GILGIT: Speakers at a conference on Monday emphasised the need for promoting and protecting the unique and diverse languages and music of the mountainous regions of Gilgit-Baltistan.

The conference titled ‘Bam-i-Dunya Music’ was held at Karakoram International University (KIU).

Pamir mountains and Wakhan are referred to as Bam-i-Dunya (roof of the world).

International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), WWF Pakistan, KIU, GB Folks and GB ministry of national food and research organised the event.

Music experts and scholars from across GB, Pakistan and abroad, including Afghanistan and Tajikistan, and civil society activists participated in the event.

The aim of the conference was to protect and nurture the phenomenal potential of rich music of the diverse ethnicities of Gilgit-Baltistan, Kohistan, Chitral, Swat and many places of Wakhan and Pamir.

The conference was first of its kind which was highly appreciated by the participants due to its format as it provided a platform to them to look into the aspects of the local music and culture.

There was urgent need to connect all the stakeholders, including artists, spread over the region to sustain, promote and celebrate the diversity, said DG ICIMOD David Molden.

On the occasion, Deputy Speaker GB Legislative Assembly Jaffarullah Khan highlighted the importance of the music to engage the new generation in healthy and creative activities to help curb religious fundamentalism. He emphasised the need to help the GB government protect the endangered languages of the mountainous region astride the Pamir Mountains and the Wakhan, prominently called the roof of the world, through documentation and including the local languages in curricula.

Researchers presented their works on the endangered languages and musical instruments historically used by the mountain communities and shared the commonalities of instruments, rhythms and songs.

It was proposed to devise a mechanism for the researchers and artists to come together from time to time to share their learning, experiences, commonalities to protect and promote the cultural and musical diversity and create room for fusion with the modern musical instruments.

They said that artists, researchers, cultural and musical experts could help reduce the prevailing mistrust among the regional countries.

Researchers from Afghanistan and Tajikistan also shared their findings and highlighted the elements threatening indigenous music and musical instruments.

The conference extended support for opening a music and culture academy or department in the KIU.

Published in Dawn, July 30th, 2019

Opinion

Annexing Palestine

Annexation would reveal the pious incantations of Western politicians for what they are — impotent drivel at best, and cynical cant at worst.

Editorial

Ill omens
Updated 12 Feb, 2025

Ill omens

One wonders whether institutional leadership realises the long-term ramifications of the ongoing "remaking" of judiciary.
Sunken dreams
12 Feb, 2025

Sunken dreams

ANOTHER tragedy has struck Pakistani migrants seeking a better future. A boat capsizing off the Libyan coast has ...
Hate in India
12 Feb, 2025

Hate in India

HISTORY shows that rulers use hate speech to provoke hate crimes and ‘othering’ among communities. Indian Prime...
IMF scrutiny
Updated 11 Feb, 2025

IMF scrutiny

Strengthening foundations of the economic superstructure will help make the economy competitive and boost growth.
Shadow voices
11 Feb, 2025

Shadow voices

OVER the weekend, another ‘open letter’ addressed to the army chief and attributed to former prime minister ...
Paradise at a premium
11 Feb, 2025

Paradise at a premium

PAKISTAN’S recent triumph at the New York Travel and Adventure Show 2025, winning the Best Partner Pavilion Award,...