Dear Readers,
Happy New Year! I extend my gratitude to all of you for your unwavering support and readership. Your encouragement fuels my creativity, and I wish each of you a year filled with prosperity, joy, and unexpected blessings. As we step into 2024, let's leave behind the past and embrace the present, recognizing the power we have to shape our own destinies.
Reflecting on 2023, it was a challenging year for me, marked by business setbacks, strainedrelationships, and personal struggles. However, amidst the difficulties, I found valuable lessons. The financial crisis served as a filter, revealing true friends and family who stood by me during tough times. It's a stark reminder that while selfishness isn't always negative, genuine connections are rare treasures.
In this blog, I share my recent visit to the southern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, specifically Dera Ismail Khan (D.I.Khan) and Tank. These regions, grappling with terrorist attacks and growing extremism, painted a concerning picture during my visit. The influence of 'good Taliban' factions seemed to have intensified, affecting the daily lives of the locals. Moreover, power outages and exorbitant electricity bills added to the woes of these poverty-stricken areas.
Despite the challenges, spending time with family was a refreshing break. Playing with the kids, witnessing their joy, and experiencing the love of extended family members provided solace amid the broader struggles. The beginning of 2024 offered a chance to explore the historic Gomal Pass, unveiling the region's rich history, fertile lands, and the impact of the Gomal Zam Dam on the local ecosystem.
The Gomal Pass, connecting Ghazni in Afghanistan with Tank and Dera Ismail Khan in Pakistan, has been a historical trading route and invasion path. It has been also used for centuries by the nomadic Pashtun tribes locally called Powandah. The construction of the Gomal Zam Dam has transformed the once arid Gomal plains into fertile land, though challenges persist, such as the lack of clean drinking water for the local population.
The blog sheds light on the dire conditions in District Tank, revealing issues like the absence of piped gas, subpar public services, and rampant corruption. Girls' education, unfortunately, faces neglect, with no higher secondary schools for them in the entire Gomal Pass.
One alarming observation was the absence of security checkpoints on the route from Dera Ismail Khan to Gomal. The once-frequent checks have diminished, raising concerns about the safety of citizens amidst the increased boldness of local Taliban groups.
Despite the desire to delve deeper into the region's cultural richness, security concerns cut my exploration short. My hope is that, in the coming years, the beauty, hospitality, and distinct sub-cultures of these historical districts will be accessible to all, free from the shadows of extremism.
As we navigate the uncertainties of 2024, let's strive for a future where every individual, regardless of their location, can experience the wealth of natural beauty, warmth of hospitality, and the richness of cultural diversity.
Wishing you all a fulfilling and adventurous 2024!
Author: Zaheer Abbas Maseed
Photo Contributor: Pir Syed Abdullah Shah
Date: January 07, 2024
