ZHOB (By Rafiullah Mandokhail/ ENNS) Like elsewhere in the world, International Pashtoon Culture Day also celebrated with full fervor and enthusiasm here in Zhob and other Pashtoon dominated districts of Balochistan. Nationalist parties including Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami party and Awami National Party, literary and culture organizations arranged musical programs and cultural shows to mark the day and highlight the centuries old Pashtoons’ history and their rich culture. Children were wearing brightly colored and embroidered dresses. The youngsters clad in traditional dresses and wearing turbans performed traditional dance ‘Attan’ to the tune of Pashto folk songs and drumbeat in every nook and corner of the province including provincial capital Quetta. Besides Zhob functions were also held in neighboring Killa Saifullah, Loralai, Pishin, Ziarat, Chaman, Musakhail, Harnai, Muslim Bagh, Duki and other parts of the province. Pashtoon Students Organization (PSO) held a seminar at Degree college Zhob to mark the day. Pk-MAP also held a function at Zareef Shaheed park, attended by a large number of people.
Speaking on the occasion Pk-MAP leaders Abdul Qayum advocate, Mirwais Khan, Ayaz Babar, Saleem Jan Mandokhail, Aimal Sarwan, Hafiz Eid Muhammad and Asad Abaseen said that, celebrating the day is aimed at highlighting the rich culture of Pashtoon and to show unity, solidarity and promote peace, brotherhood and tolerance in the society.
“Pashtoons are hospitable, peace-loving people and believe in non-violence,” adding ‘Nanawatai’ (giving asylum), ‘Melmestia’ (hospitality) and ‘Nang’ (honor) are the major components of Pashtoonwali – code of conduct. They added.
It is to be mentioned that it was announced to observe Pashtoon Culture Day on September 23rd every year. The announcement was made during the International Pashto Literary Conference held in Quetta five years ago. The day has now become an annual feature.
