Skardu: Renowned Pakistani singer Quratulain Balouch (QB), best known for her hit Woh Humsafar Tha, survived a rare bear attack while camping in Deosai National Park, Gilgit-Baltistan.
Officials confirmed that Balouch sustained injuries to both arms during the encounter but is now in stable condition. She was rushed to the Regional Hospital in Skardu, where doctors said she remains under treatment but is out of danger.
Balouch, who has been exploring the natural beauty of Skardu as part of her travels, was camping in Deosai when the incident occurred.
Deosai’s Wild Beauty and Risks
Deosai National Park, a high-altitude plateau spread across more than 3,000 square kilometres, is celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes, wildflower meadows, and diverse wildlife. Located east of Nanga Parbat in the western Himalayas, the park is home to endangered species, including the Himalayan brown bear, golden marmots, and red foxes.
The brown bear population in Deosai has been estimated at only around 75, according to a 2023 report. Conservationists warn that habitat shrinkage, inbreeding, and expanding human activity threaten their survival. Increasing tourism in the region has also raised the risk of human–wildlife encounters.
About Quratulain Balouch
Known affectionately as “The Humsafar Girl”, Balouch rose to fame in 2011 after her soulful rendition of Reshma’s Ankhian Nu Ren De and later gained widespread popularity with the title track of the drama Humsafar. Her Coke Studio performances, including Sammi Meri Waar, Laung Gawacha, and Thagyan, cemented her reputation as one of Pakistan’s most distinctive voices.
Balouch has also worked across borders, lending her vocals to the Bollywood film Pink with the song Kaari Kaari.
While shaken by the incident, hospital staff assured that the singer is expected to make a full recovery.
