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ARIANA

MONTHLY

THE VISION OF RAISING AWARENESS TO THE NEED


FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PASHTUN PEOPLE

FEBRUARY 2010
Fabulous February!

Welcome to this months edition of Ariana Monthly!

We are so excited to bring you this month‟s edition – so much has been going on!
Firstly, we are proud to provide a voice for some of our most talented Pashtun Artists
namely Karachi based Muhammad Arshad Khan, whose art we are so proud to feature
in this months edition. We hope that you enjoy some of his art, as much as we have.
We will also be looking at world events that affect Pashtuns all over the world, with one
of them being the London conference on Afghanistan. We have also featured details of
our forthcoming events, to which we hope you can all come! We have also had a
number of contributors and we would all to thanks everyone for their contribution.
Something that I will continue to stress is that this newsletter is YOUR newsletter; it is a
stage from which your voice can be heard. So, if you would like to contribute, or you
have a strong comment or opinion about something and you would like to have your
voice heard – please feel free to email us on Pashtun.society@googlemail.com.

This last month has also been a sad one. Although not directly linked to the Pashtuns, the
tragedy which occurred in Haiti cannot be overlooked. Thanks to International efforts, we
can slowly, but surely see that Haiti is starting to wane out their period of hunger and
neglect, as aid is now getting to the people. For more information on what the UN‟s World
Food Program are doing to help victims of Haiti, please see their website on www.wfp.org.
If you would like to donate and help their efforts, please click here:
https://www.wfp.org/donate/haiti?utm_source=haitibannerblack if you would like to help
Haiti victims in other ways – we recommend contacting a Non-Profit Organization, Help
Haiti Now. Their website is http://www.helphaitinow.org

I am also happy to announce that we have got a new Vice President/treasurer, who will be
acting within this capacity for the Pashtun Society outside the realms of University of
Westminster. Faizan Tariq has been a huge help so far and he has helped take many a
burden off my shoulders! Faizan is a student at Royal Holloway College, University of
London. We are really happy to have him on board! I would also like to thank our lovely
contributors, including Jouhar Lawangeen, Hidayatullah Gul and Zubair Torwali. We have
also received some lovely comments from members of The Pashtun Society. We don‟t think
it is fair, if we do not publish them all – and we do not want to be in a situation where we want
to pick, so we have decided not to publish comments in the newsletter. However, if you
believe you have a strong point of view about any issue and you would like this published,
please email us!

I won‟t divulge any more details of this edition – all that is left for me to say is “Happy
reading”!

