One Belt One Road Initiative

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), also known as One Belt, One Road (OBOR), is a global development strategy launched by China in 2013 under President Xi Jinping. Its goal is to enhance global trade and stimulate economic growth across Asia, Europe, Africa, and beyond by building infrastructure and broadening trade links. Here's a breakdown:

Key Components

The Silk Road Economic Belt (Land-based):

Focuses on reviving the ancient Silk Road trade route.
Connects China with Europe via Central Asia and the Middle East.
Includes highways, railways, pipelines, and industrial zones.

The 21st Century Maritime Silk Road (Sea-based):
Focuses on connecting China to Southeast Asia, South Asia, Africa, and Europe via sea routes.
Involves building and expanding ports and maritime infrastructure.

Objectives

Economic Development:
Boost trade and investment between participating countries.
Reduce transportation costs and improve connectivity.
Infrastructure Building:
Construct roads, railways, ports, airports, and energy projects.
Modernize underdeveloped regions, especially in Asia and Africa.

Global Influence:

Strengthen China's economic and political influence internationally.
Create interdependencies to enhance China's role in global governance.

Geographical Scope

The BRI spans over 140 countries across:
Asia
Europe
Africa
Parts of Oceania and Latin America

Notable Projects

China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC):

A network of infrastructure projects linking China to Pakistan’s Gwadar Port.
Aims to connect western China to the Arabian Sea.

Kyaukphyu Deep Sea Port (Myanmar)

:
Provides China with direct access to the Indian Ocean.

Africa's Railway Networks:

Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway.
Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway (Kenya).

European Connectivity:

Freight trains between China and European cities like Duisburg (Germany) and Madrid (Spain).

Controversies and Criticism (mostly by West)

Debt Diplomacy:

Critics argue that some BRI projects saddle participating countries with unsustainable debt.

Example: Sri Lanka leasing its Hambantota Port to China after struggling to repay loans.

Environmental Concerns:

Infrastructure projects have raised alarms about environmental degradation.

Transparency Issues:

Lack of clear processes for financing and project approvals.

Geopolitical Rivalries:

Some countries see the BRI as a means for China to expand its strategic dominance.

Impact

Economic Growth: Several countries have seen economic benefits through improved connectivity.
Strategic Influence: Strengthened China's ties with developing nations.
Global Polarization: Some nations, like the U.S. and India, view the BRI as a challenge to their strategic interests.

The Belt and Road Initiative remains a transformative but polarizing global development strategy, with its long-term success still a subject of debate. Would you like more details on any specific aspect?

PROPOSED - HUNZA POWER SUPPLY COMPANY

 Also, read ROAD MAP, RELATED

VISION: Historically ‘Hunzukutz’ believe in “Hunzuwe Suchi”. In the present age, the region is suffering ‘STARVATION’ in energy needs. The need for a platform of voluntary community service by sharing “Time, Knowledge and resources” is inevitable to solve the energy issue and usher in a better quality of life and economic transformation towards a ‘BETTER FUTURE’ for the population. The proposal is to establish and operate a ‘HUNZA POWER SUPPLY COMPANY’ in the collective ownership of all Hunzukutz. This goal can be achieved by a network of LSOs (8 of these are sponsored by AKDN, and about 72 others are established by conscientious groups).

MISSION: 

Establish distributed generation facilities through a mix of sustainable resources, with a priority on meeting existing energy needs and the ultimate goal of evolving HR capable of exporting specialized products to the world.

STRATEGY: The monetary resources will be raised from the investment of VO/WOs and willing individuals.
The treasurer will openly share the statement of account – income and expenditure – through the Internet on this blog (ACCOUNTS).

PROJECTS:

1. Short term: Establish 5 MW of solar energy as ‘DISTRIBUTED’ stations linked to each distribution transformer ( 200-KW, 100-KW, 75-KW and 25-KW


2. Long term: 100-MW through a mix of sustainable resources such as Hydroelectric – preferably through village-level manufacture of FLOATING HYDROELECTRIC GENERATOR & PUMPING STATION – SOLAR and WIND.

RELATED Information: As this technology advances, we can expect to see more widespread adoption of these innovative renewable energy solutions.

Inverter Technology and Synchronization in Power Systems

Inverter technology has revolutionized how power is generated, transmitted, and distributed, particularly in the context of renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. Here's how inverter technology ensures synchronization in power systems:

1. Precise Frequency and Voltage Control:

* Frequency Control: Inverters can rapidly adjust their output frequency to match the grid frequency. This is crucial for maintaining grid stability, as even slight frequency deviations can lead to cascading failures.

* Voltage Control: Inverters can also precisely control the voltage of their output, ensuring it remains within acceptable limits for the grid. This helps prevent voltage fluctuations that can damage equipment or disrupt power quality.

