Muhammad Atif
The state of affairs in Chitral is a cause for concern. Despite the region\’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and positive stories, there is a sense of stagnation and lack of development. It is disheartening to see that the people of Chitral are becoming increasingly subservient, and there is a need to address this issue urgently.
It is dismaying to see cultural ambassadors and social media personalities promoting Chitral without raising awareness about the rights that the people have been deprived of for centuries. The annual floods caused by surging waters during the monsoon season highlight the urgent need for infrastructure development in the region. As a nation, we have failed to address these issues, and it is disheartening to see that the situation remains the same year after year.
I, as a 24-year-old, have visited Chitral several times with the hope of seeing some positive changes, but to no avail. It is time for the people of Chitral to stand up and demand their rights, or risk losing everything they hold dear. The current Chitral culture seems to lack values such as standing up for one\’s rights. Engaging in music and celebrating festivals for years does not necessarily make a culture memorable. It is essential to move away from the Mehtari mindset and take necessary actions.
Despite the positive stories and vibrant festivals, the nation has lost its integrity and dignity. It is rare to find individuals in Chitral who are knowledgeable about the injustice, deprived infrastructure, and transportation. The majority of young boys in Chitral are characterized as Chapri, with no understanding of music, yet they share music. Similarly, they wear pants but do not make efforts to promote the unique culture of the peace-loving people. Also, they will attend a polo festival and partake in horseback riding and portray like they have some kind of generational wealth, while the reality is – at home they indulge in two servings of white rice per day. It is crucial to find someone who can stand up and address these basic needs to create a peaceful environment.
Resistance is an essential component in achieving desired outcomes. Simply labeling oneself as peace-loving will not prove effective in the long run. It is crucial to have functional infrastructure, such as roads and effective flood management systems, as well as access to proper shelter. While cultural events such as music, dance, and polo may bring temporary joy, they do not address the fundamental needs of a region. It is necessary to move beyond superficial distractions and focus on practical solutions.
(Muhammad Atif, from Reshun Upper Chitral, is currently pursuing PhD degree in South Korea).