Shaneela Rahman
President,
UWSU Pashtun Society
AFGHANISTAN AND THE WORLD relief and increase in economic aid
(mainly from America) from 20% to 50%,
Karzai will have a lot of expectations to
KARZAI: KING ABDULLAH, WE NEED
fill, especially in regards to the validity of
YOUR HELP
this office, since the Afghan election
fiasco, and he needs to prove that he can
During the much awaited International
tackle one of the many games being
Conference on Afghanistan, hosted by
played in Afghanistan – corruption.
London, Karzai had proposed a “grand
peace Jirga” – with the help of Saudi
KABUL: UNDER ATTACK
Kind Abdullah. This proposal by Karzai,
of negotiating with the Taliban, is
something to keep an eye on. Whether
Monday 17th January was a day that the
this will result in the Taliban resting their
terrorist attacks in Mumbai had once again
weapons – or not – is something yet to
come to th forefront, except this wasn‟t Mumbai
be seen. Karzai‟s word‟s, of reaching
– it was Kabul. Even though this Suicide
“out to all of our countrymen, especially
attacks and bombs seem to be a regular
our disenchanted brothers, who are not
occurrence in this part of the world, the most
part of al-Qaeda, or other terrorist
shocking aspects of it is the unforgiveable
networks, who accept the Afghan
killings of innocent civilians, which is one of the
constitution,” will surely strike a cord
most hated things amongst the Afghan-Pak
within someone‟s heart – maybe
Pashtuns. This wasn‟t an Islamic Jihad – it was
someone who is hiding within the vast
an operation targeted at an innocent, civilian
mountains of Afghanistan.
population of Kabul City. They struck at
shopping centers, a cinema and hotels
Then came the talk by American officials
frequented by foreigners. This was another
of re-intergrating „lower-level‟ Taliban into
Taliban operation – who claimed that at least 20
the Afghan Society. This would provide
of their fighters were involved and Al-Qaeda
money and economic benefits to Afghan
were also at the brunt of blame, as it is believed
villages, as well as jobs. However, there
that the terror attacks originated from the
also needs to be a focus on education
Haqqani Network, who are affiliated with Al-
along with the initiation of projects to „re-
Qaeda.
brainwash‟ these former Taliban back to
a state of normalcy. But will this work?
This, understandably, raises questions of the
All we can do is wait and see. However,
country‟s security – or lack of. Karzai, amongst
this some what ambitious proposal by
many other expectations, is expected to deal
American officials, is stained by the past.
with the overly debated topic of protecting the
What if the $140Million International
Afghan population and finding ways where the
funding for this project will, again, provide
Afghans can feel a sense of stability. The
a vehicle from which the Taliban can take
consequences of this, is the fact that a
their Islamic radicalization to higher
conference is due to be held in Kabul, which will
levels? This could be risky business –
discuss the future of the Taliban‟s integration
especially since the Afghan government
within the Afghan society. Security measures
has urged the UN Security Council to
need to be put in place to make sure that a
remove Taliban officials from their
milestone project like this can go ahead.
blacklist. This re-intergration project
needs to go ahead with caution and
However, this suicide attack occurance did
control if it were to work.
prove that the foreign training of Afghani police
and army is not only coming into play, but is
With the west providing something more
working and this can be seen in their
than an olive branch to Karzai, including
effectiveness to act quickly in situations like this.
granting Afghanistan $1.6Billion debt
A big indicator of this is the lower number of the „oppressed become oppressor‟. Hence in
deaths resulting in terror attacks like this. this case one can judiciously be a pessimist that
once the now-oppressed get their due share
Another indicator of the Afghan police being they would become oppressors in turn. Thus
very effective was their ability to capture a based on it, the apprehensions of the less
potential suicide bomber, before the attack took identified people sound reasonable.
place.
Ancient tensions between rival tribes have been
PASHTUN AND IDENTITY transformed and reinterpreted in our times to
provide primordial or historical rationalizations
IDENTITY STRUGGLE as justification for contemporary ethnic conflicts.
However, to see why these conflicts have now
By Zubair Torwali exploded we need to learn more about their
modern origins and globalized importance. In
