Editorial News Month Subscribe us Feedback
FeaturesFashionBeautyArt & CultureLifestyleEntertainmentHoroscopeHealthSpot lightMarket Roundup

See page 1 2 3 4
 
 
 
 
This is but one epic from Hindu belief that accounts for the part of Baluchistan that is known as Hingol today. Declared as ‘reserved’ land in 1988, only 190 km away from Karachi, the Hingol National Park is the largest of its kind in Pakistan. The park is home to many endangered species, the existence of which the average Pakistani is often unaware. Among the most interesting and endangered animals is the marsh crocodile, which is thought to be nearing its extinction in the region.
As a member of OffroadPakistan.com, a club dedicated to the wondrous outdoors of our land, I have travelled to this harsh region on more than one occasion. Here I recount some of the most interesting places, people and events I have encountered first hand over the years

The Temple at Maata Hinglaaj
Locked in the centre of two razor-sharp slabs of mountain, hidden deep inside a cave, surrounded by palms is a tiny place of worship. Known locally as Nani Mandir, this holy site for Hindu pilgrims attracts close to a few hundred a year. According to Hindu belief, the epic behind this sacred site began when Lord Shiva’s consort Sati plunged herself into flames. Shiva became angered and swept away her body, till he encountered Vishnu, who was able to calm the chaos by cutting the corpse into some 50 pieces. Sati’s head, it is believed, fell from the skies and landed at Hinglaaj, at Kanraj Mountain. Thus the temple at MaBefore partition, it is believed that many kings from Rajasthan and Gujarat provinces made the back-breaking journey by camel. Today, this phenomenal place is only about six hours from Karachi, located in the Hingol Valley.
ata Hinglaaj was erected, and is considered to be one of the holiest and most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus.
 
 
 
 
The Mud Volcanoes at Aghore
The mud volcanoes of Hingol are situated near Aghore. Visible from the main road, these are a unique kind of volcanoes. They spew out hot mud that is believed to have special healing qualities.
The tallest of these volcanoes is thought to be one of the largest in the world. Walking up the slopes is more like a trek, and when one reaches the top, the view into the crater is absolutely soul shaking. It is pristine nature in its ancient form, untouched by man. There is no sight of the commercialism and pollution of the city and one wonders how long a place as beautiful as this will be left the way it has been for The Marsh Crocodiles of Hingol River.
Crocodylus Palustris, locally known as ‘Wagoo’, the marsh crocodile is an incredible sight in the wild. Walking down the river bed, I noticed the silent, creeping tracks that guided my eyes to the murky waters ahead. Although the Government has not yet carried out an official count on this reptile, some studies have been researching its habitat. For now, however, just watching a creature so magnificent thrive in our backyard brings me back down to earth.
Flood Relief, Summer 2007
Cyclone ‘Yemyen’ developed in July 2007. Moving slowly towards the coastal areas of Pakistan, it drenched Baluchistan in unprecedented rains. Army and Navy helicopters rescued people from various parts while dropping relief goods as weather permitted. The villagers said they had never seen the river in such fury as far back as they could remember.
Distributing relief goods, I came across a man whom the villagers insisted was just 50 years old, but his looks told tales of harsh reality. The lines on his face reminded me of a map of Hingol, the river snaking through the valley, literally carving out spots for rainwater, like the holes for his eyes.
The people of Hingol live tough lives; hardened by the geographical conditions they were bestowed. They have been living the same way for centuries and have seen almost no progress since the creation of Pakistan.The land of Baluchistan provides us with the perfect opportunity to experiment in sustainable development measures that would bring progress, without a price tag on the environment.
What sums up the irony of it all is, while talking with one local, I asked if he knew who the President of our country was. He laughed out loud, and, shaking his head, he replied, “No, never heard of that.”
For more information, visit www.offroadpakistan.com
Photographs courtesy of the club