Celebrating the Rhythms of Khowar: FLI Publishes The Evergreen Khowar Songs of Chitral

We at Forum for Language Initiatives (FLI) are proud to announce the publication of our latest contribution to indigenous literature: The Evergreen Khowar Songs of Chitral, a beautifully curated collection of traditional Khowar songs, now available with rhythmic translations in English and Urdu.

Authored by Qazi Inayat Jalil, this book is a testament to the enduring spirit of Khowar oral traditions. It not only preserves the poetic richness of these songs but also makes them accessible to wider audiences through carefully crafted translations that retain their lyrical essence.

This marks the ninth book we’ve published in the Khowar language, a milestone in our ongoing journey to uplift and document the voices of northern Pakistan. Spoken in Chitral, parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, and a few villages in Swat, Khowar is a literary language with deep cultural roots. Yet, it has long faced challenges due to orthographic inconsistencies. At FLI, we’ve worked closely with Khowar-speaking researchers to standardize its writing system, ensuring clarity, continuity, and dignity in its representation.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Qazi Inayat Jalil for his incredible work, and to the Khowar community whose heritage this book celebrates. Beyond its poetic beauty, the book uncovers fascinating insights into the history and evolution of old Khowar songs, offering readers a glimpse into the soul of Chitrali culture.

At FLI, we remain committed to supporting such unique and meaningful projects that honor indigenous languages and empower local voices. This book is more than a publication—it’s a cultural archive, a bridge between generations, and a celebration of linguistic identity.

Let the songs of Khowar echo far and wide.