Organization Socila Work ( Writer Hands)

Introduction of Writer Hands Organization

By www.writerhands.com

Writer hands, a welfare Network comprising of poets, writers, journalist, lecturers, lawyers and students free of all kind of atrocities, discrimination, racism and political commitments.

It has been founded by well known and prominent journalists of Mardan, Mr. Muhammad Zaman Adil in 1996. Now its members are almost in every city of Pakistan and even in some foreign countries as well.

The main objective of this organization is to raise awareness regarding different social issues in the masses through print and electronic media. For this purpose the organization is issuing and printing different newspapers and magazines with different names from almost all part of the country in local, national and international languages, so that the issues highlighted can be comprehended by people from every walk of life as well as layman.

Writer Hands is also producing theatre and CD dramas to accomplish its objectives which are proving very fruitful.

Internet is a very powerful tool in the present century, so Writer Hands has also developed a web page, through which people from every walk of life have an open discussion and share their views on different topics e.g. articles on socio-economic problems, social, political and religious issues are posted on the web page which are then discussed and everybody is free to have a view on these issues and can be posted.

Writer Hands is also working with Government and Non-Government organizations for the well being of the society

INTRODUCTION TO ORGANIZATION

WRITER HANDS is a Non–political welfare organization, registered with the Government of Pakistan. Since March 1996 it has been working in the field of social welfare. It is trying to create awareness in the people belonging to different coverts of life. Further it is trying to malice a welfare society. WRITER HANDS works with full zeal to address the different problems and to fulfill the basic needs of the people. NWFP especially District Mardan, an important region of Pakistan both geographically, economically and politically is way behind other regions because of poverty, lack of education, lack of awareness and some old traditional and social setup. People are totally unaware of their basic rights. Govt negligence and their unmotivated attitudes are main obstacles in getting along with the rest of the world. So an inspiration was needed to give them a wakeup call, WRITER HANDS volunteered to be such an organization to bring light into the dark life of these people.

PUBLICATION

TWRITER HANDS is in direct contact with electronic media and press, regularly issues Newsletters, magazines and weekly newspapers to bring awareness in the community regarding different issues.

COORDINATING PARTNERS

WRITER HANDS is in complete coordination with other organizations. It is an active partner of District Coordination Council Mardan (DCCM), Tehsil Coordination Council Mardan (TCCM) and Sarhad NGO’s ittihaad (SNI), Youth Force Mardan (YFM), Women awareness forum for advancement (WAFA), Coordination for Rural Development Mardan (CRDM),and member of child protection network (CPN) at provincial level.

WRITER HANDS NETWORK

Writer Hands has also established a Network for CCBs, CBOs, CSOs and NGOs by name of “Network for Social Change”, which in joint collaborations with these other partners provides Training and Technical Assistance and also coordinate and share relevant data with these organizations.

ORGANIZATIONS

Villages Union Councils are our sub-office where our members join the people in the plans of public betterment.

WORKING STRATEGY

WRITER HANDS has build up various committees like Educational Committees, Health Committees, Press, Youth Force, Peace, Women Force and Finance Committee. Every committee consist one president and at least ten members and they work accordingly in their respective fields. Our principles are merit, Ability, efficiency, truth, Democracy and better results.

Aims:

Awareness of human rights, identifying social problem and providing remedies, fighting against corruption, injustice,discrimination of all kinds, poverty, child labour, social evils and working for the improvement and betterment of society, bringing awareness of peace, democracy, equality, basic rights, environmental protection and especially moral values into the community and making them understand its importance. Promoting health, hygienic awareness along with basic education and skills among the children. Working for the rights of women and children and making them aware of their political and other rights, as they have an important role to play in the prosperity and growth of a healthy, educated and enlightened society. The Organization has its members at national as well as at international level. This is a social welfare organization neglecting and discouraging the social prejudice, sectarian, religious and territorial unnecessary social classification. Organization strive to make people vigilant and aware through print and electronic media, for this purpose the organization constantly publication its journals and news papers with different name with different areas in local language, national and international language. The aim of these publications is to aware people about the social issues and problems and there possible solution. In such a way the enable them to know their right and to teach modern way of life. The members belong to thinking community can express their concerns and exchange their views through website forum (Writer Club). Indication of different kinds of issues and their possible solution and suggestions can be put faith through this organization. More over the organization is informative in its nature. Different kinds of views, news and articles also came with in its ambit..

Objectives:

1. To work for the welfare and development of humanity.
2. To make people vigilant socially
3. To provide the people with basic education and health facilities
4. Work for the economic development of the people.
5. To enable the people to adopt a positive and constructive approach toward the building of peaceful and prospers society.
6. To work for the eradication of cruality and social injustice.
7. To work for the restoration of peace and order.
8. To work for the eradication of drugs/ narcotics
9. To increase literacy rate and make education for all.
10. To provide jobless with jobs and make people skilful in different fields.
11. To make the women socially and politically vigilant and enable them to become a vital part of society.
12. To eradicate child labor and guards the rights of Childs.
13. To concentrate on the problems of youth and provide them with opportunities of jobs and extra curricular activities.
14. To eradicate the ancient, backward, territorial customs and traditions and eradication of humanity based enemity like trends.

