Normality starts returning to Chitral town after two days

CHITRAL: After lockdown for about two days in the wake of the Shahi Masjid incident on Friday, routine life in the town began to normalize on Sunday.

However, army and other law enforcement agencies continued patrolling and guarding the town to avoid any untoward incident. They were seen checking people at entry and halting points in different parts of the town.

Though offices and educational institutions are closed on the weekend, the Chitral bazaar is partially opened and residents were mostly seen buying items of daily use. All the entry points of the town are also open but being guarded by law enforcement agencies.

Section 144 has already been imposed for two months to stop the assembly of people. Moreover, all roads to Chitral and to sub-valleys are also open. Besdes the main Chitral town, the quick response teams of the Chitral Scouts and Army are also patrolling in Jughore, Denin, Balach and Seenlasht to ensure no untoward incident occurred there too.

Meanwhile, General Officer Commanding (GOC) Malakand Maj Gen Aamir Ali Awan held a meeting with Ulema at the Chitral Scouts Officer Mess. DIG Malakand Akhtar Hayat Gandapur, Chitral Scouts Commandant Col Nizamuddin Shah and District Nazim Maghfirat Shah were also present.

The GOC appreciated the role of the Ulema in maintaining peace after the Shahi Masjid incident on Friday. He also expressed the hope that the Ulema would continue playing such a positive role in order to maintain the exemplary peace of Chitral in future.

The Ulema on the occasion assured the GOC that they considered peace in Chitral their priority and would be playing their due role in future as well. However, they demanded that the person who hurt the sentiments of the people of Chitral and Muslims around the world should be given an exemplary punishment under the law of the land.