Cold, glacier-fed waters in Gilgit-Baltistan provide ideal environment for trout breeding

Aamir Latif

GILGIT, Pakistan

British colonial officers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries introduced trout to the Himalayan region

Climate change-induced flash floods have been destroying spawning habitats of trout

Pakistan’s northern Gilgit-Baltistan region, famed for its towering peaks, vast glaciers and pristine lakes, is facing a sharp decline in its prized trout population as climate change, habitat loss and overfishing threaten the species.

Its icy, glacier-fed waters provide an ideal environment for breeding of trout, one of Pakistan’s most prized freshwater fish.

In recent years, however, trout population has drastically reduced due to a slew of climate and human-induced factors, which include habitat fragmentation, pollution, construction of hydropower projects, and on top of all overfishing.

According to experts and officials, the trout population has been slashed by 50% over the past two decades.

“Climate change-induced flash floods have been destroying spawning habitats of trout in most streams and tributaries by changing sediments and gravel size,” said Farasat Ali, an official of Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) Pakistan.

Speaking to Anadolu, he said the local rivers and streams are still in good condition but overfishing via dynamite, net and electricity shock are posing serious challenges to trout populations.

Hydropower stations, he added, pose another major challenge to trout migration and life cycles, as most projects in Gilgit-Baltistan were designed without fish ladders or bypass systems to allow fish movement.

Trout, he noted, naturally move upstream for breeding, and without such provisions, entire populations of offspring could be lost in the same habitat.

Inayat Ali, an assistant director at Gilgit-Baltistan’s Fisheries Department, said dramatic climate change, particularly regular floods since 2010 and glacial lake outbursts floods (GLOF), have badly impacted trout population in the region.

“Trout requires fresh and clean water with good amounts of oxygen to survive and grow. While, floods and landslides bring mud and rocks, which spoil the water quality and subsequently destroy the trout’s breeding grounds,” Ali told Anadolu.

Improved road infrastructure adds to overfishing

Not only the number, but the size of the fish has also reduced over the passage of time, reflecting the adverse impacts of overfishing.

“It’s rare to catch a trout above 1 kilogram weight nowadays. They are mostly between 500 and 600 grams. Until a decade ago, 2 kg or above single catch was normal,” Ali said.

Although there have been no official surveys or statistics about trout population, conservative estimates suggest a 50% decline in the fish number over the past two decades, Ali added.

The figure was also endorsed by Khadim Hussain, a local environment protection agency official.

Hussain cited an improved road and transport infrastructure as a key factor behind overfishing and commercial catching.

“Road infrastructure has been significantly improved across Gilgit-Baltistan in recent years, providing access to even far-flung areas, where lakes and streams are full of trout. It has given a boost to commercial catching,” he told Anadolu.

The colonial connection

Trout is not an endemic species to Gilgit-Baltistan.

It is an exotic species which has killed most of the region’s native fish species in many rivers and streams.

British colonial officers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries introduced trout to the region.

Gilgit-Baltistan is home to two kinds of trout – brown trout and rainbow trout, with the former in abundance.

The picturesque Ghizer district is known as a hub of trout.

Fishing is banned from October to March – a six-month breeding period for trout — although the ban is often violated.

Obtaining a licence for trout hunting is mandatory, according to the regional government’s law.

The fisheries department issues 5,000 to 6,000 seasonal and daily fishing licenses yearly compared to 1,000 to 1,500 until a decade ago.

Booming trout farming industry

An increasing demand for the species has led to a booming trout farming industry across the region.

“On the one hand, trout numbers are decreasing in the rivers and lakes, while on the other, its farming is on the rise in the entire region,” Ali said.

Within the past three to four years, the number of trout farms across the region has soared to over 450 compared to hardly over 100, which supply around 600 tons of trout yearly across Pakistan.

Since 2013, the fisheries department has been providing guidance and financial assistance for trout farming, which has become a “lucrative business” opening up new employment opportunities across the region.

Maaz Alam, who set up a trout farm in Ghizer district in 2017, is currently supplying 10 tons of fish yearly to Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar and other cities amid an increasing demand and profits.

“The demand for trout is gradually increasing not only domestically (Gilgit-Baltistan) but across Pakistan as well,” Alam told Anadolu, adding that there is an 80% to 100% return in trout farming.

A bulk of the trout production is consumed domestically, following a surge in local tourism.

“No tourist returns from here without tasting a trout, which has become a hallmark of Gilgit-Baltistan.”

The region, according to Alam, has a potential to export trout to the regional nations, particularly the Middle East, but it requires proper marketing and high-quality packaging.

“That we cannot do without the government or a third-party support,” he said.

Trophy hunting programs

Farasat, the WWF official, called for community based fish conservation and management like trophy hunting programs, to boost the dwindling trout population.

A sustainable trophy hunting program and greater community involvement have already helped Pakistan maintain a years-long trend of an increase in the population of its national animal, the markhor.

The Gilgit-Baltistan government, last year, auctioned permits to hunt endangered markhor for a record $370,000, one of the highest permits in the world to kill an animal.

The government uses the money to support local communities with initiatives such as building schools, mosques, health centers and even providing scholarships to students.

About 80% of the amount generated through the hunting license program, launched in early 2000, is spent on local communities, while the remainder goes to the national exchequer.

“This formula will boost not only fish population as well as wetlands conservation of specific areas,” Farasat said.

Read: Haleji Lake faces ecological crisis

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Aamir Latif is a Karachi-based senior journalist. He represents Anadolu, a Turkish news agency.

Courtesy: Anadolu Agency

The post Trout under pressure from man and nature first appeared on Sindh Courier.

• The provincial government should immediately review Education City’s activities, halt the destruction of fertile lands, and renew the leases of the indigenous people who have guarded this land for centuries.

Farooq Sargani

​The price of so-called “development” may soon claim hundreds of species of trees and wildlife. Some are rare endemics found only in the Malir region, taking decades to reach maturity. Furthermore, during the monsoon season, the rivers that once carried fresh water are being choked by pollution from encroaching housing schemes and institutional complexes. Eventually, these lifelines will be reduced to sewage drains (nullahs). Today, locals still sit on the riverbanks to graze their livestock and enjoy the sounds of nature; however, in the near future, the Sukhan and Malir seasonal rivers risk becoming flowing graveyards. The morning chorus of birds will be silenced, and the peaceful solitude of the night will vanish like a fading scent in the air.

