Shhadok Chinar -letter

The fall of Shahdok Chinar may not be even a news for some, but for many including myself it is an awful news. During trekking to Chaqa Rogh, and Noghoor Kuloom (located at the top of the same mountain), me and my friends had spent few moments under the cool shadow of the majestic Chinar. It is surprising that both the owners and inhabitants of Shahdok, simply ignored that historic tree, most probably because, it was not generating any income.

 Shhadok Chinar’s contribution in the beauty of Chitral town was indubitable. Through this letter I will request the lovers of nature to raise a Red Flag on the spot, as a symbol of “Loss”.  Shahdok Chinar was certainly a very important landmark and looked  like a fairy creature. After de-rooting of historic Chumooti Chinar at jughoor by highway authorities, now we lost this master piece. Only two historic trees are left in Chitral town now, The Chinar in Jang Bazar mosque and the evergreen gigantic oak tree at Uchusht/Shiaqotek boarder.

As the work is in progress on Lawari tunnel, and extension of roads will soon follow as part of the project, and we may loose more historic sights in other parts of the district as well. To avoid such happenings, the district assembly could identify the important landmarks in Chitral and with small effort could easily preserve them.

Dr. Khalil Jughooru

Hamilton Canada

Ph #   905 662 2091