North Pakistan Research Articles

Presentation delay in breast cancer patients, identifying the barriers in North Pakistan.

There is strong evidence that delayed diagnosis of breast cancer is associated with poor survival. Our objectives were to determine the frequency of breast cancer patients with delayed presentation, the reasons of delay and its association with different socio-demographic variables in our North Pakistan setting. We interviewed 315 histologically confirmed breast cancer patients. Delay was defined as more than 3 months from appearance of symptoms to consultation with a doctor. Questions were asked from each patient which could reflect their understanding about the disease and which could be the likely reasons for their delayed presentation. 39.0 % (n=123) of patients presented late and out of those, 40.7% wasted time using alternative medicines; 25.2 % did not having enough resources; 17.1 % presented late due to painless lump; 10.6% felt shyness and 6.5% presented late due to other reasons. Higher age, negative family history, < 8 school years of education and low to middle socio-economic status were significantly associated with delayed presentation (p< 0.05). Education and socioeconomic status were two independent variables related to the delayed presentation after adjustment for others (OR of 2.26, 2.29 and 95%CI was 1.25-4.10, 1.06-4.94 respectively). Significant numbers of women with breast cancer in North Pakistan experience presentation delay due to their misconceptions about the disease. Coordinated efforts with public health departments are needed to educate the focused groups and removing the barriers identified in the study. Long term impact will be reduced overall burden of the disease in the region.

Structural interpretation and geo-hazard assessment of a locking line: 2005 Kashmir earthquake, western Himalayas

The 08 October 2005, magnitude (Mw) 06 Kashmir earthquake occurred along the Balakot–Bagh fault (BBF) with about 30° dip toward NE in the internal part of the western Himalayas in north Pakistan. It was accompanied by a ground rupture of about 75 km with an average slip of about 5 m along the causative fault. The epicenter of the thrust was located at about 19 km to the NE of its surface trace in Muzaffarabad with about 11 km depth of the hypocenter. The geometry of the fault based on a structural cross section has allowed us to interpret it as a thrust restricted to a roof sequence along a triangle zone across the Hazara–Kashmir syntaxis (HKS). The triangle zone is occupied at depth by a wedge of the Higher Himalayan Sequence (HHS) in the core zone of the HKS. The core–wedge is bounded between the NE-dipping BBF and SE- to SW-dipping thrust stack of the Lesser Himalayan Sequence (LHS) along the northeastern and southwestern limb of the HKS, respectively. Based on surface geology, the overlapping BBF and MBT are interpreted to merge at depth in a roof thrust of Pre-Cambrian (Late Proterozoic) rocks above a duplex which is inferred to have a floor thrust in Early Proterozoic/Archean rocks. The core–wedge is located over a ramp which is connected to the floor thrust in the basement. The BBF is inferred to be active, at least since 1–0.5 Ma, with recurrence interval of about 625 ± 125 years. This out-of-sequence deformation is represented by linear seismicity, both along emergent and blind thrusts in the system, with likelihood of major events as a result of strain buildup due to slow convergence rates (~7 mm/year) in the region. Many towns located along the active fault trace were destroyed or largely damaged due to the earthquake. Major destruction of human dwellings and infrastructure occurred as a consequence of earthquake-triggered landslides, mostly along fault, high river terraces, and road cuts. To minimize future damages in earthquake-prone areas, several mitigation measures are suggested including: (1) avoiding new settlements near the fault trace and landslide susceptible areas, (2) establishment of new township schemes in relatively safer areas with earthquake-sustainable structural designs, and (3) extensive forestation for slope stability, erosion control, and provision of wood for flexible earthquake-resistant structures. The measures are needed for the sustainable development of the region.

