The seminar was held at Haji Sahib’s shrine in Safi tehsil, Mohmand Agency. PHOTO: MUREEB MOHMAND/EXPRESS
A large number of devotees and tribespeople attended the conference and hailed the late freedom fighter’s efforts against all forms of oppression.
Haji Sahib’s Urs celebrations remained suspended due to turbulent law and order for over seven years. Taliban militants had set up shop inside the premises of Haji Sahib’s tomb.
During his presidential address, Haji Abdur Rehman Faqeer said Haji Sahib’s message and teachings are still relevant in today’s society. His followers should come forward to reform Pukhtun society according to the great leader’s vision, he added.
MNA Bilal Rehman said the seminar ushers in a new era in the political history of Mohmand Agency.
He said militants had captured Haji Sahib’s shrine in 2007, but the Pakistan Army successfully uprooted their influence from the area. The MNA said it is the government’s responsibility to re-assimilate the Safi tribespeople who were displaced due to militancy.
Talking to The Express Tribune, former provincial minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Abdul Subhan Khan urged the government to establish a university in Haji Sahib’s name in order to honour his contribution to Pukhtun society.
Mohmand PA Waqar Ali Khan, who was also at the seminar, said peace has been restored in the agency and the displaced families should return to their native land. Waqar said militants tried to tie up Haji Sahib’s struggle with their anti-state activities but the great leader’s ideology can never be misrepresented to his followers.
Malik Attaullah, a resident of Safi tehsil, told The Express Tribune Haji Sahib’s Urs commemoration speaks for efforts of the political administration and security forces.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 19th, 2015.
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