The debate about the ethnicity and nationalism this context we can see that democratic values
also needs to be looked at from another angle. and institutions have both contributed to ethnic
History is an obvious evidence that very often conflict and offer possible solutions.
the religious or ethnic identity sentiments have
been manipulated by the very few, the Such a transformation cannot take place
elite/ruling class, to achieve their vested overnight. Instead, it is a violent and devastating
interest. The power paradigm plays different process, producing many antagonisms: the
games with the people. We need not go far more advantaged groups seek to protect their
back into the history to find examples. The threatened privileges while activists from
„struggle‟ for a separate homeland for the marginalized communities strive to obtain the
Muslims of the sub-continent before the partition advantages promised to all by the new
is an elucidated example. The elite then attributes. In practice, of course, more powerful
manipulated the religious sentiments of the groups were reluctant to surrender their
common people to ride on their shoulders to privileges and marginalized groups were
lead them to the power corridors. By promising handicapped in their efforts to secure equal
a Utopia for them, they ignited the sentiments of rights. The quest for equality of rights among
the people, and in the end succeeded to various groups has been a long and painful
materialize their aspirations. Various theories struggle. In this respect the application of
were created for the purpose; and to Darwin‟s theory becomes acceptable for the
promulgate these theories they hired the oppressors that human race is itself divisible
intellectuals of the time. Though some of the into separate groups among whom some are
intellectuals must have been very sincere in more „fit‟ than others, therefore, survival of the
their approach- though can also be challenged. stronger and politically powerful become
We saw, and see, the replicas of these politically „legitimate‟.
maneuvers repeated in Pakistan time and
again. In an authoritarian society the ethnic diversities
are considered as sign of danger and is sought
Traditionally, in all civilizations, members of to be suppressed. The authoritarian society
different communities co-existed symbiotically. seeks uniformity and confuses uniformity with
Major conflicts erupted between ruling elites unity. In all authoritarian societies all other
who normally depended on their subordinates, identities - ethnic, linguistic or sectarian- is
as clients or retainers, regardless of cultural sought to be suppressed and only one identity -
differences, to support them in their inter-elite be it national identity or racial or religious
struggles. Thus the end result remains bleak identity is enforced from above to ensure unity.
and the people just revolve in a vicious circle. But the diversity explodes when it finds some
And let‟s assume for a moment that such a space; and once the authoritarian rule is
phenomenon is far from our struggle for replaced by democracy. Pakistani society for
achieving our identity and rights. Still the fear long was under military dictatorship which tried
sometime remains is, in Paula Freire‟s words, to suppress all other identities except a vague
Pakistani identity or Islamic identity. SHOULD PUKHTUNKHWA BE A SHARIAH
STATE?
But ethnic identities exploded with the first
general elections. The Bengali identity was By Jouhar Lawangeen
feeling suffocated and the first election itself
provided an opportunity for it to break loose
from the imposing Pakistani identity. The state Shariah was a very successful and progressive
of Pakistan has also used other means to legal and social system in the tribal society of
suppress the ethnic identities. The state has Arabs in the beginning of the 7th century but it
used the ultra rightist parties of Pakistan such does not mean that Shariah could play the
as Jamat-e-Islami and others to bulldoze all same role in all societies irrespective of their
other identities in the name of Islamic identity. levels of social development, cultures and other
Fears of Greater Pashtunistan led Pakistan to national characteristics.
support jihadist surrogates in the Afghan
resistance during the Soviet occupation in the If we look back into the history of the world we
1980s and, later, to build up the Taliban. It is a will be able to see very clearly that every period,
long history of odds which you know better. whether it is tribal, feudal, and capitalist or
socialist has its own set of laws, moralities and
We would also demand from the present other rules of governance. The social system of