Assessment of hydro power potential of Swat, Kohistan Himalayas: A solution for energy shortfall in region

Pakistan is facing acute power dearth these days due to which people are suffering from privation and their economic condition is deflating. Expensive imported fossil fuel for thermal power generation is pressing them hard and exacerbating the situation. The total power produced in the country by all means is less by 4000 MW than the requirement of Pakistan. So this is the prime time to think about exploring aboriginal and renewable power resources. This article converses about hydro power resources of Swat, North Pakistan, one of the most promising areas in hydro power production. The area drained by the Swat River and its tributary net work is a part of Kohistan Himalayas and has a potential of more than 1000 MW that can contribute 25% to the total energy shortfall in the country and the same is 150% more than the shortfall experienced in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that hosts Swat Valley. Due to great relief difference acquired within a small stretch, the perennial Swat River and its tributaries become pertinent for power production as high head projects and also gain importance in irrigation as well.

Topology and seasonal evolution of the network of extreme precipitation over the Indian subcontinent and Sri Lanka

Abstract. This paper employs a complex network approach to determine the topology and evolution of the network of extreme precipitation that governs the organization of extreme rainfall before, during, and after the Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM) season. We construct networks of extreme rainfall events during the ISM (June–September), post-monsoon (October–December), and pre-monsoon (March–May) periods from satellite-derived (Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission, TRMM) and rain-gauge interpolated (Asian Precipitation Highly Resolved Observational Data Integration Towards the Evaluation of Water Resources, APHRODITE) data sets. The structure of the networks is determined by the level of synchronization of extreme rainfall events between different grid cells throughout the Indian subcontinent. Through the analysis of various complex-network metrics, we describe typical repetitive patterns in North Pakistan (NP), the Eastern Ghats (EG), and the Tibetan Plateau (TP). These patterns appear during the pre-monsoon season, evolve during the ISM, and disappear during the post-monsoon season. These are important meteorological features that need further attention and that may be useful in ISM timing and strength prediction.

Structural styles, hydrocarbon prospects, and potential in the Salt Range and Potwar Plateau, north Pakistan

The Salt Range/Potwar Plateau (SRPP) is part of the Himalayan foreland and an important petroleum province in north Pakistan. The hydrocarbons are commonly produced from stacked Cambrian to Eocene clastic and carbonate reservoirs which have an average thickness of 1 km. These strata are overlain by at least 5 km of Miocene and younger continental molasse sedimentation in the deepest part of the foreland basin. Surface and subsurface (seismic interpretations and borehole data) geology combined with the timing and the patterns of sedimentation has allowed to interpret the deformation as thin skinned, with a detachment in weak Eocambrian evaporates and the development of ramp-and-flat structures, since about 8 Ma. We have reviewed the structural interpretations with new borehole logs, field geology, and reserve estimates in this paper to precisely define oil-field structures with a view on future exploration. As a result of this work, 12 oil fields are classified as three detachment folds, four fault-propagation folds, four pop-ups, and one triangle zone structure. The latter two are identified as better prospects with the last one as the best with estimated reserves of 51 million barrels of oil (MMBO). Hence, the triangle zones along with other ramp-and-flat structures from the North Potwar Deformed Zone (NPDZ) are recognized to provide potential future prospects. Finally, a 40-km-long structural cross section from NPDZ is used to discuss complex deformation of the triangle zone and duplex structures as future potential prospects. About 55 km of shortening across the NPDZ during Plio-Pleistocene time is calculated, which has important bearing on the geometry of prospects, reserve calculations, and the future exploration.

Age and origin of post collision Baltoro granites, south Karakoram, North Pakistan: Insights from in-situ U–Pb, Hf and oxygen isotopic record of zircons

