ISLAMABAD, FEB 12 (DNA) – First Shina music album “Ism-e-Azam Ishq”, featuring poetry of renowned poet Zafar Waqar Taj sung by famous artist Jabir Khan was launched at PNCA.

A brief documentary featuring prominent comments and views of writers, poets, academics, journalists and experts on the life and work of Zafar Waqar Taj was also screened on the occasion.

Noted intellectual and writer Aziz Ali Dad, senior journalist Farman Ali and Sher Zaman spoke about Zafar Waqar Taj’s style, diction and message of love in Shina poetry.

They emphasized the role of writers, poets, and artists in highlighting social issues, and fighting intolerance, extremism and in creating harmony.

Jabir Khan Jabir, Salman Paras who have lent their voice in the album “Ishq Ism-e-Azam”, presented famous scores from the album.

Gilgit-Baltistan’s Chief Minister Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman, who was the chief guest, in his address, appreciated Zafar Waqar Taj and the artists for their contribution in promoting Gilgit-Baltistan’s endangered languages culture and arts and reiterated his support for the promotion of the indigenous languages and cultures of Gilgit-Baltistan.

He also announced setting up of a think tank in Islamabad comprised of intellectuals, writers and journalists to help the government in fighting various challenges being faced by GB.

He also accepted the proposal of initiating literature festival in GB and said that his government has already started work on a language board to preserves Shina, Balti, Khuwar, Burushaski and Wakhi languages and also announced to give incentives to writers of these languages.

He also assured that books written in these languages will be published by the government.

He said that his government has been able to maintain peace in the region and that’s why one million tourists visited the region last year. He alsoGB Legislative Assembly Speaker Fida Nashad, senior minister Akbar Tabaan and GB Legislative Assembly members were also present.

The event, organized by GB Folks in collaboration with PNCA, aimed at promoting the literature and music of the mountainous regions and celebrates the diversity of GB and Pakistan.

A large number of people, including women and youth attended the event and danced to the beat of the local music.=DNA