Pashtun poets in UAE pay tribute to APS martyrs

Poets reminisced the deadly attacks that turned the 'city of flowers' into the 'city of blood'

ENTERTAINMENT DESK: To mark the first anniversary of the brutal terrorist attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar, UAE-based poets united to pay tribute to the martyrs.

A Mushaira titled 'Bal Mashall Gowaloona Ma Rajaawa' (Don’t vanish flowers) was organised by the Dubai station of Khyber News in Sharjah, reports The Gulf Today.

All the poets who paid lyrical tribute belonged to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other tribal areas of Pakistan. They included Khalid Khan Hasrat, Fazal Rahim Bangash, Hakeem Zaland, Nizar Shah Mansoory, Farhad Yousafzai, Muhammad Hayat, Nasir Buneray, Ikhtiar Ullah Aurakzai, Fazal Hadi Hadi, Salamat Shah Salamat, Mufti Maaz Hamdar, Muhammad Bilal Fida, Imran Wrak and Ajaz Barat.



Their poetry revolved around the sacrifices of the departed souls who were the bright future of the country. They also highlighted the fact that Peshawar was the 'city of flowers', but this deadly attack turned it into the 'city of blood'.

"They  slaughtered the future hope of the parents. Are they (terrorists) satisfied while killing innocent faces? Will they demoralise young blood? Never and this will never happen."

“Those [children] are martyrs, and martyrs are not dead -- they are still alive. The courage of the young blood made us stronger," a few lines from their poetry said.



One of the poets acknowledged the bravery of the locals and said that Peshawar will remain the 'city of flowers' and will not surrender before cowardly terrorists.

"Were they not ashamed to kill the innocent? What wong did they do? They want pens, not weapons, in their hands. They want to read, not spread hate. But one day their blood will bring colour. Almighty Allah will do justice to their blood,” said another poet.

Some more memorable lines from the poetry were, “But listen, you can’t demoralise the people of the brave soil. You will not succeed in your mission. We are one and can defeat you."



Members of the Pashtun community was also present to commemorate the occasion. The audience got sentimental as the poets reminisced December 16, 2014.

Zamarud Buneri, Deputy General Manager of the channel, told The Gulf Today, “It is necessary to remind ourselves and the nation of this horrific incident in our history. This incident should teach us to stay strong in our fight against terrorists."

“Our condolences are with the families of the martyrs and the whole nation stands united with them. I also appreciate the Pak Army for encouraging the victims’ families, urging them never to lose hope," he added.

The night concluded with special prayers for the departed souls to express solidarity with the bereaved families.