Abstract Origin of post collision plutonism is critical to understand the tectonothermal evolution of the over thickened continental crust in collision zones. This has proven difficult to reconcile with the conventional whole rock geochemical and field based studies alone. We report in-situ study of zircon U–Pb, Hf and O isotopes from five samples of the Baltoro Plutonic Unit (BPU) in south Karakoram. The plutonic unit is the western part of the southern Asian margin of the India–Asia convergent zone. Baltoro granites and a biotite-rich enclave yielded similar and overlapping U–Pb ages ranging from 26 to 15 Ma. Hafnium isotopic composition (eHf (0)) is very heterogeneous ranging from − 17.1 to + 4.4 while the oxygen isotopic composition of the granites is homogeneous with mean δ18O ranging from 7.2 to 9.4‰. Based on U–Pb geochronology and Hf–O isotopic composition, the involvement of two main sources is suggested (1) Cretaceous calc-alkaline Karakoram crust and (2) Karakoram gneisses. Moreover, possible involvement of metasomatized Asian lithospheric mantle is supported by elevated oxygen composition of granites and identical Hf composition of biotite-rich enclave to the mantle derived Baltoro lamprophyre. However, direct contribution from juvenile pristine mantle is unlikely as no juvenile mantle type Hf and oxygen values were obtained. This also precludes the involvement of southward juvenile arc related component of Kohistan–Ladakh batholith. Our new U–Pb and Hf data are comparable to the Mesozoic Karakoram batholith, Miocene two-mica leucogranites in the Pangong Range and magmatism from the Lhasa terrane in south Tibet, suggesting a genetic link between the Karakoram and the rocks to the east. This magmatic event is best explained by lower crust partial melting promoted by both thermal equilibration following crustal thickening and heat advection by ultrapotassic magmas associated with the breakoff of the Indian continental margin.

Stratigraphic and sedimentological attributes in Hazara Basin Lesser Himalaya, North Pakistan: their role in deciphering minerals potential

Hazara Basin lies within lesser Himalayan region and has undergone complex depositional and tectonic episodes responsible for accumulation of different economic minerals. Phosphate, ironstone, manganese, coal and china clay deposits reported from the area indicate different sedimentary environments including deep marine to carbonate and clastic shallow marine, glaciogenic and fluvial systems. These variable environments were mainly a result of different tectonic events, which were caused by formation and rifting of Rodina, Gondwana, Pangaea, India, Madagascar and collision of India with Eurasia. Phosphate was formed in anoxic shallow marine environments during Cambrian in Sirban Member and Hazira Formation, whereas, ironstone deposits were formed in oxygenated shelf and/or residual mechanisms during nondepositional periods, e.g., at the base of Jurassic and Tertiary successions. China clay was also formed at unconformable surface at the base of Shinwari Formation of Jurassic age. Coal within Chichali Formation was formed in anoxic, organic-rich deltaic shelf conditions. Basin evolution combined with stratigraphic set up of the region has played very important role in formation and exploration of these economic mineral deposits.

Modeling of Diffuse Solar Radiation and Impact of Complex Terrain over Pakistan Using RS/GIS

Diffuse solar radiation is subject to the combined influence of ground and sky factors, such as topography, geography of the area and cloud cover. This study attempts to quantify the impacts of topography, sky factors and the cloud cover on the distribution of diffuse solar radiation over Pakistan. Distributed modeling approach by considering anisotropy scattering mechanism was adopted. Digital elevation model and observed data are used to derive average monthly diffuse solar radiation values over the rugged terrains of Pakistan. Extraterrestrial solar radiation model, sky view factor model (openness model) and digital elevation model (DEM) are applied to investigate the impacts of ground factors, while diffuse solar radiation model for horizontal surface was considered for sky factors. Furthermore, corrected MODIS cloud fraction data are incorporated using GIS plat form. Results show that the highest amount of diffused solar radiation occurs during the monsoon months along the eastern side of the River Indus, when the sky is covered by clouds of various heights and densities. The variation due to topography is evident in mountainous areas, particularly in the North Pakistan and over the Baluchistan Plateau.

