PESHAWAR: A condolence reference was held here on Wednesday to pay homage to Gul Nawaz Khaki, a writer and poet of Khowar language. The event, arranged by Anjuman+Taraqi Khowar, was addressed by MPAs Saleem Khan and Fauzia Bibi and Prof Israruddin, Sadiq Haji and Sharif Shukeb.

They paid tributes to the late poet and urged the government to focus on development of regional languages. They said that Khaki contributed to Khowar language by writing poetry, write-ups and prose.

He wrote dramas and write-ups about the local culture and traditions and inspired people through his academic and poetic works, the speakers said.