ISLAMABAD: CDRS founder and Presidential Award-winning singer Todd Shea has strongly criticized the negligence of local authorities following the recent bear attack on renowned Pakistani singer Quratulain Balouch (QB) at Deosai National Park, Gilgit-Baltistan. Speaking at a press conference at the National Press Club Islamabad, alongside Suleman Qazi and eyewitness photographer Shahbaz, Shea dismissed the media reports circulating about the incident as “false and misleading.”
Shea clarified that Quratulain Balouch had traveled to Skardu to support flood-affected communities, not for leisure or music-related activities. As part of this humanitarian trip, she briefly visited Deosai National Park and reached the Barapani Campground, located opposite Glamp Pakistan. She was accompanied by a local tour driver and photographer Shahbaz.
According to Shea, the tragedy occurred due to the sheer negligence of the driver and park administration. The driver assured QB that the campsite was safe, despite the fact that a brown bear had been spotted in the area less than an hour before the incident. Crucially, this information was not shared with QB or Shahbaz.
“She was resting inside her tent when a full-grown brown bear suddenly attacked,” Shea said. “The animal slashed both her arms as she tried to shield her head from serious injury. There was no food inside the tent, and she had no warning about the bear’s presence in the area.”
Shea praised the quick thinking of photographer Shahbaz, who used his vehicle to scare away the bear, giving QB a chance to escape. “Shahbaz is the true hero of this incident,” Shea emphasized. “His courage and presence of mind saved her life.”
Local residents provided first aid before rushing QB and Shahbaz to Skardu Hospital. Doctors have confirmed that the singer’s condition is now stable, and she is recovering quickly, though she remains under immense psychological stress following the terrifying ordeal.
Shea called for a thorough inquiry into the mismanagement that led to the incident, stressing the need for improved safety measures and better wildlife management in Deosai National Park to protect both visitors and locals.
