Role of artists in promoting religious harmony highlighted
Inclusion of women writers, artists crucial for balanced society said participants.
MINGORA:
To focus on the role of writers and artists in promoting religious harmony, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) organised a convention in Mingora on Saturday.
A large number of literary scholars and artists from across the province attended the convention. “There’s a dire need to create harmony among members of different sects and religions because intolerance and rifts are radically increasing,” said HRCP Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Vice Chairperson Sher Mohammad Khan at the convention.
“Today over a 100 representatives of different sectors and religions participated in a healthy discussion on interfaith harmony, mutual understanding and peace,” said Khan. He added they all agreed humanity should come before religious and cultural divides.
Praising the HRCP-arranged convention, Rahmat Shah Sayel, a renowned poet, said Pukhtun poets, writers and artists have played a positive role in creating harmony in the past.
In order to establish a pluralistic society, writers and artists need to make sure their work is inclusive of all cultures in the country, said social activist Zubair Torwali.
Pakhtunkhwa Adabi Jirga chairperson Gul Rana Tabbasum appreciated the activity and said the participation of women writers, artists and poets is crucial for creating balance in the society. “We have thousands of talented female writers and poets but their talents remain hidden in a male-dominated society. They need avenues to express themselves freely,” said Tabbasum.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 21st, 2014.
To focus on the role of writers and artists in promoting religious harmony, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) organised a convention in Mingora on Saturday.
A large number of literary scholars and artists from across the province attended the convention. “There’s a dire need to create harmony among members of different sects and religions because intolerance and rifts are radically increasing,” said HRCP Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Vice Chairperson Sher Mohammad Khan at the convention.
“Today over a 100 representatives of different sectors and religions participated in a healthy discussion on interfaith harmony, mutual understanding and peace,” said Khan. He added they all agreed humanity should come before religious and cultural divides.
Praising the HRCP-arranged convention, Rahmat Shah Sayel, a renowned poet, said Pukhtun poets, writers and artists have played a positive role in creating harmony in the past.
In order to establish a pluralistic society, writers and artists need to make sure their work is inclusive of all cultures in the country, said social activist Zubair Torwali.
Pakhtunkhwa Adabi Jirga chairperson Gul Rana Tabbasum appreciated the activity and said the participation of women writers, artists and poets is crucial for creating balance in the society. “We have thousands of talented female writers and poets but their talents remain hidden in a male-dominated society. They need avenues to express themselves freely,” said Tabbasum.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 21st, 2014.