Winters of Yester years – Khalid Masood
As I had taken charge as SP Chitral in November 1991, had heard about harsh winters, snow storms and even Snow Man.
Today after about thirty years ,the winters of Abbottabad have reminded me of, Chitral winters. With the declining age, one becomes nostalgic about days of youthful life,
In Chitral winters had a charm, may be due more family life and unpolluted atmosphere.
Afghanistan had an unstable governance, giving us a all weather route to Peshawar from Chitral, via Kunar province, passenger and goods traffic was smooth, and almost secure, likewise the pedestrian route towards Badakhshan was providing the District with ample livestock, bringing the meat prices very low, and goat, sheep could be bought for Rs1500, 2000.
Fokker flight, we’re the most discussed topic, how much flight was delayed, who and who had arrived and departed, all information was immediately spread in town.
Fokker flight was enchanting link and travel, particularly after snow, landing and take off were spectacular. One we didn’t have flights for 14 days, myself a addict to reading, when a bundle of newspapers after 14 days brought to me, was perplexed how to read all the papers.
A drive towards Tushi Game Reserve in the evening was always had fun, Markhors sipping from the Lotkuh river and climbing trees was eye catching.
Chitrali Choughas, waistcoats were also sought after, once I had got an Ibex fur jacket, officers liked it and there was haunt in the bazars by colleague officers for a piece.
Duck shooting is a winter pass time in Chitral, there were private ponds, I had seen duck in Hunza area which were of enormous size.
After the facility of Lawari tunnel, may be the cool, cosy and calm winters which were more attractive than the crowdy summers are bygone, unplanned construction and urbanization has its side effects also.
wish the government’s take timely measures for protecting the environment.
