Pakistani-American singer and songwriter Quratulain Balouch, widely recognized as QB, was injured after being attacked by a bear while camping in the Deosai National Park in Gilgit-Baltistan. Officials confirmed the incident, stating that the renowned artist, famous for her hit “Woh Humsafar Tha,” was promptly transferred to the Regional Hospital in Skardu for emergency care. Doctors have reported that although both of her arms sustained wounds, her condition is stable and she is out of danger.
The attack occurred in one of Pakistan’s most spectacular and fragile ecosystems. Deosai National Park, spanning 3,000 square kilometres, is a high-altitude plateau known for its rolling hills, wildflowers, and unique wildlife. It serves as a critical sanctuary for the endangered Himalayan brown bear, a majestic species that conservationists estimate has a population of only around 75. The park was established specifically to protect these vulnerable animals from hunting and habitat loss.
Conservation experts are increasingly concerned about the risks posed by growing human activity in the region. Reports indicate that rising tourism is pushing visitors deeper into the bears’ natural territory, elevating the potential for dangerous encounters. Factors like habitat shrinkage and inbreeding already threaten the fragile bear population, and close human contact adds a significant new layer of risk to both people and animals.
Quratulain Balouch, who first rose to fame with her powerful renditions on Coke Studio, was in Skardu to explore its legendary natural beauty. The artist, who also sang the acclaimed track “Kaari Kaari” for Bollywood’s Pink, is now recovering from the traumatic event. This incident highlights the urgent need for heightened safety protocols and public awareness for tourists venturing into the habitats of Pakistan’s endangered wildlife.
