Quetta : Governor of Balochistan, Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, emphasized the urgent need to preserve and promote national cultures and mother tongues during a ceremony held at Pashto Academy in connection with Pashtun Cultural Day.
Addressing a gathering of writers, poets, academics, cultural figures, and dignitaries, the Governor said that honoring and supporting those who serve national languages and cultures is a collective responsibility. He warned that without concrete efforts to safeguard native languages, their very existence could be at risk.
“We must utilize modern technology to preserve and promote our cultural and linguistic heritage. Participating in such events is itself a step toward fulfilling our cultural duty,” said Governor Mandokhail.
Culture: The Thread Connecting Past, Present, and Future
The Governor underscored the importance of educating the younger generation about their mother tongue, heritage, and history. He remarked that Culture Day reminds us of our collective identity and unity, calling culture “a nation’s collective memory” built upon values, experiences, and centuries of history.
“Culture is the thread that binds our past, present, and future,” he stated.
He highlighted that the Pashtun nation possesses a rich and ancient cultural legacy, with Pashto ranked among the world’s top 40 languages. Even today, Pashtuns proudly uphold traditional clothing, flavorful cuisine, folk dances, the Jirga system, and hospitality, .
Call for Harmony and Regional Understanding
Governor Mandokhail stressed the importance of fostering harmony among neighboring communities in today’s global village. He termed Pashtun Cultural Day as an opportunity to renew the commitment to humanism, progressiveness, and mutual respect across cultures.
“This is a day to reaffirm our resolve and begin a new chapter of intellectual and literary progress rooted in human dignity and cultural pride,” he added.
Digitalization of Pashto Language and Cultural Showcase
On the occasion, the Governor officially inaugurated the Pashto Digitalization Project at Pashto Academy, marking a significant step in preserving the language through modern tools.
He also visited cultural stalls showcasing traditional crafts, ancient artifacts, and ethnic attire. Special recognition was given to guests and academy members through the distribution of commemorative shields, while traditional shawls were presented to female members in honor of their contributions.
The event was attended by senior members of political organizations, Director of the Iranian Cultural Center Abul Hassan Amiri, President of Pashto Academy Dr. Rehmatullah Niazi, prominent writers, poets, and a large number of women.
