KHYBER: Literati and political activists on Sunday arranged a poetry recitation session to highlight the literary contribution of slain tribal journalist Khalil Jibran and called for restoration of lasting peace in the region.

Held at Takiya Markaz near the house of Khalil Jibran, the session was attended by a large number of local poets, writers, political workers and civil society members. They paid rich tributes to the literary contributions of the late journalist, who in his lifetime held several literary sessions and also introduced local poets and writers to national literary circles.

Poets used their fresh poetic writings to glorify his love for poetry and Pashto literature. They also condemned his brutal murder. They said that Khalil Jibran was a peace-loving and nationalist journalist and worked hard for promotion of peace and welfare of region.

Political and social activists called upon the outlawed militant organisations to take pity on Pakhtuns and stop shedding the blood of innocent people in their war against the law enforcement agencies.

They also demanded a meaningful dialogue between the state authorities and outlawed groups to put a stop to the ongoing war and militancy for restoration of lasting peace on Pakhtun soil.

They said that the ongoing war was aimed at annihilation of Pakhtuns, who had not understood the motives behind the war and the people and groups behind it.

“We can no more tolerate the ruthless killing of Pakhtuns in the name of religion and the state authorities should play its due role to rid the region of militancy and extremism,” they said.

Published in Dawn, July 8th, 2024