After deciding to enact a law for the recognition of their marriages, the provincial government has approved the establishment of the Kalash Valleys Development Authority (KVDA) to preserve the ancient culture of Kalash in Chitral. With a population of just 4,000, the Kalash tribe are fast disappearing with their culture has been recognised by the United Nations as an ‘intangible’ culture. Buildings which have already been constructed by the members of the Kalash tribe living in the area will not be demolished. "There is no concept of forced marriages in the Kalash community," he said, adding that the law will provide legal cover to local traditions and customary laws. On the longevity of the Kalash culture, he said that it was preserved due to harmony between locals.

Source: The Express Tribune October 25, 2020 04:41 UTC