MINGORA: The poets, singers and culture activists at an event here on Sunday pledged to strive for promotion of Pashto language and Pakhtun culture.

The event, organised by Da Swat Pakhto Adabi Kaltori Nariwala Jirga, was attended by a large number of culture activists, youth, poets, writers and scholars.

“We, particularly our youth, are getting away of our cultural heritage and seem ignorant of the greatness of Pakhtun history. It is really an encouraging step to organise such programmes and invite young generation to see and learn,” said Eng Umar Farooq, who was chief guest on the occasion.

The photo shows a stall exhibiting different aspects of Pakhtun culture. —Photo by author

The participants of the event were attracted by the traditional stalls, exhibiting different aspects of Pakhtun culture. The poets presented their poems about the promotion of Pakhtun culture while local artists entertained the participants with their skits.

Famous folksinger Khan Teshil was also invited to the event. His folksongs kept the participants of the event spellbound.

Famous folksinger Khan Teshil during a performance. —Photo by author

Talking to this scribe, Khan Tehsil said that Swat valley was not only beautiful but it was rich in literature, culture and heritage. “Whenever I have come here, people of Swat have given me love and respect. I really enjoy performing here. I also enjoy the natural beauty of Swat valley,” he said.

Fazal Hamid Khan, an organiser of the event, said that it was the duty of every Pakhtun to work for the promotion of Pashto language. “We have organised the event to inform everyone about our forefathers and their great deeds. The show has been organised to sensitise the young generation about their language, customs and traditions,” he said.

The poets and writers appreciated the event and termed it important for the promotion of Pashto language. “We cannot join the race of development in the modern era without promoting our language,” said Iqbal Shakir, a poet from Batkhela.

Malak Liaquat, a culture activist, who had come from Dir, said that he came to Swat specially to participate in the event. “Today media is showing the distorted image of Pakhtuns and ignoring their positive aspect. Such events provide an opportunity to the international community to see that how cultured and civilised the Pakhtuns are,” he said.

Traditional food available during the event. —Photo by author

Published in Dawn, July 27th, 2015

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