coalition government to at least merge FATA one period does not coincide with that of the
and NWFP and give it a name. (I still prefer other. Therefore it is not possible to implement
Afghaniya). Here I would not shy to express the legal system of a tribal society of the 7th
another fear, and to me which is quite century living in Maccah and Madinah, on the
depressing: that this territory may turn into an present day Pukhtun society which has nothing
“Islamic Pukhtunkhwa, Islamic Pushtunistan or in common with that period of time.
Islamic Afganiya” whatever the name it gets
now. I am also aware that to name the province At present there are 57 Islamic states and none
is in a way to counter the militancy; and to of these can be presented as a model state of
separate the bigger chunk of the Pushtun Shariah. It means that there is no place for
population from the Taliban. But I cannot help Shariah to be adopted as a way of life or a
ridding from the cynicism that our present ruling social system to deliver for any society in the
secular political parties may not be able to modern world.
deliver, or they may not have the will to deliver,
(being elitist) in terms of reducing poverty, As a Pukhtun nation we have had the
injustice, disparity and ignorance; and experience of Shariah in different parts of our
eventually the ultra rightist junta come to the motherland at different times.
throne again. Then all this exercise and pains
on getting an identity and a name for the region In the 3rd decade of 19th century a
will be futile. considerable part of the present Pukhtunkhwa
was declared to be a Shariah state under the
Being somewhat sensitized and aware we leadership of Sayyed Ahmad Shaheed Barelvi.
should also evolve into pressure group within, Its capital was Bunjlar and within a short period
which could be able to keep check upon those the Pukhtuns turned against the laws imposed
whom we have sent to the power corridors. (My by the Mullahs and got rid of them in the result
cynicism again itches me whether they are in of an armed uprising by all the concerned
the real power corridors). We need not go with localities. Sayyed Ahmad Shaheed Barelvi
them as they drag us to. We need to think himself succeeded in saving his life and running
beyond party politics for a developed, peaceful away to Balakot where he was martyred in an
and tolerant society. encounter with the Sikh army.
Similarly, in the recent past we have seen two The need for promotion and preservation
periods of Shariah. The first one under the of culture, arts and heritage of Pakhtunkhwa
leadership of the so called Mujahedeen and the (NWFP) was never as dire as it is now. Culture
second was under the Taliban`s head Mullah being the most effective means of
Umar. Both of them delivered no goods for the communication, can serve as potent instrument.
Pukhtun society to be appreciated. Art, Culture and Heritage cut through diverse
Besides, just a few months back for a very short rigid attitudes to foster understanding and
period the people of Swat suffered a lot under reflection. Culture is a unifying feature
Shariah imposed by Taliban and took a sigh of between different groups of the province and
relief when they saw the army conducting a true country as well. People of Pakistan (Particularly
operation against the imposers of Shariah. of Pakhtukhwa) have suffered immensely due to
war and conflicts in the region during last three
In the elections of 2002, Pukhtuns voted in favor decades. The prevalent extremism and hostility
of the religious political parties for the first time towards Art and Culture has created a vacuum
in reaction of being disappointed from the that has been filled either by extremist forces,
traditional political parties. But after 5 years of violence or foreign vulgarized cultural
their rule in the province, they were rejected interventions purely commercial in nature,
altogether in the elections of 2008 and people hence alien and harmful to our way of life. The
opted for the traditional political parties. existing situation offers a unique opportunity to
reinvigorate the culture and traditions a counter
In the light of the above mentioned facts one – measure to extremism and intolerance. In the
can easily conclude that Pukhtoonkhwa could prevailing situation, the introduction of cultural
never be a Shariah state. activities in schools at primary level will lay a
strong foundation for the promotion and
BAACHA KHAN FOUNDATION - A RAY OF preservation of culture and for the integration of
HOPE IN THE CULTURALLY DEVASTATED different religious and cultural groups of the
ARENA province.

