MINGORA: Speakers at the launching ceremony of a Pashto song here on Saturday urged youth to use their energies in promoting cultural heritage through music and art for a civilised society.

The song titled ‘Pakhtun’ highlights the importance of cultural heritage of Pakhtun region. The song was sung and composed by emerging singer, Enayatullah Khan, and was released by youth-led Videobox Films. A large number of youth, cultural activists, teachers and music lovers participated in the event.

Enyatullah Khan, known for his unique music composition of songs, said realising the fact that importance of cultural heritage, archaeology and history was being faded he and his team undertook the project of composing a song to highlight the importance of Pakhtuns’ heritage.

“We selected proper lyrics for the song which talk about the value of culture and civilisation, and then we filmed it at the archaeological sites to show to the young generation as well as to the world that how rich is the land of Pakhtuns,” he said and thanked the shooting and editing team for producing a ‘masterpiece’.

On the occasion, culture activist Usman Ulasyar said music was an indispensable ingredient for peaceful and civilised societies as was said by Aristotle that music was the food for soul. “Everything about the newly-released song is good. The poetry is of higher and mature quality while the selection of sites for shooting it is inspiring,” he said, adding the song would become popular among the educated class.

The participants of the function lauded the song and said the society needed such mature and ethical musical projects instead of vulgar and low standard music projects.

“Unfortunately, majority of Pashto music in the present time is of low standard but Enayat’s music is commendable in every aspect which motivates listeners and viewers towards peace, harmony and heritage,” said Prof Nazir Ahmad, adding Pakhtun youth needed to focus on peace, education and cultural heritage.

Published in Dawn, April 21st, 2019