SHANGLA: Young poets from various parts of Shangla depicted the plight of coalminers, instability and resurgence of terrorism in the region in their poems at a ceremony here on Thursday.

The ceremony titled ‘Hafiz Alpuri Poetry Award’ was organised by district administration in collaboration with youth affairs department at government degree college in Alpuri.

Prof Abaseen Yousafzai was chief guest at the ceremony. Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Fawad, ADC Adnan Khatak, youth officer Haider Ali and others were also present on the occasion.

Addressing the ceremony, Prof Abaseen said that poetry was a God gifted blessing and no one could learn it. He said that it was a good omen that youth loved their language and literature.

“Today I am happy to see such energetic and talented young poets, who presented their pieces and amazed us. Most of them highlighted social issues, current affairs and plight of local community in their poems,” he said.

He said that it was the responsibility of youth to promote their mother language. He advised poets to promote love, peace, local culture and beauty of the region in their poems.

Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Fawad said that the administration would continue to engage youth in such healthy activities in future. He said that Shangla youth were multi-talented and could utilise their potential in every sector.

On the request of a jury member Prof Attaur Rehman Atta, the deputy commissioner promised that he would make arrangements to get a Class-IV deployed at the tomb of famous Sufi poet Hafiz Alpuri for its look after. He said that a conference would be held to pay homage to Hafiz Alpuri.

According to the district youth affairs, 16 young poets took part in the poetry competition and three of them were declared winners. They were paid cash prizes of Rs30,000, Rs20,000 and Rs10,000, respectively.

The first prize was given to Alamzeb Hashmat and second to Irfan Hussain Ali while third prize was clinched by Arbaz Ehsas. The jury members and officials were given the models of Hafiz Alpuri tomb, specially made by a renowned artist to pay tribute to the Sufi poet.

Published in Dawn, September 20th, 2024