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Speakers at a book launching ceremony here on Monday highlighted the critical role the writers and poets were to play in steering the militancy and poverty-hit Pakhtun society out of the turmoil.

The book titled ‘Da Qam Qalam’ is a compilation of the works of 100 poets of the district, some of whom are no more in this world. Qam Qalam, a literary body, organised the event, where noted poet Rahmat Shah Sail, was the chief guest.

The book also contains poetry of two women poets -- Ulfat Begum Dard of Charbagh village and Dr Yasmin Jasim of Maneri Bala.

The speakers said the Qam Qalam members selected famous numbers of the poets, and discussed them with the literary figures before compiling the book.

On the occasion, Mr Sail said Pakhtuns had been passing through a critical stage because they had been in the state of war for last 16 years, which had caused their economic backwardness. In this scenario role of writers and poets is important, he added.

Mr Sail said the compilation and publication of the book was an extraordinary contribution to literary field and the credit for it went to the members of Qam Qalam.

Dr Yasmin Jasim, a former lawmaker, asked the women not to give up fight for their rights in any circumstances. “The women poets through their poetry can infuse a strong willpower and a new vision among members of their gender,” she stressed.

Poet Jehanbadar said the poets’ farsightedness enabled people to foresee challenges and tackle them effectively.

Dr Mohammad Jasim, patron-in-chief of Qam Qalam, said the literary body had already published several books, and would continue the job.

Qam Qalam president Tassawar Manerwal said: “The book is a unique gift for Pakhtuns which became possible with the support literary figures