DERA GHAZI KHAN: In the bustling streets of Dera Ghazi Khan (DGK), a quiet yet profound cultural revival is taking place, thanks to the mushroom growth of Quetta-styled tea stalls established by Pashtoons hailing from Balochistan.

These humble tea stalls, now dotting almost every corner of the city, have become more than just places to sip tea; they have emerged as vibrant hubs of dialogue, gossip, and community bonding, particularly for the youth.

This resurgence of the culture of dialogue brought back an earlier era when tea stalls in Dera Ghazi Khan served as intellectual and political centres, fostering meaningful conversations among poets, professors, politicians, and progressive thinkers.

The Pashtoon-run tea stalls in the city are more than just businesses; they are social institutions. These jam-packed stalls provide a welcoming space for people to gather, share ideas, and engage in lively discussions. For the youth, these tea stalls have become a preferred hangout spot, replacing the isolation of modern digital life with the warmth of face-to-face interaction. The aroma of freshly brewed tea, the clinking of cups, and the hum of conversations create an atmosphere that encourages dialogue.

This revival is reminiscent of the golden days when tea stalls like Mehr Ilahi, established in block 10, were the epicentres of intellectual and political discourse.

These stalls were frequented by progressive intellectuals, poets, and politicians who engaged in debates and discussions with mutual respect.

Late Mehr Ilahi, the owner of one such iconic tea stall, was himself a right-wing intellectual, adding a unique flavour to the conversations that took place under his roof between left- and right-wing-oriented people.

Similarly, Cafe Shafique at Tooliaan Wala Chowk at present Kalma Chowk, Rasheed tea stall at Traffic Chowk, Cafe Dawn at Traffic Chowk in the 1970s, and Seraiki Hotel at Faridabad Colony, Jampur Road, near old government college at present Ghazi University, in the 1980s were renowned for being the go-to spots for political workers and student activists, where ideas were exchanged and movements were born.

In late90s, Baba Farid Piyala Hotel of block 45 was famous among the dwellers. In an age dominated by social media and virtual interactions, the tea stalls of Dera Ghazi Khan offer a refreshing return to real-life conversations. They remind us of the importance of human connection and the value of listening to diverse perspectives.

Published in Dawn, April 20th, 2025