RECORDER REPORT

PESHAWAR: A colourful peace and cultural festival was held here aimed at bringing smile on the faces of residents of violence-plagued Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and tribal areas to portray a soft image of the restive region to the world.

The event was organised under auspices of South Asia Partnership Pakistan (SAP-Pk). People from different walks of life including politicians, academicians, members of civil society, students, singers, artistes attended the event.

Speakers in their remarks said that such colourful events should be held regularly in the city like Peshawar, wherein heinous and criminal acts were occurring regularly.

Regional Program Coordinators Allah Noor Afridi and Naeem Khattak of SAP while pointing out the aims and objectives of the event, said that it was to encourage peace lovers to involve themselves in positive cultural and political events, which they said was easy tool for combating extremism and violence in the volatile region.

Different stalls were set up showcasing handicrafts, old jewelries, cultural dresses, antiques, dry fruits and other items from Mohmand and Kuram tribal Agencies, Lower and Upper Dir.

Women in particular participated in the event, besides youth who enjoyed the handicrafts and Pashto music as well.

Dr Sarfaraz, Maryam Bibi and Ijaz Durani of civil society on the occasion paid glowing tribute to all those who fell victims of militancy and terrorism. They said that The FATA and PATA were lagging far behind in terms of development indicators.