COMMUNITY AWAIRNESS PROGRAMME THROUGH MEDIA
		CHILD/WOMEN RIGHTS AND PROTECTION PROGRAMME
		Child Protection and Empowerment of Adolescents
		Child Protection and Empowerment of Adolescents
		CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PROTECTION PROGRAMME
		CHILD PROTECTION EMERGENCY RESPONSE to IDPs N.W.F.P
		EDUCATION/SKILL/AWARENESS
		HUMAN RIGHTS

Contact Details Muhammad Zaman Adil (Chairman)
Head Office Par Jalsiwal Bakhshali Mardan, PO Box No 56 GPO Mardan N-W.F.P Pakistan Cell: + 92-300-5727589 +92-313-7771474 Ph: + 92 937-771474 Website: www.writerhands.com Email : info@writerhands.com writerhands@gmail.com

Photo Album Page

Sari Bahlol British Rail Track

Local Sport -Mukha summer in Mardan

Women Page

Women Page

Nusrat Ara

Tough Woman in Tough Land

Nusrat Ara, an activist from Pakistan's North Western Frontier Province (NWFP), is known for her work in empowering women for over two decades in a deeply conservative society. Ara took charge of her life, first by educating herself after marriage and then by launching an organization for women's development - Women's Development Organization - in her home-town, Mardan.

Ara, born in 1954, overcame stiff resistance to complete a master's programme and a course in homeopathy after her marriage. Her achievement was remarkable because this was a woman whose relatives did not want her to go to high school because of social taboos.

Fortunately, her father was on her side, and with his support, she was able to finish school and join college. After graduating, she married her cousin and moved to Punjab. He supported her strong desire to work for the welfare and social development of women. She began this work inPunjab and continued when she later moved back to her home town Mardan.

Looking around her, Ara saw women tolerating domestic violence and other forms of oppression and decided to help. Ara noted that these women were in no position to fight for their rights because they were financially dependent on their men-folk, so she decided to focus on helping them find ways to generate income. With no infrastructure to speak of, but with a great deal of passion and commitment, she launched Women's Development Organization in 1995. Ara organized a team of committed social activists to work with her. In the beginning, they had very few resources but were able to extend their work in the year 2000 with the help of the South Asia Partnership - Pakistan, which provided financial support.

During her two-and-half decades of work with women, Ara has focused on their socio-economic and political empowerment and issues of combating violence against women and child labor. The majority of the women she works with are uneducated and unskilled. She set up skill training and literacy centers for them, along with awareness building and mobilization programs. In the centers, women were taught sewing, knitting, and embroidery, enabling them to earn their own money.

Ara has targeted customs such as honor killings, and 'swarah', which led to women being married off to men to settle disputes, regardless of age differences, etc. She has also worked hard to end the custom of women being married to much older men in return for a "bride price". Ara began a political education programme to motivate women to fight local elections. Although there are 33 per cent seats earmarked for women in some local bodies, women are actively discouraged from participating in the political process. Ara personally contested local elections and won. She is now a member of the district council of her area. The methods that she uses to communicate with women include dialogue, workshops, rallies and corner meetings. Ara works effectively to help families resolve internal problems and conflicts. She communicates in simple language and uses examples from daily life, as well as interactive theatre, which can be very effective. For example, by performing a skit about a family marrying off its underage daughter, she convinced a woman who was planning to get such a bride for her son to change her mind.

When she addresses an issue, Ara addresses both women and men, to bridge the gap between different perspectives. She does not impose her decisions on the community but helps communities find their own solutions. Ara has faced many difficulties in her work, especially criticism by religious leaders and other members of the feudal elite. Clerics accused her of corrupting women. They described her as a non-Muslim preaching “Christianity". Some political figures and men, too, felt threatened by her work, and saw her as a destabilizing influence.

Ara has dealt with these challenges with positive behavior, ignoring negative attitudes. Today, her critics understand her vision of development and see how women of the area have improved with her help. Ara has also worked with women prisoners in the district jail in Mardan, providing them with free legal aid.

Today women are more visible in her district and the community has learnt to exercise its rights without losing its traditional moorings. In 1993, when she opened a school in village Toru, it was hard for her to find female staff, because no woman was willing to work in the school. But now, a number of educated women are doing so. Some women have contested local elections.

Although the region still remains extremely conservative, there is greater tolerance for Ara's work. It is not easy to change customs, practices and myths existing in a society for centuries. So Ara believes that the struggle for women's rights is a long one. But she is optimistic and hopes that small changes can lead to big ones.

Mardan University

Mardan University

The Progress of Mardan University….

Dr Ihsan Ali...Mardan University Plan

The people of Mardan are pleased that finally their dream will come true.The current Provincial Government led by ANP has announced to establish a University in Mardan. This is a very good step by the governement and will prevail education in Mardan.Congratulations to the govenment and all those individuals of Mardan who persistently worked in their own capacity to bring the University of Mardan.

The Struggle Behind Mardan University….

“We want a University in Mardan”.

Mardan district has one of the highest literacy rates in the country. The people are keen to send their children to schools. There are a number of qualified people in the government services both locally and abroad. This was told by Professor Miraj Khan,the founder of Taleem Tahrik, in a seminar arranged by MIAC.

