PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Culture Shah Farman has promised to promote cultural and literary activities in the province.

Addressing as chief guest the concluding session of Afghan International Cultural Day, at Nishtar Hall here on Sunday, he called upon scholars and experts to conduct a seminar on Pakhtun jirga and come up with practical recommendations on which provincial assembly would make legislations.

“We are working out village councils for resolving local issues and also to bring about reforms in providing speedy justice,” the minister said and added that government would defend Pakhtun culture at all costs. Some vested interests were bent upon to tarnish the true image of Pakhtuns under the garb of cultural activities, he said.

“I disapprove of such events presenting a distorted image of our people. The so- called cultural invasion has played havoc with our culture. Artists and singers promoting true image of our land and people will be encouraged,” Mr Farman said.

Urges scholars to come up with practical recommendations on jirga

that cultural integration was necessary for social cohesion and peace. “I think we should try to bring Kabul and Islamabad closer to each other so that people on both sides could chalk out strategies to eliminate terrorism and pave the way for everlasting peace,” she said.

Noted scholar Noorul Amin Yousafzai shed light on the significance of Pakhtun jirga. He said that jirga had its roots some 3000 years ago in the Pre-Islamic era. Tribal people used to gather at a place called “Utal” where they would resolve their tribal disputes. After the advent of Islam they changed its name to hujra. He said that jirga needed restructuring in accordance with the new challenges and social norms.

Senior research scholar Dr Khaliq Ziar in his research paper said that jirga was a kind of restorative justice. Jirga was not a punishment awarding institution rather it was a forum for dialogue held in free and fair manner, he said. He said that jirga had the potential to resolve any dispute if people of upright character and integrity were given a chance.

Later, a dress show was conducted in which 20 male and female pairs displayed traditional Quetta and Wazristani clothes designs and received applause from the audience.

Pashto live musical concert was part of the event. Popular singers Gulpanra, Shah Sawar, Fayyaz Kheshgi, Ashraf Gulzar, Ainee, Izat Khan, Imran Khan, Rashid Khan and senior folk singer Ahmad Gul performed.

Syed Aqil Shah, a leader of Awami National Party, showed up in the function for a short while but soon left owing to death of close relative.

that culture department should celebrate Afghan cultural day on official basis. He suggested that sports activities should also be included in the annual event.

The two-day event, however, was marred by mismanagement. Dirking water was not available on the first day while foul smelling and worst condition of the Nishtar Hall’s toilets left a negative impression on the participants. Quality of the food was also not good.

“I think culture department should improve condition of the lone theatre in the city,” a guest from Quetta told this scribe on condition of anonymity.

Published in Dawn, October 20th, 2014