CHITRAL is one of the northern most remote districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It is culturally rich and tolerant. It is home to the well-known Kalasha tribe and two Muslim sects — Sunni and Shia Imam Ismaili — the former is in a majority.

For centuries, the two sects have been living peacefully, except for brief discords sparked by some extremists.

His Highness Aga Khan, spiritual leader of Ismaili Muslims, recently visited Chitral and Northern Areas to extend “Deedar” to his votaries. The Sunni community extended its full support to the event and made it a success.

However, to everyone’s dismay, a heinous attempt was once again made by a few hate mongers to sabotage peace. They took to social media to stir a controversy that had the potential to ignite a conflict. Thanks to the swift action taken by law enforcement agencies, the district administration, religious scholars as well as the peace loving public of Chitral, a disaster was averted. Some people were taken into custody.

I request the people of Pakistan, especially of Chitral, to say no to sectarianism and build a pluralist society.

Shadman Zain

Chitral

Published in Dawn, December 24th, 2017