MINGORA: A poetry session was held at a remote hamlet in Kabal tehsil of Swat district on Sunday to promote literary activities among youth.

The event, organised by Dokat Adabi Karawan, was presided over by prominent poet of Malakand, Iqbal Shakir, while a large number of poets, writers and local people attended the poetry session held at Sersinai area. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Shakir said that beautiful Swat valley always attracted youth to poetry. “Beauty and environment of the district motivates nature lovers to become poets,” he added.

Mr Shakir said that there were a large number of potential poets and that the government should provide them with opportunities.

Hanif Qais, a prominent Swat poet, said that local youth had a lot of talent in poetry and they could better showcase their potential if a proper platform was provided to them. He said newcomers in literature should be encouraged by seniors, adding that poets reflected the sentiments of society.

Zafar Ali Naz, belonging to Mingora, said that after a long time Swat district was hosting literary activities, and called for more such sessions to promote Pashto literature among youths.

Prominent Pashtu poets, including Iqbal Shakir, Hanif Qais, Sikandar Shah Sikandar, Mumtaz Ali Yousazai, Ahmad Hussain Nadeem, Mohammad Iqbal Naseem, Zafar Ali Naz, Attaur Rahman Atta and Shamsur Rahman Shams enthralled the audience with their poems, conveying message of peace.