Chitral Scouts

Published February 10, 2008

I WOULD like to draw the attention of those at the helms of affairs in this country towards the deteriorating law and order situation in the last peaceful resort of the NWFP, which is Chitral district.

There is unrest among traders, transporters and the general public against the alleged high-handedness of paramilitary forces, Chitral scouts, at Mirkhani Checkpost. It was three weeks back that the paramilitary forces confiscated non-custom-paid vehicles and consignment of ghee and cooking oil. They instigated the custom officials to register cases against the drivers and owners of vehicles and created unrest in the district. According to routine practice, such vehicles are registered with police stations, and transportation of edible oil from Afghanistan into Chitral is allowed due to the closure of Lowari Pass.

Moreover, the non-custom-paid vehicles are regulated in Malakand division under special laws. The paramilitary forces have no authority to intervene in such matters. Drivers' union, traders' associations and the local elite have blamed the command and staff of Chitral Scouts for creating law and order situation in the last peaceful resort of the NWFP.

It is time an inquiry was initiated into the incident.

BASHIR HUSSAIN AZAD

Shahi Bazaar, Chitral

Opinion

Editorial

PTI in disarray
Updated 30 Nov, 2024

PTI in disarray

PTI’s protest plans came abruptly undone because key decisions were swayed by personal ambitions rather than political wisdom and restraint.
Tired tactics
30 Nov, 2024

Tired tactics

Matiullah's arrest appears to be a case of the state’s overzealous and misplaced application of the law.
Smog struggle
30 Nov, 2024

Smog struggle

AS smog continues to shroud parts of Pakistan, an Ipsos survey highlights the scope of this environmental hazard....
Solidarity with Palestine
Updated 29 Nov, 2024

Solidarity with Palestine

The wretched of the earth see in the Palestinian struggle against Israel a mirror of themselves.
Little relief for public
29 Nov, 2024

Little relief for public

INFLATION, the rate of increase in the prices of goods and services over a given period of time, has receded...
Right to education
29 Nov, 2024

Right to education

IT is troubling to learn that over 16,500 students of the University of Karachi (KU) have defaulted on fee payments...