Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hosted three men hailed for saving 300 lives in Ghizer by issuing a timely glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) alert, declaring them state guests and awarding Rs 2.5 million each.
Recognition for national heroes: shepherds who saved 300 lives
At the Prime Minister’s House, Shehbaz Sharif presented cheques and plaques to Wasit Khan, Ansar, and Muhammad Khan.
Additionally, he thanked them “on behalf of 240 million people,” praising their sense of duty and service to humanity.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister said their action would be remembered in “golden letters”..
Besides he announced an early visit to Gilgit-Baltistan to personally commend local communities.
Officials said the recognition underscores the centre’s support for citizen-led early warning efforts, especially in high-risk valleys facing climate related hazards.
The men were received as state guests, reflecting national gratitude for life-saving public vigilance.
Remember, Pakistan has faced severe climate change induced torrential rains in the month of August.
These rains have produced unprecedented havocs for local citizenry, especially for northern region of Pakistan.
How the timely Ghizer alert worked with minimal technology from shepherds who saved 300 lives
The three men were four hours from the village when they learned of the imminent danger, they told the Prime Minister.
Using mobile phones, they alerted residents to evacuate ahead of the GLOF, enabling orderly movement and preventing casualties.
Local accounts also highlighted a shepherd’s quick message to nearby villagers after a glacier burst.
The episode illustrates how fast communication, community networks, and situational awareness can reduce disaster risk in remote areas.
It also points to the value of simple tools charged phones instead of high prices technology, local contact lists and clear alert protocols, when every minutes matter.
Authorities are expected to draw lessons from the Ghizer response as seasonal melting continues.
The Prime Minister said the nation is proud of the heroes of Gilgit-Baltistan and their example of responsibility under pressure.
More on the story: Gilgit Baltistan glacier outburst forms artificial lake in Ghizer
