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{{Former administrative units of Pakistan}}
'''Chitral''' (or Chitrāl) ({{Lang-fa|چترال}}) was a [[princely state]] in alliance with [[British India]] until 1947, then a [[Princely states of Pakistan|princely state of Pakistan]] until 14 August 1947.<ref name=Ex-Mehter/> The area of the state now forms the [[Chitral District]] of the [[Malakand Division]], [[Khyber Pakhtunkhwa|Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa]], [[Pakistan]].
 
==Location and demographics==▼
The [[capital city]] of the former state was [[Chitral|Chitral Town]], which is situated on the west bank of the Chitral (or [[Kunar River]]) at the foot of [[Tirich Mir]] which at 7,708&nbsp;m (25,289&nbsp;ft) is the highest peak of the [[Hindu Kush]]. The borders of the state were seldom stable and fluctuated with the fortunes of Chitral's rulers, the Mehtars.<ref name="Chitral, A Study in Statecraft">{{harvnb|Pastakia|2004}}</ref> The official language of the state was Persian, used in official correspondence and literature. However, [[Khowar language|Chitrali]] was the defacto language. ▼
 
The ruling family of Chitral was the [[Katoor Dynasty|Kator dynasty]], founded by Muhtaram Shah Kator (1560), which governed Chitral until 14 August 1947, when the Government of Pakistan took over.<ref>{{cite web|title=History of Chitral- An outline|url=http://www.mahraka.com/chitral_history.html}}</ref> During the reign of Mehtar [[Aman ul-Mulk]], known as Lot (Great) Mehtar, the dynasty's sway extended from [[Asmar, Afghanistan|Asmar]] in the [[Kunar Valley]] of [[Afghanistan]] to [[Punial]] in the [[Gilgit-Baltistan|Gilgit Valley]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Chitral: A Bloody History and a Glorious Geography |url=http://blogcritics.org/chitral-a-bloody-history-and-a/}}</ref> Tribes in Upper [[Swat (princely state)|Swat]], [[Dir (princely state)|Dir]], [[Kohistan District, Pakistan|Kohistan]] and [[Kafiristan]] (present day [[Nuristan]]), paid tribute to the Mehtar of Chitral. ▼
 
The ruler's title was ''Mitar'' which is pronounced as ''Mehtar'' by outsiders. Every son of the sitting Mehtar aspired for the throne, and bloody wars of accession were common. Sons of the sitting Mehtar ruled in the provinces and were also titled as ''Mitar'', while other male relatives of the Mehtar were called ''Mitar''. [[Aman ul-Mulk]] adopted the Persian style ''Shahzada'' for his sons, and the style prevailed from then on. The word ''Khonza'' (meaning ''princess'' in the [[Khowar language]]) was reserved for female members of the Mehtar’s family. ▼
 
==History==
During the last years of the seventeenth century, the ancestor of the [[Katoor Dynasty]] overthrew the Mongol Dynasty. The head of the family, (Sangeen Ali) became ''Mehtar'', or king, of the small kingdom. The entire region that now forms the Chitral District was a fully independent monarchy until 1885, when the British negotiated a [[subsidiary alliance]] with its hereditary ruler, the Mehtar, under which Chitral became a [[princely state]], still [[sovereignty|sovereign]] but subject to the [[suzerainty]] of the [[British Empire|British Indian Empire]]. In 1895 the British agent in [[Gilgit]], Sir [[George Scott Robertson]] was besieged in [[Chitral Fort]] for 48 days, and was finally relieved by two [[Chitral Expedition|British Forces]], one marching from [[Gilgit Agency|Gilgit]] and the other from [[Nowshera, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa|Nowshera]]. After 1895, the British hold became stronger, but the internal administration remained in the hand of the Mehtar. In 1947 [[British Raj|India]] was [[Partition of India|partitioned]] and Chitral opted to accede to [[Pakistan]]. After accession, it gradually lost its autonomy, finally becoming an administrative [[List of districts of Pakistan|district]] of Pakistan in 1947.<ref>{{cite book |last=Osella, Coares|title=Islam, Politics, Anthropology|date=19 March 2010|isbn=9781444324419|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=k0_QuKXhOuQC&pg=PA58 |title=Islam, Politics, Anthropology |date=19 March 2010 |isbn=9781444324419}}</ref>▼
The Chitrali and Kalash peoples shared many common cultural traits, yet they have long been distinct peoples. On the basis of this ethnic division, the country has, most of the time, remained divided into two principalities.
 