2. Phase Angle Control:

* Inverters can actively control the phase angle of their output, ensuring it aligns perfectly with the grid's voltage waveform. This is essential for connecting multiple generators to the grid without causing disturbances.

3. Reactive Power Control:

* Inverters can provide or absorb reactive power, which is necessary for maintaining voltage levels and power factor within acceptable limits. This helps optimize grid performance and reduce power losses.

4. Grid-Forming Capabilities:

* Advanced inverters can even operate in grid-forming mode, meaning they can act as virtual synchronous generators. This allows them to provide inertia and frequency support to the grid, which is traditionally provided by large rotating machines like turbines.

Visual Representation:

Benefits of Inverter Technology for Synchronization:

* Improved Grid Stability: Enhanced frequency and voltage control contribute to a more stable and reliable grid.

* Increased Renewable Energy Integration: Enables seamless integration of large-scale renewable energy sources.

* Enhanced Power Quality: Helps maintain consistent voltage and frequency, improving power quality for consumers.

* Improved Grid Flexibility: Enables faster response to grid disturbances and changing demand patterns.

In Conclusion:

Inverter technology plays a vital role in ensuring synchronization in modern power systems. By providing precise control over frequency, voltage, phase angle, and reactive power, inverters enable the safe and reliable integration of renewable energy sources and contribute to a more stable and efficient grid.

AKDN | CIVIL SOCIETY

A vibrant and competent civil society is the cornerstone of a healthy and prosperous nation, essential to improving the quality of human life. At their best, civil society organisations demonstrate innovative, citizen-led approaches and effective management. They are able to mobilise local resources to solve particular issues in a sustainable way.

Yet, in many parts of the world, civil society suffers from a dearth of technical knowledge, human resources and financial means.

To address these gaps, AKDN builds robust civil society institutions that experiment, adapt and accommodate diversity. Founded on the ethics and values that drive positive change, these institutions harness the private energies of citizens committed to the public good.

Building an Enabling Environment

We also help develop an enabling environment that allows the private sector, particularly civil society, to fully contribute to national development. An effective and functioning state apparatus is essential for any developing country but, in AKDN’s experience, complex development agendas cannot be left only to the state. A nation’s growth – perhaps its survival – requires private initiative. Both for-profit businesses and non-profit civil society organisations must make full and effective use of the country’s human potential, generate material resources and develop a vibrant and robust socioeconomic base. An enabling environment is therefore essential to building civil society.

CODE OF PRACTICE FOR HUNZA POWER SUPPLY COMPANY

(Every organization should have a Code of Practice for Board members which is available to all stakeholders – AKDNGuideline Booklet No. 4)

All such organizations involve people who have committed themselves to improve the society in which they live by what they do and how they behave. Commitment and voluntarism may, however, not be enough for an effective organization – specific organizational skills are needed as well. And these skills can be learnt.

This document will ultimately contain the following Sections:

1. A Code of Conduct for the Governance (now)

2. Terms of Reference for all Members

3. Terms of Reference for all Committees and sub-committees (on a required basis)



1. MEMBERSHIP: Basic to each member is the understanding that Governance (Boards or similar structures) are a part of the management function of any non-profit and non-government organization (also known as civil society organizations or CSOs). At its most basic, management can be defined as: “ensuring that an organization has clear objectives, and makes the most effective and efficient use of resources in order to achieve those objectives”. Each or all the members have at least some or all of five separate roots:

· Philanthropy and the desire to help people who are considered less fortunate

· The desire to improve local communities through mutual aid and self-help

· The desire to improve conditions through political and economic action

· The desire to take on services provided by the public or private sectors, and

· The simple reality of shared interests.


The term “governance” is increasingly used for the big picture, long-term and legal aspects of ensuring that an organization is properly run, and “management” for ensuring that the work gets done within this framework. A governing body which is legally and financially responsible for the organization and responsible for setting and monitoring long and medium-term objectives, and developing policies.


Governance: are drawn from the executives of all participating LSOs listed in the preceding lines. The members are appointed or elected for three years.