​This project has sparked deep resentment among indigenous communities whose ancestral farmlands have been cleared. Residents of Deh Chuhar recall a time when the region was a lush, fertile haven for mangoes, sitaphal, falsa, guavas, chiku, eggplants, and gourds. Even now, local men and women continue to toil in these fields, proving the soil’s enduring vitality. Yet, under the guise of progress, this green belt is being sacrificed for concrete structures.

​The Genesis of Education City

​The provincial government’s push for “Education City” gained formal momentum in 2001 through a provincial cabinet decision, though the vision dates back to 2000. While land was steadily allotted to various institutions, a comprehensive master plan remained unfinished for years. In 2006, the Sindh cabinet officially designated Deh Chuhar for the project. As urban property rates skyrocketed, reputable national and international institutes sought land within the proposed city. By 2021, construction was in full swing.

​Today, over 50 educational and health institutions are slated for Deh Chuhar. While the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) projects a 2050 completion date, critics argue the report overlooks several devastating social and ecological consequences.

​The Critique of “Development”

​“The development of Education City serves only the elite; ordinary people cannot afford these fees,” argues local environmental activist Hafeez Baloch. “Capitalists are building these institutes for commercial gain, not for the community.”

​Baloch emphasizes that the land seized for the project is prime agricultural soil—”more valuable than gold.” He laments that the provincial government has encouraged investors to ruin this heritage, creating a concrete jungle while displacing indigenous families without a plan for resettlement or compensation.

​Amar Gul, a poet and translator, echoes this heartbreak. “I once wrote poetry about the lush greenery of Malir with a delighted heart; now, I write about its destruction,” he says. For the native population, the economy is inextricably linked to the earth. Many are neither mentally nor physically prepared for a transition from cultivation to urban labor. Furthermore, the displacement threatens the traditional independence of local women, who hold a deep, working connection to the land—a system that currently bolsters Karachi’s food security.

​

Akram Jokhio’s Resistance

​In the cool November winds of Malir, the contrast between the old world and the new is stark. Near the Dumlottee Wells—historic British-era structures intended to supplement the city’s water—the landscape is changing.

​Akram Jokhio is a man who refused to let his ancestral heritage disappear quietly. When the local administration arrived with bulldozers to demolish his huts and fields, claiming his 1992 lease had expired in 2023, Akram stood his ground. Armed with British-era documents and the power of a viral social media video, he managed to save one-third of his land. However, ten acres were still confiscated for the Education City office.

​When asked about his loss, Akram laughs bitterly. “If a person becomes upset when a donkey dies, how should I feel losing ten acres? They didn’t give me a single penny. They build high-rises while we are pushed out of our small homes.”

​Ecological and Historical Erosion

​The region’s biodiversity is staggering. Photographer Salman Baloch notes that the area is home to 70 butterfly species, 193 bird species, 12 species of snakes, and 15 mammal species. Residents like Muhammad Murad Baloch report seeing wild animals wandering near the newly acquired Aga Khan University sites at night. As their habitats are fenced off, these species face displacement or extinction.

​Beyond biology, the project threatens history. The region contains five archaeological sites and sits on the path of the legendary heroine Sassui. Historians Gul Hassan Kalmati and researchers from the University of Karachi have traced Sassui’s route across the Sukhan River—a vital medieval trade link between Sindh and Balochistan. The construction also threatens two historical carved graveyards, erasing physical links to the past.

​A Stolen Generation

​The youth of Deh Chuhar and Dharsano Chhano face a future as a “stolen generation.” Within decades, their cultural norms will be subsumed by mega-technology zones and housing schemes. Ironically, local students—often limited to matriculation or intermediate education—will likely be ineligible for the high-level jobs these international institutes provide.

​Their language, ancient graveyards, and traditional celebrations are being replaced by a sense of alienation. Twenty-nine villages face destruction as land grabbers and developers encroach further. Despite the involvement of local political figures in these provincial decisions, many residents still hold onto the fading hope that their representatives will intervene.

​To save Karachi’s green belt and ensure future food security, a collective effort is required. Civil society, environmental activists, and progressive political parties must organize alongside local communities. The provincial government should immediately review Education City’s activities, halt the destruction of fertile lands, and renew the leases of the indigenous people who have guarded this land for centuries.

Read: Port Qasim Occupies More Islands, Creeks

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The author is freelance writer. He has graduated from Karachi University

The post Malir: Farmlands, Heritage at risk first appeared on Sindh Courier.

• The metropolis currently has only 1,000 trained firefighters compared to required number of at least 15,000

Aamir Latif

Karachi, Sindh

Piles of burned carpets, bags, crockery and other goods lay around smoke-blackened building of Gul Plaza on M.A Jinnah road, a busy commercial artery in historical business district of Pakistan’s commercial capital Karachi.

Rescue workers backed by excavators and locators continued digging through charred debris on the sixth day on Thursday in search for dozens of people who have gone missing after a massive fire ripped through the three-story building last week.

Hundreds of desperate shopkeepers and family members of the missing people stood meters away the charred building awaiting for a miracle, although rescuers see “very slim” chances of any survivors inside the badly burned structure.

The fire – deadliest in more than a decade – broke out on late Saturday night at the three-story building that houses about 1,200 shops, not only killed at least 60 people, but also raised questions about urban governance, particularly fire safety and rescue capacity.

Rescuers have so far pulled out bodies or remains of at least 60 people, fearing a rise in death toll as dozens are still missing.

“It was a doomsday scene as hundreds of people jostled to exit the building, while yelling and screaming,” Mohammad Faisal, one of the survivors told Anadolu.

Dozens of them, however, could not manage to exit and were trapped on the upper floors as giant plumes of fire and thick smoke engulfed the building within minutes.

Javed Nabi Khoso, deputy commissioner of Karachi’s southern district, told Anadolu that the search operation will continue till the recovery of last survivor or body.

Poor safety standards, rescue capacity

Karachi is no new to fires and other urban disasters, mainly because of lax regulations and non-implementation of safety standards.

Last year, some 1,700 fire incidents, mostly at small-scale, were recorded across Karachi- home to 20 million people, according to official statistics.

