Kudos to the brothers

Dear Editor,

I am so delighted to read two articles in today's "Chitral Times." One is Rashid Rafiq's analysis of Zeeshan Tariq's three recent columns. I am a great fan of Zeeshan Tariq's incisive, illuminating, balanced write-ups. He is undoubtedly one of the best contemporary columnists from back home, and if he comes from Chitral, all the more reason to be proud of him. Brother Rafiq has, though rightly pointed out that any celebration of Saddam's so-called "martyrdom" is whipping thousands of real martyers at the hands of this sordid character. It is, however, totally understandable why Rashid Rafiq is saddened by a detestable person's end.The selection of the day was the poorest of choices, and then watching once a powerful man's humiliating end (made all the more revolting by the uncalled for arguments of the gaurds) reminds one of the Greek tragedies. "There, but by the grace of God, go I." Sultan Bahu appropriately observed, "Do not celebrate the death of an enemy, for the beloved shall also die."

The second article that I find of particular interest is Mohammad Sharif Khan's article on Chitrali women's lives, education and
employment and current attitudes towards them. I am thrilled when a man, in a remote corner of the country, is not afraid of speaking up his mind,supporting and encouraging his daughter, sister, even mother to go seek self-fulfilment whether through education, through financial independence, or through creative processes. He truly follows the sunnah. With such men, society goes a long way, and half the needless struggle of women seeking their basic rights is over, that energy and effort channeled into more useful ventures. It is an amazing contrast with the attitudes across the Lowari Pass where men threaten to divorce
their wives for wanting to vote, and deny their daughters any opportunity to know the world beyond the four walls.

I can't help reminisce this is how Chitralis were before Zia regime----forward-looking, progressive, generous, and eager to learn, without compromising their own values. I just hope more men and women follow suit.

Best,

Ghazala N. Orakzai
Brooklyn.