LOWER DIR, October 25, 2026: Elders and community leaders from across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa gathered in Lower Dir for the Malik Ahmed Khan Baba Award Show, organised by the Aqwam Yousafzai Alami Jirga, where speakers called for greater unity among Pakhtuns, an end to longstanding disputes and increased attention to education, technology and social development.
The ceremony, held in the Khema area of Timergara, brought together prominent elders, dignitaries and representatives of the Yousafzai community to honour their historical traditions and recognise individuals who have contributed to community welfare.
Among those who addressed the gathering were Malik Jahan Alam Yousafzai, Central Chairman of the Jirga, Central President Malik Ahmed Ali Khan, Lower Dir President Malik Farooq Iqbal Yousafzai, Malik Muhammad Sher Khan, Rahim Shah Akhunkhel, Alamgir Khan Pai Khel, Aftab Alam Khan and Malik Shah Naseem Khan.
The speakers said Pakhtuns had made significant sacrifices for the country and stressed the importance of strengthening unity, promoting mutual respect and eliminating oppression, injustice and hatred.
They emphasised that communities must preserve their history, cultural identity and traditions while adapting to the demands of the modern world.
“Nations that forget their history are erased, while those that preserve their traditions and culture continue to progress,” the speakers said.
Jirga highlights peace and social reform
Addressing the gathering, community leaders said the Yousafzai World Jirga had been established to promote peace, resolve disputes, encourage social reform and protect the legitimate rights of the people.
They said the organisation also aimed to ensure that local resources were used for public welfare and regional development.
The speakers clarified that the Jirga was a non-political and reform-oriented platform committed to respecting Pakistan’s Constitution and laws.
They urged community members to resolve personal enmities, overcome differences and promote tolerance, brotherhood and collective responsibility.
Rather than criticising other communities, they said, Pakhtuns should focus on improving their own social practices, strengthening character and pursuing collective development.
The speakers described Pakhtuns as a peace-loving people who wanted lasting peace, prosperity and development in their region.
Youth urged to embrace education and AI
The gathering also highlighted the importance of modern education, science, technical training and artificial intelligence in preparing young people for future opportunities.
Speakers said the changing global environment required the younger generation to acquire practical skills and technological expertise to compete in national and international employment markets.
They warned that communities failing to adapt to modern educational and technological developments risked falling behind.
Young people were encouraged to pursue higher education, vocational training and technology-related skills to improve their employment prospects and contribute to economic development.
Tribute paid to late Malik Jahanzeb Khan Yousafzai
The participants paid tribute to the late Malik Jahanzeb Khan Yousafzai for his social, community and reform efforts.
Speakers recalled that he established the organisation in Dir district in 1983 and worked to promote unity and community welfare.
They said his services would continue to inspire future generations and pledged to strengthen the values of public service, brotherhood and collective responsibility.
The ceremony was organised in honour of Malik Ahmed Khan Baba, remembered by the community as an ancestral figure of the Yousafzai people.
At the conclusion of the event, prominent elders and individuals recognised for their contributions in different fields were presented with awards, honorary shields, traditional turbans, lungis and Pakol caps.
The participants reaffirmed their commitment to preserving Pakhtun traditions while promoting peace, education and development through collective efforts.