By Hidayatullah Gul. Though the Pukhtoonkhwa is blessed with an


enviable cultural heritage, the importance and
With the establishment of potential of which has never been given a
Baacha Khan Trust serious thought by the decision makers. In the
Educational Foundation recent past the need for referring to this rich
(BKTEF) much before the resource and of incorporating it in to the lives of
formation of the present the people as a potent force to combat
ANP government in the extremism has been increased many folds. By
province, it was drawing the target groups towards meaningful
envisaged to provide and and absorbing pursuits, the Baacha Khan Trust
utilize education and Educational Foundation is starting with the
culture for peace and collaboration of Norwegian government, a two
tolerance, especially in year project of Promotion and Preservation of
the underserved communities and had therefore Local Culture, Arts and Heritage in
evolved a strategy to take education to remote Pukhtoonkhwa from the January 1st, 2010 to
corners of the province with the highest possible have a creative impact on the faculties and coin
quality and standard as the BKTEF considers a mindful definition of the cultural heritage
education as light having direct impact on the without disturbing their day to day routine and
socio-economic condition of the adjoining encourage them to establish a creative
communities and neighborhood. By inculcating relationship with their surroundings and
culture into the Foundation educational system inculcate in them an attitude of Observing,
would further augment the extra-ordinary efforts Envisioning, Innovating, Reflecting and
for social change and economic prosperity. Participating in creative pursuits.
The two years project is aimed at the revival utilized for building peace tolerance and
and renewal of Culture, Arts, Crafts and harmony through it. By organizing participatory
creating opportunities for the locale of re- activities, mellas and festivals etc, people of
orientation in a more conducive atmosphere diverse views, ethnicity and religious beliefs can
enabling them to earn their livelihood and self be brought closer and an atmosphere of
respect, which will contribute to the poverty social/cultural exchange and dialogue is
alleviation. The revival of cultural events like established. Art and culture being the most
Melas and festivals in towns and villages would effective means of communication can
help the suppressed artisans and artists, both inculcate respect and appreciation for diversity
male and female, to prove their metal and live a that makes the society more tolerant hence a
respectable and happy life. Preservation and peaceful and harmonious co-existence
promotion of these activities would also ensure becomes a possibility.
sustainability and open up possibilities of .
growth, continuity, replications and Networking Revival of cultural events would provide
with other similar groups. opportunities, to skilled Arts and Crafts people,
of bringing their best to fore in a conducive
The project approach is envisioned as creative atmosphere. Such activities would engage both
and participatory with the intent of breaking the male and female arts and crafts-persons,
mould in which young minds have been cast artists/artisans and would help to ensure gender
that offer diminutive outlet for self-expression or equality in this part of the world, where the
experimentation. Creative arts on the other extremism has forced people and organizations
hand present such openings without coming to shun activities and finish collective life.
into conflict with established norm provided they Preservation and promotion of these activities
are presented and promoted in harmony with by the Baacha Khan Trust Educational
the social demands. Foundation would also ensure sustainability and
open up possibilities of growth.
Infusing cultural activities such as folk poetry,
riddles, story telling, playing Rabab and other Given the fragile nature of the political situation
tools of local and indigenous orchestra through in NWFP, with increased militarization and basis
a phased regulatory framework in the for fundamentalist extremist forces in the
curriculum like drawing and painting greeting communities, the “Culture for Social Change
cards on Eid and other religious festivals “program can be seen as a soft, but powerful
would not only be more appropriate than weapon against the Extremists and an
copying pictures from comics and cartoons but alternative tool to development, to building self-
also effective in orienting young minds towards esteem, building on positive values and as a
their cultural heritage. They will have ample way to build stronger linkages between
opportunities to learn and practice indigenous concerned communities and the government for
forms of art with associating in their cultural peace in the region. However, due to security
classes, clubs and events with their peers, and other risk factors in NWFP, there is a need
parents and community at large. The for a step-by-step approach. Thus the BKTEF
introduction of culture will have a positive Pilot project for The Promotion and Preservation
impact in grooming of these youngsters into of Arts, Culture and Heritage of Pakhtunkhwa
responsible and productive young boys and (NWFP) has been visualized in response to
girls. Harmonizing and synchronizing the and based on the Programmatic Framework for
curriculum and project contents with existing Norway‟s Culture Cooperation in NWFP.
cultural conditions and curriculum regulations
can impact prevailing policies and regulatory The Baacha Khan Trust Educational Foundation
frameworks. (BKTEF) has a network of 13 schools spread
over various districts including FATA and has
Culture is a major force for unifying people, also established a professional Development
community and nations and thus could be Academy in Peshawar. The foundation is well
equipped and has professional staff to deliver
good to the society. The prime aim of the Performance award. Bashir had taught Arshad
program is to reinvigorate the cultural heritage the importance of art and socialization. Apart
of the province as a potent force to combat from Mirza, Arshad has had the previledge of
extremism by creating linkages/relationship being taught by Madam Nayyar Jameel and
between the so-revived culture (Arts and Crafts) Naheed Raza. Arshad has been influenced by
through identified artists and artisans of the different creative minds and creative thought
community and culture department of the processes and this is easily reflective through
province. Development of cultural curriculum his almost genius-like use of colour in his mind-
and introduction of culture at schools is an blowing art work.
innovative and sustainable intervention for the The array of
promotion and preservation of local arts, culture boldness and
and heritage which would further enhance the fascinating
effective quality of our present education imagination that
system being closely monitored and updated by flows from a
the Professional Development Academy of thought process
BKTEF. is something that
is more than
ARTS AND CULTURE amazing. The
imagination
PROFILE: MUHAMMAD ARSHAD KHAN becomes the
bristle of a
Being originally from Topi of Swabi District, paintbrush that
Muhammad Arshad Khan, without a doubt is dips into an oasis
one of a few of colour, until finally it presents itself onto a
raw talents, blank canvas, which is waiting for a fountain of
especially when colour, to develop into a realization of
it comes to his something little less then a dream. This is
artistic abilities. something more then unique. Artists have the
Looking at his ability to realize their thoughts, inhibitions and
art as an dreams through a blank canvass – and this is
observer, it truly something Arshad does effortlessly. And what
takes you to is his inspiration, when it comes to Art? Well,
another world, why not have a look and see for yourself?...
on a journey
into the Muhammad Arshad Khan currently lives and
imaginative and works in Karachi. Please have a look at his
creative world website to learn more about his art.
of the artist at
the other side www.makart.org
of the paint
brush. It is amazing to understand the
inspiration
behind such
masterpieces.

