HAZARGANJI-CHILTAN NATIONAL PARK

The creator has blessed Pakistan with all sorts of beauty spots. Every province, city, town, and the village is uniquely designed. Some are full deserts with glittering sand. Others are vast plain best for cultivation and many others are dense with forests. Whereas the northern sides are surrounded by dry heightened mountains and some green-covered hilltops. Some mountains are whitened with snow and are home to spring water. In nutshell, Pakistan has every quality of beauty.

But today we will focus on the Baluchistan side. It is the largest province of Pakistan that has distinct landscapes.  Its distinct features may rarely be found elsewhere in the world. From its high mountains to its vast deserts, it provides a variety that suffices to fulfill all sorts of tourists’ wanderlust. Yet there are many things yet to be discovered. The capital of Baluchistan Quetta has its own worth of beauty. It is known as the fruit basket of Pakistan. So let’s explore the national park located in Quetta.

Hazarganji-Chiltan National Park

The park is located in the Suleiman mountain range, about 20 km southwest of Quetta. The area is mountainous with precipitous slopes divided by ravines. The park has been named Hazarganji-Chiltan National Park because Chiltan Hills and Hazar Ganji Range lie west and east of it. You know the word “Hazarganji” means a thousand treasures, and there was a time when it was believed that a thousand treasures are hidden under the mountains of this park. The national park is home to some of the rarest species like Chiltan ibex and Suleiman markhor (wild goat), the national animal of Pakistan. These species are endangered one so that the national park was established in 1980 to preserve them. This park is extended to about 15,555 hectares and provides a safe and secure environment for breeding these endangered species.

Moreover, the park is upgraded with different facilities like a history museum, picnic spots, and accommodation in rest houses. From the museum, one can gain detailed information about the animals found in this park and other areas of the province. The biodiversity of the park is impressive.

Animal Species        

As it is home to around 30 species of mammals including nine species of large mammals and 21 species of small ones. There are approximately 300-400 rare Suleiman markhor and about 800 Chiltan ibexes. Apart from these mammals, Urial sheep are also found on the western slopes between 1500m and 2100m. Other faunas include striped hyena, red fox, Balochistan leopard, caracal, common jackal, Indian crested porcupine, and desert hare.

Bird Species

Besides these rare mammals, 120 species of avifauna can also be found in this park, out of which, 36 are resident, and 84 are migratory. The avifauna here comprises the rare Houbara bustard, griffon vultures, Egyptian vultures, long-billed pipit, Eastern Orphean warbler, variable wheatear, blue rock thrush, whinchat, white-browed bush chat, Indian scops owl, Indian cuckoo, European bee-eater, chukar partridge, laggard falcon, peregrine falcon, and Lichtenstein’s desert finch.  However, in winters, birds like the crested honey buzzard also make Hazarganji Chiltan National Park their home. Whereas, in the summer, the park is used for breeding by some of the unique species like the European nightjar.

The ecological diversified park also provides shelter to 30 species of reptiles. Though the park is not densely covered with trees, quite a few Pashtun junipers, pistachio, almond, and ash trees can be found here.

Moreover, Hazarganji Chiltan National Park provides a serene and healthy environment to its visitors. People who love hiking must visit this beautiful site as it allows for a satisfying experience for the hikers. This park is a package of all-in-one. So why not visit this amazing place and boost your knowledge as well.

Suggestion:

There are many places in Baluchistan that should be explored. And for that, the government needs to support and encourage researchers to reach out and explore them. This can benefit both the locals and also can generate revenue at a national level. Therefore,take a step and introduce the world to beautifully natural Pakistan.

“Be Pakistani, Buy Pakistani” is a simple yet powerful slogan that promotes the idea of supporting locally made and produced products in Pakistan. It emphasizes the importance of choosing products that are manufactured within the country and encourages consumers to be conscious of their purchasing decisions. This slogan aligns with the principles of self-reliance, economic growth, and national development.

Promoting Local Industry

Supporting local products has a direct impact on the country’s economy. When people buy Pakistani products, it helps boost domestic industries, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth. This, in turn, strengthens the nation’s self-sufficiency and reduces its reliance on imported goods.

Quality and Diversity

Choosing local products doesn’t mean compromising on quality or variety. Pakistan boasts a wide range of industries that produce high-quality goods, from textiles and garments to electronics and food products. By buying Pakistani, consumers have access to a diverse range of quality products while contributing to their own country’s prosperity.

Sustainable Practices

Encouraging the “Be Pakistani, Buy Pakistani” mindset also supports sustainable and ethical business practices. Local industries are often subject to more stringent regulations and environmental standards, leading to cleaner and more sustainable manufacturing processes. By supporting local businesses, consumers indirectly promote eco-friendly and ethical production methods.

Cultural Preservation

Additionally, buying locally made products helps preserve and promote the country’s cultural heritage. Pakistan is known for its rich traditions and craftsmanship, which are reflected in various handcrafted goods and textiles. By choosing these items, consumers contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage and the livelihoods of artisans and craftsmen.

