Singer Quratulain Balouch dodges rare bear attack in Deosai

G-B government bans camping in the Deosai National Park

Quratulain Balouch, the Pakistani singer famed for Woh Humsafar Tha, survived a rare bear attack in Deosai — an incident that has prompted the Gilgit-Baltistan government to ban camping in the Deosai National Park .

 

Singer’s hands bandaged after bear attack

Read: Protecting Deosai bears

Balouch was attacked near Bara Pani and later rescued in an injured condition. Hospital staff said both her arms were wounded in the incident, but she was shifted to Skardu Regional Hospital where doctors confirmed she is stable and out of danger.

Giligit Baltistan spokesperson Faizullah Faraq said that under the new restrictions, no tourist or traveler will be allowed to camp overnight in Deosai.

Often described as the “Land of Giants,” Deosai is one of the world’s highest plateaus, stretching over 3,000 square kilometres at an altitude above 13,000 feet. The windswept plateau, carpeted with wildflowers in summer, is home to rare wildlife including the endangered Himalayan brown bear, snow leopard, ibex, golden marmot, lynx, musk deer, and several migratory bird species.

The G-B government said the camping ban was imposed to ensure the safety of visitors and to protect the fragile alpine ecosystem, which conservationists say is increasingly under pressure from rising tourism.

Balouch, popularly known as QB, rose to prominence with her rendition of Woh Humsafar Tha, the title track of the hit drama Humsafar. She later performed several Coke Studio favourites and playback songs in Bollywood films.