DLP Report
PESHAWAR
In a landmark move, the provincial government has formally approved the Kalash Marriage Bill, marking the first time in Pakistan’s history that an indigenous community’s personal law has been legally recognised and protected.
The bill, endorsed by the Chief Minister and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet, provides formal legal recognition of Kalash marriages, establishes a structured marriage registration system, and safeguards the unique cultural and religious identity of the Kalash people.
The legislation was a joint effort by Faith Friends and Blue Veins, with support from the National Commission for Archives (NCA), and was initiated by Mr Wazir Zada, a prominent leader of the Kalash community.
The Kalash community, residing in the valleys of Bumburet, Rumbur, and Birir in Chitral, has preserved its ancient Indo-Aryan heritage, polytheistic faith, distinct language, and vibrant traditions for centuries. Despite this rich cultural legacy, the community previously lacked a formal legal framework to regulate family and marital rights.
The newly approved law addresses this longstanding gap, providing inclusion, dignity, and legal protection to the community.
Qamar Naseem, Program Manager at Blue Veins and drafter of the bill, said, “The approval of the Kalash Marriage Bill is a historic recognition of Pakistan’s indigenous diversity. This law strengthens constitutional guarantees of equality and minority rights and sets an important precedent for inclusive legislation.”
Rizwan, a representative of the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR), added: “This legislation is a significant advancement in protecting the human rights of one of Pakistan’s most unique indigenous communities. Legal recognition of Kalash marriages ensures access to documentation, inheritance protections, and social safeguards while honouring cultural autonomy. It is a model of rights-based and culturally sensitive lawmaking.”