District-wise Growth of Population in Western Himalayan States of India, 1981-2011

The growth of population is an important demographic characteristic which not only helps in understanding the population change that a society has undergone, but also helps in predicting the future demographic characteristics of an area. Therefore, it is useful to study and analyze the pattern of population growth. The purpose of this study is to examine the decadal variation of population growth in Western Himalayan States of India i.e. Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttrakhand sprawling over an area of 3,31,392 sq km. It constitutes about one-tenth area of India but supports merely 2.44 percent of India's population (Census 2011). The present study is based on secondary data collected at district level for four Census years i.e. 1981, 1991, 2001 and 2011. The simple percentage method and choropleth technique have been used to present the temporal and spatial variations in growth of population. In order to identify the regions of high, low and moderate growth rate the decadal growth rate of population has been calculated for these decades (1981-1991, 1991-2001 and 2001-2011). The study reveals that the study area as a whole experienced declining trend in growth of population. However, there were marked regional variations at the district level. The majority of districts of Jammu and Kashmir have recorded sizable growth of population, whereas, the central and southern parts of the study area which comprise Himachal Pradesh and Uttrakhand have conversely registered low growth rate in population. Keyword: Growth Of Population,Population In Western Himalayan. INTRODUCTION: The term growth of population is generally used to refer to the change in the number of inhabitants of a territory during a specific period of time, irrespective of whether the change is negative or positive. Population growth may be measured both in absolute terms and in percentage form. Population growth is the product of a combined operation of the three population process viz. the fertility, mortality and migration. These three are also called the components of population dynamics because it is these three, which bring about dynamism in population numbers by not letting them remain static (Chandna, R. C. pp. 132133). Mountain form one of the most important bio-geographical resource zone of the world. They are remote areas covering 52% of Asia, 36% of North America, 25% of Europe, 22% f South America, 17% of Australia and 3% of Africa making up in total 24% of the earth continental surfaces (Bridges, 1990: 260). In most mountain regions, people have their livelihood on agriculture, pastoralism and use of forest resources timber, fuel wood and fodder (UNEP-WCMC, 2002, p. 17). The Indian Himalayan Region is spread between 21o57' 37o5' N latitudes and 72o40' 97o25' E longitudes. It has an area of 5, 31,250 km2 spread over12 states and constitutes about 16.16% of India's total geographical area. This great chain of mountains in Indian Territory extends all along the northern border of the country from the eastern border of Pakistan on the west to the frontiers of Myanmar in the east for about 2,500 km with an average width of 240 km. Orographically, the Himalayan mountain system is divided into Greater Himalaya (Himadri), Lesser Himalaya (Himanchal) and the Sub-Himalayan tract (Sivalik). Apart from the longitudinal divisions the Indian Himalaya is also divided into following regional divisions based on population features and vegetation elements: Western Himalaya, Central Himalaya and Eastern Himalaya. (Nandy, S.N. et al., 2000, p.12). Study Area: Western Himalayan States of India The Himalayas consist of the youngest and loftiest mountain chains in the world. Geographically as well politically, Western Himalayan region is more important from strategic point of view, because of its contiguity to Pakistan, China, Afghanistan and connecting link between Central Asian countries. Geographically, the Western Himalayas is located between 29° 5 N latitude to 37° 5 N latitude and 72° 40 E longitude to 81° 00 E longitude. The region stretched for 880 km between the Indus river in the west and the Kali river in the East, comprise Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttrakhand. It covers an area of 3, 31,392 sq km i.e. approximately One Tenth area of India but supports merely 2.44 percent of India's Population (Census 2011). Fig. 1 shows that the study area shares land frontier with Nepal in South east part, China in North 1 Sandeep Kumar And Sujan Singh. “ District-wise Growth of Population in Western Himalayan States of India, 19812011 .” Science Park 1.6 (2013): Online & Print Science Park ISSN: 2321-8045 th Volume-1, Issue-6, 29 August-2013 and North East Part, Afghanistan in North West and Pakistan in west and North West. Besides, southern Part of the study area is bordered by three states i.e. Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Regional Setting of Study Area

Observed and Forecasted Intraseasonal Activity of Southwest Monsoon Rainfall over India During 2010, 2011 and 2012

