The Gilgit-Baltistan government has imposed a ban on night camping in Deosai National Park after renowned Pakistani-American singer Qurat-ul-Ain Balouch was injured in a brown bear attack near Bada Pani late last night.
Balouch, who was camping with companions, sustained injuries in the incident and was immediately shifted to the Regional Headquarters Hospital (RHQ) Skardu, where she is currently under treatment.
Confirming the incident, provincial government spokesperson Faiz Ullah Faraq said that the decision to ban camping in Deosai was taken in the interest of public safety. “No tourist or traveler will be allowed to camp in Deosai henceforth,” he added.
Wildlife researcher and conservation specialist Dr. Shoaib Hameed, Senior Program Manager at the Snow Leopard Foundation, expressed concern over the attack. Speaking to Bloom Pakistan, he highlighted possible reasons behind the rare occurrence.
“Brown bears are high-altitude animals that can live up to 5,000 meters above sea level. Generally, they are not aggressive. However, if campers were cooking or barbecuing, the bear may have been attracted by the smell, since their eyesight is limited to about 50 meters, but their sense of smell is extraordinarily strong,” Dr. Hameed explained.
Read More: Quratulain Balouch Injured in Bear Attack at Deosai National Park
He noted that this season marks a crucial period for brown bears, as they prepare for winter hibernation. “During this time, female bears often move around with their cubs and can become aggressive to protect them. Another possibility is that the bear felt threatened or feared being trapped, which may have triggered the attack,” he said.
Dr. Hameed emphasized the need for stronger wildlife protection measures in Gilgit-Baltistan. “The brown bear is an extremely rare species, and Deosai is its largest habitat in Pakistan. Protecting this ecosystem must be a priority for the government,” he stressed, while also extending his wishes for Qurat-ul-Ain Balouch’s speedy recovery.
