PESHAWAR: A three-day Bacha Khan Peace Festival inaugurated its third annual edition on the sprawling lawns of University of Peshawar on Tuesday.

The event was organised under the auspices of Pakhtun Students Federation (PkSF), the student wing of Awami National Party. A large number of students, teachers, right activists and ANP workers attended the inaugural ceremony and took interest in the first-day activities.

Around 35 stalls showcasing books, local arts, traditional foods, paintings and handicrafts were set up at the festival. A blood camp was also feature of the event.

Addressing the opening ceremony, ANP leader Haji Ghulam Bilour reiterated the stance of his party to advocate non-violence philosophy of Bacha Khan and the vision of Wali Khan to enable youth to know about their struggle for the rights of the oppressed segments of society.

Three-day peace festival kicks off at UoP

He said that Bacha Khan’s vision to educate both boys and girls in early 30s was meant to enlighten his people to know their rights and responsibilities. He said that Bacha Khan considered youth builders of nation.

Mr Bilour said that youth being precious asset should invest their time in healthy activities alongside making efforts for achieving their set targets towards building a forward-looking and peace-loving society with a progressive worldview.

Mualana Khanzeb, ANP leader from Bajaur tribal district, shed light on the natural resources of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He said that natural resources of the province were being usurped and his party leadership was kept out of parliamentary politics.

He said that ANP would continue to raise voice against militancy, social injustice and denial of human rights despite hardships.

Later, Mr Bilour visited different stalls and encouraged the young organisers of the event for their good work.

Masood Khan, the chief of PkSF at UoP, in his brief remarks pointed out that his organisation would engage it members in positive activities including study circles, book fairs, literary and cultural events on the campus.

Meanwhile, an annual Urdu day was celebrated at Khyber College Medical University (KMCU) wherein various events were arranged including book fairs, exhibition of student’s artworks, a light musical concert and a stage play.

An Urdu poetry recitation session on the occasion attracted students in a large number.

Published in Dawn, March 6th, 2024