A rare pagan culture is endangered

Ancient race confronted by militant Islam, modernism

Pagans that are thought by some to be descendants of Alexander's troops, the Kalasha number about 2,500 to 3,000. Men and women mix freely. Living in the northwestern tip of Pakistan, the only road in winter actually goes to Afghanistan. They are increasingly pressured by Islam (and certainly were during the Taliban rule of Afghanistan) and modernism. A new road promises to bring trade, but also will expose them to outside influences.

At the height of their civilisation (between 900 CE and 1320 CE), their kings ruled over much of the area. Their religion 'may be a survivor of the early beliefs of the Indo-Persian area, embodying an early Hinduism and pre-Zoroastrian faith.' It would be a shame to have them assimilated into the greater whole of Islamic culture.