SWABI: Participants of a spring fair here have urged the provincial government to come up with a long-term policy to protect the rich culture and traditions of Pakhtuns and effectively transfer them to the young generation.

The fair was organised by a few influential people of the district led by Fayaz Ali of Swabi city. Poets, literary figures and artists also attended the gathering and called for revival of Pakhtun culture.

Mr Ali said that all arrangements were made by them and there was no involvement of the culture department. However, he said that the district administration was informed about the fair for the security purpose.

He said that objective of the event was to highlight the Pakhtun culture and traditions.

The participants said that Pakhtuns had a rich culture that survived even when invaders occupied their land and tried to impose their own values, but failed.

Prof Noorul Amin Yousafzai, who teaches at Pashto Department of Islamia College, Peshawar, noted with concern that the trend of passing cultural values and traditions to the younger generation was fading with the passage of time.

Artists stole the show by presenting folk songs while Pashto poets recited their verses. Jehan Bahadar, a jirga member, appreciated the orgnisers for arranging a literary gathering.

Dr Mohammad Jasim, chairman of Qam Qalam literary body, said if they failed to pass cultural values to the younger generation it might be difficult for them to adjust their life in the Pakhtun society.

Meanwhile, a PML-N jirga led by its divisional senior vice-president Iftikhar Ahmad Khan visited the residence of Dildar Khan on Wednesday and urged him to resume work on the post of district general secretary. Mr Dildar tendered resignation a couple of weeks ago and had declared that he would serve the party as a worker.

Published in Dawn, February 20th, 2020