SWABI: The three-month long cultural activities, which commenced here on Tuesday, would focus on revival of Pakhtun culture to boost peace and harmony in the society.

The events were being arranged by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Directorate of Culture under the project ‘Revival of Indigenous Cultural Heritage’ (Rich) with the collaboration of Samajee Behbood Rabita Council, a local NGO.

Speaking at the opening ceremony in this regard, representatives of various political parties and local governments and local musicians and poets lauded the directorate of culture for its work for the revival of Pakhtun culture.

Revival of jirga system, traditional games and poetry sessions part of three-month plan

The participants said that the continued wave of militancy had created a sense of insecurity in the Pakhtun belt, leaving a far-reaching impact on the cultural aspects. They said that people even got worried about how to protect their culture and traditions.

However, they were told that revival of jirga system, arranging Kabaddi and mukha competitions, theatre show, mushaira, traditional handicrafts and folk music would be covered in the three-month activities.

Asar Khan, district naib nazim, said that no one could deny the importance of culture in human life. He said that Pakhtuns were known for their bravery and independent views.

Additional deputy commissioner Tariq Ali said that the provincial directorate of culture wanted to facilitate artists and project their work at the national level. Masood Jabar, Qaumi Watan Party district chairman, said that there was need to strengthen the directorate of culture, which had been taking practical steps for conservation and revival of indigenous culture.

Alamgir Khan, social welfare officer, said that the plan to secure indigenous cultural heritage should be welcomed by everyone because Pakhtuns loved their culture and traditions.

SBRC focal person Arif Shah said that they had planned to invite various local folksingers who would sing different songs. Its president Rohal Amin said that they wanted to revive the Pakhtuns’ golden era when peace prevailed across the Pakhtun belt and people would enjoy different gatherings, singing and happy occasions.

Meanwhile, the teaching community here on Tuesday welcomed the decision of the education department to replace 180 superintendents for the 9th and 10th grade exams, being conducted under the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education, Mardan.

The exams are starting on Wednesday (today). They lauded the new policy of the government, saying that some new teachers also got an opportunity to perform duty in the secondary examinations. They had rejected regular nomination of some teachers as superintendents and ignoring others.

Published in Dawn, March 15th, 2017