SHANGLA: A literary event was organised at a government school in Kana tehsil here on Monday, where poets through their pieces highlighted the need for establishing peace on the Pakhtuns’ land.

People from different walk of life also attended the event held in Olandar area.

Noted poet Rehmat Shah Sail was the chief guest.

Poets Fazal Subhan Abid, Hanif Qais, Fayaz Zafar, Attaullah Jan, Wadan Otmankhel, Irfan Hussain Ali and others recited their verses and received applause from the audience. Cabinet members of the newly-constituted literary circle (Ghantool Adabi Caravan) also took oath of their offices on the occasion.

Attaullah Ghazal, president of Ghantool Adabi Caravan, said that formation of the circle was need of the hour to encourage young and emerging poets.

He said young poets were often ignored in the poetry sessions in the district. “Ghantool Adabi Caravan would be the platform for young and emerging poets,” he added.

Rehmat Shah Sail through his verses urged the Pakhtuns to promote peace and harmony in their region.

He said he had been visiting Shangla since his early age and loved the natural beauty and hospitality of the people, particularly their passion for the Pashto literature.

He asked the youth to promote Pashto as mother tongue and use their pen for betterment of society and amplifying voices of those being suppressed and their rights taken away. Locals and Swat-based poets also presented their poems on the occasion.

Appreciation awards were also given away to the guest poets on the occasion.

Published in Dawn, November 19th, 2024