People try to force them into adopting their religious beliefs and sometimes luring their children into conversion
FAISALABAD: Last week I, along with a few friends, visited the famous Kalaash Valley. I have visited many places in Pakistan but the beauty, innocence, hospitality, simplicity and the rich and unique culture of Kalaash people are unmatched. However, unfortunately, during the trip we observed the unethical and degrading behaviour they face at the hands of others who don’t treat them equally. They try to force them into adopting their religious beliefs and sometimes luring their children into conversion.
As a result, the Kalaash feel depressed and threatened and hence, most of them have embraced Islam. I appreciate the efforts to bring non-Muslims into the fold of Islam but I strongly condemn any such methods.
Moreover, people go to the valley to see the unique culture and civilisation of Kalaash but most of the hotels and other tourists spots have been purchased by other communities in the vicinity. As a result, they directly benefit from tourism, while the Kalaash civilisation only gets 5-10% of these earnings.
On the other hand, the government does not pay any attention for their well-being or to preserve their 3,000-year-old heritage. For instance, a museum and school in Bhamboret town, made by a Greek NGO, was run by Kalaash with their own means and efforts. A few years back, the Taliban attacked and looted this museum. But no compensation has been provided to Kalaash people in return. They are fighting for their survival and from the looks of it conditions do not seem good. If such a situation persists, their precious and unique culture, which is also an unmatched asset of Pakistan, would perish and we will only read about the Kalaash civilisation in books in the future.
Muhammad Adnan Rafique
Published in The Express Tribune, August 23rd, 2017.
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