The monsoon seasons of 2010 and 2011, with almost identical seasonal total rainfall over India from June to September, are associated with slightly different patterns of intraseasonal rainfall fluctuations. Similarly, the year 2012, with relatively less rainfall compared to 2010 and 2011, also witnessed different intraseasonal rainfall fluctuations, leading to drought-like situations over some parts of the country. The present article discusses the forecasting aspect of monsoon activity over India during these 3 years on an extended range time scale (up to 3 weeks) by using the multimodel ensemble (MME), based on operational coupled model outputs from the ECMWF monthly forecasting system and the NCEP’s Climate Forecast System (CFS). The average correlation coefficient (CC) of weekly observed all-India rainfall (AIR) and the corresponding MME forecast AIR is found to be significant, above the 98 % level up to 2 weeks (up to 18 days) with a slight positive CC for the week 3 (days 19–25) forecast. However, like the variation of observed intraseasonal rainfall fluctuations during 2010, 2011 and 2012 monsoon seasons, the MME forecast skills of weekly AIR are also found to be different from one another, with the 2012 monsoon season indicating significant CC (above 99 % level) up to week 2 (12–18 days), and also a comparatively higher CC (0.45) during the week 3 forecast (days 19–25). The average CC between observed and forecasted weekly AIR rainfall over four homogeneous regions of India is found to be the lowest over the southern peninsula of India (SPI), and northeast India (NEI) is found to be significant only for the week 1 (days 5–11) forecast. However, the CC is found to be significant over northwest India (NWI) and central India (CEI), at least above the 90 % level up to 18 days, with NWI having slightly better skill compared to the CEI. For the individual monsoon seasons of 2010, 2011 and 2012, there is some variation in CC and other skill scores over the four homogeneous regions. Thus the slight variations in the characteristics of intraseasonal monsoon rainfall over India is associated with variations in predictive skill of the coupled models and the MME-based predictions of intraseasonal monsoon fluctuations for 2–3 weeks, providing encouraging results. The MME forecast in 2010 is also able to provide useful guidance, well in advance, about an active September associated with a delayed withdrawal of the monsoon and also the heavy rainfall over north Pakistan.

Diversity and use of ethno-medicinal plants in the region of Swat, North Pakistan

BackgroundDue to its diverse geographical and habitat conditions, northern Pakistan harbors a wealth of medicinal plants. The plants and their traditional use are part of the natural and cultural heritage of the region. This study was carried out to document which medicinal plant species and which plant parts are used in the region of Swat, which syndrome categories are particularly concerned, and which habitat spectrum is frequented by collectors. Finally, we assessed to which extent medicinal plants are vulnerable due to collection and habitat destruction.MethodsAn ethnobotanical survey was undertaken in the Miandam area of Swat, North Pakistan. Data were collected through field assessment as well as from traditional healers and locals by means of personal interviews and semi-structured questionnaires.ResultsA total of 106 ethno-medicinal plant species belonging to 54 plant families were recorded. The most common growth forms were perennial (43%) and short-lived herbs (23%), shrubs (16%), and trees (15%). Most frequently used plant parts were leaves (24%), fruits (18%) and subterranean parts (15%). A considerable proportion of the ethno-medicinal plant species and remedies concerns gastro-intestinal disorders. The remedies were mostly prepared in the form of decoction or powder and were mainly taken orally. Eighty out of 106 ethno-medicinal plants were indigenous. Almost 50% of the plants occurred in synanthropic vegetation while slightly more than 50% were found in semi-natural, though extensively grazed, woodland and grassland vegetation. Three species (Aconitum violaceum, Colchicum luteum, Jasminum humile) must be considered vulnerable due to excessive collection. Woodlands are the main source for non-synanthropic indigenous medicinal plants. The latter include many range-restricted taxa and plants of which rhizomes and other subterranean parts are dug out for further processing as medicine.ConclusionMedicinal plants are still widely used for treatment in the area of Swat. Some species of woodlands seem to be adapted to wood-pasture, but vulnerable to overcollecting, and in particular to deforestation. It is suggested to implement local small-scaled agroforestry systems to cultivate vulnerable and commercially valuable ethno-medicinal woodland plants under local self-government responsibility.

