By Syed Shamsuddin The herb locally known in Chitral as Aspandor and in Shina as Ispandur , commonly referred to as Wild Rue or Harmal , bears the botanical name Peganum harmala and belongs to the Nitrariaceae family. As noted in the Facebook post of Flora of Chitral dated 29 May 2026, it is a naturally growing perennial herb that flourishes in semi-arid environments, especially along dry mountain slopes and heavily grazed pastures at elevations ranging between 2,000 and 3,500 metres. In Chitral, the plant generally flowers from May to June, while its fruits and seeds mature and appear during August. This notable herb is not restricted to Chitral alone; it is widely distributed throughout the mountainous regions of Gilgit-Baltistan as well, where it forms an integral part of local traditions, indigenous knowledge, and folk healing practices. Among many communities, Harmal is regarded as a sacred and spiritually significant plant, ...
Of Votes and Vultures: A Poetic Critique of Electoral Opportunism in Muhammad Sharif Bagoro’s Shina Verse
By Syed Shamsuddin Election Seasons (A Poetic Rendering of Muhammad Sharif Bagoro’s Very Interesting Shina Verse) Strangely now they come to bless your marriage rites, A curious crowd attends our prayerful nights. No true compassion stirs their crafted role— They come with hidden aims, not heart or soul. The Pharaohs of our age bend low and near, Kneeling before the poor they once held dear. When harvest time awakens field and tree, Crows and magpies arrive in endless spree. They dress like orioles in orchard shade, To charm and fool till full their gains are made. Then, feathered strong, they rise and fly away— Himalayan vultures returned to prey. Even when riverside and mountain land were sold, And forests bartered into hands of gold, Their thirst remained; it was not quenched or done— They turn now toward the orchard and the farm and sun. For slips of vote—those “parchi” papered claims— They bow and speak with hon...