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       PESHAWAR: A Pashto play was staged here on Tuesday to raise awareness among students to focus on their set targets towards facing future challenges and never get involved in unhealthy activities on the campus.

       The stage play titled ‘Imtehan’ was written by late Prof Mohammad Azam Azam in early 60s during his student life.

       The modern version of the play was directed by former PTV producer Masood Ahmad Shah. It was staged at Agha Khan Auditorium, University of Peshawar, under the auspices of Niaz Adabi Sangar (NAS) in collaboration with Dosti Welfare Organisation as part of its thirrd edition of 11-day Peshawar Literature Festival ( PLF).

       A large number of students, teachers and visitors watched the stage play. Around nine students performed in the live stage play and earned a thunderous applause from the audience.

       Shazia Rehan, a student of English department, told this scribe that the hour-long live performance was filled with clandestine humour blended in high seriousness of boarding student life.

       Prof Aseer Mangal, chairman of NAS, on the occasion said that the play being relevant was staged for raising awareness among students to devote themselves to achieving their desired career goals and avoid idle activities on the campus. He added that university campuses served as the seat of learning alongside grooming up youth for future social and political challenges.

       Masood Ahmad Shah said that the script of the play carried a significant message for youth and therefore, the performance registered a wholesome impact on tasteful audience. He said that such live theatrical performances should be encouraged on campus.

       Jalaludin Mamoond, a student from Bajaur tribal district, who played a role in the play, stated that its central theme revolved around purposeful use of time and its wastage led to disastrous end as most students residing in the hostels away from their parents’ eyes spent their precious time in pointless things on the campus.

       Prof Gulzar Jalal Yousafzai remarked that late Prof Azam being a renowned playwright knew the psyche of students and parents’ expectations, therefore, organisers selected it from a collection of his personal essays and adapted for live stage performance.

       “I strongly believe such live plays, if encouraged, will help to instil a spirit of future vision among youth. Mr Shah and young performers did perfect justice to the show,” he said.

       Published in Dawn, February 28th, 2024