The latest fire, the deadliest after 2012 factory fire in Karachi that killed 289 people, has raised questions about governance, poor urban planning, and lack of fire safety measures, pushing the ruling Pakistan People’s Party ( PPP) on the back foot.

The center-left PPP – also a coalition partner in the central government – has been ruling the southern Sindh province, of which Karachi is the capital, for the last 18 years.

Shopkeepers accused the authorities of not launching a timely rescue and firefighting operation, which could have saved several lives and contained the fire.

The provincial government and Karachi’s mayor Murtaza Wahab, however, denied the charge but they acknowledged the lack of safety standards in the metropolis.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has given a three-day ultimatum to the government and private offices and high-rise buildings to implement the fire safety standards.

Analysts, however, see the task “unachievable” saying the issue demands a “serious” policy review.

“The city has become ungovernable due to decades of bad governance, unplanned urbanization, absence of a proper firefighting system and non-implementation of safety standards by builders,” said Mazhar Abbas, a Karachi-based political analyst.

According to Kazim Ali, Karachi’s former chief fire safety officer, the metropolis currently has only 1,000 trained firefighters compared to required number of at least 15,000.

Read: Karachi’s clock towers await to tick again

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Aamir Latif is a Karachi-based senior journalist. He represents Anadolu, a Turkish news agency.

Courtesy: Anadolu Agency (Posted on 22. 01.2026)

The post Karachi Mall Fire Exposes Safety Gaps first appeared on Sindh Courier.

• Infrastructure deficits are widespread: many libraries operate in outdated or inadequate spaces with poor lighting, seating, and ventilation.
• Collections are often outdated, with limited access to contemporary books, journals, or digital content.
• The digital divide is stark; only a small number of libraries have computers, internet, or e-books, leaving students in many districts without essential tools for research and learning.  Staffing is another concern.
• Many libraries lack trained librarians who can manage collections, guide students, and provide support for digital research

Ali Nawaz Rahimoo

Libraries have always been more than mere buildings filled with books. They are repositories of knowledge, incubators of creativity, and platforms that nurture curiosity, learning, and personal growth. Throughout history, libraries have played a critical role in human civilization. The earliest known libraries existed in ancient Mesopotamia around 2600 BCE, where clay tablets were stored, catalogued, and preserved. The Library of Alexandria, founded in the 3rd century BCE in Egypt, became legendary as a symbol of organized knowledge and intellectual ambition. However, the first public lending library in the modern sense was established much later, in Norwich, England, in 1608, making knowledge accessible to the general population. Today, the United States holds the distinction of having the highest number of libraries in the world, with more than 116,000 across public, academic, school, and special categories, highlighting the essential role libraries play in education, research, and community life.

Pakistan, a country of over 240 million people, recognizes the importance of libraries as tools for learning, research, and personal development. While the country has several libraries at the national, provincial, and district levels, the distribution, infrastructure, and digital accessibility remain uneven. Major cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad house some well-equipped institutions, yet most districts lack fully functional libraries. Even in cities with libraries, access to digital resources, internet, and e-books is limited, restricting opportunities for youth to engage fully with modern learning tools.  Libraries are far more than physical spaces housing books. They are centers of learning, innovation, and social interaction. In Pakistan, libraries serve multiple purposes beyond the simple lending of books. They provide students and researchers with critical resources, offer quiet and safe spaces for study, and increasingly serve as hubs for digital literacy and technology training. With the world rapidly moving toward a knowledge economy, access to reliable information and digital tools has become indispensable, particularly for young people. Libraries also foster community engagement. Storytelling sessions, reading clubs, workshops, and cultural events encourage participation, build social cohesion, and cultivate a habit of lifelong learning. They provide a venue where creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration can flourish. In rural and underdeveloped regions, where educational resources may be scarce, libraries often serve as the primary gateway to knowledge, bridging gaps between communities and modern educational opportunities. Pakistan’s library network reflects both the country’s potential and its challenges. Major urban areas tend to have better-equipped institutions, while rural districts are often underserved. A provincial overview highlights the disparities.  In Punjab, approximately 1,200 libraries exist, including notable institutions like the Punjab Public Library and the Quaid-e-Azam Library in Lahore. While urban libraries offer some digital resources, many district-level libraries lack computers, internet connectivity, and updated collections. Initiatives such as youth reading clubs, digital literacy workshops, and research competitions are required to maximize their potential impact.

Sindh houses around 900 libraries, with prominent centers such as Liaquat Memorial Library in Karachi and Sindh Provincial Library in Hyderabad. Digital access is largely confined to urban centers, leaving rural areas disconnected. Upgrading libraries with computers, internet access, and e-books could significantly enhance learning opportunities for students and young researchers. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), roughly 450 libraries exist, including the Peshawar Public Library and university libraries. Most district libraries lack computers, online databases, and digital resources. Implementing youth programs, including coding clubs, library workshops, and storytelling initiatives, could help engage students while providing essential skills for the modern world. Balochistan, with around 200 libraries, faces serious challenges. Very few libraries have digital resources, and most districts have no internet access. Innovative solutions such as mobile library vans, online learning modules, and community-based literacy campaigns could help mitigate these deficits.  The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) hosts about 50 libraries, including the National Library of Pakistan. While digital resources are available, access is often restricted to researchers and students. Expanding public access and establishing district-level digital hubs could allow broader participation and encourage youth engagement. Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) has approximately 60 libraries, most with minimal digital facilities. Strengthening community reading programs, providing e-books, and offering digital literacy training would improve access for students and young learners. Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) has about 40 libraries with very limited infrastructure. Establishing internet-enabled centers, updating collections, and offering structured programs could enhance literacy, research, and youth development in this remote region.

Despite their importance, libraries in Pakistan face a range of challenges that limit their impact. Infrastructure deficits are widespread: many libraries operate in outdated or inadequate spaces with poor lighting, seating, and ventilation. Collections are often outdated, with limited access to contemporary books, journals, or digital content. The digital divide is stark; only a small number of libraries have computers, internet, or e-books, leaving students in many districts without essential tools for research and learning.  Staffing is another concern. Many libraries lack trained librarians who can manage collections, guide students, and provide support for digital research. Community engagement is limited as well, with libraries often underutilized due to a lack of programs, awareness, and youth-focused activities.

