YARKHOON: A BEAUTIFUL BUT NEGLECTED VALLEY - PART 1V

My appeal, in the previous articles, to the elders to contribute with literary pieces didn�t go futile. Article written by, not other than an eminent educationist and literary figure, Mr. Sher Wali Khan Aseer was a substantial addition in the knowledge of readers about Yarkhoon valley. He shared valuable historical facts with the younger generation in his appreciation letter. Defined geographical boundary of the valley very well and mentioned the names of some of the elders that I could not name. These elders are no more amongst us physically but they are a source of inspiration for all of us even today. Though they were not graduates of any formal education system, but had a clear vision of prosperity and success when materialized it proved an excellent job of motivation towards the development of local area, like irrigation channels, roads, schools and bridges etc. I once again pay my humble tributes to all those who could be named in my article and those who could not be named due to my scanty knowledge but not their lesser importance.
Aseer saheb�s second point was regarding his high expectations from the younger generation to bring about a �visible change� in the living conditions of the people through the provision of basic facilities like roads, telecommunication, colleges and hospitals. No doubt, all these are the legitimate claims of any citizen of the country but the problem is again the distribution of resources which the government makes according to the population. As I have mentioned it in my previous article that Yarkhoon gets very limited amount of budget from the district. Rest all depends on the caliber of the local representative of the time, how much competent he is to fetch enough development projects for his area. We expect from the young representatives to exert more pressure and bring more development projects. There is one resemblance of District Chitral with Province of Balochistan ---- difficult terrain, larger area, lesser population and scanty share in resources when distributed on population basis. The negative affects are very well visible in various parts of the district including Yarkhoon valley. Should we dream and think of such major projects that can bring substantial change in our area at once. It is good idea, but dreams seldom turn to reality. Definitely we need colleges, carpeted roads, hospitals, telecommunication facilities and what not but presently we are at loss from geographical and population point of view. The representatives have to turn this geographical confinement into an opportunity of development. Readers will be pleased to know that Baroghal festival, sponsored by HOAP Foundation, was organized, for the first time, with the efforts of Union Nazim Muhammad Wazir Khan and some locals like Umar Rafee in the year 2006. Despite lack of communication access many other Union Nazims and government functionaries were taken to Baroghal and the event was rightly publicized. The case was actively processed with Ministry of Tourism by the District Government. The efforts brought fruit and reportedly Government of Pakistan has enlisted BAROGHAL FESTIVAL in the official Visit Pakistan Festivals for Year 2007 ---- KUDOS TO ALL. This is one example of tapping opportunities from the geographical isolation.

Apart from converting confinement to an opening for development, what else should we do to bring a wave of economic and social change in the area? I request the readers from Yarkhoon valley to come forward with genuine suggestions. In my personal view we can progress by two ways (1) Strengthen local leadership, thereby having a strong representative voice capable of understanding local problems, able of conveying them to appropriate corners and guts of getting them solved gradually. The people should sacrifice for an opportunity to elevate a person from Yarkhoon in the political hierarchy (2) Apart from small trouble-shooting exercises; the local representatives should work on at least a few strategic objectives at a time as well. For me, if Chitral is linked to Central Asian States through Yarkhoon valley, it will open doors of economic development and social change. Honestly speaking, to have these things done in the area seems difficult and time consuming. But each step in the right and focused direction will help towards achievement of objectives, of course in the long term.

�People living within the jurisdiction from BREP (historic juniper with writing on it (Nevashiro Sarooz) right up to Broghel are Yarkhunik and this is an evergreen name like ever green juniper. I am proud to be Yarkhunik and I am sure that all others like me are proud to be�. These beautiful sentences are taken from respected Liaqat Ali Saheb�s letter appeared in the chitraltimes.com. His words of appreciation are an asset for getting an impetus to work still harder. His beautiful and affectionate sentiments embody sincerity and patriotism for his native area. These also carry moral lesson for the young people to have more respect for our culture, traditions, people, and our abode like our elders.
My thanks are due to a young talented student Miss Mussarat Gul for her appreciation to the writer and highlighting of the ever existing problems of Yarkhoon valley. She has rightly suggested evaluation of the existing system of education. We have seasoned and capable educationists amongst us, who can guide us. We should strengthen our local leadership to move the things at appropriate speed and time. She however, has some apprehensions about role of educated people from the valley. I may not agree with the learned writer. To me getting higher education while coming from that far flung area in itself is a credit to them. It is 2007, we are scanty of facilities. Think of 1960s or 1970s; in what shape the area and its facilities would have been. Their efforts in getting education would have been hundreds of times more difficult than today. They are a source of motivation and guidance. I salute their courage and effort made in the most difficult times. Educated class can not sit idle waiting for �MANN-O-SALWA�. They of course have to earn their livelihood in a respectable manner as well. We should be proud of them and we should also be proud of those like Mussarat Gul and Izzat Begum who despite all odds are becoming part of the educated class. It will be considered a positive contribution even if they support and nourish their own families to make them a truly educated one.
Lastly, I am grateful to my friend Khalid Pervez for his words of encouragement. He is legitimate in saying that our writings must be logical, convincing and it should be free from religious, political and personal colorings. It is good that younger people like him are taking keen interest in writing and scholarly activities. Francis Bacon has rightly said that �writing makes a perfect man�.

Tariq Mehmood,
Islamabad
[email protected]