- Landmark legislation provides formal legal recognition for Kalash marriages, respecting cultural and religious identity
- Establishes structured registration system, addressing long-standing social and legal gaps for the community
- Historic step acknowledges and safeguards the rights of Pakistan’s indigenous Kalash people
PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Cabinet Committee on Legislation on Sunday approved the draft of the “historic” Kalash Marriage Bill, clearing its path to be presented before the KP Provincial Assembly for ratification and enactment into law.
The Kalash are a unique indigenous community residing in the remote valleys of Chitral in northern Pakistan, renowned for their distinct Indo-Aryan culture, polytheistic religion (a form of animism), unique language, and vibrant festivals.
“After approval from the Cabinet Committee on Legislation, the Kalash Marriage Bill is now poised for presentation in the upcoming provincial cabinet meeting for tabling in the KP Assembly for voting,” said Qamar Naseem, programme manager at Blue Viens and co-drafter of the legal document.
“This initiative represents a significant step toward acknowledging and safeguarding the rights of Pakistan’s indigenous peoples,” he added, appreciating the government for its commitment and cooperation in moving forward with this landmark legislation.
Naseem also thanked Wazirzada, focal person to the KP Chief Minister on minority issues; the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR); the Local Government Department; and other government offices that contributed to drafting the bill and guiding it through the Cabinet Committee.
He noted that the legislation will provide the Kalash community with formal legal protection and a structured registration system for their marriages, while fully respecting their cultural and religious identity. “It is not only a legal reform but also a recognition of their fundamental rights,” he emphasized.
For generations, the Kalash people have lived in the valleys of Bumburet, Rumbur, and Birir in Chitral, preserving their identity through unique religious beliefs, festivals, rituals, and traditions. Despite their rich heritage and global recognition, the community has long lacked a formal legal framework to safeguard its social and cultural rights.
One of the most pressing gaps has been marriage registration, as Kalash couples historically lacked a system to officially record their unions, resulting in legal and social complications. The Kalash Marriage Bill addresses this historic omission by introducing a legal mechanism for registering marriages in line with Kalash religious values and customary practices, thereby ensuring both cultural preservation and legal recognition.
“The progress of the Kalash Marriage Bill marks a turning point for the Kalash people, setting the stage for their cultural traditions to be formally respected and legally recognized within Pakistan’s legislative framework,” Naseem said.
