Solid steps required to deter extremism: Afghan envoy

Visits LRH to inquire after health of Pashto folk singer Zar Sanga

PESHAWAR: An Afghan envoy has stressed the need to take solid steps to deter extremism in the region so that moderates and artists could live without fear.

“Extremism has given birth to a mindset, which has made it difficult for the moderates and artists to survive in the region,” Afghan Deputy Ambassador Zardasht Shams told newsmen after inquiring after the health of Pashto folk singer Zar Sanga at Lady Reading Hospital on Monday.

The deputy ambassador stated that the people from across the border have condemned the attack on Pashto folk singer, adding that the award winning singer has been serving Pashto music for decades

“The Afghan government has also assisted Zar Sanga financially,” he claimed.



On reducing distances, he stated that music has played a very important role in bringing together people from across the border.

Shams said that there were many other singers like Zar Sanga, who could be helpful in further improving contact between people from across the border.

“Wherever it [extremism] happens, our moral obligation is to condemn it,” Shams added.

On Sunday, Sanga was admitted to the Nowshera District Headquarters Hospital after she was injured in a scuffle between her sons and their neighbours over a monetary dispute on Saturday night.

“We returned from Swat and came under attack, but the police seemed reluctant to register our case,” Mudeer, the folk singer’s son told The Express Tribune. “My mother got injured trying to protect us when our neighbours were beating us up.”

He also alleged that their neighbours looted their house and took away all their belongings, including Rs200,000, adding that they were now trying to resolve the issue by sending messages for a patch-up.



On Saturday, Azakhel police stated that the attack was motivated by a monetary dispute, adding that the folk singer’s sons had bought animals from their neighbours and there was a dispute over an amount of Rs500,000.

When the family returned from Swat, their neighbours attacked them, the police confirmed.

According to the police, five people were arrested and booked under Section 107 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, adding that the case will be registered once medical reports of the injured individuals are received.