Community and National Unity

The “Be Pakistani, Buy Pakistani” slogan also fosters a sense of community and national unity. It encourages people to rally together in support of their nation’s industries and economy, reinforcing the idea that by working collectively, they can make a positive impact on their country’s future.

Conclusion

“Be Pakistani, Buy Pakistani” is a call to action that embodies the spirit of patriotism and economic self-sufficiency. It’s a reminder that every purchase we make can have a meaningful impact on our nation’s prosperity and development. By choosing Pakistani products, consumers can be active participants in building a stronger, more self-reliant Pakistan. This slogan serves as a testament to the power of individual choices in shaping a nation’s future.

Pakistan is bestowed with countless blessings of Nature right from its oceans, rivers, landscape, weathers, rich agricultural land and fruits much better in quality than other countries especially the dry fruit. But, lack of proper attention and marketing globally, this bounty of Nature could not get a deserving space in international markets resulting in loss of earning for the local people and precious foreign exchange for the country.

As Gilgit-Baltistan’s unique geography and climate provides the perfect conditions for growing an array of distinctive dry fruits like apricots, almonds, walnuts, cherries, Kilao and various types of berries, there is dire need to promote these distinct flavored and nutritionally rich products in world markets.

“We take great pride in our dry fruits, particularly apricots cherries and walnuts,” said Gul Baz a dry fruit farmer from Hunza. “These are not just a source of income; they are also a part of our culture and heritage. Dry fruit produced in Northern Areas is delicious and provide essential vitamins to human body.”

One of the standout features of Gilgit-Baltistan’s dry fruits is their exceptional nutritional value. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a healthy snack option. For example, apricots in this region are full of vitamin A and C content, while almonds and walnuts are a great source of protein and healthy fats.

“Dry fruits in Gilgit-Baltistan are nutritional powerhouses,” said Ayesha Ali, a nutritionist in Gilgit.

“These products are rich in vitamins essential for immune support, skin health, protein and healthy fats as well as weight management and health of human heart. People must include some quantity of dry fruits to their diet.”

While dry fruit production has been a traditional livelihood for the people of Gilgit-Baltistan, limited marketing exposure has hindered their economic potential. By establishing proper marketing channels, local communities can benefit from increased sales to improve their earning as well as collectively venture to alleviate poverty from the region.

Aleem Hussain a local marketing expert has recommended multifaceted approach to tap the potential of unique dry fruits of Gilgit Baltistan.

“First, we need investment in packaging and labeling to highlight our products and then establish strong partnerships with national and international distributors.”

Secondly, he said, “we should effectively participate in world food expos to market our products internationally and expand their market network. New tools like social media and e-marketing should be fully exploited to connect local farmers with a broader customer base, both nationally and internationally.”
Aleem Hussain said, many dry fruit producers in Gilgit-Baltistan follow sustainable farming practices, their dry fruit orchards are organic and use traditional irrigation methods in natural environment. “Highlighting these practices can also be helpful for fruitful marketing and attracting eco-conscious consumers.”
He said despite immense potential, Gilgit-Baltistan’s dry fruit industry faces challenges like limited infrastructure, lack of awareness and inadequate marketing strategies. “Addressing these challenges can be beneficial for both the country and the local people.”
To unlock the potential of Gilgit-Baltistan’s dry fruit industry, the government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) can play a crucial role by providing financial support, technical assistance and marketing expertise to local farmers and cooperatives to establish a sustainable supply chain.
Proper marketing efforts to secure slots in international markets can pave for Gilgit-Baltistan’s unique dry fruits to become sought-after delicacies globally. Exporting to countries with a growing demand for healthy and exotic foods can also be a game-changer for the region’s economy.
Meanwhile, Fazul Rehman, Director Agriculture and Livestock Gilgit Baltistan has informed that the region produces over 3,000 metric tons dry apricots, 3,000 tons almonds and a staggering 100,000 tons walnuts annually.
“Notably, all fruits grown in GB are organic, with no pesticides used, contributing to their superior quality and nutritional value,” Fazul Rehman said. “The region’s farmers could potentially earn more than $20 million from export of dry fruits against the current earning of just an estimated Rs 50 million.”
He suggested to setting up cold storages, develop proper infrastructure to address issues like quality standards and certification and impart proper training to local farmers for maintaining international standards. “Since, dry fruit production in GB is seasonal therefore its production window may not align with global demand. This mismatch can lead to missed opportunities in international market.”
Like many other treasures under the earth, to say gold, cobalt, barite, dolomite and copper etc, the Gilgit-Baltistan’s presents treasure of unique dry fruits on the surface of earth. But, for the world nations, these are the hidden gems, waiting to be discovered.
Therefore, proper strategies, support and investment can make this region a potential global hub for high-quality dry fruits, benefiting producers and consumers alike. Moreover, being an agricultural country, when respective governments announce incentives for the small and big farmers and ensure subsidies and rebates to the exporters for exporting these cash crops, they should also keep the dry fruit producing potential of Northern Areas in their mind as cash crops and include it in national policies incentives to grow this sector for contribution in national prosperity.