SWABI: A two-day literary and cultural festival at the University of Swabi concluded on Tuesday, showcasing the district’s rich heritage and talent.

Organised by the district administration, the festival featured a wide range of competitions and events including speech contests, painting competitions, tug-of-war, musical chairs, jumping contests, attan dance performances, stage dramas, mushaira and debates.

The festival was inaugurated by Abdul Karim, former advisor to the Chief Minister, alongside Deputy Commissioner Tariqullah.

Abdul Karim, speaking at the event, emphasised that the main goal was to promote Pakhtun culture, noting that Swabi has long been a hub of cultural activities.

He highlighted the contributions of Swabi’s people including soldiers, poets, writers, and athletes toward the nation’s glory.

“The only recipient of the Nishan-e-Haider in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed, belongs to Swabi,” he said proudly.

Professor Nooral Amin Yousafzai said that Swabi had produced many notable figures including Sahibzada Abdul Qayyum Khan, founder of Islamia College Peshawar; Major General (retd) Nigar Begum, the first woman to hold that rank; and Abdul Qadir, founder of the Pashto Academy Peshawar, adding, “This is just a short list of distinguished individuals from the district.”

Deputy Commissioner Tariqullah remarked that Swabi had been the cradle of Pakhtun culture for centuries. During the festival, various traditional local games including mukha (archery) drew participants from across the district.

University of Swabi Vice-Chancellor Waqar Ahmad also addressed the gathering, while students presented the Pashto folklore Yousaf Khan Sherbano.

Published in Dawn, April 29th, 2026