Stories by Afzal Ali Shigri

GB’s rare earth potential

GB’s rare earth potential

A legal trap blocks the promise of prosperity that lies in the mountains of Gilgit-Baltistan. Updated 19 Nov, 2025 08:57am
GB’s pre-poll report card

GB’s pre-poll report card

The upcoming polls in Gilgit-Baltistan are a rare opportunity to reset governance in the area. Updated 11 Oct, 2025 08:07am
From Frontier to Federal

From Frontier to Federal

The decision to retain police command over the entire structure through legislation reinforces civilian ethos and oversight of this unique force. Updated 24 Jul, 2025 08:36am
Land reforms in GB

Land reforms in GB

Successive governments have treated the sensitive issue of land ownership rights cavalierly. Published 18 Jun, 2025 06:32am
GB’s lost hope

GB’s lost hope

Given the need for democratic and accountable governance in GB, the quest for a provisional province warrants immediate attention. Updated 14 Feb, 2025 08:36am
Skardu’s water crisis

Skardu’s water crisis

Skardu’s committed civil society, in partnership with technical experts, is determined to achieve the impossible. Published 04 Nov, 2024 06:52am
Police command structure

Police command structure

Government must realise that no amount of investment to the force will have any effect until the police force is given a cohesive command structure. Updated 29 Sep, 2024 09:00am
Empowering Gilgit-Baltistan

Empowering Gilgit-Baltistan

Successive governments have failed to consider the status of this region from a historical and legal perspective. Updated 18 Jun, 2024 08:46am
An endless wait for rights

An endless wait for rights

It’s time for a resolute departure from outdated policies and a commitment to address the long-standing grievances of the people. Updated 13 Apr, 2024 09:56am
Social welfare for GB

Social welfare for GB

The remarkable resilience of Gilgit-Baltistan’s people finds support in the NGO sector. Updated 12 Jan, 2024 09:59am
Misuse of legal process

Misuse of legal process

Amidst the ongoing political acrimony, the predicament of the people of GB has been overlooked. Updated 08 Sep, 2023 09:13am
Impact of a weak police command

Impact of a weak police command

The focus should be on implementing genuine police reforms that emphasise merit-based promotions and the fair assignment of duties. Updated 11 Aug, 2023 09:08am
Gul Khatoon vs Wapda

Gul Khatoon vs Wapda

Skardu can benefit if the authorities follow the example of a 16th-century Mughal princess. Published 27 Jun, 2023 07:32am
Shaky governance arrangement

Shaky governance arrangement

The time is ripe for GB to form a local party with its own manifesto, which focuses on local problems. Updated 13 May, 2023 09:21am
Land reforms

Land reforms

GB has come up with a detailed draft law for land management. Published 28 Mar, 2023 08:09am
Listening to GB

Listening to GB

The demand for rights is getting louder. Updated 17 Jan, 2023 09:10am