=== The royal family of Chitral= ==▼
▲During the last years of the seventeenth century, the ancestor of the [[Katoor Dynasty]] overthrew the Mongol Dynasty. The head of the family, (Sangeen Ali) became ''Mehtar'', or king, of the small kingdom. The entire region that now forms the Chitral District was a fully independent monarchy until 1885, when the British negotiated a [[subsidiary alliance]] with its hereditary ruler, the Mehtar, under which Chitral became a [[princely state]], still [[sovereignty|sovereign]] but subject to the [[suzerainty]] of the [[British Empire|British Indian Empire]]. In 1895 the British agent in [[Gilgit]], Sir [[George Scott Robertson]] was besieged in Chitral Fort for 48 days, and was finally relieved by two [[Chitral Expedition|British Forces]], one marching from [[Gilgit Agency|Gilgit]] and the other from [[Nowshera, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa|Nowshera]]. After 1895, the British hold became stronger, but the internal administration remained in the hand of the Mehtar. In 1947 [[British Raj|India]] was [[Partition of India|partitioned]] and Chitral opted to accede to [[Pakistan]]. After accession, it gradually lost its autonomy, finally becoming an administrative [[List of districts of Pakistan|district]] of Pakistan in 1947.<ref>{{cite book|last=Osella, Coares|title=Islam, Politics, Anthropology|date=19 March 2010|isbn=9781444324419|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=k0_QuKXhOuQC&pg=PA58}}</ref>
{{See also|Katoor dynasty}}
The ruling family of Chitral was the [[Katoor Dynasty|Katoor dynasty]], founded by Muhtaram Shah Katoor (1560), which governed Chitral until 14 August 1947, when it acceded to Pakistan.<ref>{{cite web|title=History of Chitral- An outline|url=http://www.mahraka.com/chitral_history.html}}</ref>
 
The ruling family of Chitral traced its descent from a [[Sufism|Sufi]] mystic, Baba Ayub, who arrived in Chitral and married the daughter of the ruler Shah Raees. The grandson of this marriage founded the Katoor dynasty.
▲==Location and demographics==
▲The [[capital city]] of the former state was [[Chitral|Chitral Town]], which is situated on the west bank of the Chitral (or [[Kunar River]]) at the foot of [[Tirich Mir]] which at 7,708&nbsp;m (25,289&nbsp;ft) is the highest peak of the [[Hindu Kush]]. The borders of the state were seldom stable and fluctuated with the fortunes of Chitral's rulers, the Mehtars.<ref name="Chitral, A Study in Statecraft">{{harvnb|Pastakia|2004}}</ref> The official language of the state was Persian, used in official correspondence and literature. However, [[Khowar language|Chitrali]] was the defacto language.
▲===The royal family of Chitral===
▲The ruling family of Chitral was the [[Katoor Dynasty|Kator dynasty]], founded by Muhtaram Shah Kator (1560), which governed Chitral until 14 August 1947, when the Government of Pakistan took over.<ref>{{cite web|title=History of Chitral- An outline|url=http://www.mahraka.com/chitral_history.html}}</ref> During the reign of Mehtar [[Aman ul-Mulk]], known as Lot (Great) Mehtar, the dynasty's sway extended from Asmar in the [[Kunar Valley]] of [[Afghanistan]] to [[Punial]] in the [[Gilgit-Baltistan|Gilgit Valley]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Chitral: A Bloody History and a Glorious Geography|url=http://blogcritics.org/chitral-a-bloody-history-and-a/}}</ref> Tribes in Upper [[Swat (princely state)|Swat]], [[Dir (princely state)|Dir]], [[Kohistan District, Pakistan|Kohistan]] and [[Kafiristan]] (present day [[Nuristan]]), paid tribute to the Mehtar of Chitral.
 
