PESHAWAR: Local artists, literati and movie-buffs gathered here on Monday to celebrate contribution of Aziz Tabassum, the director of first Pashto film ‘Yousaf Khan Sherbano’, which laid down foundation of Pashto film industry in 1970.

The event titled ‘tribute to the icon that shaped Pashto film industry’ was arranged here in Nishtar Hall jointly by KP Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA), World Pashto Congress, Niaz Pashto Adabi Sangar (PAS) and Colours of Life.

A larger number of cinema-buffs, writers and fans attended the event. Pashto film stars of the yore days including Asif Khan, Jamil Babar, Aman Khan and Ajab Gul were also among the participants.

The octogenarian film director, Aziz Tabassum, thanked the KP Culture and Tourism Authority and writers for celebrating his work. His film ‘Yousaf Khan Sherbano’ was released in December, 1970.

Video clips of the super hit Pashto films directed by Mr Tabassum were shown on the projector which took the audience into the early 80s golden era of Pashto cinema. Also a short documentary was run followed by model performance of Adam Khan Durkhani by two performers. Faisal Khayal, son Ustad Khial Mohammad, and Mashal Khan, grandson of Hidayatullah, performed on the stage.

Film posters exhibition of Pashto films directed by Aziz Tabassum attracted the audience with great interest.

Recalling the good old days of Pashto film industry, veteran film stars said that cinema culture had declined at global level but investors and sponsors switched over to innovative and hi-tech methods and also went through drastic changes in the production, presentation and marketing.

They dwelt upon their long association with Mr Tabassum, who contributed to Pashto film industry at a time when no modern facilities were available but still he produced super hit Pashto movies and introduced legend performers including Badar Munir, Baidar Bakht, Yasmeen Khan and Niamat Sarhadi.

Prof Hanif Khalil while giving a background history of the first Pashto film said that Rs300,000 were spent on it and it earned Rs4 million, which was a big amount as the film ran for 55 weeks and provided a firm foundation for Pashto film industry. He added Aziz Tabassum directed 42 super hit Pashto films and eight Urdu movies.

Meanwhile, annual culture day was observed by Pashto society at Edwardes College where more than 30 stalls were set up, showcasing handicrafts, traditional foods, dresses, ornaments, books on different topics and clay utensils.

Handicrafts of prisoners and physically challenged persons attracted visitors. The principal of the college, Shujat Ali Khan, in his opening speech appreciated the organisers of the event and took a round of stalls.

Live Pashto music performance and traditional folk dances were also significant features of the event.

Published in Dawn, February 17th, 2026