I MISS MY CHITRAL

Chitral is a most beautiful place in Pakistan. Every year a large number of tourists visit it. It not only has its natural beauty but the inner beauty of the people is more beautiful and inspiring.

Working in a university of national and international repute I come across a lot of people who take keen interest in my Chitral more than myself. Once a retired brigadier asked me where from you? When I replied Chitral, his euphoria was remarkable. He had served in Chitral as a Commandant of Chitral Scouts, then he said to another officer standing next to him that Chitralis are the most civilized people. It was indeed a great moment for me. Such is the story of Chitral. Calm, passionate, simple and straightforward the people of Chitral are very much tolerant and obedient.

My Chitral is going to come out from snow cave for its bid to the summit of beauty. Gulcheen, Mulkhon, Mayon and fragrance of wild flowers give boost to its beauty. Its lush green grasses its flow of pure white streams compel tourist to stay here a couple of more days. But due to lack of education, and lack of political leadership its beauties are still dormant.

Terich Mir, the only highest peak of Hindukush Range is considered the crown of Chitral Town. Saraghrar, Noshaq, Booni Zom, Istoronaal and Zeeghar invite climbers to their heights but is there anyone who could project these great mountains.

Kalash Valley is the main attraction for the foreign tourists and locals alike. The oldest civilization in this area is to be considered as unique in the world. The unique dress and customs of Kalash people amuse the tourists more than any thing.

We have the richest culture. The prominent poet and true lover Mirza Muhammad Siar belongs to this area. He was a poet of Khowar as well as Persian. His story of love is not different from Mujnoon and Laila but the space is too short to narrate it.

My Chitral has a lot of attractions. Music loving people of this area have transformed the entire Khowar poetry into music. Specially the young generation considers the poetry to be only musical .

Free style polo is another attraction of my district .Tournaments are frequently held to give a chance to polo lovers. Shandur Polo Festival is an event of international importance. This festival held in first and second week of July.

Chitral is a great place to visit. Coming from famous Garamchashma I miss my Chitral a lot. If anyone visits Chitral, should also pay a short trip to Great Hot spring located at a distance of 45 Kilometers from main Chitral. The famous Durrah Pass falls on this track. You will find it a great place.


Qudrato husna malagh ya rukhe dilbar ma Chihtrar
Sadagi sharafato makhzan ay ma brar ma Chihtrar
                                                            (Bayad)
 

Assadullah Bayad,

Islamabad.

The Write is a Librarian at National Defense University Islamabad.