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'Ghanche District' is the easternmost district of the Northern Areas, Pakistan. To its northeast is Aksai Chin (China), to the north and northwest is Skardu District, to its west is Astore District and to its south is the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The line of control along the eastern most region of Ghanche District cuts through the Siachen Glacier and is not permanent because of the conflict (It has been proposed by moderates in Pakistan and India to make the Siachen Glacier region a 'Peace Park').
The capital of Ghanche District is 'Khaplu'. This is the coldest place within Pakistan also called the '"Third Pole"' with temperatures reaching below -20°C in the winter. Khaplu and Hushe valleys form the gateway for the great Baltoro Muztagh, the subrange of Karakoram that includes the mighty peaks of K2 (8,611 m), Broad Peak (8,047 m), Gasherbrums (8,000+ m) and Masherbrum (7,821 m) (all of which are included in the Skardu District).

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Religion

See also

Religion

History of Islam in Baltistan starts with arrival of Ameer Kabeer Syed Ali Hamadani (A legendary Sufi Saint of the Muslim History) from Iran during 15th Century A.D. He was followed by other Sufi legends afterwards, such as Shah Syed Muhammad Noorbaksh. Soon the whole region converted to Noorbakshi order of Islamic Sufism. The core massage of Sufi Noorbakshism are: complete elimination of all evil desires and immoralities of human nature from one’s self; total submission of one’s wills before Allah (by following the Qur'an and Sunnah) and finally love and peace for the whole mankind. During the start of 19th century, however, the predominant population converted to other Islamic schools of thought such as Shias and Sunnis. Today, the Baltis are; Shia' denomination (13%), Sufi Noorbakshi (80%), and Sunni-Ahlehadith sect (7%). Shias and Noorbakshis share many beliefs. Today, Noorbakshis are found in Baltistan and Ladakh regions of J&K, as well as a large number of Noorbakshis are native to Iran, Kurdistan and Central Asia.
Reverence to Ali and 12 Imams is central to the Noorbakshi belief. For Noorbakshis, Ali is the first Imam and supreme Wali of Allah SWT. It is obligatory for a Noorbakshi to recite twice the following phrases in the prayer call (Adhan): "I witness that Ali (AS) is the Wali of Allah SWT; I witness that Ali (AS) is the Wali of Allah SWT". Also obligatory is reciting twice the following phrase in the Adhan: "Muhammad and Ali are the best of humans; Muhammad and Ali are the best of humans". The Kalima of Noorbakshis is very detailed and consist of witnessing the belief upon Allah, Muhammad, Ali, Fatima, Hassan and Hussain, thus making it different from Shia Kalima. Also, Noorbakshis believe that 12th Imam Mehdi is in Occultation and will appear along with Issa before Qiyamat to eliminate injustice and bring the world back to the path of Allah Subhana Wa Ta'ala. For Noorbakshis, sufism is acquiring ma'arfa of Allah. Noorbakshis convene in Khankas and perform their religious rituals based on the practices of Ali, who was the Leader of the most pious of all Arifeen. Noorbakshis perform Chilla and sit in Aitakaf for ZIKR. Name of Allah is recited repeatedly in the manner Muhammad and the 12 Imams did. A 40-day Aitakaf is very common among pious Noorbakshis and children also join the rituals. However, the Noorbakshis believe that without expressing absolute love and Ishq for the family of Muhammad who are called Chaharda Masoomeen, Allah will not accept the prayers of Muslims. Ma'arafat of the 14 Infallibles is pivotal to the Noorbakshis, so that the Allah is to accept prayers. The name of the 14 Infallibles are:

★ Muhammad ibn Abdullah

★ Fatima bint Muhammad ibn Abdullah

★ Ali ibn Abu Talib

★ Imam Hassan al Mujtaba

★ Imam Hussain al Shaheed

★ Imam Ali ibn Hussain al Sajjad al Zainul Abidin

★ Imam Muhammad ibn Ali al Baqiral Uloom

★ Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad al Sadiq

★ Imam Musa ibn Jafar al Kazim (Babul Hawayyij)

