Gilgit-Baltistan, which was once referred to as the Crown of Pakistan and is considered a jewel in Pakistan’s natural heritage, is currently battling a shortage of water and is on the verge of the worst climate effects. Besides the floods and monsoon storms that are caused by glacial lakes, this is also the result of negligence, a lack of planning, and a national narrative that strives to promote its beauty while neglecting its misery. All of these factors have contributed to this situation.

Lives Lost in the Pursuit of Survival

On August 11, 2025, a tragic mudslide claimed the lives of seven volunteers who were working in Danyor to restore a water channel that had been damaged. Over the course of more than four weeks, that waterway has been responsible for cutting off the city’s drinking and agricultural water supply. Because of these sacrifices that they have made, we are reminded that the average person is the one who must carry the burden of a flawed system. A wall of ice and water crashed down from the mountains at Gulmit, which is located in Gojal Hunza. Sixty volunteers were saved from certain death by this massive wall.

The Destruction of Communities

A significant amount of damage has been caused to entire valleys in Ghizer, such as Daein, Ishkoman, Phander, and Gupis. The only person who survived the flood and was able to recount what took place was a youngster who was one of six members of a single household.

The Baltistan Division, which encompasses Skardu, Kharmang, Shigar, and Ghanche, is experiencing the disappearance of rural communities, bridges, and agricultural products. Communities in the Diamer Division are also beginning to fall apart as a result of natural disasters such as flash floods and landslides. A number of historically significant bridges, as well as schools, hospitals, and community centres, have been reduced to rubble. It is gradually disappearing into its own glacial stream, and the entire Hassanabad neighbourhood in Hunza is contributing to this. Every single part of the region is experiencing bleeding, from Diamer to Baltistan, from Ghizer to Hunza, and every single point in between.

The homes, orchards, and acres of land that belonged to individuals have been destroyed. It is impossible for businesses, particularly new ventures and developing technology enterprises, to do anything if they do not have access to energy and the internet. There is no way to predict what the future holds for children because they are not attending school.

At this point, it is impossible for women and children who have lost everything to find a place to sleep. Individuals who are residing outside of Pakistan have been making efforts to get in touch with their loved ones for several weeks. Since their connection was severed, they have been living in a state of anxiety and silence for more than fifteen days.

A Region Under Threat: A Call for Immediate Action

As a result of the presence of around 7,200 glaciers that are not present in the polar regions, Gilgit-Baltistan is considered to be one of the most vulnerable locations on the international stage. Although the floods continue to worsen year after year, nobody is prepared for them, and nobody has truly taken any precautions for them.

When it comes to advertisements for tourism, the federal government is prepared to tout Gilgit-Baltistan as the best example of Pakistani culture. However, in situations where things have gone wrong, its assistance has been extremely remote, insufficient, and untimely. Corruption and incompetence have been the root causes of the failure of GLOF-II and other programmes that were designed to ensure public safety. The GBDMA department, along with the other departments, has not responded.

What needs to be done right now is quite obvious, and it is as follows: To address the climate in Gilgit-Baltistan, an emergency situation needs to be declared, and immediate repairs need to be made to schools, hospitals, energy networks, and internet networks. It is absolutely necessary to put flood warning systems and community-based safety programmes into action. It is of the utmost importance that long-term resilience planning begins immediately.

It is imperative that the funds that were intended to save lives be returned to the public good, and those who stole them must be held accountable through legal proceedings. The provision of support for the mental health and trauma of survivors is of utmost importance, particularly for women and children.

It is important that the seven individuals who gave their lives in the Danyor mud to supply water to their families are not forgotten under any circumstances. For instance, the child in Ghizer made the decision to continue living despite the fact that his entire family had passed away. The fact that families in Diamer and Baltistan are witnessing the destruction of their houses and public bridges is a reality that must be taken into consideration.

People in Gilgit-Baltistan are going through a difficult time. At the same time as their nation is dying of blood loss, their voices are breaking. This is no longer a tragedy that occurred in a single region; rather, it has evolved into a national emergency. Before the Crown of Pakistan entirely disintegrates into its component parts, it is absolutely necessary that some action be taken.

The Urgency of the Moment

The time to act is now. The region needs an emergency climate declaration, followed by immediate repairs to essential infrastructure: schools, hospitals, energy grids, and communication networks. Early warning systems and community-based safety measures must be implemented without delay.

The survivors, especially women and children, need urgent support for their mental health, trauma, and the nutritional status of the people and to ensure food safety and food security. The misuse of funds intended for disaster relief must be investigated, and those responsible must be held accountable.

Let us remember the seven volunteers who died in Danyor, working to restore water for their community, and remember those who have lost their lives in this effort. Let us honour the child in Ghizer who survived while the rest of his family perished. Let us acknowledge the people of Baltistan and Diamer, who watch in helplessness as their homes and bridges disappear into the floodwaters.

There is deep suffering in Gilgit-Baltistan. The land bleeds, and its people’s voices are fading. What started as a regional tragedy has now become a national emergency. It is time for Pakistan and the world to act before the Crown of Pakistan disintegrates into oblivion.