EXECUTIVE STRUCTURE Should have the understanding and regularly review the ethos and values that underpin the organization’s work, and ensure that Board members, volunteers and others involved with the organization understand these values and how they apply to their work. They are also expected to:

· Maintain a long-term overview of the organization and all its work

· Making strategic and major decisions about the organization’s objectives, policies and procedures

· Ensuring decision-making procedures are transparent people know who makes decisions and how they are made, and accountable (decisions are reported to the people who have a right to know about them)

· Ensuring that the needs and interests of relevant people and bodies are considered when making decisions

· Ensuring that adequate resources (especially people and money) are available to carry out activities, and making decisions about how to proceed when resources turn out not to be available

· Monitoring the work of the organization, especially progress towards objectives

· Ensuring appropriate action is taken when work is not being done, or is not being done properly

· Taking legal responsibility for the organization and all its actions

The body (All honorary workers) will consist of:

· A chairman:

· A Vice-Chair

· A Board Secretary

· A Treasurer

The Chairperson’s/Vice Chairperson’s role has two parts, one practical, and the other institutional:

• Planning and running meetings of the body, ensuring that everything is covered and decisions are made when required, keeping order, helping the group deal with differences of opinion and conflicts, and being sure that everyone who wants has a chance to speak.

• Ensuring that the organization sets and sticks to its policies and priorities, then serving as a spokesperson for the organization, making essential or emergency decisions between committee meetings, working closely with the manager to ensure work is being done correctly and helping staff with difficulties.

3. MEETINGS It should meet every quarter. The venue/timing and Agenda will be disseminated by the Secretary at least 15 days in advance. Preferably a yearly schedule for regular meetings (Every three months) of the members for the entire year should be announced by Mid November each year. All interested “Hunzukutz” anywhere and also the committees constituted from time to time will participate. Emergent meetings may be held on the required basis with the consent of the chairman.

4. MINUTES AND ACTION PLANS A standard format – preferably the template available in the MS Office suite - for Agenda as well as the recording of ‘Minutes’ /’Action plan’ will be used. Any concerned “Hunzukutz” may initiate a proposed item for inclusion in the Agenda at any time through all available means, such as E-Mail, telephone, written paper etc. on this or a similar format The decisions on each item of the agenda will be on the basis of ‘majority vote’ if a clear ‘consensus’ does not emerge in the meeting.

5. TENURE AND ELECTIONS The tenure of the ‘Executive Body’ will be for three years. The candidates proposed by members/General public will be chosen on the basis of at least 50% secret votes of the meeting participants held for this purpose.

INTRODUCTION TO THE NORTHERN AREAS OF PAKISTAN By Brigadier Sherullah Beg, Pakistan Army (Late)

 The Author: Brigadier Sherullah Beg (Retd) was a ‘Hunzakutz’. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Punjab in 1939. Owing to outbreak of World War II, he could not join the Indian Civil Service, which he was aspiring to. He joined the British Indian Army as an Officer Cadet in 1942 through competitive selection and was granted a commission as a 2nd Lt in the Madras Infantry in May 1943. During much of his service, he served as an Instructor in five different training institutions for officers and on staff, including the Staff College, Quetta. He was one of the few Indian officers selected to teach British Officer Cadets at the Officer’s Training School, Bangalore. He held staff appointments at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Delhi, later Supreme HQ during partition and then GHQ Rawalpindi. He served in the Gilgit region as an Officer on Special Duty for some time. Apart from command of two infantry battalions of the Punjab Regiment, he served as Deputy Provost Marshal of Pakistan’s Army for nearly five years, followed by his appointment as Pakistan’s Armed Forces’ Military Attache in Cairo from 1964 to 1966, concurrently accredited to Sudan and Lebanon. In October 1966, promoted Brigadier and recalled to command an Infantry Brigade. In early 1968 selected to command Special Services Group, the elite force of Pakistan Army. Was retired on completing 28 years commissioned service in May 1971. Since then, he has settled on a 10 acre, rather stony and partially developed farm he inherited from his father in the village of Jutial at Gilgit. In addition to devoting his time on developing his farm, the retired Brigadier is intensely absorbed and interested in the development potential of the Northern Areas. He has a wide range of interests extending from poetry, history and literature to research work on the people and languages of the Northern Areas. Besides the subcontinent, has extensively travelled in the Arab and Middle Eastern countries, as well as Western European countries. Knows several languages, English, Urdu, Persian, Arabic, Spanish, Russian and has a smattering of German. In addition to his mother language Brushaski, can also converse in Khowar (Chitrali) and Shina (Gilgit) dialects. Installed the first ever micro-electric generator in Gilgit as first pilot project to light up his unobtrusive cottage, which he designed himself and has given it the appropriate Burushaski name: ‘Amn-e-Yal’ (the shelter or shadow of peace) at an elevation of nearly 6,000 feet overlooking the Gilgit valley.

DOWNLOAD

Robert Wright

 

Robert Wright

Colonial history writer, with particular interests in the Indian sub-continent including Pakistan. Lives in Tiverton, Devon, United Kingdom.

