UPPER DIR, July 15: A poetry session was organised the other day at the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Sheringal, with a purpose to promote Pashto poetry.

Known poets Prof Abaseen Yousafzai, Israr Athal, Liaqat Souz and others attended the session. Vice-Chancellor of the university Dr Jehandar Shah was the chief guest of the function while hundreds of student formed the audience which applauded every good verse recited on the occasion.

Abaseen Yousafzai, Israr Athal and local poets enthralled the audience with their lovely Pashto poetry. The purpose of the Mushaira was to promote Pashto poetry and to encourage Pashto poets.

Mr Yousafzai said the university, located in remote Sheringal area, had made progress in a short time. He credited the VC of the university with hard work and the progress.

He said the VC was a seasoned academician who had spent time at Islamia Collage Peshawar and then established the Malakand University at Chakdara. He demanded of the VC to establish a Pashto department at the university to promote Pashto literature and poetry.

The VC assured that soon the department would be established. Jehandar Shah, in his speech, said every effort would be made to further develop the university. He also appreciated the effort of Bakht Zada Danish, organiser of poetry session, and hoped it would help promote the cause.

Meanwhile, a six-day workshop on “research methodology and skills” concluded the other day. It was attended by lecturers of different colleges of Malakand division. The workshop was organised by the university with the help of HEC.

VC Dr Jehandar Shah distributed certificates among the participants.