Apart from Katur there are some other castes which also belongs to royal family.
1. MUHAMMAD BAIG
2. MUHAMMAD RIZA
Tariq Ullah Baig and Muhtaram Shah Katur were brothers and Muhammad Riza was their uncle. Tariq Ullah baig and Muhtaram Shah Katur father was Muhammad Baig I, and Muhammad Baig I was brother of Muhammad Riza. The eldest son of Tariq Ullah Baig was Muhammad Baig II.
The descendants of Muhammad Baig II were given the title of Muhammad Baigey, and were also known as laal.
 
Accordingly, the family owed its fortunes to Sangin Ali, sometime minister to a Raees ruler of Chitral, during the seventeenth century. After his death his two sons, Muhammad Baig and Muhammad Raza held important positions in the state. Muhammad Baig had six sons who seized power, ousting the Raza ruler sometime in the early years of the eighteenth century. The eldest of the brothers, Muhtaram Shah Katur I, became the ruler, establishing a new ruling dynasty over the state. The present ruling dynasty descended from Shah Afzal I, the second of son of Muhtaram Sha I.
▲The ruler's title was ''Mitar'' which is pronounced as ''Mehtar'' by outsiders. Every son of the sitting Mehtar aspired for the throne, and bloody wars of accession were common. Sons of the sitting Mehtar ruled in the provinces and were also titled as ''Mitar'', while other male relatives of the Mehtar were called ''Mitar''. [[Aman ul-Mulk]] adopted the Persian style ''Shahzada'' for his sons, and the style prevailed from then on. The word ''Khonza'' (meaning ''princess'' in the [[Khowar language]]) was reserved for female members of the Mehtar’s family.
 
The ruling family of Chitral traces its descent from a wandering Sufi mystic, Baba Ayub. Baba Ayub arrived in Chitral and married the daughter of the ruler [[Raees Dynasty|Shah Raees]], a supposed descendant of [[Alexander the Great]]. The grandson of this marriage founded the present Katoor dynasty. Accordingly, the family actually owes its fortunes to Sangin Ali, sometime minister to a Raees ruler of Chitral, during the seventeenth century. After his death his two sons, Muhammad Baig and Muhammad Raza held important positions in the state. Muhammad Baig had six sons who seized power, ousting the Raza ruler sometime in the early years of the eighteenth century. The eldest of the brothers, Muhtaram Shah Katur I, became the ruler, establishing a new ruling dynasty over the state. The present ruling dynasty descends from Shah Afzal I, the second of son of Muhtaram Sha I. But that was not the end of the Rais dynasty, who had their base of power in neighboring [[Badakhshan]]. They made a number of attempts to regain the throne of Chitral and were successful for a brief period. Rais threat came to end, but there were other troubles for the Katurs. Descendants of Shah Khushwaqt, the second brother of Muhtaram Shah, had established another principality in the upper Chitral, including the [[Ghizer District (1974-20191974–2019)|Ghizer]] and [[Yasin Valley|Yasin]] valleys. Frequent wars took place between the two principalities, and the Katurs lost their entire area to the powerful Khushwaqt ruler, Khairul Lah, in 1770. For more than 20 years the Katur family had to live in exile in Dir and other neighboring areas. Katur rule was finally restored in 1791 after the death of Khairul Lah in the battle of Urtsun.
 