For young people, libraries are gateways to knowledge, creativity, and opportunity. Access to books, journals, and digital resources fosters critical thinking, enhances academic performance, and cultivates a habit of lifelong learning. Libraries provide safe and inclusive spaces where students can collaborate, conduct research, and engage in skill-building activities. In rural areas, libraries often represent the only opportunity for youth to access information, digital learning platforms, and online courses. Without such access, young Pakistanis risk falling behind in a rapidly evolving global knowledge economy. Libraries can equip them with research skills, digital literacy, and the ability to innovate, while instilling curiosity and empowering them to pursue academic and professional aspirations.  Despite technological advancements, Pakistan has yet to implement district-level digital library facilities comprehensively. Several factors contribute to this gap limited budget allocation for education and ICT infrastructure, poor internet and electricity access in rural districts, and policy gaps that have not mandated universal digital library coverage. Additionally, there is a shortage of trained staff capable of managing digital systems and online resources, and a traditional focus on textbooks over ICT-enabled learning continues to dominate many regions.  The establishment of digital libraries at district and community levels could transform education and learning for youth. Computers, internet access, and e-resources would allow students to participate in online courses, access global journals, and gain exposure to knowledge and skills critical for the modern workforce. Digital literacy programs could also help bridge the educational divide between urban and rural communities.  Strengthening libraries in Pakistan requires a multifaceted approach. Investments in infrastructure are essential, including upgrading physical spaces, providing modern furniture, and ensuring proper lighting and ventilation. Expanding digital access through computers, internet, and e-books in district libraries is critical. Youth engagement programs are vital to maximize the utility of libraries. Reading clubs, coding workshops, research competitions, and mentorship initiatives can transform libraries into vibrant hubs of learning. Hiring and training professional librarians capable of managing both traditional and digital resources will ensure the sustainability and efficiency of these institutions. Community outreach and awareness campaigns are equally important to encourage library use, particularly in rural areas. Finally, a national strategy for district-level digital libraries, with consistent funding, monitoring, and policy support, can create a robust and equitable library system across Pakistan.

Libraries are more than just buildings with books they are pillars of education, innovation, and social development. In Pakistan, they have the potential to bridge educational gaps, empower youth, and prepare citizens for the challenges of the 21st century.  However, without investment, policy support, and digital integration, much of this potential remains untapped. Every district in Pakistan should have at least one modern library equipped with digital resources, trained staff, and youth-oriented programs. Such institutions can transform lives, cultivate skills, and ensure that knowledge is accessible to all. By investing in libraries, Pakistan invests in its youth, its future, and its ability to thrive in a global knowledge economy. Knowledge is a bridge to opportunity, and libraries are the gateways that make that bridge possible. Strengthening them is not just a policy choice it is a national imperative.

Read: Pakistan: Plastic Waste Management Crisis

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Ali Nawaz Rahimoo, based in Umerkot, Sindh is a social development professional. He can be contacted on anrahimoo@gmail.com 

The post Pakistan Faces a Dearth of Libraries first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Farooq Sargani

Port Qasim Authority (PQA) is gradually capturing more islands and creeks, displacing small fishermen’s huts and eroding their historic routes to the deep sea. Dense mangrove forests are being cleared, a trend that has become disturbingly common.

I learnt this during a recent visit near the Indus Delta, where I spoke with fishermen, and boatmen who live in the region’s challenging conditions. Despite adversity, these communities preserve the long-standing traditional culture of Sindh.

The creeks and islands are not empty spaces to be exploited; each creek has a name and a history spanning centuries. For example, Dhol Channel is believed to have earned its name from the drumming sounds (dhol) heard by locals during nocturnal journeys. The people who lived here relied on fishing for their livelihoods, and their villages were situated on these very islands.

During my visit, I also spoke with Khuda Dino Shah, a notable of fisherman, and president of the Sindh Indigenous Rights Alliance, at Razakabad, Malir. He recalled past celebrations and gatherings that brought fishermen and boatmen together because the season’s earnings allowed for vibrant community events. But that beautiful past has vanished.

“A drastic future has emerged, marked by the displacement of approximately 31 villages by the Port Qasim Authority,” Shah lamented the promises made by the government —housing and basic necessities—but found the reality stark: there was no pure drinking water, and factories were erected on ancestral lands. He added that indigenous people were offered only second- or third-class jobs.

After speaking with Khuda Dino and Comrade Hafeez Baloch, it became clear to me that the area where Port Qasim is now situated is known as Kuttay Darh. Indigenous researcher and historian Gul Hassan Kalmatti notes in his book Coastal Islands: Charna to Jaki of Sindh that locals refer to the area as Kuttay Darh. Two twin sandy hills once stood along the old Karachi–Gharo road, near where a water tank named Kuttay Darh Bhit was situated before the steel mills’ main entrance toward Gharo.

I also spoke with Younis Khaskhaili, a fisherman who possesses deep knowledge of the coastal belt and the Indus delta’s creeks. He estimates there are around 300 islands in the delta, and claims that PQA has annexed more than 100 of them. Khaskhaili denounces PQA’s policies for disregarding indigenous wisdom and knowledge, which has contributed to widespread destruction across creeks. He notes the decline of rear species such as Suoo and Balaster due to illegal dredging by PQA, and he highlights damage to dense mangrove forests. He explains that soil dredged from between creeks is dumped near islands rather than into the deeper sea, contributing to the mangroves’ death within just a couple of months. Mangroves, which support wildlife and species like Jheenga fish (Prawn) and play a crucial role in cyclone protection, are being cleared in ways that favor capitalist interests.

As PQA’s activities expand, Phitti Creek, Chan Creek, and the small islands they encompass are being affected by what is framed as development. Indigenous people and their historical routes are disappearing, and environmental crises are mounting. The region faces threats to various species that rely on the marine environment, raising urgent questions about the future of this coastline.

In summary, Port Qasim’s ongoing dredging, island annexations, and industrial expansion are displacing indigenous communities, erasing centuries-old cultural and economic practices, and degrading crucial ecosystems. The result is not just a loss of homes and livelihoods, but an environmental crisis that endangers the region’s biodiversity, resilience, and cultural heritage.

Read: The Hidden Crisis of Jhimpir

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The author is freelance writer. He has graduated from Karachi University

The post Port Qasim Occupies More Islands, Creeks first appeared on Sindh Courier.

