MINGORA: Young writers, poets and cultural activists said here on Saturday that young and educated artists played vital role in promotion of Pashto music by introducing modern pop music genres in it.

They were speaking at the launching ceremony of a new Pashto song ‘Ashna’ sung by an emerging young singer Shahab Shaheen, written by Prof Afzal Khan and released by Zulfan Band.

The ceremony was organised by Nariwal Adabi Taroon and ICA Swat. Poets and writers, including Abdur Rahim Roghaney, Hanif Qais, Riaz Ahmad Hairan, Sirajuddin Siraj, Ali Khan Umeed, Tahir Bostan and Samiullah Gran, were among the participants besides a number of young poets and writers.

The speakers said that Pashto entertainment industry was lifted by youngsters in which talented youth introduced modern beats to the traditional folk music.

They praised Mr Shaheen for promoting Pashto music by selecting quality poetry.

“We are glad that young, educated youth have started entering the music industry not only in Swat, but also in other parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Shahab Shaheen is one of them who introduced new style of Pashto music,” said Riaz Ahmad Hairan, a poet in Swat.

Girls were also among the participants and said they loved Shaheen’s music as it represented Pashtun youth in a modern and peaceful style.

“We want such positive activities here in Swat because our youth need encouragement,” Hajra Ali, a student and one of the hosts of the ceremony, told this scribe.

Another young boy Shahzad Ahmad said that Shaheen was the representative of youth in Swat involved in cultural activities.

Mr Shaheen said that it was his ninth song which he filmed to introduce Pashto music in Lahore and launched it in Swat.

“We want to show to the world that Pashtun youth is educated, peaceful and culture -loving who want peace and harmony in the world,” he said.

Published in Dawn, January 27th, 2019