I had recently ventured out to the Northern Areas with Aga Khan Health Services, Pakistan for approximately a week. I had the wonderful opportunity to visit Aga Khan Health Centers in Hunza-Nagar, Gilgit, GaKhuch, and other small towns. The purpose of this trip was two fold: to conduct data analysis in the northern areas regarding infant mortality as well as to conduct evaluations regarding quality of health care provided by Aga Khan Health Centers located throughout the Northern areas.


The next few blogs will be about my experience up north.


I was conversing with a friend, M.A, about my experience up north upon my arrival. I had expressed to him my delight in witnessing nature's beauty. I was in awe at the sight of luscious green valleys, beautiful cherry blossoms, the majestic mountains, and the peaceful sapphire waters. But this saddened me because I realized that Pakistan is both blessed and cursed. Blessed to possess such beauty, a manifestation of the Creator. Cursed because she has been eroded with ignorance, terror, and poverty. M.A added, "Pakistan is a paradox." This got me thinking....


Some individuals drive around in Mercedes and BMW's while others walk for long hours to travel from point A to B.

So many do not have even 10 rupees in their pockets while others literally throw wads of money.

Some walk around with expensive brand name clothing while others possess only the dirty and torn clothes on their backs.

There are hard-working, honest labourers who just can not get a break but there are also those who achieve a luxurious life unethically.

Men can get whatever they desire with a snap of a finger while a woman is required to have 4 Muslim male witnesses to attest she has been raped (actual Pakistani law)