CHITRAL

also spelled Chitrar, or Qashqar, town, northern North-West Frontier province, Pakistan. The town lies along the Chitral River, a tributary of the Kunar River, in a valley 2 miles (3 km) wide, at an elevation of about 4,900 feet (1,490 m) above sea level. Chitral has a government woolen and sericulture centre, the Maghor (the fort of the former chieftain), a polo ground, and fruit gardens in the neighbourhood. It is accessible via several mountain passes and is linked with Peshawar by air. The local inhabitants were converted to Islam in the 11th century and are now mostly members of the Isma'ili sect. The practice of deriving income from the sale of Chitrali women, known for their beauty, in Peshawar and Afghanistan made Chitral a centre for slave traders until the coming of British rule. Khowari, the language of the Khos, the dominant tribe in the locality, is the lingua franca. The Chitralis are fine horsemen and excel at the game of polo. The surrounding area is a scenic region of lofty ranges (Tirich Mir; 25,230 feet ), fertile valleys, and rich pine forests. It is drained by the Kunar River. Wheat, barley, corn (maize), and rice are the chief crops in the area, and walnuts, grapes, apricots, and mulberries are also grown. Pop. (1981) 34,832.