Gilgit’s first open makerspace, Makesitan, is addressing the distant tax on innovation. Years ago, as a freshman in the National Incubation Centre’s Foundry Program at LUMS, I encountered a “lab” during orientation, an unusual sight in a business incubator. It made sense upon seeing their CNC and maker labs, dubbed the Makers Lab. I printed a Doraemon prototype there.
The following year, I mistakenly assumed all incubators had such facilities. My mentor, Mr. Hassan Syed, reminded me that “Everywhere is not LUMS” when I argued that 3D printing was crucial for prototyping. In reality, every facility has costs and what I call the “far-flung tax,” a burden on innovation worsening with distance from elite hubs. LUMS’s NICL hosted the only true makerspace I’ve experienced in Pakistan. The Digital Design Lab at LUMS required an engineering major, a good relationship with the instructor, persistence, and being a LUMS student.
Across Pakistan, I’ve visited UET Lahore’s programs and found similar barriers. Labs exist but are inaccessible, largely limited to a select few. For those outside big cities, the far-flung tax makes access nearly impossible. In Gilgit, this tax is significant due to its remote location, accessible by one road often blocked in winter. However, the spirit and energy there are incredibly high.
While visiting the region, Ehsamullah Baig approached me with an idea to establish a makerspace in Gilgit, inspired by Germany’s spaces. His determination won me over, and I soon became an advisor for Makistan. This community space is open to everyone without restrictions, offering free coffee, tools, Wi-Fi, and electricity. Most importantly, it’s a place where thoughts are free, allowing people to build what’s important to them.
This summer marked the launch in Gilgit, attracting people eager to try new things. Students completed summer projects, learning through success and failure. Gilgit now feels a bit like LUMS to me. It’s also a space for friendship, disagreement, and shared ideas, reducing isolation by fostering human connection.
We hosted Professor Volker Wulf from the University of Siegen, Germany, who praised our local solutions for local challenges. This conversation highlighted the importance of addressing our unique problems rather than replicating projects designed for different contexts.
I’d like to share the projects of our students this summer. One is developing affordable, portable solar panels for local communities, crucial to surviving in regions often without reliable electricity. Another created a low-energy sheep-tracking system using small SoCs to prevent herds from getting lost in vast pastures.
The Bukhari project involved redesigning a stove to eliminate toxic fumes while retaining heat, a collaborative effort with a Board member. These inspiring projects, along with many others, are documented on our website.
Prof. Wulf noted that Makistan is a young institution with a big vision. As I lead the robotics aspect, we’ve equipped the lab with tools for electronics projects and await the region’s first 3D printers. Other labs are also expanding. Some institutions have approached us for partnerships, anticipating nationwide growth.
I urge students to join this community of builders, dreamers, and tinkerers. Share coffee, experiment, and create with us. The invitation is open: we offer free coffee, Wi-Fi, and free thought. The rest is up to you.
Below is a conversation with Prof. Wulf about the lab, which may inspire you to visit.
Happy Experimenting!