====Muhtaram Shah Katur II====
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====Mehtar Aman ul-Mulk (1857-1892)====
[[Aman ul-Mulk]], Shah Afzal's younger son, succeeded his brother in 1857. After a brief dispute with [[Kashmir]], in which he laid siege to the garrison at [[Gilgit]] and briefly held the [[Punial]] valley. He accepted a treaty with the Maharaja of Kashmir in 1877. Aman ul-Mulk was such a strong ruler that no serious attempt to challenge his authority was made during his reign.<ref>{{cite web|last=Gurdon|first=Lieut.-Colonel B.E.M.|title=Chitral Memories|url=http://www.himalayanclub.org/journal/chitral-memories/|publisher=The Himalayan Club}}</ref> During the course of his rule Aman ul-Mulk met encountered many British officers some of whom have noted him in the following words.
 
{{Quote|''His bearing was royal, his courtesy simple and perfect, he had naturally the courtly Spanish grace of a great heredity noble ''|author=Algernon Durand|source}}
Line 101:
[[Saif ul-Mulk Nasir]] (1950–2011)<ref name=Ex-Mehter>{{Cite web |url=https://www.newspakistan.pk/2011/11/02/Brief-History-of-Ex-Mehter-Chitral-HH-Prince-Saif-ul-Mulk-Nasir/ |title=Brief History of Ex Mehter Chitral HH Prince Saif ul Mulk Nasir - News Pakistan |access-date=15 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180925213808/http://www.newspakistan.pk/2011/11/02/Brief-History-of-Ex-Mehter-Chitral-HH-Prince-Saif-ul-Mulk-Nasir/ |archive-date=25 September 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref> nominally succeeded his father at the age of four. In his name, a [[Council of regency|Council of Regency]] reigned for the next twelve years, during which Pakistani authority gradually increased over the state. Although installed as a constitutional ruler when he came of age in 1966, Saif ul-Mulk did not enjoy his new status very long. Chitral was absorbed and fully integrated into the Islamic Republic of [[Pakistan]] by [[Yahya Khan]] in 1969. In order to reduce the Mehtar's influence, he, like so many other princes in neighbouring India, was invited to represent his country abroad. He served in various diplomatic posts in [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Pakistan)|Pakistan's Foreign Office]] and prematurely retired from the service as Consul-General in [[Hong Kong]] in 1989. He died in 2011, and was succeeded (albeit largely symbolically) by his son [[Fateh ul-Mulk Ali Nasir]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.chitralnews.com/Coronation-20--Oct-2011.htm |title=CHITRAL NEWS...Chitral Pakistan, News, Views, Travel, Tourism, Adventure, Culture, Lifestyle, Chitral |access-date=15 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130127061550/http://www.chitralnews.com/Coronation-20--Oct-2011.htm |archive-date=27 January 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
 