Letters From Hunza: Adventures in the Karakoram Foothills (Hunza Histories Book 3) 05-May-2020

by Robert Wright

Rebellion in Gilgit: The Man for the Hour (Hunza Histories Book 2)

Hunza and the Raj: British Involvement in the Karakoram Mountains 1876 – 1946. (Hunza Histories Book 1) 16-May-2020

by Robert Wright

Hunza and the Raj: British Involvement in the Karakoram Mountains 1876 – 1946. (Hunza Histories Book 1)
by Robert Wright 

In the latter half of the 19th century Britain’s defence policies in regard to India’s north-west frontier were increasingly dictated by Russia’s swift expansion of empire eastwards across Central Asia, in which they annexed a chain of decaying Moslem Khanates to the north of Afghanistan. By 1876 they had captured Tashkent, Samarkand, Bokhara, Khiva, and Khokand, and had crossed the Alai mountains until they were drawn up along the western border of Chinese Turkestan; from where they were surveying the Wakhan Pamir, directly to the north of Hunza and Gilgit, as their next acquisition.

It was known that the Cossack army, spread wide across the barren Steppe, dreamed of nothing finer than swelling their ranks with cutthroat tribes enlisted along the way in a charge towards lush and exotic South, with Kashmir as their first prize. It was also known that successive Tsars had coveted a warm-water port on the shores of the Arabian Sea, by way of Persia, in order to increase their military capabilities and trade, and thereby further threaten Britain’s possession of India.

The petty chiefs along this frontier were seen either as ‘puppets of the British’, or as ‘creatures of the Tsar’, and so Russia’s evident interest across the Pamir mountains led to a race to map the dwindling unexplored areas of wilderness remaining between the two empires so that first influence could be claimed over them.

Other than selected gifted officers there were no lower ranking white British troops ever posted to the sensitive Gilgit frontier. Where the history was of tyrants, royal patricides, and few heroes; of the cruelties of slavery and the drudgery of serfdom; alleviated by the tribal pastime of looting the silk route caravans, nomads with herds of yaks for transport. In 1862 it was reported to the British Agent in Leh that ten richly laden caravans had been robbed – meanwhile the Abolitionists in Parliament saw the Chinese slave markets of Kashgar and Yarkhand as the blackest blots left on earth.

A state of affairs that was to be overturned by stories of the young subalterns’ gung-ho battles and camaraderie framed in isolation amidst a sublime mountain chain. With only 16 officers theirs was an astonishing campaign to train and lead a rag-bag army of Gurkhas, Afghan rogues, and Kashmir Dogra troops, all of them speaking several languages, and then show them the way to force open a bandits’ stronghold.

Those mostly young officers had to think for themselves, behave confidently, be devoted and robust in spirit, and ever determined to do what they saw as right. ‘Forward policy’ on the border demanded such qualities. Their initial campaigns hardly needed their provoking, and although small were as thrilling as they could hope for in which to win their medals and promotions.

For its physical and political geography, and for the unique scientific discoveries abounding in the area, Hunza is simply the most extraordinary valley I know of in the greater Himalayan chain. The only things they ever had an abundance of were rocks and ice; and their greatest achievement is that from such unfavourable beginnings they have created the most peaceful, least fanatical, best educated and well organised gardened valley in Pakistan today.

A secondary intention has been to represent some more friendly experiences of Pakistan, rather than the dire ‘bad press’ the country receives in the West, as in four visits between 1970 and 1988, totalling a year in the country, I never had any trouble with anyone whatsoever. To archaeologists, anthropologists, mountaineers, and elitist back-packers Pakistan is well known as one of the most exciting and hospitable countries in the world.

The book is lavishly illustrated both with old photos of the historic characters within, as well my own Kodchrome slide photos of this vast mountain environment.

Rebellion in Gilgit: The Man for the Hour (Hunza Histories Book 2)

