LOWER DIR: Four books by local Pashto poets were launched at a literary gathering in Timergara here on Monday wherein speakers called for sustained efforts to promote the mother tongue, preserve cultural heritage and use literature to highlight social issues.

The event, organised by Dir Pakhto Adabi Karwan, a literary body of poets and writers in the district, at the conference hallofthe districtbar association, also featured a poetry session attended by around 50 poets. Dr Samandar Yousafzai, chairman Pashto department, University of Malakand, presided over the ceremony while Dr Iqbal Shakir was chief guest.

The books launched at the event included two poetic works by Naseeb Rawan Talib, who hails from Talash, `Wazqand` and the poetic travelogue `Da Dir Na Tar Multana` along with `Da Samaj Rangona` by Latif Sahar and `Baharoona` by Hizbullah Bahar.

Kifayat Yar Bukhari, the organisation`s patron-in-chief, its president Tahir Altaf Sarhadi and poets Ali Haider Kausar, Sardar Ali Sardar, Muslim Khan Wisal, Rizwanullah Shamal, Hameedullah Zia and Taib Hairan also attended the ceremony.

Speakers said that such literary activities were essential for promoting Pashto language and literature in theregion. They said that the four newlypublished books would enrich Pashto literature.

Addressing the event, Advocate Shah Faisal, a member of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Bar Council, said that collective efforts were needed for promotion and development of Pashto language andliterature.

He appreciated the efforts of Dir Pakhto Adabi Karwan, saying its activities were commendable for preserving the region`s linguistic and literary heritage. Expressing concern over what he described as growing distance of Pakhtuns from their mother tongue andricheulturaltraditions,he pledged his support for initiatives aimed at promoting Pashto literature and safeguarding cultural heritage.

The event also featured a musical interlude wherein Shah Faisal surprised the audience by singing a Pashto ghazal in his melodious voice.

His performance drew warm applause from the participants. Lawyer Jahan Bahadar and local artist Waqar Ali Shah also rendered songs with music.

Organisers thanked the participatingpoets and guests,presented giftsto the authors of books, and honoured guests with traditional caps and shields.

Dr Iqbal Shakir also appreciated the participation of a young child accompanying Rizwanullah Shamal and a girl student, urging participants to bring their children to literary gatherings to familiarise them with their language andliterary traditions.

The event was attended by local writers, poets, lawyers and people from other walks of life.