The population of Mardan has grown rapidly and there is urgent need for more schools and colleges. Many districts like Peshawar, DI Khan, Bannu, Kohat, Abbottabad, Swat and others have Medical Schools and Universities. The students from Mardan travel to other places and stay in hostels. Many parents are unable to afford these expenses and there is a fear that the literacy rate will fall in Mardan.

So far the government has not paid any attention to the long standing demand of the people of Mardan. And that is “We want a University in Mardan”.......2003-2004

Politics of Mardan University….

Mardan University needs to be a reflection of the modern world and modern education. For many years the educational insutitutes in the country have been destroyed by the dirty politics of personal gains.The politicians as well the people must realise now that a University is a place for education only and nothing else.

Naming of Mardan University….

The trend in Pakistan is that the names of institutes ( hospitals,squares,colleges,universities and others) keep changing with the change of political govenments.This is an extremely immature thinking on behalf of the leadership of a party.The worry is that the same can happen to the name of Mardan University.The wise move will be to keep it simple.An ideal name will be..."Mardan University".

(A great demand for education..........First entery test in Mardan University)

Problems

roblems

Can we make a difference. Send us your community problems!!

Development Work in Mardan

I am from Sheikh Maltoon. I am satisfied with the government of ANP. Whatever they are it is not my business but I would like to tell my Pukhtun brothers that look at the development of our city.Bacha Khan Medical College, Mardan University, Engineering College , Chamber of Commerce and better roads. These are very important things to me.

In the end I would like to convey my message to the rulers to spread education in our land. And then we Pukhtun brothers will be able to stand equal to other nations in the developed world.

Najib Khan

email: Najibkhan_01@yahoo.com

False Promises

This is Takhtbai	This is Takhtbai...TMA knows it photo by shahid khan

Problems of Sheikh Maltoon

Nadia Nizam:

Being an old resident of Sheikh Maltoon the things which I want to come under observation of the high authorities of Mardan. And now it’s the time to improve it. When the town plan was introduced, it was promised to be a quality town place. But for many years people are facing so many problems and complaining continuously to the concerned authorities, but they are not giving much attention. So I found Mardan.com as a major platform for the voices of Sheikhmaltoon town.

1. When the plots were allocated to the residents, money was separately extracted from it for the roads and extra maintenance of the town, but except the main roads in town, most of the streets are in a very bad position. All of them are not constructed, are broken like village streets, during rainfall none can go for a walk or even drive a car there. Where is all that money which was collected from the town residents?

2. There is no Entry and Exit system to and from the Main Road. As a result there is always a possibility of a traffic accident. In fact people have died in front of the town due to accidents.

3. Empty plots are full of garbage and useless things. What's the role of municipal Committee, TMA and MDA which charge the residents every month? The result is smell, dirt, insects and mosquitoes. Pesticides are never used on these areas.

4. High rate of robbery cases and insecure people in the presence of Mardan police. People of those robbers are living between us, who gives all the information about the residents. Houses are rented to a stranger, who creates problems to their neighbours, also involved in robbery cases. The case of robbery happens and in the end police reaches which has no use.

5. Dirty water supply in the town, which causes many diseases and viral infections. For this reason some people have their own water tanks and generators. Why do they charge water bills? Where does that money go?

6. Recreational areas are not well maintained. Play areas for kids are so old, kids use broken swings and slides to play. Many grounds are empty, full of long grass in many sectors. There is no such place for women recreation so as a result they are bound to home gossips.

7. Private schools are opened in each street creating problem for the residents. There is no such rules for residential areas who ever comes and open a school, shop, salon, gym, tailor shop, bank etc. What type of town plan is this? Authorities should take a strong action against this act. It’s not a village and it’s a town place for civilized people.

8. Phone connections are poorly connected (half of the time its dead), People sitting in PTCL offices are not cooperative. For last few years I haven't seen my phone to be in using its always dead.

9. The town is full of dogs, roaming like the kings. There should be a way to get rid of these dogs.

10. There are no arrangements for Taxi or Rickshaw stands. As a result these are parked on the main roads, especially in front of Mardan Medical Complex. There shall be proper Taxi stands.

At the moment I think it’s the most expensive property of Mardan. When it’s in this condition for so many years what can a person think of other places. Who is responsible for these problems? It’s such a small town and if it can not be maintained then what about a city or a country? I think Sheikh Maltoon Residents Committee shall be elected from the common residents who are devoted. And who really want this town to be an example for other places.

I am putting emphasize on this town and people because we are paying a lot to have a civilized living. And this is a voice of all in Sheikh Maltoon town.

Nadia Nizam writes: During my first visit to Mardan and near villages ,I was surprised to see the number of adds on the walls of houses,colleges and shops.I don't understand this behaviour.Would the authorities think that there should be a strict action against this act?Is it possible that all of these be cleaned or painted?And especially the candidates contesting the elections shall be ashamed of this act because they are claiming that they are doing a good job for Mardan.

Sheikh Maltoon is now changed. The roads are good.The lighting is better. The sewerage system and security has improved. It has the most clean environment in Mardan.

