CHITRAL: Kalash elders have pardoned a man from Upper Dir, who was arrested by the Lower Chitral police here the other day for sharing ‘indecent’ remarks against their community on social media and disrespecting their burial place in Bumburate Valley.

Ayun Sub-Divisional Police Officer Hassanullah told Dawn that after receiving a written complaint against Nilab Khan of Upper Dir in Bumburate police station, the police registered a case under Section 297 of the Pakistan Penal Code and arrested him.

However, he said when the Kalash qazis (religious leaders) approached the police and pardoned the accused by withdrawing the case against him, he was released.

The SDPO appreciated the Kalash elders for setting an example by pardoning the accused and warned that no visitor or tourist will be allowed to make a mockery of Kalash burial and worship places.

Published in Dawn, June 7th, 2026