== Accession, depletion and dissolution ==
At the time of the [[Partition of India]] on 15 August 1947, the then-Mehtar of Chitral, [[Muzaffar ul-Mulk]] (1901–1949), stated his intention to accede to Pakistan.<ref>Kuldip Singh Bajwa, ''Jammu and Kashmir War, 1947-1948'' (2003), p. 141</ref> However, he did not execute an [[Instrument of Accession]] until 6 October 1947.<ref>W. A. Wilcox, ''Pakistan: The Consolidation'' (Columbia University Press, 1963), p. 82</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8N7sAAAAMAAJ|title=Persistence and confidence transformation in the Eastern Hindu Kush: a study of resource management systems in Mehlp Valley, Chitral, North Pakistan|last=Rahman|first=Fazlur|date=2007-01-01|publisher=In Kommission bei Asgard-Verlag|pages=32|isbn=9783537876683|language=en}}</ref><ref>Umbreen Javaid, ''Politics of Bahawalpur: From State to Region, 1947-2000'' (2004), p. 115</ref> This was contentedly accepted by the [[Government of Pakistan]] without delay.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pIsMAQAAMAAJ|title=Swat State (1915-1969) from Genesis to Merger: An Analysis of Political, Administrative, Socio-political, and Economic Development|last=Sultan-i-Rome|date=2008-01-01|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=9780195471137|language=en}}</ref> In 1954 a Supplementary Instrument of Accession was signed and the Chitral Interim Constitution Act was passed whereby the State of Chitral become a [[federated state]] of Pakistan.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ygEUAAAAIAAJ|title=The North-west Frontier Province Year Book|date=1954-01-01|publisher=Manager, Government Ptg. & Staty. Department|pages=229|language=en}}</ref> The same year, a powerful advisory council was established on the insistence of the [[Federal Government of Pakistan]], and this continued to hold much power in Chitral until 1966.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/539766/familial-glory-in-chitral-and-swat-whats-in-a-name/|title=Familial glory: In Chitral and Swat, what's in a name? - The Express Tribune|date=2013-04-24|language=en-US}}</ref> The Frontier[[Princely state|Princely States]] of [[Dir (princely state)|Dir]], Chitral and [[Swat (princely state)|Swat]] were finally merged through the promulgation of the Dir, Chitral and Swat Administration Regulation of 1969 under [[Yahya Khan|General Yahya Khan]]. The complete takeover of the administration by the Government of Pakistan meant that effectively the states had been extinguished.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nzivCgAAQBAJ|title=State and Nation-Building in Pakistan: Beyond Islam and Security|last1=Long|first1=Roger D.|last2=Singh|first2=Gurharpal|last3=Samad|first3=Yunas|last4=Talbot|first4=Ian|date=2015-10-08|publisher=Routledge|isbn=9781317448204|pages=96|language=en}}</ref><ref name="A Princely Affair">{{Cite web|url=https://oup.com.pk/all-titles/a-princely-affair.html|title=A Princely Affair|website=oup.com.pk|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513155921/https://oup.com.pk/all-titles/a-princely-affair.html|archive-date=13 May 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>▼
At the time of the [[Partition of India]], on 15 August 1947, the then-Mehtar of Chitral, [[Muzaffar ul-Mulk]] (1901–1949), stated his intention to accede to Pakistan.<ref>Kuldip Singh Bajwa, ''Jammu and Kashmir War, 1947-1948'' (2003), p. 141</ref> However, he did not execute an [[Instrument of Accession]] until 6 October 1947.<ref>W. A. Wilcox, ''Pakistan: The Consolidation'' (Columbia University Press, 1963), p. 82</ref><ref>Umbreen Javaid, ''Politics of Bahawalpur: From State to Region, 1947-2000'' (2004), p. 115</ref>
▲<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8N7sAAAAMAAJ|title=Persistence and confidence transformation in the Eastern Hindu Kush: a study of resource management systems in Mehlp Valley, Chitral, North Pakistan|last=Rahman|first=Fazlur|date=2007-01-01|publisher=In Kommission bei Asgard-Verlag|pages=32|isbn=9783537876683|language=en}}</ref> This was contentedly accepted by the [[Government of Pakistan]] without delay.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pIsMAQAAMAAJ|title=Swat State (1915-1969) from Genesis to Merger: An Analysis of Political, Administrative, Socio-political, and Economic Development|last=Sultan-i-Rome|date=2008-01-01|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=9780195471137|language=en}}</ref> In 1954 a Supplementary Instrument of Accession was signed and the Chitral Interim Constitution Act was passed whereby the State of Chitral become a [[federated state]] of Pakistan.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ygEUAAAAIAAJ|title=The North-west Frontier Province Year Book|date=1954-01-01|publisher=Manager, Government Ptg. & Staty. Department|pages=229|language=en}}</ref> The same year, a powerful advisory council was established on the insistence of the [[Federal Government of Pakistan]], and this continued to hold much power in Chitral until 1966.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/539766/familial-glory-in-chitral-and-swat-whats-in-a-name/|title=Familial glory: In Chitral and Swat, what's in a name? - The Express Tribune|date=2013-04-24|language=en-US}}</ref> The Frontier States of [[Dir (princely state)|Dir]], Chitral and [[Swat (princely state)|Swat]] were finally merged through the promulgation of the Dir, Chitral and Swat Administration Regulation of 1969 under [[Yahya Khan|General Yahya Khan]]. The complete takeover of the administration by the Government of Pakistan meant that effectively the states had been extinguished.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nzivCgAAQBAJ|title=State and Nation-Building in Pakistan: Beyond Islam and Security|last1=Long|first1=Roger D.|last2=Singh|first2=Gurharpal|last3=Samad|first3=Yunas|last4=Talbot|first4=Ian|date=2015-10-08|publisher=Routledge|isbn=9781317448204|pages=96|language=en}}</ref><ref name="A Princely Affair">{{Cite web|url=https://oup.com.pk/all-titles/a-princely-affair.html|title=A Princely Affair|website=oup.com.pk|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513155921/https://oup.com.pk/all-titles/a-princely-affair.html|archive-date=13 May 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
 
