Chitral News

Time to revisit perceptions about Chitralis

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CHITRAL: Some misconceptions regarding Chitralis which are thus far much too believed need to be clarified, as it is the age of transparency and no fact regarding a people should be shrouded in false perceptions.

Perception #1: Chitralis are kind hearted and peaceful people: It is generally believed that Chtralis are kind hearted and peaceful people– Yes, as far as their dealing with the strong and powerful goes e.g being peaceful for fear of ‘danda’ from somewhere, but when migratory ducks and doves visit them, they loose their kindness in a jiffy and descend upon the helpless birds with all the ferocity and cruelness of a halaku khan. When they see an injured stray dog in the street they kick it and throw stone at it, even very young kids do this and enjoy the dog screaming with pain. Chitralis have even been practicing ‘boik dooxi” (a practice of putting to torch sparrows in their nest) right inside ones’ own house.? This practice is almost extinct now, for the lack of sparrows more than anything else.

Perception #2: Chitralis have a lot of self respect and do not beg: It is widely propagated that Chitralis have a lot of self respect and do not beg. This perception also needs to be revisited. Begging does not only mean standing in the street with a bowl. Begging has different dimensions. Chitralis are adept at begging in a sophisticated manner e.g? begging from the government, NGO’s and even individuals for aid. Chitralis have forever their eyes on waiving off loans after getting the loan with this underlying intention. They wait for the slightest calamity like flood, earthquake etc. Some regulars in this field even pray for an earthquake or flood etc so their loans can be waived off.

Perception #3: Chitralis are broad minded and forward looking: This may be both true and untrue in a way. One segment of the Chitrali population specially in the north with Ismaili majority are undoubtedly more progressive minded and aware of ground realities in the world, while in stark contrast there are those who follow the strictly conservative school of thought and despite living with the first mentioned section, in their hearts are believers in ‘never the twain shall meet’.

Though exceptions are there in every society and Chitral can duly boast of noble exceptions, but “One swallow does not a summer make”. We, as a Chitrali section of Pakistani society must indulge in some soul searching and introspection to evolve something better for the generations ahead. . CN report, 10 Apr 2020

Comments

3 responses to “Time to revisit perceptions about Chitralis”

  1. Dying Python Avatar
    Dying Python

    This article is thoughtful, would like to add that;

    Perception #1
    -> Forceful marriages to unknown peoples (Sora pasik)
    -> Beating females or vulnerable by family members (Awrat baandik)
    -> There is a special category to disown their children (Nabahal korik)
    -> Some Chitralis even cheat on migratory birds with artificial one (Ariboik) in the pool to carry out hunting on them

    Perception #2
    -> In addition to the author mentioned problems, the Chitrali peoples conduct extraordinary THANKSGIVING (Manadari korik) to the government authorities even after achieving their genuine rights, that’s a worse kind of begging.

    Perception #3
    -> They are so BROAD MINDED that’s totally speculative. Why the suicide trend specially of females is pandemic in Chitral. There is always a cause of an effect. Why not make the perpetrator liable?

    Reply
  2. Amjad shah Avatar
    Amjad shah

    AN old theme with new wordings, mostly a view point shared among older generation who have only served or handled people from Peshawar or Islamabad etc.
    Every community has it’s own weaknesses and strength. Chitralees are no exception. People with more broader experience may have a different view about Chitralees, like, we are without any major prejudice (remember you may be turned away and denied your due right if you don’t speak their language in other cities like Peshawar). We have enough athletic skills to make good sports men . The football and volleyball teams of every major university mostly comprises of Chitralees. Chitralees have immense adaptability to unfavourable conditions. We value education, competition and don’t give up easily. A very strong social bond between families and relatives still persists, always helping the needy and the disadvantaged. Given the right conditions, Chitralees have also shown exceptional leadership skills honoured by colleagues.
    The major problem for Chitralees at the moment is lack of political direction . We still look beyond Lowari for political base and connections.

    Reply
  3. Noor Shahidin Avatar
    Noor Shahidin

    This post deals with Sociology of Knowledge and have a great scope for social research,

    Reply

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