Chitral is just getting its tourism going again. Having Osama and the CIA in the neighborhood isn't good for business.
http://www.chitralnews.com/Latest%20New485.htm
National / world press mis-reporting Chitral
CHITRAL,15 Dec 04: Mis-reporting of news and events concerning Chitral by the national / world press has been resented and disdainfully scoffed at, by the residents of the area.
Besides the many instances earlier, recently a national newspaper reported the assumed presence of Osama Bin Laden in Chitral and the associated (also assumed) operation by CIA here, which unnecessarily tickled the international media on the subject. News Papers as distant as 'Taipei Times' reported it (read it). Foreign Affairs ministry spokesman had to clarify the matter in a special press briefing.
Any body in his right state of mind, would agree that surviving in this weather in Chitral is difficult for the locals themselves. How can a sick man like Bin Laden (if at all he exists) choose this rough place as an abode and that too without any body taking notice of him? (Chitral for one is a place where the locals surround with curiosity even a shaggy punjabi tourist calling him 'Mainu' (guest) and try not to leave him alone for a moment)
The local residents have taken strong exception to the regular practice of associating Chitral with un-necessary mysterious and frivolous news, just to divert the attention of world media from the real issues.
Chitralis while speaking to our correspondent said ''we have a responsible local press and instead of indulging in unnecessary speculations, authentic news / information about Chitral can easily be obtained from Chitral News without any problem''.
nobody here has ever heard of chitral. (ok maybe a couple have) but does anyone give a chit?