PESHAWAR: PTI lawmaker Fazal-iElahi has urged students to adopt and respect Pakhtun social norms and values.

Addressing the annual Pashto day at Khyber Medical College here on Thursday, he said that youth should know about their glorious past. He said that youth could play a vital role in bringing a big societal change.

The literary society of KMC conducted the event at its main auditorium where large number of medical students and teachers were present. Around 58 students were awarded shields and commendation certificates for their outstanding performance in the respective fields.

Mr Elahi said that corrupt politicians were responsible for poverty, unemployment of youth and unrest in the country.

He said that powerful and corrupt mafias were exploiting the educated and talented youth of the country.

Wagama Wazir, a student, told this scribe that organising such literary events was one rare occasion where girl studentscould also participate in different activities boldly.

She said that the annual Pashto day event granted her and her colleagues relief from long and hectic study sessions. She said that medical students had little time for enjoyment and such co-curricular activities could make them decorate with smiles on their otherwise slump faces.

Prof Mohammad Idrees, chief of KMC literary society, said that students should take part in such activities to get themselves refreshed for tough study hours. He said that students gained new spirit and zeal for work by participating in such healthy literary events.

Azam Khan, a KMC student, stole the show by playing a few heart throbbing tunes on his rabab. He received a standing ovation for his captivating performance.

Senior students were attired in typical Pakhtun cultural dress to mark the annual cultural Pashto day.

`The PTI government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has provided numerous opportunities to young people to display their talent and come forward to help bring about a real change in the society and the same at large. Youth need to identity our enemies and friends,` said Mr Elahi stressed. He announced a cash prize of Rs10,000 for members of the college literary society.

Prof Ejaz Hasan Khan, principal of KMC, in his brief speech pointed out thatthe college was trying its best to provide facilities to its students and also encourage them in co-curricular activities along academic performance.

He said that 50 seats for new admissions had already been increased which would be made operational from the current academic session. He said that Chitrali students would also be awarded fee concession on the pattern of Peshawar University.

He appreciated members of the literarysociety for conducting a successful annual Pashto day.

An animated film was screened with the theme that love and peace should be restored while a Pashto debate highlighting the past and present of Pakhtuns was also part of the annual event.

Asif Khan, chief organiser of the college literary society, said that students should be given ample opportunities for displaying their hidden qualities.