The reasoning that Bin Ladin will not find a safe heaven in Chitral because a third of its inhabitants are Ismaili Muslims who are excoriated by militant Muslims as heretical as James Rupert puts it does not make sense at all.
This writer and others who have used this logic, rather illogic, before him tend to draw the conclusion that if it was not for the Ismaili Muslims, the Sunni Muslims who form the majority of Chitral’s population, would have welcomed Bin Ladin. This is a far-fetched and simplistic conclusion.
All Chitralis whether Ismailis or Sunnis or Kalash, share certain cultural values, the most important of them is their tolerance of and respect for differences. It is this value which they have held for centuries and have lived together in peace and harmony. The Kalash community is a case in point.
For centuries, this small community living in the confines of three narrow valleys surrounded by other dominant communities was able to survive and retain its language, culture and beliefs whereas a large Kalash population of Bashgal what is now Nuristan of Afghanistan was forced to change its beliefs, discard its cultural practices and succumb to the brutalities of religious zealots patronized by the despotic ruler of the time.
Chitralis regardless of their beliefs are distinctly different people. They are gentle, respectful for others and above all peace loving. They themselves live in peace and wish others to have peace. Bin Ladin is not welcome in Chitral because his presence will be a threat to its peace. This is the real reason that Bin Ladin will not find a hiding place in Chitral.
Dr. Mir Baiz Khan
Toronto , Canada
Ismailimail 