Zarminae Ansari
In April 2010, I traveled to the stunning Shigar Valley in Baltistan to write about the Aga Khan Cultural Services Program’s conservation project of the Shigar Fort that resulted in a highly acclaimed boutique hotel run by the Serena chain of hotels. Returning there after seven years I was struck by the positive change in the area, especially in the surrounding villages. It got me thinking about peace in the area (touch wood). On the last day, stranded due to inclement weather, I wrote an article (It’s All About the “Asha”.June 9, 2010 The News).
The article was an idea, perhaps simplistic, that economic uplift and education are good anti-terrorist measures. The AKCSP projects that gave an economic uplift for Shigar valley brought stability and alleviated poverty — and contributed to peaceful relations between people of different religious sects. When they can feed their families and have much to lose, people appear less likely to send their children to madrassas to be fed and brainwashed.
Ismailimail 