A Story of Extraordinary Courage: The Shepherds of Ghizer, who saved hundreds of lives
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| Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif presenting awards to Ghizer’s heroic shepherds Wasiat Khan, Ansar, and Muhammad Khan at the Prime Minister House, Islamabad. |
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| Wasiat Khan – one of the brave shepherds of Ghizer who raised the flood alarm in time |
This story is about an area where there are neither good roads, nor modern technological resources, nor timely government facilities. But the presence of mind and courage of these ordinary people proved that the real heroes are those who rise first in difficult times. Muhammad Khan – among the trio of shepherds whose courage saved hundreds of lives
Incident details
Last week, a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) occurred in the village of Roshan, a suburb of Ghizer. The water came so fast in this small village nestled in the foothills of the mountains that if timely information was not given, dozens of families and hundreds of precious lives would have been swept away in its floodwaters.
At that moment, these three shepherds realized the seriousness of the situation and rushed to warn the villagers with a phone call at might night and urged them to move to safer places. The result was that when the water entered the village, the people had already moved. There was damage, but human lives were saved.The was this historic moment to them when they reached to village after reused by Pak-Army Helicopter .
Prime Minister's tribute
When this news reached Islamabad, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif personally invited these shepherds to the Prime Minister's House. In a simple but historic meeting, the Prime Minister gave a cash reward of Rs 2.5 million each to the three and declared them "heroes of Nation".
“Thanks to your courage and timely decision, hundreds of lives have been saved. You are a source of pride not only for Gilgit-Baltistan but for the whole of Pakistan.”
Furthermore, he expressed his resolve that the government would take steps to improve the early warning system in the entire northern Pakistan, including Gilgit-Baltistan, so that timely information is available in the event of any future natural disaster.
Government initiatives
Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar was also present at the meeting. He not only appreciated the courage of the shepherds but also reiterated the government's promise to establish an integrated system for climate hazards at the local level.
The Ministry of Climate Change is already working on projects through which timely information can be reached in remote hilly settlements. On this occasion, the Prime Minister said:
“Our government will ensure that no precious lives are lost due to any delay or deficiency.”
The Shepherds’ Stand
When presented with heaps of awards and accolades, the three shepherds humbly said that it was all God’s guidance. They said they had only done what a human being should do for another human being. According to them, the real point of gratitude is that God made them the means to save hundreds of lives.
Lesson and Message
- Local knowledge and experience are the most valuable. These shepherds understood the nature of the mountains and glacial lakes, which is why they sensed the danger in time.
- Heroes are not always in big cities or government institutions. Sometimes the greatest feats are accomplished by those who remain in the background.
- Climate change is a real threat. There are dozens of lakes in Gilgit-Baltistan that could burst at any time. This incident has sounded the alarm bells for both the government and the people.
- The poor and ordinary often make the biggest sacrifices. These shepherds had no modern facilities or resources. But their courage left everyone behind.
A moment of national pride
This story has given a new spirit to the entire country. From TV channels to social media, these three shepherds are being saluted. Students in schools and universities are holding them up as examples that real heroes are those who stand up for others in difficult times.
This incident also reminds us that in a country like Pakistan, where bureaucratic slowness, ineffective NGOs and lack of infrastructure often exacerbate disasters, the eyes and ears of the local people are the most effective warning system.
unforgettable lesson
This story of the shepherds of Ghazr is an unforgettable lesson. It is a living example that humanity, sacrifice and a present mind are the greatest assets.
These ordinary people living in mountains thousands of feet high have become extraordinary heroes for Pakistan today. Their courage and sense of duty will remind future generations that true greatness is what is spent saving the lives of others.
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| Wasiat Khan – one of the brave shepherds of Ghizer who raised the flood alarm in time |