PESHAWAR: Speakers at a function held here the other day asked young students to focus on their advanced level studies to meet modern day challenges and also raise awareness among people regarding the significance of education.

The Buner Students Society (BSS) organised ‘Buner Cultural Night’ at a local hotel attended by a large number of students, notables, elders and political activists hailing from district Buner. Engineer Nasir Ali Khan of JI and Mian Noor Bacha of ANP from district Buner chapter were also among the attendees.

The speakers shed light on various problems being faced by students from the district considered to be the most backward one in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and called for the immediate attention of the government institutions to resolve issues of the people on priority basis.

They said like other parts of the province, people of Buner district had also suffered at the hands of militancy but they stood like a rock against every obstacle in the way of peace.

Around 50 talented position holders from different educational institutions were given awards and commendation certificates. A special award was conferred on a visually-challenged person, Iqbal Buneri, on his excellent academic performance. He recently completed his MPhil thesis from the sociology department, University of Peshawar.

Buner students hold cultural night

A group of students set up a typical Buneri hujra showcasing the traditions and culture of Buner, where guests were served with traditional food and beverages.

Sareer Mir Khan of Pervez Musharraf’s All Pakistan Muslim League speaking on the occasion said that students belonging to Buner had great potential and needed encouragement to bring out their hidden talent. He urged the young students to give serious attention to their studies at higher level to compete with other students of the country and the world at large.

“Quality education is the only powerful weapon with which young people can fight the terror of ignorance and war of militancy. Buner enjoys the history of simplicity, bravery and hospitality,” Mr Khan added.

Ihtisham Khan, chief of Islamia College University campus, said on the occasion that his organisation had been conducting the event for the last six years with an objective to create awareness among young students regarding education and its importance in the society and also to address issues related to students from Buner.

Zeeshan Khan, chairman of BSS said that despite being poor, students studying in different educational institutions across KP from Buner had shown brilliance and required further assistance and support to boost their talent at much higher level. “Students from district Buner are simple but bold and talented and need attention of the concerned authorities to extend financial assistance to them on need basis. We, the Buneris stand for peace, hospitality and respect for all,” said he.

Hamayatullah, general secretary BSS and Abbas Khan, head of inter-section, also spoke at the function.

Later, a musical concert was held in which noted Pashto folk singers including Sana Tajik, Yamsa Noor, Khalid Malak, Tariq Hussain Bacha, Athar and Qasim performed and received appreciation from the audience.

Published in Dawn, March 9th, 2019