CHITRAL, 15 Nov 08:  Chitral's crawling economy has been harshly stubbed by the perilous security situation in the province, particularly in Malakand division and Peshawar, where much of it's (whatever) trade is carried out. The main dependence of Chitral's economy  now is on salaries of government and NGO employees.

Tourism, which has traditionally been a source of small time income for tour operators, hoteliers, transporters, antique dealers, restaurateurs etc,  has come to a grinding halt and even local tourists are avoiding visits to the area.

Amongst the few businesses which seem to be surviving today in Chitral, the second hand clothes/shoes business stands out. Much rush is witnessed in these shops, as people are unable to buy new warm clothes and those who earlier would feel shy of visiting second hand clothes markets are now seen valiently negotiating for bargains in these shops.

With closure of Lowari pass every winters, even basic items of every day use become scarce and whatever is available in the market become unreasonably expensive. Winters are here again. Let's see how life treats Chitralis this season..  --(CN report)

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