Thanks to the lady who highlighted the issues of Sheikh Maltoon.
Asim Khan....December 2009

Sports Grounds

There is no other sport more popular in Mardan than cricket. And there is no doubt that Mardan has produced some of the best cricketers in the country. Younas Khan is currently included in the top ten batsmen of the world. His highest score of 267 not out will be remembered for a long time.
But what is happening to the development of cricket in Mardan? The population of the district is approaching 2 millions. The kids want to play cricket. And they play it in the streets. But the young talent is wasted. And the majority of good cricketers play for other districts like Abbottabad, Peshawar etc.
Despite the love for cricket there is no world standard cricket stadium in Mardan. In the past the PCB Chairman Sheharyar Khan visited Mardan and made some promises but to no avail. The current PCB chairman Dr Nasim Ashraf, owes to the people of Mardan as his wife comes from Mardan. There are great expectations from him to take some solid steps to develop cricket in Mardan. The PCB is a rich organisation and is planning to build 29 new cricket stadiums throughout the country. Mardan deserves one world class stadium so the talent is not wasted. There will be some entertainment for the crowd. And more importantly the youth will be kept busy in healthy activities. A much needed demand of today’s challenging world.

Romy writes: I am a student of G.P.G.College Mardan.When I see the roads of Mardan, it makes me upset.There is always Traffic jams.The rubbish is lying out of the dust bins and huge number of flies fly around it.The TMA is sleeping in their offices.The authorities don't care and do no't know that it can affect our health.....I request the TMA team to do their duty for what they are paid......Romy

Artist..........M Bugi Ansari,Holland

I met Wali with the help of a physiotherapist from Holland Jos and Yuri who pointed out to me a child with polio.I was conducting art workshops in 1989 in the Kalash valleys .He was given a jeep ride to come to Bamboorate valley for the first Kalash exhibition in the entire history of Kalash.

A function was held to honour these artists. Who ever was present there in 1989 was given a chance to see the art works of Wali including the Australian and British High Commisioners.

A large size painting 20 inches x10 feet was made by the Kalash children and Wali the Kalash child in those days now a grown artist painted goats and trees as he wished along with other children (archives 1989 dawn herald news pakistan times star daily news goete institutes alliance francaise) gave good coverage to kalash artists.Later on the same year in 1989 the Prime Minister of Pakistan Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was given that priceless scroll .

I gave Wali's paintings in Holland to Jos and Yuri after ten years.I am so glad that some people in the whole world are watching your sculptures (through mardan.com) that you are making .I am in touch with few Kalash people via internet and we will get in touch with all of you soon.

I will also request to those people who can afford to buy the scuptures from Wali.This will sustain his work and one day he may produce one of the best sculptures.

Mardan Train

There is no doubt that Locomotives are considered as a cleaner alternative to trucks, Buses, coaches, cars and other road vehicles. It plays a vital role in movement system from cargo to local and cross-country destinations.
Whenever I travel from Mardan to Peshawar or in opposite direction towards Swat, in private or in public transport, the Mardan Rail track always attract my attention & cannot stop myself to discuss the Importance of this track with the person beside me. The Track is naturally placed and beautifully built along the roadside and is already connected to Nowshera and Peshawar. It has a good possibly to be connected to Swabi and swat.
The Rail track is of great importance to Mardan in many ways. If re-operated, even locally, will have many benefits:

1: Could decrease heavy and ugly traffic on roads towards Peshawar and Swat.

2. Most importantly could prevent the heavy loss of human lives due to Congested traffic and lack of driving awareness! And remember those who die are mostly young healthy individuals who have no illnesses.

3. Could play a vital role in transportation of local Goods and products (like fruit, vegetables, sugar etc) towards the mainstream and better Market on less price to the farmers and producers.

4. The rail solution offers more room and comfort. Passengers can read or write. The elderly and female passengers with kids will be at ease.

5. The average speed can be double as high in comparison to the bus, thus offering attractive journey times, less labour cost for the passenger mile, and better usage of equipment.

6. Last but not the least that Rail is environmentally friendly. It is a better solution to reduce pollution in a country like Pakistan where pollution is on the increase all the time.

Unfortunately the politicians, MNAs, MPAs and the well off people are asleep and no body has thought about the Train Service in Mardan. Perhaps they like to show off their Land cruisers and Pajeros and are interested to check the speed of their vehicles on the broken roads of Mardan. The irony is that the major Rail Engine Manufacturing Factory (Locomotive Pakistan) is located only 5 miles away from Mardan but there is no Rail service in Mardan. One wonders where are all the engines exported to and what is the future of Train in Mardan?

It is now the time for the local, provincial and central administration to give a positive consideration to the problem and re-open the rail track for the wider benefit of the people of Mardan. ................G.Safi

Demolished Bridges

Yasir Ali

The River (Gudar) in Hoti Mardan is very historical. In the past people used to cross the river in boats or just walk across when the water was shallow. In the last 50 years a few bridges have been built over the river at different locations which made the life easier. The communication has been better. One of these bridges was in Gulai Gudar, near Bibi Abai in Hoti .Although it was mainly used by the pedestrians and cattle but was still doing good job.

The severe flood in August this year swept away the bridge. Only a couple of pillars have been left behind. The authorities have not decided whether the bridge will be built again or not. The local people with the help of the Nazim have bought a Boat which is doing the job and something is better than nothing.

The world is moving forward and the people of Hoti are pushed backwards because of the lack of resources or possibly the lack in understanding the problems of the community. There is great uncertainty amongst the people as no one has any idea about the reconstruction of the bridge.And moreover whose responsibility is it to construct the Bridge?

The people have no option but to go back to the Basics.

