Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar on Wednesday urged against the forceful conversion of Kalash community members. “They should not be forced to convert. It is a matter of basic rights,” the top judge remarked while presiding over a case pertaining to illegal encroachments on land belonging to the community in Chitral. The community had earlier submitted a petition stating that a man, Maqsoodul Mulk, was trying to snatch their property. During the hearing, the additional advocate general informed the apex court that a lower trial court had ruled in favour of the minority but the decision had been challenged in the provincial high court. Justice Nisar also remarked that the community’s land should not be encroached upon, citing the decreasing population of the community and urged the government to ensure that the Kalash community enjoyed full freedom and rights in Chitral. The hearing was adjourned until October 31. Published in Daily Times, October 18th 2018.