Diana Australis' photos with the keyword: Kafiristan

Woman doing laundry. Kalash Valley, Kafiristan, Pakistan. This area is right on the Afghan border. I was there in May this year, also last year. Life is simple, traditional in small villages. The woman is washing her laundry in a water channel in front of her traditional house. My friends in Pakistan informed me yesterday that this area is now closed to tourists as it was attacked two days ago by the Afghan Taliban. They sent me videos of the shooting and gunfire. Glad it did not happen when I was there, but I sure feel sorry for these people here. Wishing all of us a much more peaceful a and happy Friday and weekend than in this region just now. Diana xxx

In the minority and remote Kalash region of Pakistan, we met this 80 year old woman who prefers to live in her 350 year old traditional house than with her children in more comfortable accommodation. This is her full total of furniture..a bed, two stools and a stone fireplace/ stove. She has no electricity or running water. Winters here are severe and cold. It is in the mountains right on the Afghan border. The village is still very traditional. On their tour of Pakistan, Prince William and Princess Catherine were helicoptered in to visit the area and open a new community centre. There are only about 4000 remaining Kalash, and they are under pressure to convert to Islam from their animist beliefs. Have a lovely weekend all.

From Kalash Valley, Kafiristan in North West Pakistan, on the Afghan border. This gorgeous girl was our local guide and friend for the days we were there. She is dressed in traditional dress, worn by the women and girls every day. Have a fabulous Friday and an outstanding weekend ❤️ D

Kafiristan, Pakistan. I was photographing within a school for Kalash children at the end if a school day. He is wearing his school uniform which is the traditional dress of the Kalash people.

An older woman in traditional dress. Kalash Valley …Pakistan/ Kafiristan

The Kalash are an Indo-Ayrian minority group in Pakistan, living in remote valleys adjacent to the Pakistan border. As non Muslims they come under pressure from extremists who feel these women should be in hijabs and be subservient. They are, in the contrary, confident, boldly dressed in their traditional clothes, and educated. Education is very highly valued. This is a school. Kids have UNICEF bags. The back view of the girls in their daily headgear coming off the field from a game of cricket in school PE lesson. The picture at the bottom is an imposter ( me) at a village ceremony with local friends.