Drinking Water

Dr S M Sareer

There has been an increase in the cases of Gastro Enteritis (GE) in Mardan this summer. While hot weather plays a part, the most important thing is contamination of drinking water and food. The reasons specifically related to Mardan are:

1. There is no proper water purification system in place

2. The water supply pipes go side by side with the gas and sewerage pipes. As a result there is a danger of leakage from one system into another system

3. The pipes are prone to damage in summer because of heavy rains and flooding

4. The sewerage system in Mardan is almost non-existing. The main drain is Kalpani and unfortunately some poor people may use the Kalpani water for drinking.

5. The huge number of insects and flies in hot weather is a further source of contamination.

While it is the responsibility of the government to provide clean drinking water and proper sewerage system, the people need to be aware of the methods used for cleaning the water. Bottle Water and Water Filters are good but the poor people can not afford these and therefore they have to rely on simple things. The most important of these is to boil the water, cool it, store it and then drink it. In this way drinking Boiled water can reduce the diseases. It is a simple and affordable method.

Internet Cafe.......Aziz ur Rahman

Technology if used properly can build a nation. Internet is the most useful tool in this day and age. It can provide information from every corner of the world. It can bring education, awareness and prosperity. But unfortunately the same technology can bring the downfall if used inappropriately.

I am a student from Mardan. I have seen many cities of our sweet homeland but not a single city can match Mardan. Its culture and environment is great. Here I have observed that people respect each other, like each other and they have so many other valuable qualities.

But recently I have found one thing which is very dangerous and is destroying our young generation. This is the misuse of "INTERNET" in "INTERNET CAFES". I have seen a good number of internet cafes and I feel that every one who uses the net is well aware of the fact that what is going on in these cafes.

If we observe the activities of these cafes closely we will find that these affect the character of many individuals and particularly the innocent students who can not quantify these ill effects. Gradually they destroy their careers, become a headache for the parents and the society as a whole. I don't have words to explain the effects of these things.

Whose Responsibility is it to stop this nuisance?

It is a difficult problem to control but the law and order makers can play some role.

1. Every net cafe should put computers in open. They shall not make hidden rooms.

2. Every net cafe must be run by an educated person and internet qualified individual.

3. Net Cafe administrator must identify users.

4. A written warning about the misuse of internet shall be displayed in the café.

5. A written warning about the misuse of internet shall be displayed in the café.

6. The administrator shall promote some positive awareness among the people.

After all education and awareness is the most important tool to stop the misuse of the internet.

Visit Mardan

Visit Mardan

Visit Mardan

The nearest Airport is Peshawar International Airport. This is about forty miles.There are good road connections to the airport.
Buses and private vehicles are the main ways of Transport. The roads are busy as Mardan is the link between different cities.

Unfortunately the train system which was developed during the British Empire has gradually disappeared. No train arrives at the once popular railway station.

Hoti Mardan

A large area of Mardan is called Hoti. This area is commonly known as Hoti Mardan.There is no boundary or geographical division between the two.
Hoti is a very historic city. Before the partition of India, there were many Hindus and Sikhs living here. Some areas still carry their old names. Hoti is divided by a River called Kalpani into two parts. Across the Kalpani is called Par Hoti. This is the main business area of Tobacco and other agriculture products. In the past it was very popular for traditional music sung by females. Some of the current famous singers and artists learnt their music in Par Hoti. It has a large open area called Eid-Gah for Eid prayers. The area called Shah Dand Baba has the biggest Cemetery. Apart from other well known personalities Sheikh Malee is buried here. TheComprehensive High School located close by was once an excellent educational institute. The main road leads to Shahbaz Garha, Swabi, Rustam and Pir Baba in Buner. The main Hoti Bazaar is very busy during business hours.
The Museum and one of the Asia's largest Sugar Mills are worth seeing. A horse driven cart called Tanga will entertain you with a long trip in the main bazaar as well as in the streets.

Guides Memorial

The Artillery used in this war has been put on display close to the memorial. In local language it is known as Topa Umara Khan, the name of a Pushtun war hero. The main church of Mardan is nearby and one can see and read the beautiful Pashto handwriting of Jens Christensen....(More about Guide Memorials)

Mardan Museum

The museum is currently in a temporary building and will be shifted to a new site in the future.And we hope it will bring more attractions for the tourists.

(Read More About Museum)

Takhtbai

The original name is Takht-i-Bahi. This town is situated 15 km from Mardan on Swat Malakand road. In 1908/9 the ancient Buddhist history was discovered in the mountains. Large numbers of buildings look beautiful on top of the mountains.

Unfortunately the possessions of the houses and buildings have been taken away illegally and maybe decorating some famous buildings in the rest of the world. The population is expanding and new houses are approaching the site. If ignored for a few more years, the tourist and historic attractions will disappear. The authorities need to draw a boundary line, so no further encroachment is achieved. There is a need for a small and beautiful restaurant where people can relax before and after they embark on the mountain journey. Obviously one feels hungry after the long walk and for this reason the "chapli kebab" of Thakhtbai taste wonderful.

Kashmir Smast

This is also called Kashmir Smast. In Pashto language 'Smast' is a small cave where one can hide from rain and storm. This is about 7 miles from Rustum near Pirsai village. It can also be approached from katlang area. There are different opinions about this site. However the most convincing one is that this was the place of worship of Buddhist monks. The valuables have been taken away from the site but the cave is beautiful.

