KOHAT: In order to promote religious harmony, a Mehfil-e-Mushaira was held on the theme ‘’Pakistan first’’ at Bacha Khan Library Kohat under the auspices of District Administration Kohat. The Mushaira beside the local poets, was also attended by the poets from different minority communities and Afghans residing in Kohat. Leaders of various political parties and members of civil society also participated.
The Mehfil-e-Mushaira was presided over by the minority community poet Suraj Narayan, while prominent poet, writer and researcher Abasin Yousafzai was the chief guest on the occasion. Renowned poet Abdullah Zaheer performed the duties of comparing.
The ceremony was also addressed by the General Secretary Kohat Press Club and senior journalist Faisal Nadeem and Afghan poet Mujahid.
Later, prominent Urdu, Pashto and Hindko poets Athal Afghan, Jamil Siraj, Qayyum Qalamyar, Arshad Naeem Qureshi, Darbar, Muhammad Jan Atif and Arif Bukhari presented their poems on the topic and received great applause from the audience.
Abasin Yousafzai in his address, said that the soil of Kohat is very fertile in terms of literature and it had produced great poets and writers like Ahmed Faraz and Ayub Sabir whose void has not yet been filled. He while terming the participation of literary figures from Afghan and minority communities in the Mushaira as encouraging, said that the people here love literature and people associated with it are always looked up to with respect and today’s poetry gathering is a living example of it.
Mr. Yousafzai said that the Pakhtoon nation having its 5,000-year-old history and civilization, is a peace-loving nation. It had always respected all religions, customs and nationalities, and 1947 is a witness to the fact that at the time of the creation of Pakistan, the different nationalities and religions living here were not only respectfully sent off but also the safety of their lives and property was ensured. The Pakhtun nation does not build its own respect on the disrespect of anyone, but builds its own respect by giving respect to others, he concluded.
Later, shields and cash prizes were given to the poets.
