Singer Quratulain Balouch faced a terrifying encounter with a brown bear in Deosai, Gilgit-Baltistan, triggering a public dispute. The controversy emerged as the organisation hosting her and the local wildlife department traded blame over the incident.
Todd Shea, an American singer-turned-philanthropist, who founded Comprehensive Disaster Response Services and hosted Balouch in Gilgit-Baltistan, criticised local authorities for alleged negligence. He claimed the incident occurred while the singer was on a relief visit to support flood-affected communities earlier this year.
According to Shea, Balouch’s visit to Deosai was part of a broader humanitarian trip. During a short stopover at the Bara Pani campground, she had set up her tent in a supposedly safe area. He stated that their local driver had not informed Balouch about a bear sighting just an hour before.
Shea described the attack: Balouch had just fallen asleep when an adult brown bear clawed at her arms. She protected her head, avoiding serious injuries, while her photographer quickly used a car to scare the bear away. Fortunately, Balouch survived and is now recovering, though Shea noted she experienced significant mental stress following the ordeal.
On the other hand, the Gilgit-Baltistan Wildlife Department rejected these claims. Officials stated that Balouch arrived in Deosai on September 4 and was advised by field staff to set her tent near the department’s camp for safety. According to them, the singer’s team ignored this guidance.
The department further explained that due to unusually cold weather and low tourist activity, brown bears were roaming more widely than usual. They suggested that the presence of food in the tent likely attracted the bear. The wildlife officials emphasised that such an incident had never occurred before in Deosai, highlighting its unusual nature.
This incident has sparked debate over responsibility and safety protocols for visitors to wildlife-rich regions. It underscores the importance of strictly following local guidelines to prevent human-wildlife conflicts. Tourists and artists visiting remote areas are encouraged to consult wildlife authorities and maintain caution, especially during off-peak seasons when wildlife activity can increase.
Despite the scare, Balouch’s survival has been met with relief from fans and authorities alike. The event has raised awareness about the potential dangers of wildlife encounters in protected areas like Deosai National Park. Experts suggest that both organisers and visitors must collaborate with local wildlife officials to ensure safety and avoid similar incidents in the future.
In summary, while the bear attack left Quratulain Balouch shaken, her condition remains stable. The incident highlights the delicate balance between tourism, wildlife conservation, and personal safety in Gilgit-Baltistan’s scenic but hazardous regions.
