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Chitral Voters Demonstrate Maturity

Dear Editor,

Mr. Islamuddin from Garam Chasma provides an interesting analysis of the local election results in his letter to Chitral News and Chitral Times. In what he describes as "Chitral's Troubled Elections", the writer narrates the maneuvering and intrigue involved in the recent campaign. The letter opines that "Democracy, honest politics and morality have suffered grievously". He concludes that had it not been for the choice of poor candidates and subterfuge, the election results would have been very different. This may well be true but I fail to understand why strategy, subterfuge and scheming in electioneering should come as a surprise to the learned journalist. Readers following media coverage of the current American nominations process can attest to the level of scheming and intrigue that is going on in American politics. The only difference being that things are being done on a much grander scale! What is important however, is that all players abide by accepted rules of electioneering as set out by an election commission.

Returning to the recent Chitral elections, we witnessed a spirited three way race in which one candidate had to emerge the victor. Such is the reality of the democratic process and we must learn to accept the mandate of the people. That nearly 200 000 eligible voters were able to cast their votes in over 200 polls without any untoward incident is a testament to the people of Chitral. Despite reports from European Union observers of vote rigging in favour of the ruling establishment in other districts of Pakistan, I have not heard concerns voiced about the poll results in Chitral. Most Pakistanis believe strongly in the democratic process and the need to develop a culture of voting. Hence all Pakistanis should be rightfully proud of the conduct of our fellow citizens in the recent elections. Indeed I would argue that Pakistanis have a greater appreciation of grass roots democracy. Whereas apathetic Western voters often blindly cast their vote for a party representative, Pakistani voters pay greater attention to the individual candidate. The number of independent candidates elected to Pakistan's National Assembly reflects this reality. In Chitral District, the strong showing of an independent candidate is evidence of the maturity of Chitrali voters.

Unfortunately, Mr. Islamuddin's elections' analysis makes a number of uncharitable remarks about Begum Shahzada Suleman which cannot go unanswered. Begum Suleman remains an inspiration to a generation of Chitrali women regardless of political affiliations. She singularly advanced the cause of women's rights in Chitral through her efforts with her party's Women's Wing. As a long time PPP party stalwart, Begum Suleman used her personal influence to open the first Child and Women's Welfare Centre in Chitral. Begum Nusrat Bhutto presided over its inauguration and ushered in an era of greater understanding of the needs and challenges faced by the people of Chitral. Begum Suleman continues to travel tirelessly from village to village encouraging women to exercise their right to vote. To suggest that that she only travels to Chitral during elections is simply untrue. In the interests of disclosure I can attest to spending many pleasant summers in Chitral with Begum Suleman who is my paternal Aunt. Her role as a senior party leader necessitates her frequent travels outside the district of Chitral. She is a readily identifiable icon of Chitral who has represented the people of Chitral on many occasions; most recently during functions involving the late Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. Indeed my acquaintances in Karachi, Lahore, Quetta and Islamabad see her as an independent, determined and self made Chitrali woman. As such, she should be celebrated as a senior stateswoman of Chitrali politics, even if one disagrees with her political positions. Although I am not a PPP party member, I understand that senior party members tend to wield greater influence in the decision making process. I believe such to be the case with most most organizations.Regardless, differences of opinion should be settled according to party protocol.

For reasons which confound me, Mr. Islamuddin has chosen to cast aspersions on the victor of the recent elections and his ancestors. To suggest that the ancestors of Chitral's former ruling house are somehow responsible for creating communal tensions in the district is beneath the dignity of all Chitralis. To bridge the communal divide we need greater understanding and a common platform as citizens of one great land. If anything the writer is trying to fan the flames of communal tensions with inflammatory rhetoric. The presence of large numbers of minority groups in Chitral stands as modern day evidence of the tolerant and enlightened ways of Chitral's former rulers. The example of neighboring Nuristan in Afghanistan should remind those who have no understanding of intolerance. King Amanullah's treatment of the Kalash in Afghanistan stands in stark contrast to that of the then Mehtar of Chitral. Chitral's Kalash have long flourished and Kalash refugees from Nuristan were provided shelter from virtual extinction. Looking at our adjacent district of Dir, I am reminded of the harsh rule of the former Nawabs over the local populace. Again large numbers of locals from Dir sought refuge in Chitral under the relatively benign rule of the Mehtars. I am not trying to purposely ignore or deny the excesses of the Royal House of Chitral or its Rulers. I am simply pointing out that a dynasty is judged by the sum aggregate of its achievements. Some in Britain may associate the British Royal Family with the African slave trade but the majority of British respect the role of the monarchy and its positive influence on British history and institutions. I would humbly submit that we look to the positive contributions of the Royal House of Chitral and move away from the politics of division. Feudalism continues to exist in many parts of Pakistan, but the scourge of feudalism has disappeared from the landscape of Chitral. This is evidence enough of the Royal Family of Chitral's commitment to the ideals of a social democratic Pakistan based on the ideals of the Quaid and Allama Iqbal.

sincerely,
Shahzadi Sofia Baig
on Email.