19/04/2025
How the Mehtar of Chitral Seized the People’s Rightful Share
In the shadowed valleys of Bohtuli and Karimabad, where snow-fed springs nourish both land and loyalty, a betrayal has cut deeper than the winter chill. What was once a symbol of communal sacrifice and conservation has now become the prey of political greed — and at the center of it all stands Chitral’s sitting MPA and Mehtar, Fateh-ul-Mulk Ali Nasir.
The people of this region, long neglected by state machinery and other assistance, turned inward years ago and built a system of Village Conservation Committees (VCCs) — grassroots institutions founded on the principles of stewardship, sustainability, and shared sacrifice. Villagers gave up hunting their own wildlife, protected rare species, and generated vital revenue through regulated trophy hunting by international visitors. The giant village conservation organizations weren't built in a day. The funds there aren't just funds, they are the sweat and blood of each citizen dwelling up here. These funds — hard-earned, and rightfully theirs — were used to fix roads, repair irrigation systems, and bring clean water to households perched on the edges of survival. Many underprivileged people of the society have benefited from the hard earned money for more than two decades.
But now, those same funds have been diverted — not by outsiders, but by one of their own. There is a saying in Chitrali language that “ Reni Ki shum Hoy Lo Istani Goy”. We were stabbed by our own people. We were unaware of those wolves in sheep's clothing.
Moving forth, this act is what community members are calling a “calculated misuse of power,” MPA Fateh-ul-Mulk Ali Nasir is accused of illegally declaring himself a VCC beneficiary and walking away with over one crore rupees — Nearly half of this year’s trophy hunting income meant for Bohtuli Payeen, Bohtuli Bala, Parsan, and Karimabad.
This thing has evoked a sense of awe and shock and has also angered the residents, who claim that the Mehtar has neither the legal right nor moral authority to claim this share. If all residents will come up to claim for separate Village Conservation Committees then there will be nothing but absolute chaos.
Not only is he “not a permanent resident” of the area, but his landholding in Bohtuli has dwindled to a mere four or five acres — a far cry from the thousands of acres managed by the local population whose livelihoods depend on this land.
Every layman including me would plead for justice saying: “We nurtured this system with our blood and sweat. We abandoned our ancestral hunting traditions and our cattles to protect wildlife. And now, the very person we elected has robbed us in broad daylight.” Every voice out there cracking with both rage, dismay and absolute disbelief demand Justice.
According to law, a VCC member must reside permanently in the community. The Mehtar, who resides primarily in Chitral or Islamabad, does not meet this requirement. But where law falters, power often prevails. If there's any law by chance he wouldn't even be having a membership in any of the VCCs.
This year's distribution confirmed the fears. A staggering one crore rupees — the lifeblood of four entire communities and above ten VCCs — was handed to a single individual who holds a seat of power, but not the heart of the people was neither the companion of the long labored struggle.
Every respected member sees: This is not politics. This is plunder dressed in royal robes. It’s surely the theft of opportunity, of dignity, of hope.
Now, residents of these mountain hamlets find themselves with only half the funds they earned — the other half resting in the hands of a man whose entitlement, they say, is built not on merit but on misplaced grandeur.
The outrage is swelling. Calls for accountability are growing louder with each passing day. Locals demand:
- As we locals demand an independent investigation into the illegal formation of the VCC in the Mehtar’s name
- Immediate return of misappropriated funds
- Disqualification of public officials who exploit community-driven initiatives
- Legal amendments to ensure politicians cannot hijack grassroots institutions
What began as a quiet, dignified effort to survive in forgotten lands has now become a symbol of resistance. As the Honorable Citizens Of the Islamic Democratic Republic of Pakistan we reserve all the rights to get unbiased justice.
The people of Bohtuli and Karimabad ask one thing only: Give us back what is ours.
In a region where silence is often seen as wisdom, the mountains are finally echoing with the cry of justice. And this time, we will not be silenced.
By Asif Nayab
