THERE’S no doubt that terrorism has badly affected people in this region. Besides various other measures, healthy cultural activities can play a significant role in the restoration of durable peace and help control terrorism. …To serve culture means to serve the nation and that is why the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has pledged to take effective steps for the preservation of our culture. …Mian Iftikhar Hussain, has given the assurance that his government will leave no stone unturned in reviving our culture by involving people of different segments and overcoming terrorism. He said that successive governments had completely ignored the cultural sphere but to the ANP-led coalition’s credit, it opened Nishtar Hall … and initiated various cultural activities.

…Terrorism has not just led to people living in fear but has also caused serious setbacks to business, industrial, trade, cultural and literary activities. …The steps taken by the government for encouraging literary people, poets and artists are very commendable. It is also very laudable that the rulers have decided to work for the promotion of regional languages because this decision will help revive different cultures and the hitherto neglected languages of the province.

…Everyone should know that the development of a particular nation or community depends on its language and culture. The nation needs to maintain such healthy, literary activities. All the provincial governments should focus on strengthening local cultures and encouraging professional people so that they can play a significant role in the progress and development of the nation. The best way to promote local cultures is to give full attention to local languages and to the preparation of quality education syllabi. — (Jan 15)

Selected and translated by Ali Hazrat Bacha.