ISLAMABAD: Musicians from Gilgit-Baltistan performed at a Nowruz celebration held on Saturday night at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA). Nowruz, the Iranian New Year, marks the beginning of spring.

Although all the musicians were received well, the audience particularly enjoyed the young vocalists Salam Paras and Iqbal Hussain Iqbal.

Their joyous renditions of traditional songs even inspired some younger members of the audience to climb up on stage and dance.

The event was organised by the Gilgit-Baltistan Talent Exploring Society and the Development Communications Network (Devcom-Pakistan).

Devcom director Munir Ahmed, speaking at the event, said mountainous regions are at the frontlines of climate change, and communities in these areas are the most vulnerable to the impact of climate change.

He said their livelihood and culture would be the first and most immediate victims in case of extended disasters resulting from climate change and needed to be protected.

“Moreover mountain habitats and cultures are the most precious assets for the country but they are being overlooked by the local, provincial and federal governments.

On the other hand, [young people from these areas are] struggling on their own to explore their talent and channel their efforts for the betterment of their [fellow youth] and for their communities,” he said.

Published in Dawn, March 27th, 2017