MINGORA: A large number of youth and writers attended the launching ceremony of the Zulfan music band’s new song titled ‘Wafa’ here on Saturday. The band is comprised of youth from Swat along with a young poet and composer.

Shahaab Shaheen, the singer of the new song, said that he preferred selective work as his band focussed only on positive themes with a lesson for the society.

“I am grateful to the poets and writers, and my young friends who came today to encourage me,” he said and thanked poet of the song, Mr Hairan, for composing a special lyric for the band.

Engineer Umer Farooq, who was chief guest on the occasion, said that participation of the youth in cultural activities was the evidence that the young generation was moving in the positive direction.

“Presenting such a fine music is really amazing which shows that our youth love peace and culture. I hope our youth take interest in other important matters such as political activities in the country so that they can form a better opening for the future government and can serve public in true sense,” he said.

Renowned Pashto poet Abdul Rahim Roghaney said that music was a true food of soul listened by cultured and civilised people. “I am really happy that the educated youth are turning to music which is needed in our society,” he said.

Majority of the visitors appreciated lyric of the song and the videography shot at the heritage sites of Swat.

“This is really an interesting initiative that the youth focused on the heritage site in filming the song. It means our new generation gives importance to the cultural heritage of Swat,” said Nasar Sheen, a culture activist. Young poets and singers also performed on this occasion.

Published in Dawn, December 25th, 2016