SOUTH WAZIRISTAN: Noted Pashto poets celebrated the start of apple blossom time during the annual poetry recital event at the Wana Government Degree College here.

The event, titled ‘Da Manray Gul (apple flower in Pashto), was attended by a large number of poets, writers, farmers, and notables from parts of the province.

The speakers said the poets of Waziristan had always highlighted the problems of locals and raised voice for their rights.

They said local musical bands played a significant role in the restoration of peace in the region despite unfavourable conditions.

Around 50 noted Pashto poets participated in the event, which was held to send out a message to the world that the people of Waziristan love peace, festivities, and a green environment, according to local poet Hamid Jan Wazir.

He said the mushaira was organised under the auspices of Wana Pashto Adabi Tolana to mark apple blossom time in the area and raise public awareness to help farmers grow apples and increase production.

Poets Umar Shah Koti, Karwan, Zafar Khan Wazir, Baitullah Bait, and Zindawar received applause from the audience over their inspirational verses.

Some Pashto bards flew in from the Gulf to participate in the event.

Amin Jan Wazir, president of Wana Waziristan Adabi Tolana, pointed out that Waziristan was the land of quality fruits, including apples, and had literary and cultural diversity, with poets advocating for peace, resilience, and national unity.

He said Wana, Birmal, Azmakwarsak, Kaloti, Ghowa, Kari Kot, Kalosha, Kaza Panga, Landi Doaq and Zeer Ghowaza were known for fruit production.

Mr Wazir said over 300 apple growers were trained in ways and means to increase production.

He said most local growers sent apples to other parts of the country to meet the demands of consumers. He said the residents mostly depended on apple production to earn a “humble” livelihood.

NIsar Khan Wazir aka Nisar Lala, patron-in-chief of WPAT, said folk literature had references to rituals that used to celebrate the local flora and fauna, stressing the poets to continue adoring the natural beauty and environment to avoid the hazards of climate change.

Later, the poets read out poems highlighting various aspects of the apple blossom time in its historical perspective and linked the annual celebrations to people’s love for peace, hospitality and nature.

Published in Dawn, April 28th, 2024