Tangir Valley gets its first barber shop with restricted services

GILGIT: In a major development, Tangir Valley of district Diamer in Gilgit-Baltistan has opened its first barber shop, marking a significant shift in a region where conservative religious beliefs have historically impeded such establishments.

The valley, known for its stringent adherence to religious doctrines, had previously seen local clerics, or ulema, oppose the opening of barber shops, deeming the act of shaving as non-compliant with Islamic practices.

The inauguration of the barber shop comes after the ulema granted conditional approval last year, a decision that has allowed for hair cutting and hot baths, as stated in their announcement.

“The barber wouldn’t trim beards,” the statement read.

Speaking to HUM News English, Diamer’s deputy commissioner’s public relations officer confirmed the development, highlighting the absence of such a facility for the valley’s population of over 50,000 until now.

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He further said that “the new barber shop would also offer beard trimming services”.

A local resident Jan Azhar shared with HUM News English the protracted efforts to persuade the clerics to allow a barber shop in the area.

He recounted how, over a decade ago, a barber had to cease operations in Jaglot Bazaar due to threats and an incident of aerial firing by local miscreants. This event had a chilling effect, with no barber shops daring to open since then, he said.

It is noteworthy that the neighbouring Darel Valley, also part of the Diamer district, only saw the opening of its first barber shop in 2018, underscoring the conservative nature of the region.

The opening of the Tangir Valley barber shop is not just a new business venture but a symbol of evolving social norms in the Diamer district, where economic needs and changing perceptions are slowly reshaping the community’s outlook towards traditional religious interpretations.