★ Imam Ali ibn Musa al Reza, Shahe Khurasan

★ Imam Muhammad ibn Ali al Taqi al Jawwad

★ Imam Ali ibn Muhammad al Naqi

★ Imam Hassan ibn Ali al Askari

★ Imam Muhammad ibn Hassan al Mehdi
The 8th Imam Ali al Reza has special significance for the Noorbakshis. The Silsilahe Noorbakshia (lineage) which is part of the Kubrawi Sufism continues from the 8th Imam and comes all the way to Hazrat Noorbaksh of Iran, who later migrated to Kashmir and converted the people of Ladakh and Baltistan. Most teachings of Nurbakshi Silsilah are taken from the prayer rituals and ZIKR of Imam Ali al Reza, however, prayers of Prophet Muhammad, Hazrat Fatima (AS) and all 12 Imams is recited by the pious Noorbakshis on daily basis.
During Muharram, Nurbakshis offer condolense to Muhammad by convening for Majalis, weeping on the martyrdom of Imam Hussain and beating their chests. Noha and Marsia are recited and weeping for the Imams and Ahlulbeyt is considered obligatory among Noorbakshis.
Although Noorbakshism is still practiced in Ladakh and Baltistan, however, they have lost connection with their other fellows in Iran, where Noorbakshis are in millions. If Noorbakshis of Baltistan do not establish links with Noorbakshis of Iran, then their religion will face influence from non-Noorbakshi elements.
In Baltistan, Noorbakshism has absorbed rituals and beliefs from other Sufi orders especially Naqshbandi silsilah. Among those Noorbakshis, reverence for the Chaharda Masoomeen (14 Infallibles) is somehow less expressed, when compared to the Noorbakshis of Iran or Ladakh. Today, Noorbakshis are also residing in USA, Europe and Middle East. Dr Javed Noorbaksh resides in London and has followers in thousands. Dr Mehdi Noorbaksh is a well known writer from Iran who lives in USA. Dr Mohsin Noorbaksh is a high level Iranian diplomat.
For information on Shia, Ahlehadith and Sunnis (other sects practiced in Baltistan), pls refer to websites on these religions.
Local Muslims, who converted from Bon-po and Tibetan Buddhism still retain many traits of pre-Islamic Bon and Lamaist rituals, which makes Islam of Baltistan and Ladakh unique from other Muslim societies. Swastika (Yung drung) sign is considered auspicious and is carved on wooden planks that can be seen in historical mosques and Khankas. Showing respect to Lha and Lhu (Bon Gods) is customary during many village rituals.
The Balti, who converted to Islam from Tibetan Buddhism in the 16th century, regard congregation in the Mosques and Khankah as an important religious ritual. The Khankahs are a kind of typical training school of Noorbakshi Sufis which was introduced by the early Sufi saints arrived in the region. The Sufi students gain spiritual purity (tazkiah) through these trainings (meditations and contemplations) under well-practiced spiritual guides, who have already attained certain degree of spirituality. Mosques in Baltistan are mainly built in the Tibetan style, though several mosques constructed have wood-finish and decorations of Iranian origin which can also be seen in Ladakh and Kargil. On every Friday, the men folk would generally attend the prayers sometime a little after noon. All Muslims will fast in the day during the month of the Ramadan, and a celebration will be held at the end of the celebration.
Small pockets of Bön and Tibetan Buddhist believers that amount up to 3,00 are found in Kharmang valley of Baltistan[1] and in West Kargil. East Ladakh (Leh district and Zanskar) are predominantly Buddhist.
The highest peak in 'Ghanche District' is Saltoro Kangri (7,742 m) which is the thirteenth highest peak in Pakistan and the 31st highest peak in the world.
Some of the town in the district are Dubla Khan, Doghani and Lunkha.
Some rivers in the district are shyok River, Hushe River and Thalle River.

See also

★ Districts of Northern Areas

★ Northern Areas