This is apropos the article ‘The endangered Kalash’ (June 22). The writer has underlined rightly a few important reasons for Kalash conversions ‘especially some clerics who run conversion services’ thinking it perhaps as their religious duty and a matter of salvation.

The Kalash people are under economic and social pressure and don’t find a light on the end of the tunnel where they expect to be accepted as respected and dignified members of society. Therefore, they find conversion to be an escape from all their problems. Some of the educated Kalash girls convert in the hope of a decent and prosperous life.

It is unfortunate that the Kalash are socially stigmatised by other people and economically exploited. A section in society looks down upon them. In Khowar, the language spoken in Chitral, the word ‘Kalash’ is a misnomer which generally attributes a miser and godlessness.

The Kalash community needs the attention of the federal and provincial governments, which should take all measures for their protection and the preservation of their unique way of life.

Alhaj Muhammad Khan

Chitral

Published in Dawn, June 27th, 2016