• Fishermen celebrate biggest fish and prawn catches in a decade
• Experts warn the reprieve is only ‘temporary’ without urgent water management reforms

Aamir Latif 

Thatta, Sindh 

Pakistan’s monsoon season left a trail of destruction across the country this year – killing more than 1,000 people, sweeping away livestock and crops, and forcing around 3 million from their homes. Entire areas in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were submerged as rivers burst their banks and towns disappeared under floodwater.

Yet amid the widespread destruction, the southern coast witnessed a rare resurgence. The once-dying Indus Delta has sprung back to life, as floodwaters revived fisheries, nourished farmland and restored ecosystems that had been shrinking for decades.

“After a decade, the Indus Delta has released so much water into the sea,” said Iqbal Hyder, a community leader and social worker in the coastal belt. “It has benefited both fishing and agrarian communities in a way we haven’t seen in years.”

Fishermen, in particular, have been celebrating a season they had almost given up hoping for.

“It’s the first time in 15 years I’ve seen fishermen smiling because of such massive catches of fish and prawn,” Hyder told Anadolu.

Thrill was especially high over the returning “palla,” a prized species that swims upriver from the Arabian Sea to breed. Once so abundant that fishermen gave them away to locals for free, the fish had become rare as water levels in the Indus River and Delta dwindled.

The coastal rice crop also flourished this year – another unusual gain.

“Usually, we would not have enough water for the rice crop during its sowing season,” Hyder said. “It’s been so many years since farmers not only have enough rice for themselves, but also to sell.”

Saeed Ahmad Sethar, senior vice president of the Sindh Chamber of Agriculture, told Anadolu that the water influx is also rejuvenating dying mangroves and slowing relentless sea intrusion that has swallowed thousands of fertile acres and displaced coastal settlements in recent years.

Biodiversity revival

Covering 6,000 square kilometers (2,316 square miles), the Indus Delta is among the world’s 40 most biologically rich ecoregions, home to mangrove forests, wetland habitats and marine nurseries.

“The Indus Delta is a unique and important part of Pakistan’s ecosystem. It supports a rich variety of life, helps protect the coastline, and provides essential resources like fish and water purification,” Karachi-based ecologist Rafiul Haq told Anadolu.

He warned that reduced river flow, climate change, and human activity have severely undermined its ecological functions.

But this year’s floods briefly reversed that trend. Freshwater pushed back encroaching seawater, revived aquatic species and helped restore wetlands and mangrove forests – all vital for maintaining biodiversity, stabilizing the coast and storing carbon.

The delta, he added, is essential for the marine food chain. Many species of fish, crabs and shrimp are born in the delta’s calm waters before moving into the open sea.

The floodwaters have also recharged depleted groundwater reserves, Haq said.

Temporary reprieve

Agricultural experts caution that the relief is fleeting.

“This one-time reprieve will certainly not suffice to reverse a phenomenon that has been eroding the local lands for at least three decades due to water shortages,” Sethar said. “But it will still provide a temporary sigh of relief to the Indus Delta and its ecosystem.”

He said agriculture has been unable to maximize the benefits of the water abundance because of outdated irrigation methods and poor distribution systems.

“Nature is giving us chances time and again to improve ourselves. If we adopt modern water management and proper distribution practices – ensuring minimum level of continuous freshwater supply to sea, we do not have to rely on floods to fill the delta and stop erosion,” he said.

Another challenge, he added, lies in managing floods to minimize damage.

Haq agreed that the benefits will fade unless freshwater inflows are regular.

“These benefits could be long-lasting as long as the floods continue to occur periodically,” he said. “However, if their frequency decreases, the benefits might be temporary, and the ecosystem might degrade again over time, particularly in regions where groundwater salinity is an issue.”

Damming and irrigation

Environmentalists warn that decades of upstream diversion – through dams and an extensive canal network – have starved the delta of the water it needs to survive.

“The upstream diversion that continued for over a century has led to an ecological disaster in the Indus Delta,” Islamabad-based water expert Naseer Memon told Anadolu.

He noted that the delta’s active area shrank from 13,900 square kilometers in 1833 to just 1,067 square kilometers today – a staggering 92% reduction. Seventeen active creeks have dwindled to only two.

Memon warned that new upstream canals planned for corporate farming would further suffocate the delta.

For a long-term solution, he said Pakistan must uphold the minimum water flow to the sea outlined in the 1991 Water Accord.

“The Indus Delta’s restoration is a national obligation,” he said. “An embargo on new upstream diversions is desperately needed for this national asset to survive.”

Read: Karachi’s clock towers await to tick again

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Aamir Latif is a Karachi-based senior journalist. He represents Anadolu, a Turkish news agency.

Courtesy: Anadolu Agency (Posted on 04.12.2025)

The post Floods give new life to Indus Delta first appeared on Sindh Courier.

• Authorities have so far documented 15 clock towers across the city, most built between 1882 and 1931

Aamir Latif 

KARACHI, Sindh

Pakistan’s largest metropolis, Karachi, is often portrayed in headlines as chaotic and overwhelmed by modern sprawl.

But scattered among the skyscrapers, traffic-choked roads, and dense informal settlements stand reminders of a different city – a port once celebrated for its order, elegance, and architecture.

Among the most striking relics are Karachi’s historic clock towers – orange and rose-pink structures from the late 19th and early 20th centuries – that once guided the city’s rhythms.

Today, many are crumbling, forgotten, or overtaken by encroachments, leaving historians and conservationists worried that a rare chapter of the city’s past may soon disappear.

In the heart of downtown Saddar, squeezed between Chinese dental clinics and corner grocery shops, stands the 19th-century clock tower of the Eduljee Dinshaw Charitable Dispensary – now a Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) facility.

The Victorian-era structure, built in 1882, is still in use as a dispensary, but its once-white wooden windows are now blackened by exhaust. The clock mounted above its entrance has no hands – frozen for decades. On a recent morning, pigeons perched wearily on its weathered stonework as health workers inside carried out free dengue tests.

At the back, emergency staircases crumble, paint long stripped away. Rusting spiral steps toward the tower’s top recall a time when caretakers wound the clock every day.

A few kilometers away, the Lea Market clock tower – once a favorite public gathering place – sits in even worse condition.

A makeshift vegetable market sprawls through the building, while dozens of auto rickshaws treat the entrance as a permanent and illegal terminal.

