BIRIR, Aug 13, 2025: Residents of Birir Valley in Lower Chitral held a peaceful protest against the Forest Department’s tender for the sale of pine nuts from the three Kalash valleys — Bamburet, Rumbur, and Brir.
Protesters argued that the decision was made without consulting the local community, infringing on their economic and traditional rights.
The demonstration was led by local leaders, including Vice Chairman Rahmat Ali, Farmer Councilor Marshal Khan, Maulana Nadir Hussain of the Islamic Ideology Party, VC head of Jamaat-e-Islami Haroon Anjum Qureshi, former Birir council member Kamaluddin, PPP leader Dost Muhammad, and Jamaat-e-Islami member Jamaluddin.
Speakers highlighted that pine nuts are a crucial part of the Kalash community’s economy and that locals have the primary right to their harvest. They demanded the immediate cancellation of the tender issued on August 18, warning that protests would escalate if their demands were ignored.
Protesters carried banners and placards calling for the cancellation of the tender and protection of local rights. The demonstration concluded peacefully.