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Gahkuch marshland spreading over 133.54 hectare amidst Hindukush mountain ranges in northern Pakistan is characterized by typical wetlands ecosystem, comprising of small lakes, streams, peat lands, bogs, marshy areas and riverain forests. The area abodes largest resident population of waterfowl in Gilgit- Baltistan, in addition to providing wintering and staging ground for a large number of migratory birds and other aquatic life. A detailed socio ecological study conducted during August to September, 2011 revealed that the area is rich in biodiversity, harboring eight large and three small mammal species, 35 species of birds, seven species of fish, eight species of trees and 18 species of medicinal and economic plants and seventeen families of benthic-macro invertebrates. Moreover, six physical, nineteen chemical and three biological parameters of water bodies were also determined. In addition to its ecological significance the area also supports livelihoods of about 10000 people by providing timber, fuel wood, grazing ground and fish resources. Anthropogenic pressures includes solid waste, influent and illegal hunting were key threats to wetlands and its resources. Wetlands management planning in collaboration with key stakeholders would be effective approach to protect important biodiversity and wetlands resources of the area.

Quince fruit is a late season, non - climacteric fruit and not grown all over the world. Samples were collected from Nomal Village and Physio chemical Analysis were conducted and results of the samples after analysis are Total Soluble Solids (TSS), ash content, sugars (total sugars, reducing and non - reducing), total phenolics and ascorbic acid (12.36 0Brix), (3.36%), (9.63%), (5.26%), (4.36%), (15.70 mg GAE/100g), and (23.66 mg/100g Malic acid) respectively, were found high in sweet variety of Quince fruit as compared to sour variety (10.73 0Brix), (2.53%), (9.00%), (5.05%), (4.00%), and (7.70 mg GAE/100g) respectively and (20.33 mg/100g Malic acid) respectively, of which pH, moisture content, antioxidants and Titratable Acidity were statistically same in both varieties of Quince fruit. Physical attributes such as fruit thickness, fruit volume, fruit weight, pulp weight and sphericity (93.00 mm), (328.53 cm3), (335.00g) (331.00g) and (122.20%) respectively were recorded higher in sweet variety of Quince fruit compared to sour variety of Quince fruit (89.60), (285.40 cm3), (293.33g), (289.00g) and (103%) respectively, Geometric mean diameter and length (83.33mm), and (96.66mm) respectively were found high in sweet variety of Quince fruit compared to sour variety of Quince (73.33 mm), and (86.66mm) respectively, of which edible portion, seed and peel were statistically same in both varieties. Higher scores were assigned for taste, color, flavor and overall acceptability (7.333), (7.400), (8.266) and (8.366) respectively in sweet variety of Quince fruit as compared to sour variety of Quince fruit (6.233), (7.233), (7.266) and (7.166) respectively. However color scores of both varieties were statistically same.

The Khunjerab National Park (KNP) which is one of the highest Parks in the world existing above 4000 meters. A random sampling technique was applied to select respondents. The total sample drawn was 28. A structured questionnaire was used in face to face interviews to collect data. Basically, interviewees included three different groups of stakeholders: KNP management, village committee members, and tourists. Different tourism- related questions were designed for different types of targeted groups, but they generally revolved around ecotourism planning, management issues, and the impacts of the ecotourism project. The statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS 18. The results showed male respondent were dominated i.e. 86% and female were 14%. The majority of the respondents were having diverse occupation categories as 25% of them were each government/semi government and private sectors followed by 21% each from student and business category, and finally 4% each from house wife and retired persons from government and private. 100% of the respondents were literate. Most respondent were well awared about the eco tourism and minimal impacts on the environment. Majority of the tourist confirmed that they like ecotourism, only 5% were not sure. The ecotourism may be enhanced in KNP by importance were destination and facilities (32% each) popularity (18%), price (11%) and referrals 7% respectively. Ecotourism is greatly affected by its destination and facilities. An average of about Rs 2000 per day is spent to visit KNP. This will provide an opportunity of employment for local people

The study was conducted to assess the workplace conditions, health and safety situations in textile and chemical industries of one of the commercial cities of Pakistan i.e. Faisalabad. Risk assessment was conducted through qualitative and quantitative assessment methods. The effluents and gases emissions in the textile and chemical mills of Faisalabad were monitored. Results indicated the working conditions in the work place were not conducive for maximum productivity and there was high risk that may be befalling to the workers from multiple hazards exacerbated by inadequate physical conditions. Over all the temperature, humidity, noise and light levels were either below or above the defined NEQS (National Environmental Quality Standards) at multiple places in each industry. Workers are uninformed of the health and safety protocols at workplace and there is a dire need to give trainings and awareness regarding health and safety issues.

