir
mahtabbashir@gmail.com

0333 53 63 248 

Islamabad

What was once a cruel joke aimed at mocking the people of Lahore has now morphed into a grim reality across multiple cities in Pakistan - the sale and consumption of dog and donkey meat. No longer just a punchline, this disturbing trade thrives in the shadows, driven by those who have traded their conscience for cash. With little regard for ethics, health, or humanity, these vendors shamelessly peddle what is forbidden, turning one of the most grotesque acts into a booming underground business. 

What unfolded in Islamabad’s Tarnol area on Saturday, July 26, is not just a violation of food safety - it’s a moral and religious travesty. The Islamabad Food Authority (IFA), in collaboration with local police and district administration, raided an unauthorised farmhouse and uncovered a revolting operation: over 900 kilograms of donkey meat being processed for sale, both within Pakistan and beyond. The authorities seized the illicit stock and rescued 60 live donkeys, potentially hours away from being butchered in the shadows. 

To add another layer to this disturbing tale, a foreign national, reportedly a Chinese citizen, was apprehended at the site. Initial investigations suggest that this was no isolated crime—it may be part of a transnational network smuggling forbidden meat into local markets and foreign destinations. The operation had reportedly been functioning for quite some time, exploiting regulatory loopholes and institutional negligence. 

At a Tarnol farmhouse, donkeys stand in line for a fate too cruel to imagine.

This is not simply a matter of public health -it is a direct assault on religious sanctity. Islamic injunctions are unambiguous: donkey meat is Haraam. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), during the Battle of Khaybar, explicitly forbade its consumption. That such meat could be slipping into our food supply chains is nothing short of a betrayal of the nation’s faith, values, and trust. 

Yet this horror story also exposes a larger, systemic failure. For years, organisations like Jamiat-al-Quresh have demanded a modern, regulated slaughterhouse in Islamabad. But bureaucratic inertia has rendered their calls unheard, leaving room for illegal, unregulated slaughterhouses to mushroom in areas like Tarnol. With no central mechanism to enforce halal standards, unscrupulous operators continue to thrive in the shadows. 

There is another uncomfortable dimension to this case: the involvement of foreign nationals in an enterprise that is religiously forbidden for the Muslim majority, yet possibly legal for others. This raises a critical policy question - where is the government’s stance when non-Muslim actors operate within Pakistani territory to promote or profit from practices strictly prohibited in Islam? This is where the state must rise with resolve. 

Whether the culprits are Pakistani or foreign, whether the crime is local or international, the response nation that fails to protect the integrity of its food, the faith of its people, and the sanctity of its laws is inviting rot from within must be swift, firm, and unforgiving. No diplomatic immunity, no procedural delay, no bureaucratic excuses - those responsible must be booked under the full extent of Pakistani law and made an example of. 

The government machinery must now shift gears - from passive observation to active prosecution. If not now, then when? A. The choice is clear: either act decisively now, or let the stench of inaction spread deeper into the system.

HEC’s VISION 2047: A NEW DAWN FOR HIGHER EDUCATION IN PAKISTAN?

· Chairman HEC Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed unveils HEC’s Vision 2047 and P-10 Project aims to transform Pakistan’s top ten universities into global research leaders

· Announces 100+ Smart Classrooms Nationwide, Expanding Digital Education to Remote Areas

· Pledges to Boost Annual PhD Production from 3,000 to 5,000 to Enhance Faculty and Research

· Despite Budget Challenges, he Vows to Drive Digitization, Academic Reforms, and Youth Entrepreneurship for the Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Biotech Era

· Highlights World Bank Collaboration and Smart Use of University Resources for Sustainable Growth and Global Competitiveness

Mahtab Bashir

0333 53 63 248 

mahtabbashir@gmail.com

ISLAMABAD: In an era where nations are racing towards knowledge economies, Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission (HEC) is laying the foundation for an intrepid, tech-driven academic future. HEC Chairman Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed has unveiled a sweeping vision for transforming the country’s higher education landscape, aiming to empower 15 million youth with modern education and technological tools under the long-term roadmap, Vision 2047.