"Truth is a perishable commodity; considerable care must be exercised in shipping it around the world." – Peter Fleming.
It is not an historian’s job to offer his opinions, nor is it duty to take sides in bygone disputes – and when his balanced work is finished his conscience should be clear that he wronged none of the statesmen or soldiers who played their part in great events.
There is a second popular school of British history writers who see it as their duty to eat shame for our erstwhile Empire and look for every chance to sharpen their pen accusingly at their countrymen’s misdeeds. This is a fashionable policy, accepted in British literary circles as politically correct – and one which rewards their authors with sales figures and acclaim.
Alas, in the foreign field, there is a third rustic school of local history writing in which heart-felt beliefs have become indisputable facts. Your Facebook know-it-all will adamantly stand by the prejudices of his grandfathers’ and will hear of no other version of events. They are easily found online, where they vent their anger at the present political situation in Gilgit, and turn past heroes into cowards to blame for it.
One such maligned hero is Major William Brown MBE, for whom the compelling reason to write this book is that I felt that such an extraordinary commander has been greatly wronged in print. In later years, on a Calcutta pavement at night, he was very nearly beaten to death as he was seen only as an enemy of the Sikhs; whereas in fact he had saved hundreds more civilian Sikh lives, than the few score of soldiers killed in fair battle on his orders.
Undoubtedly it was Major Brown, along with his second-in-command Captain Jock Matheison, who secretly and intelligently master-minded and led the Liberation of Gilgit from Kashmiri occupation in 1947 – yet there are many liberated Gilgitis today who believe him to have been a coward and a traitor.
This unique and extraordinary story is written in defence of a 25 year old Scottish officer who seized a huge tract of land from India, including most of the vast Karakoram mountain range with K2, Nanga Parbat, and then handed the area over to Pakistan. He achieved this feat with a minimal death toll too. This was exactly what the vast majority of people in Gilgit and Baltistan were clamouring for at the time. He had served them faithfully and with great success and so the people gave him a hero’s ceremonial departure, with many dashing forward to touch his stirrup, just to tell their grandchildren.
Today the younger Gilgitis have turned against Brown, cursing him as the one who gave away their Independence – whereas in fact it was their grandfathers who saw greatest faith and hope in joining Pakistan, which seemed to be a pure and shining new Islamic country to them. Yet still with no vote, and therefore with no elected Member in their erstwhile ‘National parliament’, the Gilgitis find themselves overrun by down-country immigrants – who look down on them just as the Kashmiri Dogras had done before them.
Yet what Major Brown knew to be a solid certainty was that with the internal division of three religions among them, with potential enemies in valleys all around, and with the aggressive USSR hovering just fifty miles away, Independence was by far the most dangerous and unworkable solution. So as the only option he promoted Pakistan as the safest country to harbour them – and all the hill chiefs agreed with him.
When one looks at the comparative heartbreaking history of Indian occupied Kashmir, then one has to say he has been perfectly vindicated.


Letters From Hunza: Adventures in the Karakoram Foothills (Hunza Histories Book 3) 05-May-2020

For its physical and political geography, and for the unique scientific discoveries abounding in the Karakoram mountains, Hunza is simply the most extraordinary valley I know of in the greater Himalayan chain. Consequently I have found no need to perpetuate the trite myths of Shangri La, or the ‘Hunzas’ perfect diet’, or of their fabled longevity. The only thing this humble Ismaili community ever had an abundance of were rocks – and their greatest achievement is that from such unfavourable beginnings they have created the most peaceful, least fanatical, best educated and well organised valley in Pakistan today.
These present stories and essays are taken from notes written during two visits to Hunza totalling nine months in 1987 and 1988. Some were originally intended to be included in my British colonial history titled "Hunza and the Raj", which, after several years of wide ranging research, had simply become too long. So this potentially useful trekking journal mostly deals with my personal experiences of the Hunza, as well as giving plenty of local informative. I have published these notes separately here as a complimentary supplement for those who have read the full work – and also as a taster for those who have not.
A secondary intention has been to represent some more friendly experiences of Pakistan, rather than the dire ‘bad press’ the country receives in the West, as in four visits between 1970 and 1988, totalling a year in the country, I never had any trouble whatsoever. To archaeologists, anthropologists, mountaineers, and elitist back-packers Pakistan is well known as one of the most exciting and hospitable countries in the world.
The 24 photos included were taken on Kodachrome slide film during my second visit.

Research- CAK

 MORE ON, UNESCO REPORT

Culture Area Karakorum Research Project in the Northern Areas, Pakistan: proceedings of the Pak-German Joint Workshop on .... held on 1-3 Dec 1991 at Lahore, Pakistan

Dissemination of Research in GB - My Proposal

Students and Scholars engaged in research on multitude of topics can be more helpful to the society if they get disseminated through a single platform. I propose that such a platform be sponsored either by KIU or BHT. In my view it is feasible to launch the platform without any additional resources - budget or structures.

Till such time, I offer use of existing platform "KNOWLEDGE SOCIETY INITIATIVE" - available on FACEBOOK as well as blogs initiated by me since a couple of years.

EXAMPLES

1. I have already shared the abstract and links to an exhaustive and exemplary research done by CAK over a period of almost 50-years and covered through 12-volumes.

2.  Nazmeen from hussainabad hunza, is doing Ms from Quaid-e-Azam university, and has undertaken the research on " the relationship between the Mir's and the public in the princely state of Hunza (1947-1974)". Once it is completed and approved by the university, she should be able to share it through the proposed platform.

https://gbheritage.net

Cultural Heritage Inventory of Gilgit-Baltistan

Based on the first cycle a master plan for an inventory project, led by Ms. Yasmin Cheema, was prepared in 2000. The intention of this project was to document the cultural heritage of the Northern Areas and give it appropriate recognition. The work involved inventorying and cataloguing this heritage, setting criteria, determining priorities, and recommending measures for conservation and protection.

