CM approves Rs20 million for development of Kalash valleys
PESHAWAR, Jan 24 (APP): Chief Minister Pervez Khattak has said minorities are integral part of the national mainstream and their role in the national development has always been commendable. He said the KP government was paying special attention to the welfare of minorities. That is why, he said, it has increased the quota reserved for minorities in government jobs from one to three percent. He expressed these views while talking to a delegation of Kalash community from Chitral that met him at the CM Secretariat Peshawar and discussed matters related to the development of Kalash valley and problems being faced by the Kelash community. The delegation led by MPA Sardar Soran Singh included the district president PTI minority wing, Wazirzada, and Kalash elites.
In the past, no attention was given to the welfare of the Kelash community of Chitral and their area was totally neglected with regard to developmental schemes, Chief Minister Pervez Khattak.The PTI-led provincial government would make all possible measures for the welfare of Kelash community and protection of their rights besides preserving and promoting their unique cultural heritage, he added. The delegation apprised the chief minister of the problems faced by the community. The chief minister approved a special grant of Rs20 million for various developmental activities and especially for the rehabilitation of irrigation channels in Kalash valley and up-gradation of government middle school Rumbur to the high level. MPA Sardar Soran Singh regretted that no one paid attention to the miseries of Kalash community in the past but the provincial government of PTI was taking effective measures for the welfare of minorities. Members of the delegation thanked the chief minister for taking personal interest in solving their problems and assured the provincial government all out support from the Kelash community.]]>
In my opinion, taking steps towards the upliftment for the Kalash people is not only beneficial for them, but a source delight for all Chitralis. They are an integral part of our history and our society and the government must take all necessary steps towards the preservation of their culture as well as providing better facilities for them, especially in the fields education and healthcare. This will allow them to play an active role in the development and progress of Chitral.