Wooden shutters are broken or gone entirely, while the rusted clock hands have sat stuck at 11:45 – morning or night, no one remembers.

“This was a favorite gathering place for everyone in the area, both young and old, until the 1980s,” said Mukhtar Baloch, a 70-year-old retired teacher.

“I still remember the days when this place was a hub for political and social discussions and public meetings. But over time, it’s lost its glory, just like many of our other heritage sites.”

‘Forgotten city’s heartbeat’

Karachi-based heritage researcher Shaheen Nauman said that around 11 clock towers were documented across the city until 2019, most built between 1882 and 1931.

Recent surveys uncovered four more in the southern districts, bringing the known total to 15, including Merewether Tower (1884), Holy Trinity Cathedral (1885), Empress Market (1889), Poonabai Mamaiya (1889), Sydenham Passenger Pavilion (1913), Lakshmi Building (1924) and Lea Market (1927).

Of these, only three still function, Nauman said, and the rest are waiting for official attention.

“These towers were built between the late 19th century and early 20th century, when watches were a luxury that very few could afford,” she explained.

That made clock towers essential civic tools: “They were placed in busy streets and public spaces, ensuring that the sound of their chimes could be heard far and wide.”

Urgent preservation needed

There are glimmers of hope. At Empress Market – a centerpiece of colonial-era Karachi – the clock tower has come back to life thanks to the passion of local artist and technician Bilal Asif.

Once buried beneath hundreds of illegal vendor kiosks, the market regained its historic facade after a sweeping anti-encroachment drive in 2018. But its iconic clock remained broken until Asif stepped in.

“It was a huge challenge to bring back to life a clock that had stopped decades ago,” he told Anadolu.

“But I accepted the challenge and made it tick again. It took weeks of hard work, but I’m glad we managed to successfully restore it.”

Today, this is the only hybrid-powered tower clock in Karachi. From the others that still function, the one at the KMC head office requires weekly winding, whereas the Merewether Tower clocks are solar powered.

Despite occasional restoration efforts, experts fear the broader picture is bleak.

Architect and heritage advocate Marvi Mazhar called for structured intervention.

“These clocks must be declared heritage property. There should be ⁠monthly checks and the notes must be logged, so that there can be accountability and inquiries, if needed,” she said.

Nauman agreed that if one tower can be revived, others can too.

“These forgotten clock towers were once the heartbeat of the city. They symbolize time itself, and its deep significance in human life,” she said.

“When the clock at Merewether Tower or the KMC building chimes, its sound takes us back a hundred years – to a time when it was the only guide for setting the rhythm of daily life.”

Read: Karachi’s old buildings become ‘ticking bombs’

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Aamir Latif is a Karachi-based senior journalist. He represents Anadolu, a Turkish news agency.

Courtesy: Anadolu Agency (Posted on 01.12.2025)

The post Karachi’s clock towers await to tick again first appeared on Sindh Courier.

• Decades of neglect and short-term interventions have left one of Pakistan’s most marginalized regions exposed to a preventable catastrophe.

Ali Nawaz Rahimoo

Water the most essential ingredient of life is under severe strain in Tharparkar. The arid district, already crippled by chronic scarcity, now faces a deadlier challenge contamination of its limited groundwater sources. This deepening crisis is endangering public health, livelihoods, and the fragile desert ecosystem that sustains more than 1.6 million people.

Receiving an average annual rainfall of just 100–300 mm, Tharparkar depends almost entirely on underground water   a resource that has now become both scarce and unsafe.

A dry land of dependence

Spread over nearly 20,000 square kilometers, Tharparkar’s landscape is mostly desert barren, vast, and devoid of any perennial river or canal system. For centuries, communities have relied on wells and aquifers. But multiple scientific studies now show that much of this groundwater is dangerously contaminated.

A study by Mehran University of Engineering and Technology found excess fluoride in eight of nine test sites and arsenic levels exceeding safe limits at several others. Traces of lead, mercury, and selenium all above World Health Organization (WHO) standards were also detected.

Fluoride concentrations in some areas were recorded as high as 49 mg/L, compared to the WHO limit of 1.0 mg/L. Arsenic levels were found far above the permissible limit of 0.01 mg/L. Such exposure can cause dental and skeletal fluorosis, kidney failure, and irreversible bone deformities, especially among children.

Earlier, a joint study in 2010 by the Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS), the Pakistan Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR), and local NGO AWARE (Association for Water, Applied Education & Renewable Energy) found over 80 per cent of groundwater in Thar unfit for human consumption. AWARE’s detailed analysis of underground water (2003–2008) showed that more than half of Thar’s population used water with total dissolved solids (TDS) exceeding 5,000 mg/L, with one village in Naroowari reporting a shocking 20,000 mg/L far above the WHO limit of 1,500 mg/L.

Broken promises of clean water

To address the crisis, the Sindh Public Health Engineering Department and other programs have installed thousands of reverse osmosis (RO) and ultrafiltration (UF) plants across Sindh, with Tharparkar hosting the largest number. Yet, official reports and independent monitoring reveal a grim reality: only about 101 RO plants are functional, while hundreds remain out of order due to poor maintenance, lack of spare parts, and irregular power supply. For most households, this failure means that daily life remains unchanged. Women and children still walk long distances to fetch water from deep wells, often waiting hours as the water level recedes. Many continue to drink untreated, contaminated water because nearby filtration units are broken or abandoned.

The human cost of neglect

In the village of Vohari, Soni, a mother of three, shares her daily struggle:

“We drink from the same well our animals use. My children often suffer from stomach illness, and I have constant pain in my joints.”

Her story echoes across Thar, where groundwater once a lifeline has become a slow poison. Health workers confirm that fluorosis, once rare, is now common across many union councils. Cases of kidney and skin diseases are on the rise.

Another resident, Marvi, Village Khayari from a village 20 km from Chachro, said:

“We still walk more than 30 minutes to collect water from the only dug well. When the water level drops, we wait three or four hours for it to refill. We have been nomads for centuries nothing has changed.”

Beyond nature: human fingerprints

While Thar’s geology naturally contains high fluoride, experts warn that the presence of arsenic, mercury, and lead suggests an added human dimension. Environmentalists point to coal-mining operations, industrial waste, and poor disposal practices as possible contributors to the pollution of aquifers.