Arshad was a
student of
world
renowned
Bashir Mirza,
winner of the
Pride of
POETRY I AM HIS LIFE
HE IS MINE
WILL GIVE THE PRICE OF HIS LIFE
By Nazir Ahmad Nazir
TO PROTECT ME
IF THERE IS A GANG…
A GIRL & A GIFT
TRANSLATED BY: ABDULLAH SADIQ
NOW CHARMING
I AM A GIRL OF FOURTEEN
MY MOTHER DIED
MEMORIZING TALE OF LOVERS…
WHEN GIVING BIRTH
TO ANOTHER CHILD
LIKE MY MOTHER TONGUE
DIDN‟T GIVE ME A LOVELY BROTHER
RECITING VERSES OF THE HOLY QURAN
SHE TOOK HIM WITH HER…
MY BABA FRIENDS
GIVING GIFTS TO ME;
THE AGONY OF HER DEATH;
MY GOLDEN DRESS;
THAT SILENT VOICE
HOLDING STATES OVER HEARTS
TREMBLING THE SKIES
OF THE YOUTHS…
I NEVER FORGOT…
FULL OF JEWELERS
WHILE BREATHING HER LAST
MY BOXES
SOMEONE PUT HANDS
MANY YEARS PASSED
ON MY EYES…
BUT! TILL THE MOMENT
A LOVELY FACE OF MY MOTHER;
MY FATHER:
ROLLING IN MY EYES
A RICHEST ONE,
STILL I:
OF THE GREEN VILLAGE;
KEEPING A LIVE IN MY HEART
DEATH OF MY MOTHER
THAT DESIRE
LEFT HIM RED EYES
BUT!
AND HOPELESSNESS SPREADED EVERY WHERE…
DON‟T THINK
TO BE FULFILLED
AFTER THAT I:
AND NOW :
EMBRACED THE DESIRE;
FORBIDDEN
TO BECOME A BIG DOCTOR
MY GOING TO THE MOSQUES
OF THE VILLAGE…
ALAS! THERE IS NO ONE
TO GIVE ME
LEAVE NO MOTHER TO DIE
THE GIFT OF EDUCATION
BY THE CRUEL HAND
BY BREAKING;
OF DEPRIVATION
THE HANGING LOCKS OF THE SCHOOL DOOR.
AND SEE,,,
EVERY CHILD BLOSSOMING OUT
Poverty: Symbol of Hell:
IN THE MOTHER'S BOSOM…
Severe its cold
OUR HOME:
Scorching it‟s hot
NEXT TO THE DOOR OF SCHOOL
Fountain of the punishments
OUR HOME:
ENCIRCLED BY MOSQUES…
Poverty…
A pregnant mother of sorrows and pains
AMONG THE HIGH MOUNTAINS; ENGULFED BY HIGH
Giving birth every day
MOUNTAINS;
To a hundred thousand sons
OUR BEAUTIFUL VILLAGE…
Poverty
I AM…
A pretext
THE ONLY ONE DAUGHTER
Always used
OF ''KHAN'' OF THE VILLAGE
By the Demigods of money Mother Toungue
To shed bloods in ditches
To run mills of cruelty Cruelty is not a mountain to be balanced or
Grinding bones of the poor scaled

