SWAT: Literary and cultural activists said here on Friday that Zarsanga was a legendary Pashto singer who kept the folk music alive for five decades.

They were speaking at a ceremony titled “Zamung Zarsanga”, held in Mingora to acknowledge the services of Zarsanga for Pashto folk music.

The event was organised by Nariwal Adabi Taroon and Nawey Jwand. Additional deputy commissioner Irfan Ali was the chief guest and scholar Parvez Shaheen presided over the event, attended by Fazal Mahmood Rokhan, Hanif Qais, Riaz Ahmad Hairan and others.

Apart from gifts from the people of Swat, Rs100,000 cash was also given on this occasion to the melodious folk singer by the Swat district administration.

The speakers said Zarsanga was not an ordinary singer, but an institution of folk music who started singing folk songs from her childhood.

Speaking on the occasion, Zarsanga said Swat was her favourite place and she had been visiting the scenic valley since her young age. She also praised hospitality of the local people.

The folk singer recalled that she represented Pakistan in various countries where she received great applause. She said she did not have her own house, so she migrated to Bajaur valley along with her family in summer and then go back to Kohat in winter.

Zarsanga urged the government to allot her a small house so she could live with a piece of mind.

Published in Dawn, October 16th, 2021