== Abolition of titles ==
The titles, styles and privileges of the rulers of the former [[princely states of Pakistan]], including Chitral, were abolished in April 1972,<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2eRAAQAAIAAJ|title=Appalachia|date=2008-01-01|publisher=Appalachian Mountain Club|pages=66|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vWsdAAAAIAAJ|title=Parliamentary Debates. Official Report|last=Assembly|first=Pakistan National|date=1972-08-14|pages=160|language=en}}</ref> through [[promulgation]] of the Rulers of Acceding States Abolition of Privy Purses and Privileges Order, 1972 (P. O. No. 15 of 1972). The new law took effect notwithstanding anything contained under any instrument of accession, agreement or any other law,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.safron.gov.pk/gop/index.php?q=aHR0cDovLzE5Mi4xNjguNzAuMTM2L3NhZnJvbi9mcm1EZXRhaWxzLmFzcHg%2FaWQ9NyZhbXA7b3B0PXdpbmdzc2VjdGlvbg%3D%3D|title=Former Acceding/Merged States of Pakistan|website=Ministry of States and Frontier Regions Government of Pakistan|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160528173028/http://www.safron.gov.pk/gop/index.php?q=aHR0cDovLzE5Mi4xNjguNzAuMTM2L3NhZnJvbi9mcm1EZXRhaWxzLmFzcHg%2FaWQ9NyZhbXA7b3B0PXdpbmdzc2VjdGlvbg%3D%3D|archive-date=28 May 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> and has been [[Entrenched clause|entrenched]] further through the [[Fourth Amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan|Fourth Amendment]] to the [[Constitution of Pakistan]] and Article 259 of the same.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.pakistani.org/pakistan/constitution/amendments/4amendment.html|title=Constitution (Fourth Amendment) Act, 1975|website=www.pakistani.org}}</ref>
 
The withdrawal of titles is prospective in nature, restricting transference and new conferral from 1972 onwards but does not purport to disturb or affect previous operation of titles conferred.<ref name="A Princely Affair"/> The dormant titles are sometimes informally used even today in customary regard.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.chitralnews.com/Coronation-20--Oct-2011.htm|title=Chitral News, Views, Travel, Tourism, Adventure, Culture, Lifestyle.|date=20 October 2011|website=Chitral Times|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130127061550/http://www.chitralnews.com/Coronation-20--Oct-2011.htm|archive-date=27 January 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>
 
