CHITRAL, Sept 29, 2025: Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate Upper Chitral Haseebur Rehman Khan Khalil has imposed Section 144, prohibiting the construction of ponds along riverbanks.
Meanwhile, the district administration of Lower Chitral also imposed a similar ban.
According to the district administration, the practice of creating ponds, mainly for hunting migratory ducks, disturbs the natural flow of rivers. This disruption, officials said, increases the risk of damage to houses, farmland and trees situated along the banks. The administration has also warned that strict legal action will be taken against anyone found violating the order.
Meanwhile, a group of hunters assembled in Booni on Sunday to express their opposition to the decision. They argued that making ponds along rivers does not cause any harm to the local population or the environment. They further stated that hunting migratory birds has been a centuries-old traditional game in Chitral, deeply rooted in the valley’s culture and heritage.
The hunters insisted that the administration’s order was unfair and claimed that the ban amounted to depriving the people of their long-practiced tradition. They also warned that if the restriction was not withdrawn, they would approach a court of law to challenge the decision.
On the other hand, a number of local residents have welcomed the ban, saying that such practices often damage riverbanks and pose a threat to nearby communities. They urged the district administration to ensure the order is fully enforced in order to protect lives, farmland and the environment.