Niat Qabool Hayat Kakakhel

Niat Qabool Hayat Kakakhel (also Kakakhail; September 5, 1905 – October 18, 1986) was a Gilgit-Baltistani politician in Pakistan and, after 1973, assistant to the Governor of Gupis. Kakakhel was a member of the Central Asia Supreme Council and a senior member of the Aga Khan Council. He was a ruling official during the Frontier Crimes Regulations (FCR) period in the early 1970s.

Early life
Kakakhel was born on September 5, 1905, in the Golaghmuli Valley (in present-day Gupis-Yasin District) in Gilgit-Baltistan. His father, a shepherd, disappeared for several months before Hayat was born. A few months after Hayat's birth, his older brother died in an accident. Hayat belonged to the ruling Syed family and, at the age of 21, he was sent to Gilgit to live with the raja. Years later Kakakhel returned to his village and succeeded his uncle, Zumbool Hayat. The assistant of Raja Gupis, Maqpoon Hussain Ali Khan, he was given the title "Numberdar-e-Aala".

Shandur polo ground
In 1935, Evelyn Hey Cobb, the British administrator of Gilgit-Baltistan, asked Niat Qabool Hayat Kakakhel to build a well-constructed polo ground in Shandur Top, a project that was completed with the dedicated assistance of local villagers. The resulting polo ground, named Mas Junali, measured 56 by 200 meters, slightly smaller than a standard polo field, which typically measures 150 by 270 meters. The name “Mas Junali” originates from the Khowar language, meaning “moon” and “polo ground,” reflecting Cobb’s fondness for moonlit polo matches, which added a touch of magic to the game.

Impressed by Kakakhel’s efficient construction, Cobb offered a reward, which was declined in favor of a request to stock the local waterways with Trout fish. This selfless gesture demonstrated Kakakhel’s commitment to the community’s well-being. Consequently, Cobb introduced trout from England to the Ghizer River, leading to the establishment of the Directorate of Fisheries and creating hundreds of jobs for the local population. The trout population has since thrived, with notable sizes recorded in Hundrap Lake and Baha Khukush Lake, reaching up to 24 kilograms (53 lb) and 45 kilograms (99 lb), respectively.

Mas Junali has become a hub for residents of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, hosting the annual Shandur Polo Festival since 1936, which showcases matches between teams from both regions. The festival has become a beloved tradition, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the region. The polo ground’s unique status as the world’s highest, situated at an altitude of 12,140 feet above sea level, has also made it a tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the globe. The breathtaking scenery and thrilling polo matches have cemented Mas Junali’s reputation as a must-visit destination for adventure seekers and sports enthusiasts alike.

Literary Elevation in Gilgit-Baltistan
In 1940, Niat Qabool Hayat Kakakhail, a visionary and dedicated individual, founded a private primary schools in Koh-i-Ghizer and also paved way in establishing primary schools in erstwhile Gilgit-Baltistan, paving the way for future generations to pursue their educational aspirations. Initially, students from this school would go on to attend schools in farthest cities for further education, but soon, the administrators of Aga Khan Education Services recognized the school’s potential and affiliated it with their esteemed organization. This partnership proved to be a game-changer, as the school’s commitment to education led to a significant increase in the literacy rate in the area, surpassing an impressive 85%.

Niat Qabool Hayat Kakakhail’s tireless efforts in promoting education did not go unnoticed. The first Muslim Political Agent of Gilgit-Baltistan, Sardar Mohammad Alam Khan, a Pathan from Hazara, acknowledged his contributions by bestowing upon him the prestigious title of Numberdar-e-Aala. This honor not only recognized Niat Qabool’s dedication to education but also cemented his family’s legacy, as the title of Numberdar is still proudly held by his descendants. Furthermore, Sardar Mohammad Alam Khan presented Niat Qabool with a certificate, serving as a testament to his remarkable service to the community. Through his unwavering commitment to education, Niat Qabool Hayat Kakakhail has left a lasting impact on the region, inspiring future generations to prioritize knowledge and learning.