==Administration==
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===Royal Fort, the Shahi Mosque and the summer residence===
The forts of Chitral have historically resembled [[Middle Ages|medieval]] [[castle]]s. They were both [[Fortified house|fortified residence]] and the [[Seat of government|seat of power]] in the area.<ref>{{cite web|last=Woodburn|first=Bill|title=Forts of the Chitral Campaign of 1895|url=http://www.khyber.org/publications/011-015/chitralforts.shtml}}</ref> The Mehtars' fort in Chitral has a commanding position on the Chitral river.{{citation needed|date=August 2020}} It remains the seat of the current ceremonial Mehtar. To the west of the fort is the [[Shahi Masjid Chitral|Shahi Masjid]], built by Shuja ul-Mulk in 1922. Its pinkish walls and white domes make it one of north Pakistan's most distinctive [[mosque]]s.<ref>{{cite book|last=Brown, Clammer, Cocks, Mock|first=Lindsay, Paul, Rodney, John|title=Pakistan and the Karakoram Highway|year=2008|page=225|isbn=9781741045420|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zn8I4qEew9oC&q=chitral+royal+fort&pg=PA224}}</ref> The tomb of Mehtar Shuja ul-Mulk is located in a corner of the mosque. The summer residence of the ex-ruler of Chitral is on the [[Chitral National Park|hill top]] above the town at Birmoghlasht. This mountain top towers over the Chitral town and the summer residence is at a height of 2743 meters (9,000 feet).<ref>{{cite web|title=Chitral|url=http://www.khyber.org/pashtoplaces/chitral.shtml}}</ref>
 
== ScionsDescendants of the royal family of Chitral ==
The scions of the [[Katoor Dynasty|Katur]] dynasty are still widely respected and honoured by the Katur tribe of Chitral today. The last ruling Mehtar Muhammad Saif-ul-Mulk Nasir was educated at [[Aitchison College]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Brief History of Ex Mehter Chitral Prince Saif ul Mulk Nasir|url=http://www.chitraltimes.com/english11/newseng1424.htm|newspaper=Chitral Times|date=25 October 2013|access-date=25 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029185433/http://www.chitraltimes.com/english11/newseng1424.htm|archive-date=29 October 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> He had received [[Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal]] (1953) and Pakistan Republic Medal (1956).<ref>{{cite web|title=Brief History of Ex Mehter Chitral Prince Saif ul Mulk Nasir|url=http://www.chitraltimes.com/english11/newseng1424.htm|access-date=25 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029185433/http://www.chitraltimes.com/english11/newseng1424.htm|archive-date=29 October 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> He was married to the daughter of [[Nawab]] Muhammad Saeed Khan, the Nawab of [[Amb (princely state)|Amb]] and has two sons and two daughters including:▼
[[File:H.H. Fateh-ul-Mulk, Mehtar of Chitral.jpg|thumbnail|Mehtar Fateh-ul-Mulk Ali Nasir, the current head of the Royal House of Katur and ceremonial Mehtar of Chitral]]
▲The scionsdescendants of the [[Katoor Dynasty|Katur]] dynasty are still widely respected and honoured by the Katur tribe ofin Chitral today. The last ruling Mehtar Muhammad Saif-ul-Mulk Nasir was educated at [[Aitchison College]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Brief History of Ex Mehter Chitral Prince Saif ul Mulk Nasir|url=http://www.chitraltimes.com/english11/newseng1424.htm|newspaper=Chitral Times|date=25 October 2013|access-date=25 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029185433/http://www.chitraltimes.com/english11/newseng1424.htm|archive-date=29 October 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> He had received [[Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal]] (1953) and Pakistan Republic Medal (1956).<ref>{{cite web|title=Brief History of Ex Mehter Chitral Prince Saif ul Mulk Nasir|url=http://www.chitraltimes.com/english11/newseng1424.htm|access-date=25 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029185433/http://www.chitraltimes.com/english11/newseng1424.htm|archive-date=29 October 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> He was married to the daughter of [[Nawab]] Muhammad Saeed Khan, the Nawab of [[Amb (princely state)|Amb]] and has two sons and two daughters including:
1. Mehtar Fateh-ul-Mulk Ali Nasir, elder son of Mehtar Muhammad Saif-ul-Mulk Nasir, was appointed as head of the Katur Royal House of Chitral on 20 October 2011, after the death of his father. He studied law at the universities of [[University of Buckingham|Buckingham]] and [[University of Miami|Miami]].{{citation needed|date=August 2020}}
 