A Contribution to the Knowledge of the Bryophyte Flora of the Mountains of North Pakistan (Autonomous Region of Gilgit-Baltistan)

GRUBER, J. P. & PEER, T. 2012. A contribution to the knowledge of the bryophyte flora of the mountains of North Pakistan (Autonomous Region of Gilgit-Baltistan). - Herzogia 25: 271–285.This paper provides an annotated list of a collection of bryophytes found in the mountain area of North Pakistan. It is based on a total of 161 specimens (151 of mosses and 10 of liverworts), covering 76 species and 22 families. The plants were collected from selected sites over two field excursions in 1998 and 1999. The list represents about a fifth of the known Pakistani bryoflora. Four species on the list are recorded as new for Pakistan, three of these were already published in previous papers.

GEM OLIVINE AND CALCITE MINERALIZATION PRECIPITATED FROM SUBDUCTION-DERIVED FLUIDS IN THE KOHISTAN ARC-MANTLE (PAKISTAN)

Recycling of volatiles at subduction zones is a key step in the Earth’s geochemical cycle. Some subducted CO 2 is remobilized in island-arc magmas, but most of it is recycled into the deeper mantle. Calcite-olivine-bearing veins in the mantle rocks of the Kohistan Paleo-Island Arc (North Pakistan) contain some of the best gem quality olivines worldwide. The O, C, and Sr isotopy of the vein minerals indicate that these veins formed from H 2 O-CO 2 fluids partly equilibrated with the mantle. Fe-Mg borate inclusions in gem olivine indicate that the fluid contained substantial B. Trace element concentrations of the vein minerals show patterns relatively enriched in La, Ce, Ta, Cu, and Zn, indicating that these elements were mobile in the vein fluids. These veins provide evidence that CO 2 may be mobilized by dissolution of carbonates in fore-arcs and that B- and HFSE-rich reservoirs may form through secondary deposition. Reprocessing of such veins could play an important role in C, B, and HFSE recycling, making these elements not necessarily a direct indicator of the slab devolatilization processes.

Combined thermobarometry and geochronology of peraluminous metapelites from the Karakoram metamorphic complex, North Pakistan; New insight into the tectonothermal evolution of the Baltoro and Hunza Valley regions

AbstractPetrographic analysis of peraluminous metapelites from two separate regions of the Karakoram metamorphic complex, North Pakistan, has produced new insights into the P–T–t evolution of the deep crust along the south Asian margin before and after the India‐Asia collision. Average P–T estimates and pseudosection construction in the MnO–Na2O–CaO–K2O–FeO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2–H2O–TiO2–Fe2O3 (MnNCKFMASHTO) system using THERMOCALC have provided prograde and peak metamorphic conditions and U–Pb geochronology of metamorphic monazite has provided age constraints. Two new events in the tectonothermal evolution of the Hunza Valley have been documented; an andalusite‐grade contact metamorphic event at 105.5 ± 0.8 Ma, at unknown P–T conditions, associated with the widespread subduction‐related granite magmatism before the India‐Asia collision, and a kyanite‐grade overprint of sillimanite‐grade rocks with peak P–T conditions of ∼7.8 kbar, 645 °C at 28.2 ± 0.8 Ma associated with the ongoing India‐Asia collision. A kyanite‐grade event observed in the Baltoro region with similar peak P–T conditions (∼7.4–8.0 kbar, ∼640–660 °C) is interpreted to have occurred sometime after 21.8 ± 0.6 Ma, however, previous studies have suggested that this event commenced in the Baltoro as early as c. 28 Ma. A calculated prograde P–T path for this kyanite‐grade event in the Baltoro indicates that garnet first nucleated on an initially high geothermal gradient (∼30 °C km−1) and grew during a significant increase in pressure of ∼2.6 kbar over a temperature increase of ∼100 °C. This event is thought to represent evidence for conductive heating of the middle crust during early stages of intrusion and lateral migration of the Baltoro batholith, with thermal conditions comparable with tectonic models of magmatic over‐accretion.

