PESHAWAR: In the shadow of the Khyber Pass, where the rugged mountains seem to hum ancient tunes, Ashban Riasat — known across the music world as Ashban Roy — has carved a remarkable path.

His story is one of passion kindled in humble lanes, nurtured by a mother’s sacrifice and sustained through years of quiet defiance against adversity.

Ashban Roy, 33-year-old instrumentalist, has opened an academy in the city to train young music lovers. From his earliest days, the sound of guitars played by local boys in Peshawar’s streets captivated young Ashban.

“That sound touched me so deeply that I became completely captivated,” he recalls with a smile. He was raised by a single mother, who worked as a government staff nurse. Resources were limited, yet her belief in his dream proved boundless. “She bought me my very first guitar despite all the hardships. That moment changed my life,” he says.

Formal training proved elusive in a city where music academies were scarce. When he finally found a teacher, threats linked to terrorism forced the instructor to flee. Lessons halted, but Ashban’s resolve only deepened. He travelled across cities in search of knowledge, mastering advanced guitar under Ali Imran.

The haunting call of rabab later drew him back to his Pakhtun roots. Studying under maestro Gulabkhel Afridi and performing with the ensemble Dostaan forged a profound cultural connection.

Balancing his artistic pursuits with academics, Ashban earned a BSc in computer science while studying English literature. Music, he found, sharpened his focus rather than distracting him.

Today, he fulfils a long-held promise through his own academy, teaching guitar, rabab, piano and harmonium to students of all ages. Many of his pupils now perform professionally.

“If I ever became a successful musician, I promised myself no student would face the same difficulties I experienced,” he reflects.

Inspired by Salman Ahmad of Junoon’s spiritual guitar style and the legendary Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s unmatched energy, Ashban is redefining Pashto music.

Through his five-member folk instrumental band Nasaaz, he blends traditional rabab and tabla with modern electric guitar and drums. “Pashto music represents our tribal heritage, village life, history and natural beauty,” he explains.

“I want to modernise it and connect the young music buffs to cultural roots. ‘Nasaaz’ has released three major projects that have gained international appreciation, appearing in documentaries and viral productions,” he says. Independently, Ashban has built a digital audience of over one million online subscribers.

Mr Roy has performed on prestigious stages and featured on major private TV channels, while receiving official recognition from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Directorate of Culture and Pakistan National Council of Arts.

On the role of technology, he remains measured. “AI can be a useful tool for creativity and production if used wisely, but true musicianship lies in live performance, emotion and authenticity — qualities technology alone cannot replace,” he adds.

As Ashban Roy continues creating and mentoring, his journey stands as a testament to resilience.

He hopes to be remembered not merely as a musician, but as an inspirational force reviving cultural pride in Pakistan’s northwest.

Published in Dawn, May 11th, 2026