GHALANAI: The writers have demanded of the government to establish a writers club in Mohmand tribal district and allocate funds for publishing the books of local poets.

At a literary session here on Thursday, they also demanded of the authorities to extend financial assistance to the writers, who were affected by terrorism.

Jointly organised by sports and cultural department and district administration, the literary session was presided over by Deputy Commissioner Arifullh Awan. Prof Abaseen Yousafzai was chief guest on the occasion. A large number of writers including Rokhan Yousafzai, Zafar Khan Zafar, Afsarul Mulk Afghan and Rashid Khan Rashid attended the session.

MNA Sajid Khan Mohmand, MPA Nisar Mohmand, District Sports Officer Saeed Akhtar Khan and heads of line departments were also present on the occasion.

The deputy commissioner said that the purpose of holding the literary session was to involve youth in healthy activities. He said that unfortunately youth were inclined towards the menace of drug abuse. He added that government was taking concrete steps to eradicate drug abuse.

The official said that in the first phase, drug addicts in Peshawar, Khyber and Charsadda would be shifted to rehabilitation centres to make them useful citizens. He said that rehabilitation of drug addicts would be started soon in Mohmand.

Prof Abaseen Yousafzai said that it was duty of every Pashtun to promote Pashto. He lauded the district administration for holding cultural and literary events.

Mohmand Adabi Tolna president Hairan Mohmand on the occasion demanded establishment of writers club, allocation of funds for publishing books of local writers, holding at least two literary sessions in a year and financial assistance to the writers, who were affected by terrorism.

Published in Dawn, June 24th, 2022