Juice can be considered as an important and functional ingredient in food products. The aim of current study was to screen and compare the physico-chemical properties of some indigenous species of pomegranate in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Pakistan. Fruits were collected from three tehsil regions of GB i.e. Bagrote, Jalalabad and Heramosh valleys. The fruits were washed, peeled off and arils were separated. Fresh juice was prepared from the arils and physico-chemical properties were evaluated. The pH of juice was found in the range of 2.4 (Sour, Jutial Gilgit) to 3.9 (sweet, Jalalabad). Comparative to other areas, pomegranate species of the Jutial exhibited higher total soluble solids (TSS) as 11.5 (sour) 14.5 (sweet) 14.2 (doom). The proximate reducing sugar analysis showed the higher content of reducing sugars in Sweet >Doom >Sour varieties. Lowest average ash and moisture content was observed in sour and higher was determined in sweet varieties.

The purpose of current study is to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics and sensory evaluation in some varieties of dried apricot from Gilgit-Baltistan. Dried apricots of four different varities (Margulam. Halman, Habi and Khakas) were analyzed for the physicochemical characteristics and sensory evaluation. Maximum total ash was found in Halman, (3.336%) and minimum ash found in Margulam (2.467%). The maximum titratable acidity was in Habi (0.33 %) and minimum in Khakas (0.316%). Crude fat was found maximum in Margulam (1.650 %) and minimum in Halman (1.236 %).The crude fiber content was maximum in Habi (3.316 %) and minimum in Khakas (1.246 %). Margulam (89.300 %) and minimum in Habi (86.267 %).Higher scores were assigned for taste, texture, and overall acceptability (7.400), (7.200) and ((7.200) respectively for Halman variety of apricot. The color score was maximum in Khakas (8.200) and minimum in Habi (6.400) while other varieties ranged (6.433 to 7.233). The maximum texture score in Halman (7.200) and minimum in Habi (6.00) while other varieties ranged (6.33 to 6.500).The taste score was maximum in Halman (7.400) and minimum in Habi (6.00) while other varieties ranged (6.200 to 6.36). Overall acceptability maximum scores for Halman (7.200) minimum in Khakas (6.33). Analysis of variance pertaining to moisture contents, dry solids, crude fibers and ascorbic acids were apparent from the result they differed significantly among different varieties. The mean value for ash content, pH, crude fat and titratable acidity revealed non-significant effect among varieties of dried apricots.

Gilgit city with an area of around 10 sq. kilometers and an estimated population of about 65,845.6 people is most rapidly growing urban settlement of the province. This city generates about 42.5 tonne of waste per day and Municipal Committee Gilgit (MCG) is the authority responsible to manage this waste. The present annual budget of Municipal committee is around Rs. 1,8900000 (USD 189, 000). Equipments and machineries available for waste collection and transportation include 4 tractor trolleys, 200 Dustbins (installed), Dumpsters 15, Beats 7, Mazda 1 and, 25 wheel barrows. Waste is picked up manually using handcarts, baskets and polythene bags. Irregular and uncontrolled sweeping, confined to commercial zones, together with refuse generated from the household and commercial areas i.e. indiscriminately thrown on the roadsides. Tractor trolleys are used to collect and transport waste out of the city. There is no proper disposal method for the generated waste and is dumped on land within the city along Gilgit River (Indus River) bank. Major sources of waste in Gilgit city include, Household waste 40%, Commercial establishment (e.g. shops and hotels, offices) 60%. This generated waste is comprised of organic waste (e.g. food waste) 70-80% Inorganic waste (e.g. plastic, glass and metals) 20 - 30%.

Electronic-waste (E-waste) management is one of the global emerging issues. The current study has been carried out to evaluate the existing computer waste management (CWM) in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan. Study focuses on managerial gap analysis and determination of potential occupational impacts from current CWM practices. System observation and waste quantification are the tools used in field, while interviews and questionnaire based surveys were also conducted. The results reveal that approximately 624.15 tons of computer waste (CW) is generated in the twin cities per year. Approximately 825kg of monitors and 1125kg of CPUs wastes are generated in Twin cities per day. Associated authorities like CDA, Ministry of Climate Change and EPA were interviewed for legal compliance. There is the lack of rules implementation on E-waste management. However, legislations made by concerned authorities exist in the country but are not practically enforced. Further concerns observed during the study include lack of using basic PPEs and employing child labor in their adolescence. Implementation of existing laws along with basic occupational health and safety rules in the system may play a better role to attenuate the load of waste from the very important cities of Pakistan.