At the heart of this vision is the P-10 Project, which will initially select Pakistan’s top ten universities to be transformed into global research powerhouses, bringing them closer to the world’s academic elite. “We are not just preparing for the future,” said Dr. Mukhtar during an informal media briefing, “we’re building it—brick by brick, byte by byte.”

Dr. Mukhtar shared that the Higher Education Commission (HEC) is preparing to host a landmark event in mid or late July at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad — a grand celebration to unveil the achievements of the past two and a half years. “It will be a surprise showcase of our journey, our milestones, and our impact,” he said, noting that the country’s top leadership is expected to attend.

Addressing speculation about his tenure, Dr. Mukhtar emphasized, “This event is not about me — the search committee for the next HEC chairman is already in place. What truly matters are the institutions, not individuals. Legacies should belong to systems, not personalities.”

When questioned about the controversy surrounding the Executive Director’s dismissal and the possibility of his reinstatement by court order, Dr. Mukhtar responded with calm resolve: “Whether the court reinstates him or not, it doesn’t change the bigger picture. I was one of his strongest supporters—I was even part of the team that appointed him to the Executive Director’s position. But what unfolded afterward is clear for all to see. Ultimately, it was the Commission’s board that decided to let him go, not me,” he clarified, emphasizing that the choice was a shared responsibility rather than a personal one.

“We’re introducing the transformative concept of the ‘Smart Teacher," said Dr. Mukhtar. “Yes, many educators are apprehensive, even fearful, about adapting to this AI-driven ecosystem—but I’ve made it clear: those who evolve with the times will thrive, those who resist may be left behind.”

He encouraged teachers not to fear the change but to embrace it: “At the end of the day, it’s still the human mind and heart that will guide these systems. Technology may power the future, but it’s people who will steer it. So, gear up, learn, and lead — because the future classroom will need you more than ever.”

Smart Classrooms, Smarter Nation

Currently, 100 smart classrooms have been established across the country’s universities, with 200 more underway, enabling students from remote towns to access lectures and digital resources once available only in urban centres. Dr. Mukhtar noted that education today “fits in the palm of your hand — your mobile phone is your campus, your textbook, and your teacher.”

He said, the third phase of PERN (Pakistan Education and Research Network) is being rolled out to boost connectivity and enhance quality teaching, while cloud computing and High-Performance Computing (HPC) now allow students and teachers to access classrooms and resources from the comfort of their homes — a safeguard for continuity in times of crisis.

PhDs, Faculty & Future Readiness

With only 28% of current faculty holding PhDs, the HEC has set its sights on producing 5,000 PhDs annually (up from the current 3,000), aiming to raise the national count from 24,000 to 40,000. Over 6,000 students have already been sent abroad on scholarships, strengthening research and academic credentials at home.

But Dr. Mukhtar emphasized that education must evolve beyond degrees: “The future is not about job-seekers, but job-creators.” He envisions an entrepreneurial surge driven by youth, particularly in IT and biotech sectors, where Pakistani innovators are already gaining ground.

Budget Battles & Systemic Challenges

Despite this progress, the road ahead is far from smooth. Chairman HEC expressed concern over the shrinking development budget, which once stood at Rs 65 billion in 2018 and has barely inched to Rs 70 billion today. He warned that without adequate funding—ideally at least 4% of GDP, as committed by OIC nations—several ongoing projects risk grinding to a halt. “Currently, Pakistan’s education budget is a mere 1.9%, far lower than regional peers,” he lamented.

Still, Pakistani students continue to outperform globally, securing the highest number of EU scholarships among developing countries. “Our students are our pride. They’ve shown the world what Pakistan can achieve with opportunity and resilience,” he remarked.

Digital Governance & Academic Reforms

Under its ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system, the HEC has digitized the administrative machinery of universities, dramatically reducing paperwork and manual processes. Meanwhile, Quality Enhancement Cells have been installed in 40 institutions to oversee online and distance learning programs.

The Education Reforms Program, currently being piloted in 25 universities, is also reshaping governance, research priorities, and academic-industry linkages. Two Pakistani universities are now internationally recognized for producing industry-ready graduates, proving that reform is not only possible—it’s already underway.