With the expansion of the Thar Coal Project, independent and transparent water testing is urgently required to distinguish natural contamination from industrial pollution and to ensure accountability.

Urgent priorities

Experts and activists recommend a combination of immediate and long-term actions:

1. Emergency access: Expand water trucking, mobile filtration units, and household filters while non-functional plants are repaired.
2. Public health response: Launch medical screening for fluorosis and heavy-metal exposure, and raise awareness about safe water use.
3. Accountability and regulation: Enforce environmental safeguards on industry and ensure transparency in public water projects.
4. Sustainable solutions: Promote rainwater harvesting, solar-powered filtration, managed aquifer recharge, and community-led maintenance instead of one-time installations.
5. Government commitment: Develop “sweet water” aquifers, invest in defluorination and desalination plants, and ensure reliable oversight of existing infrastructure.

A test of governance

Tharparkar’s thirst is not merely a crisis of nature – it is a test of governance, accountability, and will. Decades of neglect and short-term interventions have left one of Pakistan’s most marginalized regions exposed to a preventable catastrophe. Without decisive, transparent, and community-driven action, Thar’s silent suffering will only deepen one poisoned well at a time. But with political commitment and innovation, this tragedy could yet become a story of resilience and a reminder that water is not a privilege, but a fundamental human right.

Read: Deforestation Accelerates Desertification in Thar

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Ali Nawaz Rahimoo, based in Umerkot, Sindh is a social development professional. He can be contacted on anrahimoo@gmail.com 

The post The Thirsty Desert of Sindh first appeared on Sindh Courier.

• Pakistan boasts mineral wealth worth as much as $8T, which includes key resources such as copper, gold, lithium and rare earth elements
• Islamabad is set to launch advanced hyperspectral satellite next month to assist in exploring underground resources

Aamir Latif 

KARACHI, Sindh, Pakistan

As global powers scramble for control over the minerals driving the future, Pakistan is pinning its hopes on what experts say is one of the world’s largest undeveloped mineral deposits.

Japan is the latest country to show interest in investing in Pakistan’s flagship mining project, with China and the US already vying to secure major shares.

Islamabad was informed late last month that Tokyo is keen to invest in the multi-billion-dollar Reko Diq copper-gold mine, weeks after the Asian Development Bank approved a $410 million financing package for the project.

Oil-rich Saudi Arabia has also expressed interest in investing in the project, including acquiring a possible 15% stake.

Located in the remote Chaghi district of southwestern Balochistan province, Reko Diq represents one of the world’s largest undeveloped copper-gold deposits.

Operated by mining giant Barrick Gold Corporation in partnership with Pakistan’s federal and Balochistan provincial governments, Reko Diq is estimated to contain 25.6 billion pounds (11.6 billion kilograms) of copper and 13.3 million ounces (377 million grams) of gold in inferred and indicated resources.

The deposit ranks among the top five undeveloped copper-gold projects worldwide.

Scheduled to start in 2028, the project aims for an annual production capacity of 80 million tons of ore and 200,000 tons of copper, with a mine life exceeding 40 years.

And Reko Diq is only the beginning, as Pakistan’s mineral wealth is valued at between $6 and $8 trillion.

– Game changer

“Pakistan has vast untapped energy potential and America should be its partner in developing it,” US President Donald Trump declared after meeting with Pakistan’s army chief Gen. Asim Munir in a rare diplomatic event in August.

The meeting was followed by a $500 million investment deal between the Frontier Works Organization – Pakistan’s largest miner of critical minerals – and Missouri-based US Strategic Metals that includes setting up a polymetallic refinery in Pakistan.

Last week, Beijing said Islamabad has assured that Pakistan’s cooperation with the US in the minerals sector “won’t undermine” its ties with China.

“China and Pakistan have communicated on the issue of Pakistan-US mineral cooperation,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a news conference.

The Pakistani side “stressed its engagement with the US would never undermine China’s interests and China-Pakistan cooperation,” said Lin.

Islamabad plans to launch an advanced hyperspectral satellite this month, which will assist in exploring underground mineral resources.

The satellite will analyze different wavelengths of light reflected from the Earth’s surface, generating precise information about minerals, vegetation, soil and water quality, said Muhammad Yousaf Khan, chairman of the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission.

“This advancement will enable Pakistan to independently map its mineral reserves and pave the way for more efficient use of natural resources,” he added.

Beyond hydrocarbons, Pakistan’s mineral wealth includes copper, gold, lithium and rare earth elements – all vital for clean energy transitions and technological security.

Gold is essential for the aerospace industry, while copper is critical for electricity, renewable energy systems and construction. Chromium is used in wind turbines and solar panels, while manganese is key for fertilizers and electric vehicle batteries. Zinc, too, is vital for the auto industry and durable construction materials.

Pakistan is also believed to hold rare minerals such as antimony, used for heat resistance in technologies including superconductors, semiconductors, ammunition and batteries.

China banned exports of antimony in December last year.

“We are talking about trillions of dollars as far as Pakistan’s untapped mineral wealth is concerned,” said Ayla Majid, an expert in project development and financial advisory across energy, infrastructure and industrial sectors.

Speaking to Anadolu, Majid said the country’s vast but underdeveloped mineral sector could transform Pakistan’s economy.

“It will not only attract significant foreign direct investment but also stimulate related industries, including local machinery manufacturing, skill development and infrastructure expansion,” she said.

Muhammad Saad Ali, a Karachi-based energy expert, told Anadolu that although there has been no official valuation of Pakistan’s mineral wealth, Reko Diq alone could hold more than $60 billion worth of copper and gold.

Reko Diq and other mineral projects will strengthen the critical minerals supply chain across the region and beyond, he added.

“The renewed US interest in Pakistan is because of these minerals, because for the US, diversifying supply chains for these sectors is a strategic priority,” Ali said.

Majid, who is also Global President of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, said Pakistan could attract investment by partnering with both the US and China.

“Pakistan has a history of effectively coexisting with these two rivals, and it is well-positioned to navigate the new evolving landscape,” she said.

China has already been engaged in the Saindak mining project, a joint venture focused on the extraction of copper, gold and silver in the Chagai district. Established in the mid-1990s, the project is a key player in Pakistan’s non-ferrous mining sector.

