PESHAWAR: Writers, artists and rights activists gathered here on Friday to admire the selfless services of a young social media influencer, Afsar Afghan, advising young social media users to utilise the platform for bringing about a positive change in the society.

The event titled ‘creative journey of Afsar Afghan’ was arranged under the auspices of a private construction company at its main site office on Nasir Bagh Road here.

Afsar Afghan, a multi-faceted young social media influencer, poet and rights activist, has been serving the cause of spreading peace, humanism and mutual respect for more than a decade, and enjoys a large fan following overseas among Pashtun diaspora. He is recipient of several awards and commendation certificates from literary, cultural and civil society organisations for his services.

Mr Afghan is also serving as goodwill ambassador for a number of organisations, including orphanages, charity bodies, blood donors, rights associations and human rights bodies alongside literary and cultural societies.

He has represented Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the Gulf States, Afghanistan, Malaysia, Thailand, New Zealand, China, Sri Lanka, Central Asian Republics and a few others.

Prof Abaseen Yousafzai, who chaired the event, said Afsar Afghan was one of the few talented individuals, who have been using social media platform a tool to guide, educate and enlighten people to spread the message of universal values for social cohesion and a just society.

Dr Karan Khan, noted artist, said Afsar Afghan always used his talent for targeted social purposes, including girls’ education, climate change, significance of local art and culture and several other issues.

Maulana Hasan Farooq, a religious scholar, remarked that Afsar Afghan was an advocate for spreading human dignity through his God-gifted talent. “We need to encourage such young social media influencers at every level and prevent young people from anti-social activities,” Mr Farooq added.

Sehrish Khan, a folk artist, said Afsar Afghan had scaled up the heights of success in a short span of time due to his positive, balanced and composed style.

Ali Haider Babakhel, chief executive officer of the construction company, said his organisation encouraged young artists and literati so they could promote and preserve indigenous heritage.

Later, a few poets presented poetic tribute to the young social media influencer.

Published in Dawn, June 22nd, 2025