Peshawar is an ancient city steeped in history, culture, and diversity, serving as a vibrant hub for literary and cultural activities. Nestled at the crossroads of Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent, Peshawar has long been a melting pot of civilizations, from the Gandharan era to the Mughal period and beyond. This rich historical tapestry, coupled with its resilient Pashtun identity, has fostered a dynamic environment where literary and cultural expressions thrive, bridging tradition and modernity.

Recently, the city has resumed its literary and cultural activities following a prolonged heat spell. Events such as mushairas (poetry recitals), book fairs, and storytelling sessions play a pivotal role in preserving the region’s linguistic heritage. These platforms enable poets, writers, and scholars to express ideas, share narratives, and engage with pressing social issues. Pashto, Hindko, and Urdu poetry—deeply rooted in themes of love, honour, and resistance—resonate profoundly with the city’s ethos. The literature produced here reflects a blend of local traditions and cosmopolitan influences.

Institutions like the Abasin Arts Council, along with several literary circles, foster intellectual discourse by nurturing young talent and encouraging creative expression. Culturally, Peshawar is a kaleidoscope of traditions whose pluralistic identity has long been celebrated. Cultural events not only entertain but also strengthen communal bonds, providing valuable spaces for dialogue in a region often marked by conflict.

The Peshawar Museum, housing numerous Gandharan artifacts and hosting cultural festivals, highlights the city’s historical significance and attracts scholars and tourists alike. In Peshawar, literary and cultural activities transcend mere entertainment; they are vital for preserving heritage, fostering resilience, and promoting social cohesion. Amid challenges such as militancy, these creative outlets offer opportunities for healing and expression, ensuring Peshawar remains a beacon of cultural richness and intellectual vitality in the region.

### Honouring Professor Dr. Nazir Tabassum

Halqa Arbab-i-Zauq, Peshawar, recently organized a literary conference to honour Professor Dr. Nazir Tabassum (d. 2025), a distinguished Urdu poet, scholar, and teacher. Born Nazir Ahmad, Dr. Tabassum earned his MA in Urdu from Peshawar University in 1974 and completed his PhD in 2003. His doctoral thesis, *Urdu Ghazal Poets of the Frontier After the Creation of Pakistan*, was acclaimed for its scholarly depth. His students continue to enrich Pakistan’s literary and academic landscape.

Dr. Tabassum’s poetry, marked by emotional depth and social reflection, resonated with vast audiences. His collections—*Tum Udaas Mat Hona* (1996), *Kaisay Raigan Huye Hum*, and *Abhi Mausam Nahin Badla*—explore personal and cultural themes, often reflecting Peshawar’s unique ethos. His verses, shared on platforms like Rekhta, blend introspection with contemporary issues, earning him a revered place in Urdu poetry.

As a member of Halqa-i-Arbab-i-Zauq—a literary movement founded in 1939 in Lahore—he actively engaged in poetic gatherings and critical discussions, contributing to the modernist Urdu literary tradition. Known for its non-political focus and innovative poetic styles, Halqa-i-Arbab-i-Zauq recognized Dr. Tabassum’s work for its clarity and emotional resonance.

His untimely death from a heart attack during a mushaira at Peshawar Services Club in August 2025 was mourned as an irreparable loss. Prominent literary figures, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Culture Department secretary Dr. Abdul Samad and federal minister Aurangzeb Khichi, lauded his contributions. To honour his legacy, Halqa-i-Arbab-i-Zauq and Dosti Welfare Organisation organized a commemorative event celebrating his impact as a literary icon.

### Literary Circles and Intellectual Engagement

The Peshawar Circles, a group of university graduates, recently held its 51st study circle at the Incubation Centre. The group discussed the book *AI Snake Oil: What Artificial Intelligence Can Do* by Arvind Narayanan and Sayash Kapoor. This book critically examines the hype surrounding artificial intelligence, highlighting its limitations and societal implications.

Keynote speaker Faisal Jamil and moderator Hamza Bin Anees underscored salient features of the book, encouraging young readers to explore innovative ideas and find practical applications. The book categorizes AI into two types: generative and predictive. Generative AI, such as chatbots (e.g., ChatGPT) and image generators, excels in producing human-like outputs but often struggles with factual accuracy, leading to “hallucinations” or plausible but false information.

Narayanan and Kapoor emphasize that AI’s allure stems from its seemingly magical versatility, often exaggerated by marketing from tech companies and consultants. They advocate for a critical approach to AI adoption, urging stakeholders, policymakers, businesses, and the public to demand evidence of efficacy and consider ethical implications.

### Promoting Social Causes Through Cultural Activities

Mafkoora, a private organization focused on research and development, recently staged a Pashto play addressing peace, climate change, and the right to free expression. Hayat Roghani, head of Mafkoora, explained that live theatre is part of a series of cultural activities planned for the year. Roghani emphasized that live performance is an effective medium for raising awareness of peace, climate change, and other social issues.

Additionally, Mafkoora organized a session on the Big Bang Theory, further highlighting their commitment to educational and cultural outreach.

### Artistic Endeavors in Peshawar

Ali Sajid, a noted watercolor artist based in Peshawar and president of the National Artists Association of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chapter, recently released his latest work online. His collection includes a poignant painting of the pre-flood Gurez Valley of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Sajid noted that preserving pre-flood images could aid efforts to rebuild and reclaim the landscape, underscoring art’s role in cultural memory and environmental awareness.

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Peshawar continues to nurture its literary and cultural heritage through the dedication of its artists, intellectuals, and institutions. These activities not only preserve the city’s rich past but also inspire hope and resilience for its future.
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