PESHAWAR: To preserve the unique culture and heritage of the Kalash valley in the northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa city of Chitral, the district administration has banned the sale and purchase of land in the valley.
The district administration has imposed the ban under section 144 under the Integrity Act 2016, saying that the new constructions in Kalash Valley will also be banned. According to Deputy Commissioner Lower Chitral, non-natives were buying properties in Kalash for commercial activities which endangered the unique culture of the valley. The district administration said that legal action against the violators of order.
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The KP government is taking steps for the promotion of tourism and preserving the culture of Kalash Valley for which the government has also approved the establishment of Kalash Valley Development Authority.
The total population of this unique culture and religion is about 4,000 people. The government believes that if proper steps were not taken, there is a danger that this civilization will be confined to the history books. The Kalash tribe has its own religion and place of worship and lives peacefully with local Muslims in its three valleys of Bamburit, Rumbor and Barrir.
The valley is situated at a distance of 38 km from Chitral, the mountain pass Bamburit is the center of valley. The road from Dir Chitral Road to Kalash Valley at Ivan village is very dilapidated and difficult but still domestic and foreign tourists visit the valley and tourism is the main source of employment for the locals.