And Poverty… cruelty is not an ocean to be assumed long ,


A cause to such kind of wounds wide or thin
Want human‟ meat to heal
Therefore, the humans cruelty is not a visual fire to be felt by Calorie
Ruthlessly cutting cruelty is not a parsonality to be good or bad
Each other‟s meat
Seeking bandages for their wounds The Scale of the cruelty is not weigh-able
But, poverty… The measure of cruelty is not find-able
Symbol of hells (undefineble)
Mirror of the real infernal
Wants to live There is no assention, declinsion or median term
Until the doomsday of cruelty

Cruelty is just cruelty and is known to be


The Commander remembered by Cruelty

For me, no more the front line Taking someone from somebody is cruelty
Now I brood over my enemy‟s grave Grabbing someone‟s bread or right is Cruelty
I loved wars, but no more, Even despising somebody is Cruelty
I loved to feast; now I go hungry.
Kidnapping a baby from its mother is cruelty
No more finger on trigger
Now stretched to passersby Children are inheritedly known by their geniune
No more warming at green branch fire parents
Now just a beggar at in the sidewalk
Separating parents from their children are
My eyes no longer wary of the enemy cruelties
Now I beg crutches from Red Cross
Nights of misery my shadow, Mother toungue is an identity of every human
End of daylight, sunset of despair Depriving a human from its identity is cruelty

No more red carpets


No more medals, no more mementoes
My wives sell their gold necklaces
No home, no strength, no hearth

Now I am fed up with all


See no mercy in hearts
Now they starve my babies
Now I am the liability

Alas, was the wisdom of today earlier!


I too would have treasures like others
I would not be a slave of every dumb and dog
I would be sitting on treasure of stars in haven...
THIS MONTH IN AFGHAN
HISTORY

KING HABIBULLAH KHAN IS


ASSASSINATED, 20TH FEBRUARY 1919

Emir of Afghanistan,
was assassinated
whilst hunting in the
Province of
Laghman. His
brother, Nasrullah did
not succeed him.
Instead, Habibullah‟s
son, Amanullah Khan
took the throne and
then killed his uncle.

SOVIET WAR IN AFGHANISTAN – LAST


SOVIET TROOPS LEFT THE COUNTRY, 15th
FEBRUARY 1989

Soviet troops started to withdraw Afghanistan


under last
Soviet
leader
Mikhail
Gorbachev.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS

The University of Westminister Students’ Union Pashtun Society


would like to cordially invite you to our first event.

We shall be hosting the Sunday Times featured Maryam Bibi, who runs the charity
Khwendo Kor (KK), meaning ‘Sisters Home’ in Pashto.

Khwendo Kor is established in the North-West Frontier Areas of Pakistan, which is


currently at the forefront of much of the fighting
in the ‘War Against Terror’.

It is a non-governmental organisation set out to improve the well being of women and
children in one of the poorest and most conservative areas of the world. Its efforts are
primarily centred around improving the education and training opportunities available to
women and children of the region.

We would like to invite you to come and learn about the work of Khwendo Kor, as well
as have the opportunity to speak with Maryam Bibi herself.

DATE: Friday 12th February

TIME: 6:30PM

VENUE: Old Cinema Room, University of


Westminster 309 Regents Street,
London W1B 2UW

Free entry: donations can be made. Families welcome. Light refreshments served.

For further in, call 07988 323600pashtun.society@googlemail.com


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ARIANA
MONTHLY

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