Bashir Hussain Azad
CHITRAL: Leaders of Ayubia Union Chitral have strongly condemned the arrest of MPA from Lower Chitral and traditional ruler of Chitral, Fateh-ul-Mulk Ali Nasir, in Islamabad and demanded his immediate and unconditional release.
Before an emergency press conference, members of the union held a protest procession from the Shahi Qila, which passed through various routes before concluding at the Chitral Press Club.
Addressing the press conference, Ayubia Union leaders Shamsher Dastgir, Ghaffar Lal, Ghulam Nabi, Anisuddin, Shahzada Amir Hasnatuddin, Afzal Qabad, Maulana Samiul Haq, Din Muhammad Nadeem, Maqsood Alamgir, Shaida Dastgir and Inayatullah Aseer, among others, expressed serious concern over the arrest.
The leaders alleged that Fateh-ul-Mulk Ali Nasir was arrested from his Islamabad residence in violation of the sanctity of his home and without due regard for the law. They claimed that his only “crime” was supporting PTI founder Imran Khan, on whose support, they said, the people of Chitral elected him to the provincial assembly with a substantial majority.
The speakers highlighted the historical role of Chitral’s royal family, saying it had played an important role in the Pakistan Movement and that Chitral was the first princely state to announce accession to Pakistan at the time of independence.
They also recalled the role of Prince Mata-ul-Mulk and Prince Burhanuddin, saying they fought against Dogra forces in Skardu and contributed to the liberation of the region.
The Ayubia Union leaders said Fateh-ul-Mulk Ali Nasir was not only an elected public representative but also regarded as the traditional head of Chitral and a symbol of its royal family. They said he was respected by people across political affiliations and described his detention under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (3 MPO) as an insult to the people of Chitral.
The leaders further claimed that the detained MPA suffers from a heart condition and warned that the government would be held responsible if his health or life was harmed during detention.
The union demanded immediate withdrawal of the 3 MPO order and the release of Fateh-ul-Mulk Ali Nasir, along with a high-level inquiry into what it described as his unlawful arrest.
The leaders urged the authorities not to take advantage of the peaceful nature of the people of Chitral and their strong attachment to the royal family, warning that the matter should be resolved before it becomes more serious.
Shujaur Rehman, Bakhtiar, Musarrat Baig Musarrat, Owais Ahmed Baig and a large number of other Ayubia Union leaders were also present on the occasion.