From Urban Centres to Rural Roots

Perhaps most significantly, HEC Chief reaffirmed the HEC’s commitment to educational equity. “We’ve brought learning to cities and to the most remote corners of the country,” he said. “Every citizen deserves a chance at a better future.”

Instead of building more universities, the HEC is repurposing vacant lands within existing campuses, constructing new blocks, and even recommending commercial use of unutilized land to generate income for universities — a novel approach to sustainable growth.

Global Collaboration & World Bank Support

In partnership with the World Bank, the HEC is implementing the Higher Education Development Project (HEDP) — a $400 million initiative to strengthen governance, technology, and faculty capacity through the National Academy of Higher Education (NAHE). The goal: align Pakistan’s academic infrastructure with international best practices and catalyse economic development through research.

A Call to Action

Pakistan stands at a critical juncture. With 150 million young people, nearly 48% of university students being women, and a digital education revolution in motion, the potential is enormous.

But as Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed notes, “This is the age of artificial intelligence, and the next will be the age of biotechnology. If we miss this train, we may not get another.”

VETERAN JOURNALIST MASOOD MALIK PASSES AWAY, LEAVING A VOID IN EDUCATION JOURNALISM

Mahtab Bashir

0333 53 63 248

mahtabbashir@gmail.com

ISLAMABAD

"Any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind… Never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee." — John Donne

Today, those words echo with a haunting clarity as we mourn the loss of a remarkable soul — veteran journalist Masood Akhtar Malik. A man of integrity, humility, and unwavering dedication, Malik sahib was not just a journalist; he was a torchbearer of truth, a quiet force in the world of education reporting, and above all, a true gentleman.

His sudden passing in the early hours of Thursday, June 19, 2025, due to a cardiac arrest, has left an irreplaceable void in the hearts of those who knew him. The news hit me like a silent thunderclap - devastating, surreal, and deeply personal. I immediately reached out to fellow journalists, desperate to confirm what my heart already feared.

Masood Malik wasn’t just a colleague; he was a presence — calm, kind, and deeply committed. As editor of Education News, he poured more energy and passion into the promotion of education than many would expect from the youngest and most zealous reporters. His tireless work inspired interns and senior journalists alike, always guiding with patience and dignity.

Fate dealt cruel blow to Mr. Malik, as if sorrow itself had been scripted into the pages of his life. Just when joy was about to bloom - his beloved son, oceans away, was to be married on Saturday, with the house meant to come alive in celebration by Friday (June 20) - the unthinkable happened. A sudden cardiac arrest stole him away, turning what should have been a weekend of laughter and love into one shadowed by heartbreak and silence.

Yet perhaps, for a soul as compassionate and luminous as Mr. Malik's, Heaven held a more fitting celebration. One imagines that the joy denied on Earth has been transformed into a celestial festival above, where love knows no sorrow, and the heart never falters.

His funeral was held at Sarwar Mosque in Bahria Enclave, followed by burial at the local cemetery. A sea of mourners gathered — educators, intellectuals, journalists, and admirers — all united in grief, paying homage to a man who had quietly uplifted Islamabad’s educational discourse.

As memories flood in, I am reminded of our countless encounters during media coverages and seminars. Whenever we met — often in hotel lobbies or press rooms — I would greet him with a wide grin and a warm hug, always jokingly asking, “Mr. Malik, how’s your blood pressure and sugar today? I hope it’s not low — let me ask them to serve the meal early!” He would chuckle heartily, eyes crinkling in mirth. That laughter — so genuine, so light - still rings in my ears.

Former President of the Federal Government Teachers Association, Malik Amir Khan, rightly said, “Masood Malik's services for the development of education in the federal capital are unforgettable. He stood firmly for honest journalism and worked relentlessly for the betterment of educational institutions.”

