British Pukhtun Association arranges function

Pakhtun personalities awarded for outstanding contributions & achievements

PESHAWAR:  The British Pakhtun Association, a United Kingdom-based cultural organisation, conferred awards on Pakhtun personalities for their outstanding contribution and achievements in different fields.

The awards were given at a function held at the Peshawar Press Club here on Sunday.Former provincial chief secretary Mohammad Azam Khan was the chief guest while octogenarian Pashto writer, Hamesh Khalil, presided over the function. Around 14 well-known Pakhtun living legends were given commendation certificates, shields and cash awards in the categories of art, acting, literature, education, journalism, science, sports and social work.

In his address, Mohammad Azam Khan said the Pakhtun belt went through difficult situation and suffered hardships due to the ongoing militancy. He said Pakhtuns should focus on peace efforts and education to create a cohesive and tolerant society.  He added research scholars and writers should join hands to create a progressive society.

Azam Khan said he in his tenure had founded the Pashto Adabi Board to encourage poets and writers but the lack of funds was hampering work on most of the research projects.“Despite financial constraints, Pashto Adabi Board has been doing its best to continue research on some serious projects for the promotion of Pashto language and literature,” he added.

Dr Fazle Rabi, chief of the British Pakhtun Association, said he and his colleagues founded the association in 2005 to safeguard and promote the interests of the Pakhtuns living in the United Kingdom. He said around 100,000 Pakhtuns living in the UK were facing numerous problems, especially in the backdrop of the 9/11 and other subsequent events.

He added that the Pakhtuns were a peaceful community and their association wanted to award noted personalities for their performance and achievements to boost their morale. “Last year our organisation decided to award some of our noted Pakhtuns to restore confidence of our people and encourage young talent to work for peace and education to combat terrorism,” he maintained.

Mohammad Javed Khan Yousafzai, general secretary of the association, said his organisation had 4, 000 Pakhtun members in the UK. He said Pakhtuns living in the United Kingdom were well aware of the problems of their brothers and sisters in Pakistan. “No doubt we live in UK but our hearts beat with our own people here in Pakistan. We want a forward-looking, peaceful and tolerant Pakhtun society,” he added.

Professor Abaseen Yousafzai said the Pakhtun literati had always worked for establishing permanent peace in their restive region. He said poets and writers through their writings informed and reformed Pakhtun population to remain tolerant and peaceful. “Pakhtuns are vigilant and know their values and worth. They just need a push to expand efforts to promote peace in the world,” he remarked.

Dr Yasin Iqbal, poet and chairman, Physics Department, University of Peshawar, opined that the Pakhtun icons had rendered sacrifices in their respective fields and should remain role models for the young generation. He said awards and certificates might not carry any meaning for them but it should inspire the upcoming talent to scale the height of success following in the footprints of the predecessors.

Poets Zafar Khan Zafar and Akmal Lewanai recited comic Pashto haikus and entertained the audience. Fayyaz Khan Kheshgi sang Pashto folk numbers and received a round of applause from the participants.

Earlier, the awards were given to distinguished Pakhtun personalities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Former Vice Chancellor, University of Peshawar, Dr Abdul Mateen, was decorated with award for the recognition of his services in the field of education.

Noted cardiac surgeon Dr Mohammad Rehman of the Rehman Medical Institute (RMI) was awarded for his achievements in the health sector. In his absence, Dr Sher Muhammad Khan received his award.

Famous writer and author of 18 books, Zaitoon Bano got the award for her contribution to the Pashto language and literature.Senior journalist Rahimullah Yusufzai was awarded for his excellence in the field of journalism. His younger son Najeebullah Yusufzai received the award in his absence.

Noted Pashto singers Khial Muhammad and Zar Sanga got awards for outstanding performance in the field of music while Arbab Sardar was decorated for his contribution towards art, culture and sculpture.

Muhammad Nas was selected for award for excellence in the sport of Mukha, a traditional form of archery. Ijaz Ali Khan of the Hamza Foundation was awarded for social services, especially serving the ailing humanity through blood transfusion.

Noted educationist and dean Air University, Abdullah Sadiq received awards for his achievements in the field of science and education. He also remained rector of the Ghulam Ishaq Institute of Science and Technology, Topi in Swabi district.

Artistes Mumtaz Ali Khan and Noshaba were awarded for achievements in the field of art, drama and culture. Haji Liaqat Baryalay, a Malaysia-based Pakistani businessman, was awarded for social work and philanthropy. Last year he sent Rs 60 million Zakat for distribution among the poor people in his native Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In his absence, Arbab Mujeeb received his award.

A special award was given to Awami National Party (ANP) central general secretary Mian Iftikhar Hussain along with a turban in recognition of his bravery.