We served in Chitral district, when it was the biggest district of the erstwhile NWFP, and second largest in whole of the country.
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It was a genuine feeling of of importance for the officers of District Administration and other heads of different departments.
Lawari pass was natural barrier for the many, government employees, as the road towards Peshawar was blocked for few months on the winters, it used be a sound pretext for avoiding the Chitral posting.
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Myself Having already visited Chitral in 1980, and the information of my selection in the civil services ,which I received there, had made an imprint in my memories. I was glad to accept this posting.
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Most of roads in district were not meteled, particularly a visit to Mastuj area was quite tiring, beside confronting land slides etc.
Winters were harsh, but calm and crime less.
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We would find some opportunity to go out from the town , it was an excursion along with the official work.
During a winter, due heavy snowfall in Yarkhoon area, my self and AC Chitral, being an officiating DC, planned to visit Yarkhoon.
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We along with a Ismaili Community leader, took off ,by AKRSP, helicopter, all the way till Yarkhoon, the glare and glistening of snow in shiny day was spectacular.
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When we landed near Police and Scouts post, I/C of post, informed that we are about few kilometers away from the site of avalanche, where a helipad was arranged. The pilots of Chopper, informed, that, due less we can not reach and again take off,and the helicopter had to go back to Chitral, refuel .
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So we , refueled and started towards Yarkhoon once again, now the charm and glitter of snowy peaks was of very less attraction. (to be continued)
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