The Chitral district administration has banned videography and interviews of the Kalash people during the upcoming Chomus festival, scheduled from December 16 to December 22.
The festival, marking the arrival of winter, is a significant cultural event that attracts both domestic and international tourists to the region.
To ensure the respectful celebration of the festival, Deputy Commissioner Lower Chitral, Imran Khan, has issued standard operating procedures (SOPs) for this year.
Specific guidelines have been outlined for tourists and YouTubers attending the festival. Section 144 has been enforced from December 13 to December 22.
They are prohibiting the display of weapons and the conduct of video interviews in three Kalash villages—Rambur, Berir, and Bomburet.
Deputy Commissioner Imran Khan explained that the decision was prompted by complaints from the Kalash people regarding misrepresented videos and interviews that distorted facts about their community.
He emphasized that making videos and conducting interviews with women by unrelated persons is now prohibited, and tourists are expected to adhere to the SOPs.
DC Imran Khan urged tourists to create positive content about Kalash Valley, refraining from producing misleading information on social media.
Syed Gul, a Kalash woman, expressed concern about uncontrolled tourism turning into a form of terrorism.
She highlighted instances of tourists interviewing Kalash girls without permission, editing content, and sharing inaccurate information on social media, adversely affecting the tribe’s reputation.
Gul emphasized the importance of respecting Kalashi women, urging visiting tourists to seek permission before taking pictures or videos.
She shared concerns about non-local YouTubers entering homes without permission during religious festivals, causing inconvenience to residents.
The administration aims to ensure a culturally sensitive and respectful experience for both the Kalash community and the visiting tourists during the Chomus festival.
