Promoting peace through poetry

Poetry recitation portrayed solidarity of the region against extremism by sharing messages of love, peace and harmony.

PESHAWAR: To mark the launch of Directorate of Culture, a Pashtu mushaira (poetry recitation) was held at a local community club within the FATA Secretariat on Sunday.

Themed as “Da Aman Aao Khushhalay Pa Lore Gamona” (on course towards peace and prosperity), the evening was adorned with inspirational works from poets representing the entire tribal region. This effort portrayed solidarity of this region against extremism by sharing messages of love, peace and harmony.

This occasion of the launch of a government institution mandated to preserve and promote the cultural values of the tribal areas was an ideal platform for the local poets to show their talent.

Celebrated Pashto poet Zeenat Shah alias Sahir Afridi presided the poetry recital. The highlight of the event was the poem recited by Hashmat Sahar, “Pa Pekhawar Key Parhar Ma Jorawa, Da Kabul Parhar Jor Shawe Na De” (don’t hurt Peshawar because the wound of Kabul still bleeds).

Published in The Express Tribune, November  8^th, 2010.