Climate/Growth Correlations of tree Species in the Indus Basin of the Karakorum Range, North Pakistan

The climate/growth relationships of four gymnosperm tree species growing in seven catchments in the Indus Basin of the Karakorum range, North Pakistan, were evaluated for using two versions of tree-ring chronologies: “standard” and “residual” chronology. The growth of the trees was compared to instrumental climate records registered in Gilgit and to a climate data set of a 0.5° latitude-longitude grid. The effect of the previous year’s tree-ring widths on growth resulted in a higher correlation in the case of “standard” chronologies. A consistently significant response to climate was observed for all species at all sites. Such results highlight the potential for a multi-species approach for climate reconstructions. Of all the four species assessed, the strongest climate signal was seen in Pinus gerardiana. Winter and spring precipitation showed a pronounced positive correlation with tree growth while an inverse response to spring temperature was seen. Of the two climate parameters (temperature and precipitation) the strongest response was seen to rainfall. The gridded and the instrumental climatic data produced similar correlation patterns but the highest values were obtained with the “local” Gilgit data although some tree-ring sites are about 90 km apart from this meteorological station. Overall, the results demonstrate a high potential of the trees of the study region for reconstructing of past climate and past river flow.

Flying with the Vanishing Fairies: Typology of the Shamanistic Traditions of the Hunza

Until recently, very little has been written examining the beliefs and practices of the Hunzakuts shamans of North Pakistan. This paper attempts to provide insight into the shamanic traditions of the Burushaski speakers of Hunza, focusing on those specialists within this community who serve as intermediaries between the human and spirit worlds—bitan, dashmán, jaadugár, síre gús, and aqhón—with particular emphasis on the bitan, whose role can be easily compared with our term “shaman.” Using ethnographic techniques such as participant observation and interviewing, this paper describes the Hunzakuts process of becoming a bitan, the techniques used to fulfill the role as intermediary, the role of hallucinogens, and the role of the bitan's patron spirit (parí). After listing the exceptional and usual elements of the Hunzakuts' shamanism as a typological summary, it is concluded that Hunza’s shamanic practices can be easily placed within the Eurasian shamanic traditions.

Wet depositional fluxes of 210Pb- and 7Be-bearing aerosols at two different altitude cities of North Pakistan

Abstract The natural radionuclides 210Pb and 7Be have been widely used as tracers of aerosols for the study of pollution and atmospheric transport processes. The depositional fluxes of atmospheric 210Pb and 7Be-bearing aerosols in precipitation samples have been continuously measured from October 2006 to April 2010 at a high altitude city of Murree (33° 85′ N, 73° 41′ E, Alt.2300 m a.s.l) and low altitude city of Islamabad (33° 38′ N, 73° 09′ E, Alt. 534 m a.s.l), Pakistan, using a high resolution spectrometer. The specific activity values of 210Pb and 7Be measured in rain samples collected monthly from open lawn of Murree ranged from 2–87 mBq l−1 and 80–1680 mBq l−1 with their mean values of 30 ± 11 mBq l−1 and 573 ± 201 mBq l−1, respectively. Similarly the mean specific concentration values of 210Pb and 7Be in open lawn rain samples of Islamabad are 123 ± 12 mBq l−1 and 442 ± 321 mBq l−1 respectively. The specific concentrations of 210Pb and 7Be in throughfall samples collected at Murree site only are in the range from 5–34 mBq l−1 and 110–1177 mBq l−1 with the mean values of 17 ± 6 mBq l−1 and 442 ± 321 mBq l−1 respectively. The annual deposition fluxes of these radionuclides at Murree varied from 1 to 129 Bq m−2 y−1 and 17 to 2202 Bq m−2 y−1 in the open lawn rain samples and from 1 to 35 Bq m−2 y−1 and 9 to 975 Bq m−2 y−1 in throughfall samples respectively. Similarly the annual mean flux values of both radionuclides in open lawn rain samples of Islamabad are 1137 Bq m−2 y−1 and 3801 Bq m−2 y−1 respectively. Observed seasonal variations of deposition of 210Pb and 7Be are explained in terms of different environmental features. The role of plantation in the interception of radionuclides in throughfall samples is analyzed and discussed. The effect of the altitude on the deposition processes at the investigated site is studied using the comparison of present results with the relevant published results and analysis.