"With the passing of Masood Malik, Islamabad’s education landscape has lost one of its most steadfast champions," said Zafar Ali Sipra, President of the Federal Education Reporters Association (FERA). "In him, journalism had a voice that spoke softly but stood firmly for truth and integrity. For many of us, this loss is not just professional — it’s deeply personal. I have lost not only a colleague, but a dear friend,” he said.

May Allah grant Masood Malik sahib the highest place in Jannah and bless his family and colleagues with patience and strength in this dark hour. His legacy will live on — not just in the pages he edited or the institutions he supported, but in the hearts he touched so effortlessly.

"TEA IS FANTASTIC" BUT IT TASTES LIKE A TAX

In a country where non-filers can’t buy a property, a car, or even book a ticket out, being a filer has become the hottest status symbol - so much so, it might soon be carved on gravestones. Because in 2025's Pakistan, it’s not enough to live as a filer… you’ve got to die as one too!*

*Disclaimer: This is a federal government proposal, pending parliamentary approval. Until then, sit back and enjoy this fiscal fantasy- for entertainment purposes only!

Mahtab Bashir
Islamabad
0333 53 63 248
mahtabbashir@gmail.com

ISLAMABAD: The government has decided to add a little extra “tax spice” to your daily cup of happiness, turning your favourite tea and coffee into sneaky money grabbers. Bulk instant coffee now has a 5% import tax, so that big office coffee pot just got a bit costlier. Meanwhile, retail-packed instant coffee faces a steeper 10% tax, making your quick caffeine boost a little fancier (and pricier). Tea lovers, don’t relax yet - whether you’re brewing gentle green tea or a strong black cup, all the popular kinds now come with a 10% “sip tax.” Looks like your wallet might need its own strong coffee to bounce back from this!

According to Budget 2025–26, the federal government, clearly inspired by Marie Antoinette’s** fiscal strategy of “Let them drink tap water,” has decided to quench its revenue thirst by taxing your caffeine fix.

** Marie Antoinette (born November 2, 1755, Vienna, Austria—died October 16, 1793, Paris, France) was the Austrian queen consort of King Louis XVI of France (1774–93). She was known for her love of fashion, art, and luxury. Her extravagant lifestyle, amid France’s financial crisis, made her seem disconnected from the people. Her resistance to reform fueled unrest, contributing to the monarchy’s fall in 1792.

Here’s how your cup just got more expensive than your best friend’s wedding:

☕ Bulk Instant Coffee: +5% customs duty. Perfect for sad offices and bad hotels.
☕ Retail Instant Coffee: +10%. Your Nescafé sachet just joined the bourgeoisie.
🍵 Green Tea (Unfermented, ≤ 3kg): +10%. Drink it fast before it ferments into regret.
🍵 Black Tea (All forms, all sorrows): +10%. Whether you like it fermented or just angry.

But wait, there's brew more.

Despite Pakistan importing 184,663 metric tons of tea worth $468.248 million in just nine months (July–March 2024–25), the government thinks this is the perfect moment to channel Sherlock Holmes and deduct from your wallet. Meanwhile, the tea market, worth a humble $3.14 million, is already wobbling like an over-brewed Lipton bag.

Coffee, which young urbanites sip while pretending to work remotely, was already taxed at 42% to 53% — but Budget 2025–26 looked at that and said, “Make it espresso.” Now, with an added import duty and no caffeine in Parliament, consumers are grinding their teeth even before their first cup.

Economists are warning that these hikes could filter into everything - from café prices to hospitality costs - and stir inflation further. But the government has responded with its usual philosophical shrug: “These aren’t just drinks; they’re symbols of non-essential extravagance.”

Translation: If you're drinking imported Darjeeling, you’re probably hiding a gold bar in your thermos.

But don’t despair yet. Locally produced tea and coffee remain unaffected. In fact, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb subtly suggested in his speech, “Sip local, think global.” (Okay, not in those words - but the tone was there.)

Aurangzeb, who also unveiled an 18% tax on solar panels, may be aiming to create the world’s first fiscal paradox: a budget that simultaneously fights inflation, ruins breakfast, and slows down renewable energy - all in one fell swoop.

