CHARASADDA: Speakers at a literary event have demanded of authorities concerned to extend financial support to writers, poets and artists so that they can contribute to literature and arts in a befitting manner.

The event titled `Da Ashnaghar Mazigaray` was arranged by youth affairs department in collaboration with district administration on the lawns of Pushkalawati Museum here the other day. Poets read out poems while local folk artists sang popular numbers and enthralled audience.

Organisers said that the main objective of the event was to promote literary and cultural activities in the district and encourage young poets, writers and folk singers to spread the message of peace, goodwill and humanism.

Speakers demanded of authorities to take steps for encouraging young writers and folk artists so that they could contribute to society in a befitting manner. They said that financial support should be extended to poets and artists.

Poets recited their romantic poems while local artists sang popular numbers. Musical and poetic tributes were paid to late poets Ikramullah Gran, Ashraf Ghamgeen, Wadood Ashnagharay, Murtaza Shaheen, Qamar Zaman, Mirza Zakhmi Jigar, Fazal Rahim Saqi and Ghani Khan.

Speakers said that Pushkalawati Museum was a symbol of ancient Gandhara civilisation. They said that the district was the first capital of Gandhara. Since then, the soil had been producing literati, political leaders, statesman and artists of great calibre, they added.

`Charsadda has also been hub of movements, therefore its soil is rich and fertile when it comes to outstanding figures and personalities,` they said.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Qaiser Khan said that Pashto poets depicted their feelings and emotions through poetic pieces and highlighted local culture. He added that folk artists should be credited for their lively performance.

He said that poetry was a mirror of Pashtun traditions and social values. Correspondent