Shigar Valley

The Shigar Valley is a valley in Baltistan in northern Pakistan that is watered by the Shigar River. The valley stretches about 170 km from Skardu to Askole and is the gateway to the high mountains of the Karakoram. Even though the Shigar Valley is a remote and largely inaccessible place, there are several villages in the valley. Askole is the last settlement in the Shigar Valley, which is still far from the high mountains.

Shigar is an administrative sub-division of Skardu District. The population living in the Shigar valley are called balities who speak balti an archaic form of tibetian language. The people are peaceful, hospitable and friendly. They are Muslim Shias. Like the rest of the district, the valley is crime free. Notable pesonallities from this valley are Mr. G M Sikander who joined Civil Service of Pakistan and has risen to the level of a Federal Secretary. Late Mr. Mohammad Ishaq a successful businessman who in his lifetime made tremendous contribution for education and health as head of Marafie Foundation.{See www.marafiefoundation.org} Mr. Afzal Ali Shigri joined the Police Service of Pakistan and rose to the rank of Inspector General of Police. Since his retirement he heads the Marafie Foundation and is working for improvements in the health and education sectors.{See www.marafiefoundation.org & Daily Dawn 4-5-2003} Mr. Nasir Ali Shigri is an engineer presently posted as secretary to the Works Department in the Northern Areas Administration.