LOWER DIR: PM’s special assistant Sardar Shahjehan Yousaf has said that the history of Gujjar tribe is full of sacrifices and resistance against oppressors.

He was addressing the International Gujri Language and Education Conference organised by Tehreek Huquq-i-Gujjar Pakistan (THGP) at Shamlai area of Adenzai as chief guest here on Saturday.

The members of Gujjar community from all parts of the district attended the function which was also addressed by Gujjar Qaumi Movement chairman Haji Zarin Khan, THQP central president Bakht Zada Gujjar, Raza Khan Gujjar, Punjab MPA Imran Yousaf Gujjar and others.

Delegates from Punjab, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and abroad also participated in the conference.

The speakers said that the Gujjars had strongly resisted the British aggression in 1857 war of independence. They said the Gujjar tribe always stood by the Pakistan Army in times of need. They said the tribe would promote unity in the country and never hesitate to fight for the nation’s sovereignty and integrity.

They said that Gujjars had their own language and traditions and they would never compromise on them.

The speakers said they would continue the struggle for the economic development and unity of the Gujjars across the country.

Through a unanimous resolution the participants demanded the government to include the Gujri language in the school syllabus and allocate a separate column for them in the national census.

Also in the day, in a separate function held in Timergara, the newly-elected representatives of Swati Youth Welfare Association were administered oath.

The function was attended by Swatis from Punjab and Hazara and Malakand divisions. The association’s president Ahmad Faisal Chattan along with his cabinet took oath. The function was addressed by Mufti Muahidullah Swati, Mukhtar Ahmad and others. They said that Swatis lived in every nook and corner of the country.

They said the association had planned to establish schools, colleges and universities where the Swati children could get free education. They said the Swati elders would resolve petty issues of people through jirgas.

Published in Dawn, December 25th, 2022