RTR2SWC9
20 Oct. 2011
KALASH, Pakistan
Kalash female students walk to class through the entrance of the Kalasha Dur and community centre in Brun village, located in Bumboret Kalash valley October 14, 2011. Nestled among the valleys of Pakistan's mountainous northwest, the Kalash are a tiny religious community that claim descent from Alexander the Great's army, and say they are under increasing pressure to convert to Islam. The Kalash, who number about 3,500 in Pakistan's population of 180 million, are spread over three valleys along the border with Afghanistan and are known for their distinctive dress, vibrant religious festivals, and polytheism. To match Feature PAKISTAN-KALASH/ Picture taken October 14, 2011. REUTERS/Rebecca Conway (PAKISTAN - Tags: EDUCATION SOCIETY)
