Nizam-e-Adl and Chitralis - Letter

I have gone through a report of Ms. Sadia Qasim Shah about the title matter in www.chitraltoday.com, acknowledging the courtesy of DAWN.
It is evident from the facts, figures, history as well, that the people of the Chitral have very positive, heartily and deep passion and affiliation towards the Islamic way of life. Both the Sunni and Ismaili communities acknowledge that the present system could not fulfill the needs and necessities. Time to time Chitrali people, through peaceful and sober means, have demanded the enforcement of Shariah not only in Chitral but all over Pakistan. This desire and demand still persist and it's now being fulfilled under the recent Shariah Nizam-e-Adal regulation.
The writer of the said report quotes two known figures of Chitral, Mr. Siraj ulMulk and Mr. Sardar Hussain. The fear or reservation of both these valued personalities might be their own but it is unjust, unhealthy and to a great extend prejudice to portrait it as the feeling(s) of 400,000 population, or Chitralis not happy with Sharia.
People of Chitral (Sunni + Ismailis) have very strong affections with Islamic laws. The people of Chitral hosted TNSM Chief Moulana Suffi Mohammad in 1994/95 in Drosh and Chitral and Maulana Sufi Muhammad hold large public rallies.
As for as the perception that the religious leaders (Ulema) could cash in on this law/regulation for personal agenda is concerned, it is 100% explicit that if the system is implemented in true sense, then no one can get extra benefit of the law because Islamic law covers all walks and area of life and there are also penalties for such person(s) who use the law for his or their own benefit(s). Islamic laws are not based on some likes, dislikes, Inclusions and exclusions.
Role of {Religious Leaders} Ullema is admitted and recognized by each & every one in everywhere. This is the role of Ulema who made peace possible in the restive Swat other wise our armed forces were unable to achieve the target. What was impossible by all arms, ammunitions, arsenals and jet fighters, Ulema made it possible through peaceful manners.
In case of Chitral, they were Ullema who maintained peace, law and order and harmony in 1999, otherwise the picture of Chitral would have been like the present Swat, Bajaur or Wazirsitan.
If silent support of Chitrali Muslims is conceived negatively or wrongly by some circles it doesn't matter and living in such a fool's paradise is not in true sense. Chitrali love & like peace and harmony.
Articles and reports like the one edited by Sadia Shah seems to be use of "Pen/Writing Skill" to create tension & unrest in a very peaceful land, in a time when Chitral is reckon the only land of peace. Writers must keep in mind that the people of Chitral (Sunni+Ismaili+Kalash) live in peace, harmony and would maintain it at any cost. We could not allow a few one to play with the peace and sentiments of the Muslims.
We are integral part of NWFP and then Malakand agency since 1969, when the state was abolished. No strong voice has been raised by any circle to exclude Chitral from Malakand Division. We receive our job quota under this division. Being an integral part of Malakand division we (Chitrali Muslims) deserve rightly to have the Shariya Nizam-e-Adal regulations. We need and want it in a very soft and peaceful manner but if negative approaches are adopted to deprive Chitrali Muslims from their basic law/right than apparently this peaceful district could also see some unrest because {Some circles} or people will see that Demands and needs are only fulfilled by discomfort able means (Like Swat).

(God save Chitral from all this)

I believe that both the personalities {quoted by the writer} know better the position of Chitral. Being a Social and prominent political figure, Mr. Saeed Sardar Hussain is well aware of the political and religious situation of Chitral. His good services are required to bring the Sunni & Ismaili brothers more closely and develop realistic, healthy and hale and hearty relations. Elite like Mr. Saeed should keep in mind that people have their eyes on Chitral but we should also have our deep insight in all the occurring.
MNA Chitral, both the MPAs and District Nazim have endorsed the promulgation of Nizam-e-Adal regulation and this is the voice of Chitrali Muslim living from Boroghul to Arandu/Lowari. Chitrali people are grateful to MNA Shehzada Mohiuddin, Minister Salim Khan, MPA Ghulam Muhammad and District Nazim Haji Maghfirat Shah for the proper representation of Chitral muslims.

K.A.Jamil Shahnawi

Drosh, Chitral