Pervaiz Rashid praises Chitrali people for preserving Kalash culture
ISLAMABAD, Feb 7 (APP): Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Senator Pervaiz Rashid said on Friday that people of Chitral were ‘model Pakistanis’ as they have shown exemplary tolerance by preserving old Kalash civilization. After administering oath of office to newly-elected office-bearers of Chitral Press Club here he said that Chitrali people have preserved centuries old civilization despite the fact that it belonged to non-Muslim culture. He said that it was responsibility of the government to provide road access to its people living in far-flung areas and completion of Lowari tunnel would solve the problem once for all. He said that construction of all-weather road link with Chitral would not only benefit the people of the area but will help Pakistan earn foreign exchange as it would attract more foreign tourists to the region.
The minister issued directives for issuance of grant for Chitral Press Club. Moreover he said Radio Pakistan would be directed to give travel advisory for the people of Chitral during winter so that they can avoid harsh weather conditions at Lowari top. He also agreed to the demand that Radio Pakistan should play its role in promotion of Chitrali language.
Earlier MNA from Chitral Shahzada Iftikharuddin that Chitral constituted about 23 per cent of the Khyber Pakhtoonkhaw province but it has been neglected in development works. He said Chitral was major tourist attraction due to Kalash culture but non-availability of all-weather road link was a hurdle in way of tourists.
Newly-elected President of Chitral Press Club Zaheeruddin said that out of five districts of Malakand Division Chitral was only district not affected by extremism and media has played an important role in this regard.
Earleir the minister administered oth to newly eelcted office bearers of the Chitral Press Club. Press Information Officer Rao Tehsin Ali Khan was also present during the ceremony.