Jirga held in Swabi to discuss preservation of cultural, historical legacy

Meetings, debates should be held to protect traditions

SWABI: A jirga was organised in Kalabat village, Swabi on Saturday to discuss suitable means to preserve the region’s cultural legacy and historical artefacts.

The initiative was held at the hujra of Haji Abdullah Khan. It was organised by Utman Welfare Society in collaboration with the directorate of culture.

During the jirga, participants discussed the emerging threats to culture and traditions. They lauded the culture department’s efforts to conserve heritage and revive interest in Swabi’s history and culture.

Logical steps

Participants suggested a series of meetings and discussions should be organised at all levels to devise a strategy to preserve the region’s cultural and historical legacy.

One of the jirga members said, “These initiatives will help reduce the growing trend of violence and spread the message of patience and tolerance.”

Another participant echoed these sentiments, saying, “Restructuring lost norms and mores might help create a more peaceful society.”

Lost grandeur

Speaking on the occasion, Noorul Amin Yousafzai, a professor, drew attention to Swabi’s history.

“Swabi was once the centre of several civilisations,” he said. “Hund, a village on the right bank of Indus River in Swabi district was the capital of Raja Paal who had governed the whole subcontinent.”

He added, “Malik Ahmad Khan, who was considered a great Yousafzai sardar, had declared Pakhtunkhwa in 1525 from Swabi.”

According to Yousafzai, the region bears considerable significance and its culture, heritage and traditions should be preserved at all costs.

He said it is about time Pukhtuns from all spheres of life realised their responsibilities towards the revival of their culture. A large number of scholars and intellectuals also addressed the jirga.

Unforgettable melodies

Separately, a musical event was organised at Kandaw in Panjman village. A large number of people from all over Panjman, Jhanda, Pabeeni and Swabi attended the festival. A series of traditional dance performances were also organised.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 3^rd, 2016.