From Hunza Horizons to Global Heights:

A Tale of Resilience, Transformation, and Legacy

(Darvesh Karim)
The tale of my family resonates with generations marked by resilience and transformation,
originating in the scenic embrace of the Hunza Valley. In the
heart of those rugged mountains, my grandparents,
possessing a simple yet robust physicality, forged
their existence as farmers and shepherds,
navigating the sprawling landscapes of Shishper
and Ulter meadows alongside vast herds of cattle
in Hunza Valley. Their lives epitomized the
enduring spirit of the land they cultivated and the
flocks they tended.
Fast forward to the present, my father, now in his 90s, embodies the legacy of strength and
adaptability passed down through the ages. Similar to his forebears, he spent his early years
immersed in the laborious tasks of farming and herding in the meadows of Hunza Valley.
However, a pivotal shift occurred in his 40s when he courageously redirected his path and
delved into the realm of business. Grateful to the Almighty, his enterprise thrived amidst the
breath-taking landscape of Karimabad in Hunza.
The transformative journey did not conclude there. Fuelled by the demands of his
burgeoning business, my father became a regional traveller, navigating the complexities of
commerce with routine journeys to Gilgit and neigh boring cities. Propelled by a vision that
transcended his own experiences, he invested in the education of his children, recognizing
the transformative power of knowledge.
Under the nurturing guidance of my parents, I emerged as the ever first academically
qualified individual in my family, broadening my horizons as I traversed the diverse
landscapes of Pakistan all the way from the Hunza Valley to Karachi. My professional
journey unfolded in various capacities, each experience contributing to the mosaic of my
life. Presently, I find myself contributing to the educational landscape of Gilgit-Baltistan as a
teacher educator with a prestigious university.
In a seamless continuation of the forward-thinking mindset instilled by my parents, I too
invested in the professional education of my own children. Thanks to the blessings of God
Almighty, this investment has transcended national boundaries, propelling my children into
the vast realms of international opportunities. My eldest daughter, Sheeba Karim, has
emerged as the pioneer in our family by venturing to the UK, opening doors to international
opportunities not only for herself but also for her siblings. We express our immense
gratitude for this blessing with a heartfelt "Alhamdulillah!"
As I reflect on this journey from the simplicity of the Hunza Valley to the global stage, I am
reminded of the enduring strength, adaptability, and vision that have defined my family's
narrative. The story, shaped by the hands of hardworking farmers, resilient shepherds, and
now, forward-thinking entrepreneurs and educators, stands as a testament to the limitless
possibilities that unfold when one generation builds upon the foundation laid by the last.
Shuker Alhamdulillah!
December 01, 2023