Pakistani-American singer-songwriter Quratulain Balouch, lovingly known as QB and celebrated for her soulful rendition of “Woh Humsafar Tha”, survived a frightening encounter while camping in Deosai National Park, Gilgit-Baltistan.
According to officials, she was attacked by a bear during her trip and sustained injuries to both arms. She was immediately shifted to the Regional Hospital in Skardu, where doctors confirmed that while wounded, she is thankfully out of danger and under treatment.
QB, often called the “Humsafar Girl”, had been touring Skardu to experience its breathtaking wilderness. Spread across 3,000 square kilometres, the Deosai Plateau is one of nature’s most fragile wonders—rolling hills, sparkling streams, fields of wildflowers, and rare wildlife that includes golden marmots, red foxes, and the endangered Himalayan brown bear.
The very name “Deosai”, derived from the words Deo (giant) and Sai (shadow), reflects the awe this high-altitude plateau inspires.
But this beauty is also under threat. Conservationists note that the bear population has stagnated at around 75 individuals, with human encroachment, shrinking habitat, and inbreeding posing serious risks. Rising tourism has increasingly pushed people into the bears’ natural territory, raising the chances of dangerous human-wildlife conflicts, such as the attack QB endured.
Her ordeal is a stark reminder of the delicate balance between protecting endangered species and ensuring human safety. While QB continues to recover, her story underscores the urgent need for responsible tourism, stronger conservation measures, and greater awareness about coexisting with wildlife.
QB first rose to fame in 2011 with her heartfelt cover of Reshma’s “Ankhian Nu Ren De”, and since then, her music—from Panchi with Jal in Coke Studio to Kaari Kaari in Bollywood’s Pink—has touched millions. Today, her voice not only represents Pakistan’s rich music heritage but also draws attention to the importance of protecting the natural heritage she sought to explore in Deosai.
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