Bashir Hussain Azad
Chitral, August 16, 2025: Residents of Bumburet, Rumbur, and Birir have rejected the government’s plan to hand over pine nut forests to contractors. They say the move will strip them of their main source of income.
At a press conference at Chitral Press Club on Saturday, community leaders Sarawat Shah, Noor Shali, Martial Law Khan, and Councilor Rehmat Ali condemned the forestry department’s tender notice. They called it “an attempt to snatch the livelihood of valley residents.” They stressed that locals have protected these forests for generations.
The leaders noted a clear imbalance. Other valleys, including Shishi Koh, Damel, Drosh, Gahoret Gol, and Chitral Gol, allow residents to benefit directly from pine nut harvesting. Only the Kalash Valleys face this new policy.
They criticized the promise of giving locals 60% of proceeds. A similar commitment for Birir’s forests in 2011 has still not been fulfilled.
The leaders asked the Deputy Commissioner of Lower Chitral to stop the tendering process. They urged the Chief Minister to intervene. They warned that without action, 80% of the valley population could fall below the poverty line.
They also blamed the KV Development Authority for causing harm since its arrival. The protest shows growing tension as locals fight to protect their traditional rights and income.
