CHITRAL – A summer pasture dispute between the residents of Izh (Garam Chashma) and Begusht in Lotkoh has escalated after the court ruled in favour of Izh residents.
The Assistant Commissioner/Land Collector Chitral delivered the verdict on Monday and ordered immediate enforcement. Begusht residents rejected the order and mobilized hundreds of stick‑wielding men to block the rival party and police from executing it.
The conflict stems from a long‑standing claim over grazing rights in the high‑altitude summer pasture known locally as Ghary. Both sides have historically used the land for their livestock, and repeated attempts at mediation have failed, leading to years of legal proceedings.
The standoff now threatens to erupt into a violent clash. Local observers warn that people are increasingly defying court orders, a trend they say undermines the writ of the state.
Supporters of the verdict note that the AC also issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) in their favour and urged the authorities to enforce the decision without delay.