CHITRAL, Dec 25: Speakers at the launching ceremony of a poetry book here the other day lauded local poets and writers for expressing the sentiments of people of the district through their literary works.

“The quality of Khowar literature is second to none in the province as it possesses many peculiar characteristics,” Sultan Mehmood, senior regional programme manager of Hashoo Foundation Pakistan, told the participants of the ceremony.

The book titled “Phik Samandar” has been written by renowned Chitrali poet Afzalullah Afzal.

Mr Mehmood showed happiness over increase in publication of Khowar books, both prose and poetry. He said that more than 14 dialects were spoken in different valleys of Chitral but all of them contributed to the Khowar language without confronting it.

He said that his organisation would help local poets and writers to publish more books.

On the occasion, Maula Nigah, Abdul Wali Khan, Naqeebullah Razi, Abdul Wali Khan, Miftahuddin, Islamuddin and Mohammad Irfan presented papers and appreciated the efforts of the poet.

They termed the book a beautiful addition to the literature of Khowar language. They also appreciated Hashoo Foundation for helping local poets and writers to promote Khowar literature.

PASSES AWAY: An official of the formerly Chitral state Nasir Ali Shah, popularly known as Bajgi Haji, died here the other day. He was 99.

He held many important positions in the formerly state. He was the last surviving official of the state. He entered the state service during the reign of His Highness Sir Nasirul Mulk, who ruled from 1936 to 1943.

Nasir Ali Shah lived apolitical life after the merger of the State with Pakistan. He possessed a sound knowledge about the local language and literature and was known as authority on it.

During his career, he also worked with the British officials, who were stationed in Chitral in early 1940s.