Other newly-taxed items include:

Pet food (yes, even your dog’s dinner got pricier)
Chocolates and cereal bars (snacking is now sinful)
Carbonated drinks and mineral water (bubbles are for the rich)
Imported vehicles and petroleum (walk or teleport, citizen)

The budget, totalling Rs 17.57 trillion, aims for 4.2% GDP growth, with an ironic nod to “relief for the salaried class” - though no one is quite sure if caffeine withdrawal qualifies as a salary or a medical condition.

Still, one can’t help but wonder: Will this finally be the moment Pakistan turns to local beans and native blends? Or will it spark an underground smuggling ring of Tetley and Tim Hortons? Only time - and a lot of sleepless, caffeine-deprived nights - will tell.

Until then, pour one out (gently - it’s expensive now) for your morning cuppa. 

ROLAND GARROS BOWS TO RAFAEL NADAL IN A HEART-WRENCHING GOODBYE TO A LIVING LEGEND

· Rafael Nadal received an emotional farewell at Roland Garros, where his legacy was honored with heartfelt tributes.
· Nadal, who won a record 14 French Open titles, was celebrated by fans in red “Merci Rafa” shirts and a standing ovation on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
· The 38-year-old tennis icon reflected on his 20-year journey at the tournament, calling the clay court the most important of his career.
· Joined by rivals Federer, Djokovic, and Murray, Nadal received a footprint plaque and bid farewell alongside his young son, marking the end of an era.

Mahtab Bashir
mahtabbashir@gmail.com

+92 333 53 63 248

These days in Pakistan, the phrase “Rafale Nadhaal” has taken on a triumphant tone, as the Pakistan Air Force recently downed Indian Rafale jets in a show of aerial dominance. But thousands of miles away in Paris, the name "Rafael Nadal" boomed for a very different reason.

At Roland Garros, it wasn’t fighter jets but a tennis legend being saluted. Amid tears, cheers, and a wave of brick-red T-shirts emblazoned with “Merci Rafa,” the French Open paid a heartfelt tribute to Rafael Nadal - the undisputed king of clay who ruled its courts like no other.

Few names in the history of sport are as intrinsically linked to a single tournament as Rafael Nadal is to the French Open. For two decades, the Spaniard reigned supreme on the clay courts of Roland Garros, claiming an unmatched 14 titles and creating a legacy that transcends tennis. On Sunday, the tournament returned the favour, bidding a deeply emotional farewell to its greatest champion.

Now 38 and retired from professional tennis since last year, Nadal was honoured in a touching ceremony that opened this year’s French Open. The moment was both a celebration and a goodbye, as thousands of fans rose to their feet in a standing ovation, many donning red shirts emblazoned with the heartfelt message, “Merci Rafa.”

As Nadal stepped onto Court Philippe-Chatrier, the stage where he carved out much of his legend, a montage of his most iconic moments began to roll on the big screens. The 22-time Grand Slam winner -visibly moved- fought back tears, overwhelmed by the emotion of a place that had been his battlefield and his home.

In a voice trembling with sentiment, Nadal began his speech in French: “This is tough… I don’t know where to start after playing on this court for the past 20 years.” He then switched between English and Spanish, reflecting on a journey that began when he was just 18 years old. Over the years, he compiled a staggering 112-4 record at Roland Garros, winning every single one of his 14 finals played on this very court- a place he called, “without doubt, the most important tennis court of my career.”

Nadal gave heartfelt thanks to those who stood by him throughout, including his longtime coach and uncle, Toni Nadal. As emotions peaked, three of his greatest rivals - Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray - joined him on court. Their embrace was a symbol of fierce competition blended with mutual respect.

“We showed the world how to fight hard and still remain good colleagues,” Nadal said. “You pushed me to my limits, and I’m grateful for it.”

The ceremony closed with Nadal receiving a plaque of his footprint, now immortalized at Roland Garros. With his young son by his side, Nadal waved goodbye, saying, “I can no longer play in front of you, but my heart will always remain here.”

