The picturesque Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) region, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and fearless mountaineers, has added a new name to its list of ambassadors: five-year-old Mohammad Shiraz. Hailing from the small village of Ghursay, nestled on the foothills of Siachen, the world’s highest battlefield, Shiraz has become an unexpected sensation on social media, capturing the hearts of audiences worldwide.
In just a month, Mohammad Shiraz has evolved from a curious grade 1 student to a social media celebrity, transcending borders and connecting with diaspora communities. His journey began on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram, where he shares daily glimpses of life in the northern region, shedding light on the challenges faced by locals, including the struggle with limited internet access.
Shiraz, following in the footsteps of his father, Mohammad Taqi, who is also a vlogger, embarked on this digital journey to showcase the beauty of his village and the unique lifestyle of the region. Despite his tender age, Shiraz’s storytelling, coupled with his broken Urdu, has struck a chord with viewers, transcending the typical portrayal of the region’s natural beauty.
Ghursay, with its swinging stony streets and Persian-style houses, comes alive through Shiraz’s lens. Local festivals, celebrations, and the daily life of the community unfold in his vlogs, giving viewers a genuine and unfiltered look into the region’s rich cultural tapestry.
In a recent twist to his newfound fame, Mohammad Shiraz made his way to the biggest Ramadan transmission in Pakistan, ‘Shan-e-Ramadan.’ At the mere age of five, he has become a symbol of the region’s untapped tourism potential, charming audiences with his innocence and the enchanting backdrop of Skardu.
Despite the challenges faced by the region, including poor infrastructure and limited facilities, Mohammad Shiraz’s digital journey has become a beacon of hope for Skardu’s tourism industry. With tens of thousands of subscribers and a YouTube Silver Play Button in hand, Shiraz’s impact extends far beyond the confines of his village.
As Skardu continues to produce internationally recognized mountaineers and high-altitude porters, Mohammad Shiraz stands out as the youngest face of the region’s beauty and resilience. His journey from the foothills of Siachen to the global stage exemplifies the power of social media in bridging cultural gaps and showcasing the hidden treasures of Gilgit-Baltistan to the world.
In the words of Mohammad Shiraz himself,
“I want to show the beauty of my village and local life to the outside world. I just like it.”
And indeed, the world is captivated by the charm of Skardu, as witnessed through the lens of a five-year-old vlogger who is making history, one heartfelt vlog at a time.
