PESHAWAR: Participants of an annual event held here at a local hotel have asked young students to work for promoting the cause of peace and national unity, adding that peace and stability was vital for progress and prosperity in the region.
They pointed out that engaging in cultural activities served the purpose of knowing about the value of peaceful human society that taught us to develop a taste for mutual harmony and dignity to respect views of others.
Over 40 awards and commendation certificates were given to students belonging to Bajaur studying in different educational institutions in the province for showing outstanding academic performance.
An annual musical concert and a Pashto mushaira organised under the auspices of Bajaur Students Organisation (BSO) were also part of the programme at the event. Stalls showcasing Bajaur art and culture were also set up. Students, teachers, rights activists and notables from Bajaur tribal districts attended the event.
Lalali Shah Pakhtunyar and provincial minister Anwarzeb were among the participants. On occasion they advised young students to work for peace and stability and continue participating in literary and cultural activities.
Salman Mahmood, chief organiser of the event, in his opening remarks said that after a gap of eight years, he and his colleagues were able to arrange the activity with an objective to raise awareness among students for promoting the cause of permanent peace by engaging them in cultural events. He said Bajaur had been home to noted literati who had authored Pashto folk tales.
“No progress in the modern day was possible without peace and political stability. Young people have the strength to counter terror and extremism through artistic and literary events. People of the entire province and Bajaur in particular, are peace-loving, we are here tonight to give a message to the world,” said Mr Mahmood. Saeedullah Ghaznavi, GS of BSO.
It was followed by a Pashto mushaira in which popular literati including Ahmad Ali Aajiz, JafarKhan, Anwar Angaar and Afsar Afghan participated. Dr Ikram Spararlai, a young poet- doctor from Bajaur, read out a poem titled ‘Peace a highway to progress’ and stole the event with his moving couplets.
Later, a musical concert was held in which noted folk singers including Asfandyar Momand, and Shuakat Swati performed and received great appreciation from the audience.
Published in Dawn, January 16th, 2023
