WE recently saw bloodshed in Kurram, resulting in loss of lives from the two warring groups. We need to assess things to see why such bloody events happen in this part of the world. In this context, a dangerous trend of cooking half-truths and misinterpreting history is in fashion in Malakand division, particularly in Lower Dir.

The so-called leaders, in different garbs, misdirect the people about their tribal/ethnic identity and turn them into pawns in a larger game of grabbing lands, over-taking forests, and disputing the state’s presence. The so-called Qami movements and jirgas are anathema to peaceful coexistence and rule of law. The division of people into sub-tribes, assigning them certain identities and pitching them against each other is a dangerous game.

History is witness to the disastrous consequences of similar tactics used for collective brain-washing and promoting extremist thoughts. It is the responsibility of intellectuals and educated people to resist and reject attempts to divide people through racial narcissism and cultural exaggeration. As Audre Lorde rightly said, it is “not our differences that divide us … it is our inability to recognise, accept and celebrate those differences” that divide individuals and societies. Let us join hands to protect our next generations from the scourge of intolerance and bigotry.

Izhar Ud Din
Lower Dir

Published in Dawn, March 26th, 2025