– No walk in the park

Beyond Balochistan, the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the northern region of Gilgit-Baltistan are also rich in mineral resources.

To harness this potential, Pakistan has introduced the National Minerals Harmonization Framework, already adopted by the Balochistan government, to streamline mining approvals and cut red tape.

But the path forward will not be without challenges.

“Pakistan currently faces a range of obstacles, from economic constraints to the need for investment in infrastructure and skills, as well as issues related to law and order and modern mining technology,” Majid said.

Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have long experienced militant attacks, she added, which must be addressed to create a secure environment for foreign investment.

Developing a strong road network connecting mining areas with industrial hubs and ports is crucial, she said, also urging consistency in relevant policies.

“There are risks and challenges, but these should not deter the government from seizing this landmark opportunity to reshape the country’s future. It would represent a significant leap forward in terms of progress and prosperity, but it requires dedication and consistent policy efforts,” she said.

Amir Rana, an Islamabad-based political and security analyst, described the US move as a “desecuritization” of its relations with Pakistan.

“Their economic impact will surface once these projects are implemented. But this is an indication that the US is taking out its relations with Pakistan from the security domain to the geo-economic arena,” Rana told Anadolu.

“It’s so far a good sign for Pakistan.”

Read: High Peaks, Dwindling Climber Arrivals

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Aamir Latif is a senior journalist based in Karachi, Sindh. He represents Anadolu, a Turkish news agency.

Courtesy: Anadolu Agency (Posted on 15.10.2025)

The post Global Powers Race for Pakistan’s Resources first appeared on Sindh Courier.

• Yet without meaningful governance, this fragile balance will not last. For now, Thar breathes easy. But the unchecked greed of a few continues to threaten the survival of many.

By Ali Nawaz Rahimoo

Monsoon rains may have revived Thar’s food basket, but the age-old problem of encroachment on grazing lands by powerful landlords still casts a shadow over the desert’s fragile prosperity. For much of Pakistan, the monsoon season brings chaos, urban flooding, collapsed infrastructure, and displacement. But for the resilient people of Thar, the rains remain a blessing, breathing life into the desert’s parched soil. Spanning 22,000 square kilometers, Tharparkar is the world’s sixth-largest desert. Despite its arid climate, it is unique as the only fertile desert in the world, where rainfall transforms its landscape into fields and pastures. At dawn, its golden dunes echo with the tinkling bells of cows, goats, and sheep, while peacocks unfurl their feathers. Migratory birds, falcons, rabbits, reptiles, and even endangered vultures thrive when rains return to the region.

A Land of Culture and Harmony

Thar’s cultural fabric is woven from Gujarati, Rajasthani, and Sindhi traditions, blending folk legends, spiritual heritage, and centuries-old practices. Despite being among the poorest of Pakistan’s 120 districts — ranking at the lowest end of the Human Development Index  Thar remains an oasis of peace and religious harmony.  According to the 1998 census, Muslims made up 64% of the population, while Hindus accounted for 36%, living side by side with remarkable tolerance. Over centuries, Thar has inspired artists, poets, and Sufi mystics including Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, whose verses immortalized its beauty, resilience, and people.

A Desert Transformed

The recent nine-day spell of torrential rains has turned Thar’s barren expanse into a carpet of green. Hills and plains are now covered with shrubs and grass, while streams cascade down to dams and the Rann of Kachh, reshaping the desert into a picture-perfect landscape. Moderate to heavy showers lashed Mithi, Chachhro, Nagarparkar, Islamkot, Diplo, Kaloi, and surrounding villages, lifting the spirits of Tharis after prolonged dry spells. Each drop of rain carries the promise of survival. Peacocks   often the first casualties of drought now dance in celebration. Farmers are sowing millet, beans, and vegetables, crops that sustain families, feed livestock, and bring modest surpluses for trade. The rains have also drawn thousands of visitors. From the Karoonjhar Hills and centuries-old Jain temples to Gaddi Bhit in Mithi, Thar’s picnic spots are teeming with tourists. A desert often synonymous with drought is suddenly alive with colour, water, and joy.

A Season of Abundance

For farmers like Beram, July mornings mean sowing millet and cluster beans with the narri, a traditional tube-like tool. “It is an environment-friendly method of cultivation,” he explains. Within months, fields will yield pearl millet, cluster beans, mung beans, moth beans, and vegetables such as melons, gourds, and tinda/Meha. Rain-fed ponds and reservoirs have been replenished, providing drinking and household water for up to four months. For herders, the abundance of grass offers relief from the perennial fodder shortage. “We will store it now for the dry months ahead,” says Dilpat, a cattle herder. For families like that of Mano, who migrated months earlier to Sindh’s barrage areas in search of fodder, the rains mean a chance to return home. “We will not have to migrate this season,” he says with relief.

The Unequal Struggle

Yet prosperity in Thar is not equally shared. Encroachments on grazing lands by influential landlords continue to rob poor farmers and herders of their livelihoods. Since colonial times, laws prohibited large-scale cultivation in Thar, reserving vast stretches as grasslands for biodiversity and livestock. For every 10 acres of farmland, 100 acres were required to remain grazing land. Today, this balance is being openly violated. “Poor Tharis who do not own land depend entirely on grasslands to graze their cattle,” says Mustaque Ahmed, a social activist from Chachhro. “Encroachments threaten both their survival and Thar’s fragile ecology. The government must act before it’s too late.”  Despite repeated complaints, the revenue department has failed to enforce the ban on cultivating grazing lands. Minor offenders face occasional action, but landlords with political connections operate with impunity.

According to local activists, over half of Thar’s grazing lands have now been converted into farmland, depriving seven million livestock of fodder. This has not only disrupted livelihoods but also triggered recurring disputes, sometimes escalating into violent feuds.

A Fragile Balance

The rains have once again gifted Thar a brief season of abundance. Its people, livestock, and wildlife rejoice in the greenery and flowing streams. Yet without meaningful governance, this fragile balance will not last. For now, Thar breathes easy. But the unchecked greed of a few continues to threaten the survival of many.

Read: Mental Health Crises Hit Sindh Deserts

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Ali Nawaz Rahimoo, based in Umerkot, Sindh is a social development professional. He can be contacted on anrahimoo@gmail.com 

The post Thar Desert After The Rain first appeared on Sindh Courier.