PESHAWAR: Speakers at a ceremony here on Monday said that cultural activities could help to counter narrative of militancy and extremism.

A large number of students, teachers and activists gathered here on Monday at University of Peshawar to mark the Pakhtun cultural day. On the occasion, 14 stalls showcasing various items including traditional foods, beverages, fruit, dress, and typical hujra were set up.

The Pakhtun Students Federation (PSF), University of Peshawar arranged the event. The Pakhtun cultural day was celebrated across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, tribal districts and Balochistan.

Speakers on the occasion said that basic objective of the event was to raise awareness among students regarding the significance of cultural identity and also its role in the society. They said that cultural activities could help to counter narrative of militancy and extremism and students should own their culture.

Student leaders said that every day used to be a Pakhtun cultural day because Pakhtuns practiced their values round the year and also peaceful struggle and resistance for the rights of students would be continued where the culture of asking question would be encouraged. They said that the culture of silence would not be tolerated on the campus.

Several groups of students performed Waziri, and Khattak Attanr and many others were seen clad in traditional Pakhtun dresses. Visitors from different departments and other universities and colleges showed keen interest in the cultural day celebrations. The PSF activists also took part in a peace walk.

Awami National Party general secretary Mian Iftikhar Hussain, who was chief guest on the occasion, called upon students to remain focus on their studies but also continue to keep themselves aware of their due rights and geo-political situation being developed around Pakhtun belt.

He said that Pakhtun culture had strong roots and no power on earth could eliminate it. He added that Bacha Khan’s philosophy of non-violence was the soul of his efforts to promote education and create awareness among Pakhtuns about their rights and resources.

MPA Shagufta Malik of ANP said that not only cultural dresses and wears would not work to resolve their issues but practical steps would also be required to bring about substantive change in the society regarding rights of women, their easy access to education and healthcare.

Malgari Wakeelaan chief Wakil Zaman Khattak, Tabbasum Younas Katawazai, PSF provincial president Wasim Khattak, and PSF UoP president Jamshed Wazir also addressed the event.

Published in Dawn, September 24th, 2019