PESHAWAR: Senior writer Zafarullah Parwaz has asked authorities to take steps for preservation and promotion of linguistic and cultural diversity of Chitral valley.

“Chitral valley enjoys unique traditions, history and ancient heritage. Around 12 languages are being spoken with Khowar being the major lingua franca of locals,” he told this scribe.

Mr Parwaz, a resident of Booni in Chitral, urged stakeholders to take concrete measures to preserve rich treasure trove of the people and land. He was in the city to attend a monthly literary debate in which an Urdu fiction writer’s short story was discussed.

He said that folk songs in Khowar literature of Chitral tracked back to about 3,000 years. Having inspired by Radio Pakistan and a journal, local literati began to pen down drama, fiction, translation, research and criticism and served Khowar, he added.

Zafarullah Parwaz says 12 languages are spoken in the valley

Mr Parwaz said that presently a literary organisation ‘Anjuman-i-Taraqi Khowar (ATK) was working for promotion of local literary traditions but it needed official patronage to promote storytelling tradition among youth.

“Chitral is home to linguistic and cultural diversity but unfortunately the required attention has not been paid to it. Unless serious efforts are made for preservation and promotion of the incredible heritage, locals will lose a precious asset,” he added.

The septuagenarian writer stated that he authored several books on variety of topics, especially customary laws, poetry and folk stories in Khowar, and received widespread appreciation from literary circles and literati.

“I am the first fictionist in Khowar as my first ever novel in Khowar titled ‘Angaristani’ spanning over 300 pages was published about seven years ago. Now it has been translated into Urdu and rated among the most and must read,” he claimed.

Mr Parwaz has been touring colleges and universities across the country for delivering lectures on arts, literature and culture of Chitral. He has also been taking active part in social activities with an objective to raise awareness among youth and general public at large to save indigenous heritage both tangible and intangible alongside tourism.

The senior writer regretted that arts and culture of Chitral had been ignored in the past and the loss could only be compensated if authorities concerned take steps to save rich treasure trove of local heritage.

Published in Dawn, April 29th, 2024