The International Pashtun Culture Day was celebrated across Balochistan with full fervor and enthusiasm. Various events were organised in Quetta, Sibi, Pishin, Killa Abdullah, Ziarat, Killa Saifullah, Zhob, Loralai, Musa Khail and Sherani to mark the day. Pashtun men, women and children wore traditional attires to take part in the festivities.In the provincial capital, a ceremony was held in the metropolitan lawn, organised by political parties. A large number of traditional stalls were also part of the celebrations.Students from various institutions of the provincial capital attended the event in large numbers.Speaking on the occasion, Head of Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party Mehmood Khan Achakzai said that culture is not restricted to mere traditional attires. It is rather a complete set of norms."Our culture should be respected like all others. For the last 40 years, Pashtuns are being targeted in the name of terrorism. It is about time that we unite and end our conflicts,” Achakzai said.The attendees reiterated that the struggle to make Pashto the language of the curriculum would continue and the Pashtun unity would be strengthened.Pashtun Culture Day was also celebrated in Harnai, Kila Abdullah, Kila Saifullah, Loralai, Muslim Bagh, Chaman, Pishin, Zhob, Sheerani, Moosakhel and other areas of the Pashtoon Belt.Meanwhile, Balochistan Governor Amanullah Khan Yasinzai also congratulated the nation on the Pashtun Culture Day. He said Pashtun nation has a vast history stretched over a thousand years.“We should portray a softer image of the Pashtun philanthropy, hospitality and love for peace to the entire world,” the governor said while stressing upon Pashtun intellectuals and opinion makers to play a pivotal role in promoting peace and durable development of the country.Published in The Express Tribune, September 25, 2019.