The Wali of Swat remembered

The Express Tribune

The birthday of the last Wali of Swat – the late Miangul Jahanzeb Abdul – was marked at a modest ceremony organised by Suvastu Arts and Culture Association on Wednesday at Saidu Sharif. Born on June 5, 1908, Jahanzeb passed away on September 14, 1987. He is remembered with reverence across the world for his visionary rule. He became the ruler of the princely state of Swat on June 12, 1949, after his father abdicated in his favour. During his reign, Jahanzeb put Swat on the path of development by setting up educational, health and communication systems across the district. On the occasion, Svuastu Arts and Culture Association Chairman Usman Ulasyar said Jahanzeb had spread a network of schools, hospitals, roads and courts across Swat after coming into power. “Afghanistan and Swat were the only two states in the world where Pashto was the official language. Apart from education, health and communication, the late wali also gave importance to culture, art and music. He would personally encourage artists.” Unfortunately, no one from the wali’s family was present at the event. However, a large number of poets, artists and civil society members attended the function, vowing to commemorate the day regularly. “It is our collective duty to remember him and his visionary deeds, as we are all his intellectual heirs,” said Attaullah Jan, a poet and social activist. “It would have been better if his family members were present. But irrespective of their interest, we will mark the day and remember his services for the district.” Jamal Shah, a renowned Pakistani artist who was the chief guest at the ceremony, appreciated the organisers for commemorating the birthday of the great Pukhtun leader. “Commemorating the birthday of one of Swat’s great rulers is laudable,” he maintained. “We should remember our elders as they do not belong to a specific family, group or area. Rather, they belong to the entire Pukhtun nation. In addition to remembering them, we should also strive to follow in their footsteps.”