Hermann Kreutzman (ed.). Karakoram in Transition: Culture, Development and Ecology in the Hunza Valley. Oxford University Press, Karachi, Pakistan. 2006. 500 pp. INR 895 (Hardcover). ISBN 0-19-547210-1.

Since the late nineteenth century, the Hunza valley has been the subject of much academic and popular writing. British administrators were intrigued by this region due to its strategic location at the northern frontier of their empire, which had to be guarded against the advancing Russians in the 'great game' of imperial rivalry. Traversing the majestic peaks and glaciers at this frontier, discovering and describing its uncharted terrains, and investigating the racial and cultural connotations of why the main language of its inhabitants (burushaski) was a linguistic isolate, all added to the mystique of Hunza for Western explorers. Today, the Hunza valley forms a major tourist hub in the Northern Areas of Pakistan, and continues to pique the interest of travelers with images of the ancient silk route, rare wildlife species, the famed longevity of its dwellers, and of course, its breathtaking landscapes.

In the last three decades, the political and socio-economic landscape of Hunza valley has been significantly transformed by a variety of factors including the opening of the Karakoram highway, the abolition of princely kingdoms leading to more direct control by the Pakistani state, increase in donor-funded development projects and the marketisation of the economy. Such processes of change have been extensively studied by a collective of mostly German researchers under the 'Culture Area Karakoram' (CAK) project [1]. The edited volume under review continues this focus on 'transition', and includes articles by several authors who were associated with the CAK project. Hence, it reads like a continuation of this project even though it is not presented as such.

1.  'environment and resources' : In his article on Hunza glaciers, Kenneth Hewitt attends to a timely concern by exploring the links between glacial processes, natural hazards and climate change. Hewitt argues that since the 1920s, there has been a general reduction in the ice cover in the Hunza basin as well as in the incidence of large ice dams and outburst floods. At the same time, there have also been periods in which several large ice masses have thickened. 
2. Apart from chapters on glaciers, the first section also includes one article each on Hunza's vegetation, wildlife and forests. The article on Hunza forests by Udo Schickhoff is particularly insightful, as it draws upon the science, history and politics of forest use in the Hunza valley to provide a rich, interdisciplinary analysis of forest degradation in the region. 
3. The next section on 'history and memory' is exciting in its variety of subject as well as method. Everyday tales, local songs, colonial photographs and rock inscriptions are some of the objects that are employed for historical inquiry, to answer a range of questions: for example how do the historical and the mythical fuse together in oral accounts of the past, or, how can changes in the physical and cultural landscape of a place be captured through the act of reading old photographs alongside contemporary ones.
4. Similarly, Irmtraud Stellrecht challenges Sidky's [2] famous thesis that political centralisation in the Hunza state was primarily achieved through the construction of irrigation channels and subsequent control over newly cultivated lands by the ruling Mirs. Instead, he compellingly argues that a decisive external factor which enabled state formation in Hunza was the rising political significance of the passage to Central Asia, as it created conditions in which the Mirs could take advantage of 'route politics' for consolidating their power. Moreover, as Stellrecht emphasises, the history of princely statehood in Hunza also needs to take into account less emphasised internal factors such as the 'marital politics' of the Hunza Mirs through which political alliances were forged and loyalties secured.
5. Another interesting contribution in this section is a chapter by Beate Reinhold, which provides a discussion of linguistic transition in the upper Hunza region of Gojal. The Gojali language of Wakhi has attracted significant academic attention in recent years, with the result that Wakhi vocabulary, grammar and oral traditions are fairly well documented. However, as Reinhold points out, less attention has been paid to how Wakhi is spoken in everyday life, particularly by women. She goes on to analyse how linguistic habits and preferences are changing in the contemporary context of migration and modern education in Gojal.
6. Hermann Kreutzmann-who is also the editor of the volume-provides a comprehensive analysis of how the agricultural and pastoral economy of Hunza has changed over the last seventy years. His article is rich in archival research as well as ethnographic detail, and like Schickhoff's article on forest degradation discussed earlier, illuminates an understanding of agricultural science, history, political economy and social relations in unique and compelling ways. We learn that animal husbandry in the Hunza region was of tremendous importance historically, as grazing taxes in the form of livestock and their products constituted a chief source of revenue for the Hunza state, and were thus critical for its sustenance. This gave a measure of power to affluent nomadic communities in upper Hunza, and also resulted in frequent conflicts between communities and the Hunza Mir over the control of pastures. 
7. The final section on 'culture and development' is different from the other sections in at least two ways. First, it includes articles not just by academics, but also by practitioners who have been actively involved in key development projects in the Hunza valley. Second, it also includes perspectives from local researchers, not just foreign ones. Both these factors bring a refreshing diversity to the volume.
8. Thematically, there is a prominent focus on the built heritage of Hunza in this section, and particularly on the work of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC). Stefano Bianca's article, for example, elaborates how the AKTC has sought to unite concerns of culture as well as development, by undertaking the conservation of monuments, village settlements and public spaces in Hunza with the participation and ownership of local communities. The work of AKTC has enhanced local awareness about managing urban sprawl, and also led to a revitalisation of traditional building techniques.