Shahbaz Garha

In local language it is called Shahbaz Garha. This is the place to take a break or rest when you are tired. This is entirely true. It is about 12 km from Mardan city. It has beautiful mountains, green trees, open fields and a small river in the centre of the village.

In old times all these facilities made it attractive for the army and travellers to dig in their tents here, stay for few days and organize their further strategy. The historic Stones of Ashoka and other sites like Mekha Sanda are worth visiting. The most attractive building of the new era is the high school (shown above), this has given a new look to the ancient stones of Ashoka.

The local people had put their efforts and resources in building the school. Well done and congratulations to them.

Many sites have been discovered in Mardan and it looks as Mardan was the heart of Gandhara civilization. One of the Buddhist monasteries is of Mekha Sanda, which is located 17 km from Mardan in the North Eastern side in the Hills of Shahbaz Garha. This site was surveyed and excavated by a team of Japanese archaeologists between 1959 and 1965. During courses of excavations a good number Gandhara art sculptures, main stupa, votive stupas, monastery, chapels and Monks' chambers were found. This site became a place for research and a tourist spot.

The name is derived from Pushto language. Mekha means a female buffalo and Sanda means a male buffalo. The arrangement of the stones is in such a way that it looks like buffaloes.

Unfortunately some treasure hunters illegally dug out the site in search of antiques and it has been spoiled. It is the utmost responsibility of the government to provide guards, restore this site and protect it from further destruction. So far there is no sign of it happening.

Jamal Garhai

Jamal Garhai is situated at 13 kilometers from Mardan city. It is situated in the middle of Takhtbai and Shahbaz Garha at an equal distance of 12 kilometers from each side.

This site is funded by Government of Japan and to some extent by UNESCO. The team of experts from Japan and Pakistan work together on this site.

A company Sappers and Miners explored this site first. In 1836 Sikh General made it Gandaparas. This site was explored in 1876 first and later on in 1910-1911 excavation was done. The Kharoshti inscription was discovered from this site, having main round stupas. From this monastery the Kharoshti inscription was also discovered on which the figure 46 has been written. The Buddhist inscriptions from this site are kept in Peshawar Museum.

Sari Bahlol

This Buddhist monastery is situated on Malakand Road at a distance of about 10 kilometers from Mardan. It is on the top of a small mountain. By visiting this place one can judge the importance of this site and it reminds us the old history of the great Gandhara Art.

According to Dr. Spooner and Dr. Arl-Strain, it is a big treasury of Gandhara Art. The opinion is that a sudden fire broke out here and for this reason the sculptures remained preserved. Coins have also been recovered from this site.

The main attraction left now is the old huge wall. This is the only remains of this important site. The sculptures are in Peshawar Museum and may be in other Museums of the world.

The rest of the Monastery has been damaged by the people of the village due to the negligence of the authorities. The area on which this monastery was build is now totally inhabited by the villagers. This site is of great attraction and importance for the foreign visitors but sadly not for the villagers and the authorities.

Sawabi

This is a sister district of Mardan and part of Mardan division. The historic site of Hund and theKund Park are major tourist attractions. If you are a mountaineer or a true lover then you must visit the top of Kara Mar Hill. This is famous for the local love story of Yousaf Khan–Sher Bano.

Asota Stonehenge

Gandhara (The land of fragrance), situated in the North West of Pakistan, has a very rich cultural heritage. During explorations, surveys and excavations at various places in Gandhara, different archaeological sites are unearthed. These are dated to different eras. One such unique site is of the Asota Stonehenge. This site is 30 km North East of Mardan and just 3 km from Shiva Bus Stop on Mardan Swabi Road. There is a small link road to Buner.

The Stonehenge is in the form a circle of 21 slabs of Limestone. So far no proper scientific research has been done on this site. The stone slabs were brought here from Karamar Hills. This would have been a very tough and challenging job. After visiting the stones many questions rise in the minds of the visitors.Who were those people? Why was it built? How was it built? What is the significance of each and every single stone?

The human activities had started very early in Gandhara in the Pre-historic era. It is evident from different sites in Gandhara. It can be dated to Late Neolithic (5000 B.C) and early Bronze Age (3000 B.C).The human being was simple and lived in simple muddy houses. One thing is obvious that man was socially developed and there was a concept of religion.

There is an ancient cemetery close to this circle of stones. There is no clear record of this cemetery. It is possible that each stone might have been put in the memories of the brave ones or some prominent persons. It is also possible that each stone may just represent one grave. More theories can be established if this cemetery is excavated.

The common myth which runs in the villagers is that in this town that once there was a wedding ceremony. People had come from the surrounding villages. They came across robbers who started to loot them and possibly harm them physically. The victims prayed to God to protect them from the looters. Their prayers were accepted. But they themselves were turned into stones. So the robbers could not harm them. The Locals identify different slabs as bride, bridegroom and other people of the wedding party.

A systematic study and research of these stones will give some clues that how the ancient mankind used the sky for astronomy, the Sun, the Moon, the stars and its changing position. And how they measured time, days and nights and prepared a calendar of years. Stonehengehad already been discovered in different part of the world. Bull Ring, Arbor low, East Moors, Ring Cairns, Cumbria,, Long Meg,, Caster ton , Elva Plain, Casterligg, Salisbury England, Causeway in Ireland, France, Cardesa and Dakar Senegal.

