PESHAWAR: A Mehfil-i-Sama was arranged at a local hotel here on Friday evening, where a large number of music enthusiasts and lovers of Sufi music turned up to enjoy Pashto rendition of classic Sufi poets in the velvety voice of noted folk artist Dr Karan Khan.

Sufi dance by Khanzada Asfandyar Khan Khattak also enthralled the audience. Khanzada Asfandyar is a Sufi dance teacher, chirographer and human rights activist.

The event, which marked the revival of ingenious culture, was arranged under the auspices of a private builders’ company. Noted Pashto film star Asif Khan and chief of Artists Foundation Tariq Jamal were also among the guests.

Noorul Haq Qadri, former federal minister for religious affairs, graced the occasion as the chief guest.

Organisers say event meant to revive local forms of arts

The speakers said such events helped strengthen social bonds and bring communities closer.

Addressing the function, Mr Qadri pointed out that role of Sufi poets and music towards building a peaceful society was undeniable as they had always advocated for universal human values and spiritual training of souls. “Social activists are the spiritual manifestations of our society,” he added.

Ali Haider Babakhel, chief executive officer of the private builders’ body, said: “We build houses and apartments on earth but folk artists and social activists build hearts of people through their performing arts and actions to bring communities together. People and organisations working for welfare of masses are real asset and they should be encouraged,” he observed.

Around 25 souvenirs were given to social activists, folk artists, academicians and literati for their outstanding contributions in their respective fields.

Organisers said the main objective of the event was to revive local forms of arts and acknowledge the selfless services of people from different walks of life.

Poet Prof Abaseen Yousafzai shed light on Sufi music and its significance in the subcontinent and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at large.

Social media influencer Afsar Afghan charged the audience with inspirational Pashto poems. He received a standing ovation soon after he appeared on the stage. Moderating the event, he said indigenous culture played a pivotal role in shaping the outlook of the society.

It was followed by Sufi music session in which popular folk artist Dr Karan Khan sang out selected poetic pieces in his unique Qawwali style from classic Pashto poets, including Hamza Baba, Khushal Khattak and Amir Hamza Khan Shinwari. The soulful singing of Dr Karan Khan was complemented by classical Sufi dance of Khanzada Asfandyar Khan Khattak.

Abdullah Hoti, a first-year student of Islamia College Peshawar, told Dawn that he and his friends enjoyed the Sufi numbers and Khattak dance drenched in Sufi symphonies by Asfandyar Khattak, “The velvety voice of Dr Karan Khan registered a magic impact on the audience.”

Published in Dawn, December 22nd, 2024