PESHAWAR: Folk artists and performers on Friday sought steps to promote and preserve the treasure trove of cultural diversity, particularly folk music, as it had been a great source of spreading peace and harmony in the society.

They gathered at the Fawara Chowk in Peshawar Saddar to celebrate the World Music Day.

The gathering was organised under the flag of Mafkoora, a not-for-profit research and development organisation, and Artists Welfare Society.

The artists demanded of the authorities of the state-run radio and TV to give them due time. They also demanded foolproof security.

This year’s theme was to explore the significance of symphonies that brought together societies and communities and used as powerful weapon for advocacy of cultural diversity and peace.

Speaking on this occasion, Hayat Roghani, chief executive officer of Mafkoora, said music had always been great source of moving people from diverse social, linguistic and cultural backgrounds to forge unity and promote harmony among them for the cause of peace and inclusivity.

“Music defies all kinds of barriers and inspires humanity across the board to work for the promotion of universal human values towards an all-embracing society. Folk music of the entire world agrees on one and single theme of unity, love and harmony. Nothing on earth can help unite human beings except the common legacy of symphony,” Mr Roghani underscored.

Dr Rashid Ahmad Khan, president of Artists Welfare Society, regretted that the relevant department failed to allocate adequate funds for the promotion of local artists and performing arts, including folk music. He observed that the ¬-Nishtar Hall, the lone city theatre, remained closed and not a single musical show was arranged in the provincial capital.

“Intolerance, hatred in the society, and inclination of youth towards drug abuse is due to lack of space for them to showcase their talent. Unfortunately, recently a university student lost his life owing to his love for folk music, which also shows how faulty and unhealthy is our academic environment for youth,” Mr Khan maintained.

Later, folk artists performed and entertained the participants.

Published in Dawn, June 22nd, 2024