BAJAUR: The participants at a condolence reference in memory of the slain religious scholar, peace activist, writer, and historian Maulana Khanzeb Shaheed, held here on Sunday, pledged to continue his mission of promoting peace, education, unity, and raising awareness about people’s rights in the area.

The event, organised by ‘Rana Malgari’ (friends of light), an organisation of diverse individuals that works to promote education and raise awareness about local culture, history, legendary figures, and people’s rights through study circles, of which Maulana Khan Zeb was a founding member, was held at the Bajaur Sports Complex in Khar.

Besides members of the organisation, youth, social activists, writers, and Maulana’s followers attended the gathering, which formally started with the opening remarks of Ihsanullah, coordinator of the youth studies circle group.

Addressing the event, Ihsanullah, who is also a member of ‘Rana Malgari’, said the meeting was meant to pay homage to Maulana Khanzeb by highlighting his remarkable legacy for the welfare of the people of Bajaur in particular and the entire Pakhtun community across the globe in general.

“Maulana Khanzeb was not only a senior leader of a political party, but a man of multifaceted talent, qualities, knowledge, and services that largely focused on the core issues of local people, such as peace, education, development, and people’s rights,” he added.

He further said Maulana Khanzeb was a great speaker, writer, historian, and scholar and, importantly, a bold voice for peace and people’s rights, who had truly dedicated his life and resources to the well-being of Pakhtuns across the country.

A number of Rana Malgari’s members, social activists, and the Maulana’s followers, while addressing the gathering, said that Maulana Khanzeb was a champion of peace, people’s rights, promotion of education and tolerance among the people.

“The assassination of Maulana Khanzeb Shaheed is an irreparable loss not only to the people of Bajaur and the entire Pakhtun community but also a setback to all those advocating peace, rule of law, justice, development, tolerance, and citizens’ rights in the country,” they said.

The participants suggested the people to read his both books - ‘History of Bajaur’ and ‘Shatamana Pakhtunkhwa’ - to easily understand his thoughts and love for the area and its people.

The members of the organisation, on the occasion, announced to continue Maulana’s mission.

DRAINAGE CLEAN-UP DRIVE: The authorities on Sunday launched a massive drainage clean-up campaign in Bajaur district.

In a statement issued by the Khar administration stated that besides cleaning up the drainage in different areas of Khar tehsil, the rainwater accumulated along roads in various areas would also be cleared during the campaign, meant to improve drainage system in the area.

Published in Dawn, July 28th, 2025