As a member on AKCSP Board 1996-1999, upgraded the house as a model residence for present age living essentials - for emulation as a living example.

The preface of Karakoram in Transition mentions that it is particularly aimed at the 'young generation of students and scientists in Pakistan and in the Northern Areas in particular as a basis for further research efforts' (p. vii). In this, it surely succeeds as it provides an excellent index of current research on the Hunza valley.

Stellrecht, I. (ed.). 1997. Perspectives on History and Change in the Karakoram, Hindukush, and Himalaya. Culture Area Karakorum Scientific Studies Köln, Köppe, Germany; and Stellrecht, I. (ed.). 1998. Karakorum-Hindukush-Himalaya: Dynamics of Change. Culture Area Karakorum Scientific Studies Köln, Köppe, Germany. 

Publications - numbering twelve volumes - are available in the BHT library for reading by all interested.

• Volume 12
• Cultural Analysis of Politics, Law and Religion in Pakistan
• Author: Muhammad Azam Chaudhary.
• Volume 11
• Verwandtschaft, Geschlecht und Raum
• Author: Katrin Gratz.
• Volume 10
• Frauen und Feen
• Author: Maria Marhoffer-Wolff.
• Volume 9
• Rechtspluralismus in den Northern Areas / Pakistan
• Author: Sabine Lentz.
• Volume 8
• Ein Labyrinth von Identitäten in Nordpakistan
• Author: Martin Sökefeld.
• Volume 7
• Freundschaft und Macht
• Author: Wiegand Jahn.
• Volume 6
• Mountain Societies in Transition
• Edited by: Andreas Dittmann. With contributions by: Jürgen Clemens, Andreas Dittmann, Eckart Ehlers, Reinhard Fischer, Hiltrud Herbers [show more…].
• Volume 5
• Transformation of Social and Economic Relationships in Northern Pakistan
• Edited by: Irmtraud Stellrecht, Hans-Georg Bohle. With contributions by: Hans-Georg Bohle, Christoph Dittrich, Benno Pilardeaux, Irmtraud Stellrecht, Martin Sökefeld.
• Volume 4.I + 4.II
• Karakorum – Hindukush – Himalaya
• Edited by: Irmtraud Stellrecht. With a preface by: Irmtraud Stellrecht. With contributions by: Tor Aase, Shafeeq Ahmad, Yuri Badenkov, Zhang Baiping, Elena Bashir [show more…].
• Volume 3
• Perspectives on History and Change in the Karakorum, Hindukush, and Himalaya
• Edited by: Irmtraud Stellrecht, Matthias Winiger. With contributions by: Muhammad Azam Chaudhary, Jürgen Clemens, Thomas Cramer, Andreas Dittmann, Christoph Dittrich [show more…].
• Volume 2
• The Past in the Present
• Edited by: Irmtraud Stellrecht. With contributions by: Ruth Göhlen, Roland Hansen, Wolfgang Holzwarth, Johannes H. Löhr, Maria Marhoffer-Wolff [show more…].
• Volume 1
• Bibliography – Northern Pakistan
• Edited by: Irmtraud Stellrecht.