Asota site is unique. It has not been preserved like Stonehenge in England. It could have been a big tourist attraction. But instead it has faced destruction due to the lack of interest by the local authorities and the department of Tourism in Pakistan. Very soon it will disappear and a precious chapter in the history of mankind will be closed.

Sheikh Maltoon

The work of Sheikh Malee was highlighted about 20 years ago when the Provincial government named the new housing project in Mardan as Sheikh Maltoon Town. This housing project is a great development and a step to modernisation

The elite and educated groups of people prefer to live here. The Town has many good points for living a decent and comfortable life. However it will be worth mentioning the problems which the residents are facing. These are:No safe entry to and exit from the town. Accidents are very common and as a result many valuable lives have been lost. There is a need for urgent under passes or safe traffic control. Lack of plantation on the streets Lack of proper sewerage and waste disposal system Poor lighting Need for roads and street repair work

It is up to the residents to solve these problems as no one will come to help. This can be in the form of making organisations like Friends of Sheikh Maltoon or Society of Residents etc. Only then they will be able to put pressure on authorities and elected members. This will be a real tribute to Sheikh Malee and his work.

Hoosai Park

Hoosai means deer in Pushto language.It is also the name of a small village between Shahbaz Garha and Rustam about 15 miles from Mardan. It is beautiful because of surrounding mountains, trees and a small river. The land is agricultural and all sorts of fruit can be grown here.

A great part of the land is the property of Mr. Wali Mohammad Khan from Amazo Garhai. He used to keep a few birds and animals in the farm. One of his sons, Dr. Kamal Khan, got the idea of converting this into a big Park. In the beginning the park was for a family entertainment only but recently it has been opened up for general public.

It was initially named as "Marghozar Park". The people call it Kamal Khan Park. However because of the locality and the name of the village a more attractive name is Hoosai Park.
Kamal khan was born on 1st April 1953 in Amazo Garhai which is a very historical town. This is about 6 miles from Mardan. He got an MBBS degree from Ayub medical college Abbott Abad.
This park is about in 60 acres of land. It has a range of animals and birds including African Lion, Chimpanzees, dogs, fish, eagle, Peacocks, Ducks, Thai birds and many others. These animals walk around freely in natural environment. There is also a Guest House, Swimming Pool and a plan for a Hotel. According to the owner of the park he runs this project without any help from others. The government is not keen in the development of such projects for the entertainment of the people. He is disappointed with the response of the government and has decided to complete this project with his own resources.Kamal Khan has applied for lions to the government of South Africa but he is still awaiting permit and other formalities.

Recently Wild Life Department of the provincial government has offered him a lion but Kamal Khan has not taken this offer because the lion family is different from his own lion. And there is a risk that the lions may kill each other. The common local concept is that the lions may kill human beings but if treated properly they can develop understanding and become friendly.
The people of the area are happy to have a natural park near by and hope the project will develop further in future.Mardan.com encourages families and children to go for a day out, visit the park and enjoy themselves

*Sadly Kamal Khan died in the beginning of 2007 due to a Heart Attack.

Politics

olitics: "No Peace" as long as there is Poverty and Injustice...

The main reason for the trouble in the country is Poverty, Social Class Sysytem and Injustice?

Any Politician sincerely wants to solve it?

If not then face the consequences!!!

Unemployment is extremely high in Pakistan.These queues are for the posts of Primary teachers. Rising Unemployment and Poverty will further lower the image of the country....... 2009

Third World,Poverty in Pakistan.........

This is the state of more than 50% people in Mardan, Pakistan. Poverty is rapidly on the rise.No body is answerable to these poverty stricken chidren.

This little boy is selling the tree bark used for clean the teeth and gums (dandasa).Any ploitical party customer to buy it off him?

Ameer Haidar Khan is the Chief Minister of Pukhtunkhwa Province. He is from Hoti Mardan.He is the son of the former Federal Minister Azam Khan Hoti and the grandson of the late Abdul wali Khan,the ANP leader. He is a graduate of Edwards College Peshawar.

Rahimdad Khan...

The Senior Minister of Pukhtunkhwa...Planning and Development.He is from Hatian Mardan and is the provincial President of Peoples Party.

Imran Khan in Mardan Press Conference

Photo By Ismail Khan February 2009

Who are The MNAs and MPAs from Mardan?

The electios are over and the two clear winners in Mardan are candidates of ANP and PPP.One MAN seat is won by JUI-F party.Congratulations to the winners and commiserations to the losers.We hope the winners will work for the uplift of Mardan and the losers will work even harder to win next time.Here are the results...

Khwaj Muhammad Khan of ANP winner of NA-Mardan 1

Mawlana Muhammad Qasim of JUI-F winner of NA-Mardan 2

Abdul Akbar Khan of PPP winner of NA-Mardan 3

Ameer Haider Khan , ANP , PF-23 Mardan-I

Ahmad Khan Bahader ,ANP, PF-24 Mardan-II

Ghani Daad Khan,ANP, PF-25 Mardan-III

Sher Afghan Khan, PF-26 Mardan-IV

Rahim Dad Khan ,PPP, PF-27 Mardan-V

Hafiz Akhtar Ali ...JUI-F , PF-28 Mardan-VI

Abdul Akbar Khan ,PPP, PF-29 Mardan-VII

Iftikhar Khan ,PPP, PF-30 Mardan-VIII

Mrs Dawa Jan is a victim of land Mafia in Takht Bai.The property of this elderly lady has been illegally taken away from her.As there is no justice system in Pakistan,she only talked about her problem to the media. Only Poor Go to Jails No Schooling due to Poverty,ended up in jail Is this the power of future?