2. Shahzada Hammad ul-Mulk Nasir, born 20 September 1990.
 
===Politics===
The family continues to be one of the strongest political forces in the district, although it has not consistently aligned itself with any particular party in the district.<ref>{{cite web|last=Cutherell|first=Danny|title=Governance and Militancy in Pakistan's Chitral district|url=http://csis.org/files/publication/111128_Cutherell_ChitralDistrict.pdf|publisher=Center for Strategic and International Studies}}</ref> [[Shahzada Mohiuddin]], grandson of Shuja ul-Mulk, served as the [[Ministry of Tourism (Pakistan)|Minister of State for Tourism]] in the 1990s.<ref>{{cite news|title=Future of five devolved PTDC motel employees uncertain|url=http://www.chitraltoday.net/2013/07/21/future-of-five-devolved-ptdc-motel-employees-uncertain/|newspaper=Chitral Today|date=21 July 2013|access-date=26 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029183844/http://www.chitraltoday.net/2013/07/21/future-of-five-devolved-ptdc-motel-employees-uncertain/|archive-date=29 October 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> He was twice elected as chairman of District Council [[Chitral District|Chitral]], once as [[Local government in Pakistan|District Nazim]], and four times as [[National Assembly of Pakistan|Member National Assembly of Pakistan]] (MNA).<ref>{{cite web|title=Familial glory: In Chitral and Swat, what's in a name?|date=23 April 2013 |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/539766/familial-glory-in-chitral-and-swat-whats-in-a-name/|publisher=The Express Tribune}}</ref> Shahzada Mohiuddin also served as chairman of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas (KANA).<ref>{{cite news|title=MNA elected NA Committee Chairman|url=http://www.chitralnews.com/LN120.htm|newspaper=Chitral News|access-date=26 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130127075049/http://www.chitralnews.com/LN120.htm|archive-date=27 January 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> <ref>{{cite web|title=Iftikhar Uddin |url=http://election.rtilive.pk/election/member_detail/79977 |publisher=Election Pakistan 2013 |access-date=26 October 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029191751/http://election.rtilive.pk/election/member_detail/79977 |archive-date=29 October 2013}}</ref>
 
===Notable members of the royal family===
Mata ul-Mulk, one of the youngers son of [[Shuja ul-Mulk]], served asin Cammandarthe of[[Indo-Pakistani theWar Indianof National1947–1948|first ArmyKashmir In [[Singaporewar]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=e6TjAAAAMAAJ|title=Pakistan's Criminal Folly in Kashmir: The Drama of Accession and Rescue of Ladakh|last=Chibber|first=Manohar Lal|date=1998-01-01|publisher=Manas Publications|isbn=9788170490951|language=en}}</ref> He is best known for defeating the Sikh forces in [[Skardu]] commanding the [[Chitral Bodyguard]], during the [[Siege of Skardu]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9w-4VTtJ2xkC&q=mata%2520ul%2520mulk&pg=PA148|title=Where Gallantry is Tradition: Saga of Rashtriya Indian Military College : Plantinum Jubilee Volume, 1997|last1=Singh|first1=Bikram|last2=Mishra|first2=Sidharth|date=1997-01-01|publisher=Allied Publishers|isbn=9788170236498|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0lvfAAAAMAAJ|title=Journal of the United Service Institution of India|date=1988-01-01|publisher=United Service Institution of India.|language=en}}</ref>
 
[[Burhan-ud-Din of Chitral|Burhanuddin]], son of Shuja ul-Mulk, served as commander of the [[Indian National Army]] in [[Burma]]. He also served as a [[Senate of Pakistan|Senator]] after the [[World War II]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Remembering Burhanuddin|url=http://www.chitralnews.com/LT140.htm|publisher=Chitral News|access-date=26 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813190835/http://www.chitralnews.com/LT140.htm|archive-date=13 August 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>
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