FROM TRAINING PORTERS TO PROTECTING PEAKS, GALLO'S MISSION BLENDS SUSTAINABILITY, COMMUNITY UPLIFT & ECO-TOURISM IN PAKISTAN

· Maurizio Gallo is spearheading the creation of Gilgit-Baltistan’s first world-class mountaineering school to promote sustainable and eco-friendly tourism.
· His four-point action plan includes improving communication, skill certification, attitude transformation, and aligning with international mountaineering standards.
· Gallo has worked in Pakistan since 2004, introducing rescue systems, eco-toilets, and waste incinerators, yet waste management remains a major challenge.
· He views local porters as unsung heroes and is committed to empowering them through training, recognition, and Sherpa-style skill development.
· Despite bureaucratic hurdles and lack of infrastructure, Gallo continues his mission to protect mountain ecosystems and uplift mountain communities across Pakistan.

Mahtab Bashir

ISLAMABAD: High in the shadows of the world’s greatest peaks, where the air thins and silence dominates, a quiet revolution is underway - not of flags planted or records broken, but of knowledge shared and futures reshaped.

At the heart of this movement is Maurizio Gallo, an ecotourism visionary with the Italian organization EvK2CNR, who has devoted the past two decades to the untamed beauty and untapped potential of Pakistan’s mountain regions.

File photo of Maurizio Gallo 

While others come to conquer summits, Gallo comes to build from the ground up. With a deep respect for nature and a tireless commitment to the communities that live in its harshest corners, he is now leading efforts to establish Gilgit-Baltistan’s first world-class mountaineering school - a pioneering institution designed not only to elevate climbers but to anchor sustainable, eco-friendly tourism in the heart of the Karakoram.

For Gallo, a 70 years old from Italy, the mountain is not a place to leave footprints, but a place to build foundations. “The people who live and work here -especially the porters - are the true heroes of every expedition,” he says. “It’s time we gave them the tools, training, and recognition they deserve.”

Speaking to this scribe alongside a handful of journalists covering climate and environmental issues, Maurizio Gallo delivered his message with quiet urgency: the mountains are sending a distress signal- and we can no longer afford to delay. “The time to act is now,” he stressed.

Media persons with Maurizio Gallo. Regional Manager EvK2CNR, Arif Hussain, also seen in the picture.  

Gallo laid out a four-point action plan he believes is vital to reshaping the future of mountaineering in Gilgit-Baltistan: enhancing communication, certifying skills, cultivating a mindset of responsibility, and aligning practices with international standards. These aren’t just recommendations- they’re the foundation stones for building a sustainable, globally respected mountaineering culture in one of the world’s most majestic yet vulnerable regions.

Since 2004, EvK2CNR has been deeply involved in northern Pakistan’s environmental and tourism sectors -setting up eco-toilets at multiple high-altitude camps, developing rescue systems, installing waste incinerators, and launching training and awareness programs. But despite these efforts, Gallo concedes that waste management, especially in areas like Karakoram National Park, remains a major unresolved challenge.

He emphasizes that the mountaineering school will not only elevate technical skills and rescue readiness but also introduce Sherpa-style training and sustainable tourism practices that respect both the environment and local culture.

“Our work extends beyond mountaineering,” Gallo said, highlighting projects related to climate change, water resource management, and the preservation of natural and cultural heritage in collaboration with local stakeholders. EvK2CNR has also developed the management plans for both Karakoram and Deosai National Parks.

However, Gallo warns that barriers such as complicated permit systems, lack of basic facilities, unregulated mountaineering fees, and the absence of proper bylaws continue to hinder progress in ecotourism and cultural tourism. Even so, his determination remains unshaken.

He lamented that while Nepal proudly boasts 35 internationally certified porters accompanying mountaineers, Pakistan has yet to produce even one—a glaring gap in recognition and preparedness. 

With experience from similar initiatives in Nepal, Rwanda, and Italy, Gallo’s mission in Pakistan is not just about reaching summits -but about uplifting communities and protecting some of the world's most fragile, awe-inspiring landscapes for generations to come.

Mahtab Bashir is a passionate nature enthusiast, a journalist, and an M.Phil scholar at Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad who can be reached at mahtabbashir@gmail.com or 0333 5363248.