CHITRAL: Minority Councilor and human rights activist Lok Rahmat condemned the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Forest Department for trying to take control of pine nut (chalghoza) resources in the Kalash Valleys.
He called the department’s tender process a direct attack on the economic and cultural rights of the local people.
Lok Rahmat told media that no such government control exists in other parts of the province. He asked why the Kalash Valleys face this pressure alone. He said the move violates Articles 23 and 25 of the Constitution of Pakistan. It also goes against the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
He said law-abiding locals suffer the most, while those who break the law remain safe. He demanded that local people regain control over their natural resources immediately. He suggested a joint management model with constitutional consultation. He also asked for full transparency in pine nut production and income.
Lok Rahmat stressed that this is not just about pine nuts. It is about the survival of the poor people in the valleys. Pine nuts are their main source of income and daily livelihood. There are no other major resources in the area. Taking away these resources will increase poverty and hardship.
He warned that the community will not accept this injustice. They will protest strongly and are ready to make any sacrifice to protect their rights.