Foliation intersection axes preserved in garnet porphyroblasts from the Swat area, NW Himalaya: A record of successive crustal shortening directions between the Indian plate and Kohistan–Ladakh Island Arc

We have investigated the geometry and tectonic significance of porphyroblast inclusion trails in 61 oriented samples from the Swat region of north Pakistan (NW Himalaya). The studied samples represent the Indian-plate cover sequence, deformed and metamorphosed to medium- and high-grade during the Himalayan orogeny. Two complementary techniques were applied to measure the orientation of Foliation Intersection/Inflection Axes (FIA) in porphyroblasts in the studied samples and reveal the existence of three principal FIA sets in the study area (measuring approximately 60 × 30 km). Each FIA set is characterized by a distinctive, regionally consistent trend and relative timing, from old to young: ESE–WNW (FIA set1), E–W (FIA set 2), and broadly NNE–SSW (FIA set 3). This sequence is inferred to record an anticlockwise rotation of the direction of tectonic transport or bulk crustal shortening (perpendicular to FIA) through time, either progressively or in a stepwise fashion, consistent with previous kinematic- and geochronological data regarding collisions between the Indian plate, Kohistan–Ladakh Island Arc (KLIA) and Eurasia between ca. 55 and 40 Ma. FIA set 1 and 2 correlate well with early-formed ESE–WNW and E–W trending thrust-related structures in the study area, respectively, whereas the trend of FIA 3 matches that of relatively young regional-scale folds and shear zones with a conspicuous N–S trend. Hence, the FIA succession has successfully resolved the relative timing of formation between the E–W versus N–S trending structures in the region, which was a longstanding question in the tectonics of the NW Himalaya. In addition, a comparison of orientation data for (symmetrical) ‘millipede’ inclusion trails versus (asymmetrical) ‘curved’ trails indicates that porphyroblasts experienced very limited differential rotations in the region, despite the complex, polyphase deformation history recorded. Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of our findings is the direct relationship that is suggested between FIA trends and successive vectors of relative Indian plate-motion since collision with the KLIA.

Indigenous knowledge and folk use of medicinal plants by the tribal communities of Hazar Nao Forest, Malakand District, North Pakistan

Regular field surveys were conducted for two consecutive years in the villages of Brah, Totay, P khel, Mekhband, Kot and Haryankot of Hazar Nao forest. Hazar Nao is located at about 23 km west of the tribal zone of Dargai, Malakand District, Pakistan. Although, majority of the local inhabitants in the study area depend on plants to treat human ailments, the indigenous knowledge is still not documented. Therefore, the present study is carried out to enlist plant species of this un-explored area and record their medicinal uses before the ethnomedicinal information are lost. Information about medicinal plants were gathered through formal and informal interviews and questionnaires were filled from local people. The folk medicinal uses of 75 plant species were recorded for various human ailments. Key words: Pakistan, Malakand, Hazar Nao, medicinal plant, human ailments.

Vegetation types of Sheosar lake and surrounding landscape in Deosai plains of North Pakistan, Western Himalayas

Sheosar Lake is located in Deosai plains of great Himalayas, Northern Pakistan at an altitude of 4142 m. Due to its exiting and isolated geographic location and diverse climatic conditions, area harbors very peculiar, highly endemic and unique vegetation. Phytosociological expeditions were carried out to study the vegetation dynamics of the area. A total of 114 plant species belonging to 28 families were reported from the area. Carex-Geranium-Bistorta and Sibbaldia-Saxifraga-Eragrostis communities were found to be the dominant associations. Primary data was analyzed by deterrended correspondence analyses (DCA) which revealed strong correlation between vegetation distribution and the moisture gradient. Regular and integrated explorations are further recommended for conservation management of endemic flora.