SHANGLA: The writers and literati have demanded of the government to name Alpuri Degree College after renowned poet Hafiz Alpuri and include Pashto language in curriculum of educational institutions.

The demand was made during a poetry recitation session that was organised by a local youth organisation ‘Da Ranra Malgari’ in Lelawnai area in Shangla.

Renowned poet Abaseen Yousfzai was chief guest on the occasion while Noorul Ameen Yousafzai, Syed Haseena Gul, Dr Hamdard Yousafzai, Iqbal Shakir, Aslam Salik, Fazal Subhan Afghani, Fazal Rahim Lohar, Sardarzeb, Rahim Shah Bulbul, Haqeq Heran, Aminunddin Gulfam, Waseem Fida and others presented their poetry and got applause from the audience.

The people of far-flung areas attended the session in a large number. Most of the poets had composed poetry about peace.

Addressing the session, Abaseen Yousafzai said that Pakhtuns should unite on one platform and strive for restoration of durable peace on their soil. “We time and again have demanded of the provincial government to declare Pashto as compulsory subject so that our children can learn about our rich culture and history,” he said.

Mr Yousafzai appreciated the local youth for organising the event. He said that the name of Sufi poet Hafiz Alpuri was still alive in the minds of people. He said that local leaders, who had accesses to government, ignored Hafiz Alpuri and even failed to protect his shrine.

Mr Yousafzai demanded of the local government to hold annual poetry session in Shangla to remember Hafiz Alpuri.

Speaking on the occasion, Iqbal Shakir also appreciated the organisers of the event.

Another poet said that Pakhtuns should give a message to the whole world that they wanted peace and tranquility on their soil.

Afsarulmulk Afghan, the organiser of the event, told Dawn that the poetry session was aimed at promoting Pashto literature. “Such type of events would be also held in future to keep Pashto literature alive,” he said. He added that efforts would be made to promote and encourage cultural activities in the society.

On the occasion, through various resolutions, the participants demanded of the government to name the local degree college after Hafiz Alpuri and include Pashto language in curriculum of educational institutions.

Published in Dawn, July 14th, 2016