GHALANAI: Speakers at a literary session here on Monday said that poets could play important role in restoration of peace in the militancy-hit tribal region.

The ‘Annual peace literary session’ was held in Jirga Hall in Ghalanai that was attended by poets from Khyber Agency, Charsadda and Peshawar besides the local writers, tribal elders and officials of line departments.

The session was presided over by Noorul Basar Basar and Naeem Mukhlis while Saqib Afridi was chief guest on the occasion.

The poets in their poems stressed the need for restoration of peace. They said that peace was vital for progress and development of Pakhtuns. They said that it was difficult to arrange literary sessions during militancy in the region. Poets and actors were threatened so that they could not make efforts for restoration of peace, they added.

Speaking on the occasion, Political Agent Mahmood Aslam Wazir said that arranging such literary sessions would convey a message of peace and brotherhood to the whole world. He urged the local poets to involve youth in positive activities and give more opportunities to them as they could play vital role in the society.

“The beauty of nature is only in literature therefore one cannot ignore its importance,” said Mr Wazir. He assured the poets that local administration would support them at every platform.

He said that the administration was ready to offer Jirga Hall to writers for literary activities free of cost. He said that a cultural centre would be established soon for literary activities in the area.

A Lungi (turban) competition was also held on the occasion that was won nine-year-old Adnan Jamil. Raham Sher Rehan stood second and Mohmand Welfare Organisation president Mir Afzal Mohmand got third position in the competition.

Mohmand Adabi Tolana president Hairan Momand said on the occasion that turban was important component of their culture. He said that turban was a symbol of honour.

The political agent presented shields to guests and distributed cash prizes and certificates among the poets at the end of the session.

Published in Dawn, March 22nd, 2016