CHITRAL: Swiss ambassador to Pakistan Marc P George on Thursday said the rich and unique Kalash culture was not only a treasure for the country but also for the whole humanity and that he was delighted to see Kalash people live in complete harmony and peace with communities in three segregated valleys in southern Chitral.

He was speaking to a gathering of Kalash people, both men and women, at the ‘dancing place’ of Batrik village in the valley. The ambassador had gone to the valley along with chief executive officer of the Aga Khan Foundation Pakistan Akhtar Iqbal.

He visited the places devastated by flash floods earlier this year and had interaction with the Kalash community.

The ambassador told Kalash people that he had not come to the valley on pleasure trip but to ascertain the problems faced by the local population and that he was pleased to find that the people were awakened to the new age and loved peace

He evinced keen interest in the Kalash people’s culture as he visited their cultural and community centres to know about their culture and unique ways of living.

The ambassador said he was amazed to note that the people of the ancient community had successfully adapted themselves to the modern times without losing the essence of their culture.

After being enthralled by the traditional Kalash dance, he visited Kalasha House, which was built by the Greek volunteers and has a museum with articles showing ways of Kalash people’s life.

On the occasion, AKF chief executive officer Akhtar Iqbal said his organisation acted as a bridge among community, donor and the government and would continue striving for rural development and poverty alleviation.

The ambassador later told Dawn that the valley’s needs would be assessed shortly and that a long-term plan would be made to develop the valley and avert disasters, especially flash floods.

He said disasters in Kalash valley and other parts of the district were the outcome of climate change and therefore, it was the basic need to develop resilience among local people against natural hazards.

Published in Dawn, October 2nd, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play