KALAM: An important Jirga attended by elders from Utror, Kalam, Matiltan and Thal Kumrat unanimously rejected the notices of FBR and FIRs issued by the relevant department to hotels and restaurants in Kalam and around Mahodand Lake.
The elders strongly criticized the provincial government during the meeting. They said that unnecessary interference in the business and affairs of local people is not acceptable under any circumstances. The tribal elders sent a clear message to the concerned department to refrain from interfering in local matters in the future.
They warned that if such interference continues, the local population will put up strong resistance to protect their rights. The jirga emphasized that decisions affecting the livelihood of people in Kalam, Utror, Matiltan and Thal Kumrat should be made in consultation with local communities.
Kalam comes amid growing tensions between local communities and government departments over tourism regulations in the Swat-Kohistan region. Mahodand Lake and Tourism Hub Mahodand Lake, located in upper Kalam in Utror Valley, is one of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s top tourist destinations.
The surrounding areas of Kalam, Matiltan, Utror and Thal Kumrat rely heavily on hotels, restaurants and guest houses for income, especially during the summer tourist season.
The relevant department had issued notices and registered FIRs against several hotels and restaurants in Kalam and near Mahodand Lake. The action was reportedly taken over issues like illegal construction, environmental violations, and operating without permits.
However, local traders and elders say the crackdown was carried out without consulting the community. Local residents argue that tourism is the main source of livelihood for people in these remote valleys.
They claim that sudden legal action is damaging businesses and creating uncertainty, especially when the government itself promotes tourism in the region. Jirgas in Swat and Chitral, jirgas of elders are traditionally used to resolve disputes and convey the collective stance of communities to the government. Decisions taken in these jirgas carry significant social and political weight in the area.
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