• Other contributions

  • 60 Jahre Institut für Ethnologie und Afrikastudien
    ISBN 978-3-89645-814-8
    Edited by: Anna-Maria Brandstetter, Carola Lentz. With contributions by: Renate Ammann, Ulli Beier, Wolfgang Bender, Brigitta Benzing, Thomas Bierschenk, Anna-Maria Brandstetter, Georg Buddruss, Alfons M. Dauer, Eike de Vries, Manfred K.H. Eggert, Rosemarie K. Eggert, Christraud Geary, Thomas Geider †, Volker Gottowik, Gerhard Grohs †, Gerhard Hauck, Raimund Kastenholz, Christoph Klein, Carola Lentz, Lorenz G. Löffler, Mabiala Mantuba-Ngoma, Ernst Wilhelm Müller, Horst Nachtigall, Anja Oed, Julia Rajkovic-Kamara, Anette Rein, Uta Reuster-Jahn, Susanne Schröter, Signe Seiler, Peter Snoy †, Irmtraud Stellrecht, Bernhard Streck, Ivo Strecker, Annika Wieckhorst, Jürgen Zwernemann. Series edited by: Thomas Bierschenk, Anna-Maria Brandstetter, Raimund Kastenholz, Matthias Krings, Carola Lentz.
    Series Mainzer Beiträge zur Afrikaforschung Volume 14
  • Karakorum – Hindukush – Himalaya
    ISBN 978-3-89645-154-5
    Edited by: Irmtraud Stellrecht. With a preface by: Irmtraud Stellrecht. With contributions by: Tor Aase, Shafeeq Ahmad, Yuri Badenkov, Zhang Baiping, Elena Bashir, Erhard Bauer, Roland Bielmeier, Gerald Braun, David Butz, Muhammad Azam Chaudhary, Janardan B. Khatri Chhetri, Jürgen Clemens, Sandra de Vries, Andreas Dittmann, Zheng Du, Inayatullah Faizi, Umar Farooq, Firdaus-e-Bareen, Reinhard Fischer, Monique Fort, Katrin Gratz, Kim Gutschow, Niels Gutschow, Ruth Göhlen, Roland Hansen, John Harrison, Muhammad Hassan Hasrat, Kenneth Hewitt, Wolfgang Holzwarth, Syed H. Iqbal, Lasafam Iturrizaga, Jack D. Ives, Jens-Peter Jacobsen, Zahid Javed Janjua, Maheshwar P. Joshi, Parveen Daud Kamal, Aleem Ahmed Khan, Mohammad Anwar Khan, Mohammad Ishaq Khan, Muhammad Ayaz Khan, Sudibya Kanti Khisa, Christian Kleinert, Monika Krengel, Hermann Kreutzmann, Matthias Kuhle, Antje Linkenbach, Fateh Mohammad Malik, Sigrid Meiners, Irina Alekseevna Merzliakova, Georg Miehe, Sabine Miehe, Daniel J. Miller, John Mock, Ulrike Müller-Böker, Saeed Ahmad Nagra, M. Jamal Nasir, Marcus Nüsser, Shekhar Pathak, Claudia Polzer, Rafiq Ahmed Rajput, Charles Ramble, Mohammad Said, Mohammad Salim, George B. Schaller, Udo Schickhoff, Uwe Schmidt, Christian G. Seeber, Nawang Tsering Shakspo, Chiranjivi Sharma, Abdul Ghani Sheikh, Harjit Singh, Joëlle Smadja, Irmtraud Stellrecht, Wu Sugong, Nejima Susuma, Martin Sökefeld, Haruko Tsuchiya, Hugh van Skyhawk, Juan José Victoria, Fei Yong, Yang Yongping. Series edited by: Irmtraud Stellrecht.
    Series Culture Area Karakorum Volume 4.I + 4.II
  • Perspectives on History and Change in the Karakorum, Hindukush, and Himalaya
    ISBN 978-3-89645-153-8
    Edited by: Irmtraud Stellrecht, Matthias Winiger. With contributions by: Muhammad Azam Chaudhary, Jürgen Clemens, Thomas Cramer, Andreas Dittmann, Christoph Dittrich, Thierry Dodin, Jürgen W. Frembgen, Rainer Graafen, Roland Hansen, Hiltrud Herbers, Thomas Hoffmann, Monika Krengel, Sabine Lentz, Antje Linkenbach, Johannes H. Löhr, Ulrike Müller-Böker, Marcus Nüsser, Joanna Pfaff-Czarnecka, Benno Pilardeaux, Andreas Rieck, Udo Schickhoff, Dietrich Schmidt-Vogt, Klaus Seeland, Irmtraud Stellrecht, Martin Sökefeld, Susanne von der Heide, Claus Peter Zoller. Series edited by: Irmtraud Stellrecht.
    Series Culture Area Karakorum Volume 3
  • The Past in the Present
    ISBN 978-3-89645-152-1
    Edited by: Irmtraud Stellrecht. With contributions by: Ruth Göhlen, Roland Hansen, Wolfgang Holzwarth, Johannes H. Löhr, Maria Marhoffer-Wolff, Andreas Rieck, Monika Schneid, Irmtraud Stellrecht, Martin Sökefeld. Series edited by: Irmtraud Stellrecht.
    Series Culture Area Karakorum Volume 2
  • Transformation of Social and Economic Relationships in Northern Pakistan
    ISBN 978-3-89645-155-2
    Edited by: Irmtraud Stellrecht, Hans-Georg Bohle. With contributions by: Hans-Georg Bohle, Christoph Dittrich, Benno Pilardeaux, Irmtraud Stellrecht, Martin Sökefeld. Series edited by: Irmtraud Stellrecht.
    Series Culture Area Karakorum Volume 5