UN report says Hunger in S-Asia has reached its highest level in 40 years.....The report by the UN children's fund, UNICEF, says that 100 million more people in the region are going hungry compared with two years ago.It names the worst affected areas as Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan. The report says South Asia's governments need to urgently increase social spending to meet the challenge.It says that climate change and urbanisation also need tackling.

Welcome to Mardan

Mardan is the name of a big city in the North West of Pakistan. It is the headquarters of Mardan district and division. The region has a very rich cultural and heritage History.

This is an independent and unique web site. It will not only reflect the real life of the people of Mardan but will also work as a tool in the development of this beautiful and wonderful city of culture.

History

Ashoka stone Shahbaz Garha

Mardan has an important historical and geographical position. A region communicating Afghanistan and India in the past, it had witnessed a wonderful history. Alexander the Great reached the valley through Kunar Afghanistan and Swat in 326 BC.This was followed by Buddhism till the 7th century AD.Towards the end of 7th century; the Afghans arrived in the region. They introduced Islam in the valley. Following this Sultan Sabuktagin, Mahmood Ghaznavi, Mohammad Ghori, Mughals till the time of Aurangzeb and Nadir Shah ruled the valley. Then came the Sikhs and finally British Raj till 1947.

It looks as it was very easy to rule this valley. But in reality the great people always fought for their independence. They were so brave that they earned the name "MARDAN" for themselves. It means MEN with charisma and courage. Hence the area is called Mardan.

Ashoka Stones

Ashoka converted the area to Buddhism. Like most of the religions of today he promoted:

Justice, much good and little evil, kindness, generosity, truthfulness and purity.

This has been written on stone so that it might remain longer and that future generations may benefit from this.

The large rock of Shahbaz Garha promotes: prohibition of needless killing and sacrificing of animals provision of health facilities for humans and animals digging of wells prohibition of anti–social religious festivals good behavior with all obedience to parents

Sheikh Malee

Sheikh Malee was a great Pashtoon Geographer. He lived about 500 years ago and was one of the reliable friends of Sardar Malak Ahmad, a famous Yousafzai leader. In those days Mardan, Buner, Swat and other Pashtoon areas were collectively known as Swat. He was a sincere and an honest man. But he is famous because of the land allocation programme called "Veish" which he introduced in Peshawar, Mardan, Buner, Swat and other areas. He introduced the Unit of the land. He classified Pashtoons into nine major subgroups and the region into nine districts. He wrote a book in nine volumes about his land reforms. This is called 'Daftar e Sheikh Malee' and has been mentioned in the poems of the great poet, Khushal Khan Khattak.

Pa Swat ke dee dwa seeza
Yo Makhzan da Darweza de bal Daftar da Sheikh Malee

(There are two good things in Swat.
One is the book of Darweza and the other is the book of Sheikh Malee ).

This great reformer is buried in Shah Dand Baba Cemetery, Hoti Mardan.

The work of Sheikh Malee was highlighted about 25 years ago when the Provincial government named the new housing project in Mardan as Sheikh Maltoon Town.

Mardan Zanana Hospital

This hospital was founded by a Danish Lady Doctor called Marie Holst in 1906.She was a part of the Danish Tent Mission (later on called the "Danish Pathan Mission"). This was run by a doctor, assisted by Danish sisters and local staff. While in Mardan one of the nursing sisters, Margreth Rasmussen, got married to a man called Jens. He wrote his first book in Danish language about Pathans and Islam. They both spent many happy years in Mardan.She was loyal to the husband till he died in 1966.Jens was speaking and writing very beautiful Pashto.

The women's hospital building initially had trees and garden where kids used to play. The open area has been converted into the main hospital now and the original women hospital is hidden behind the building. The entrance to the hospital is not easy and is waterlogged after rain. Surely Dr Marie Holst may have done something about it if she was alive.

The Story of Ghazi Baba

By Kulwant Singh

The battle of Nowshera in NWFP (now in Pakistan), which according to the locals there, was a final blow to the NWFP by Sikhs. After the fall of Nowshera the tribes of Hoti Mardan assembled under the leadership of Syed Khwaja Noor also known as Mian Khwaja Noor and Ghazi Baba to fight Sikhs. On the day of this skirmish across the Kalpani River running through Hoti Mardan the local tribes of an X–Khel (name deleted) took money from Sikhs commanders. And when Ghazi Baba and his immediate friends went to the battle field in the morning, there was no fighter except them. At this moment the elders of X–Khel came and told them as what has happened and that they should put their arms down as fighting the Sikhs was suicidal. However, Ghazi Baba and his friends fought bravely and lost their lives.

A legend runs that his head was chopped off and when he fell from his horse, he was holding his head in one hand and his sword in the other.

His grave is near village Mohib Banda/Maob Banda a few kilometres away from Hoti Mardan across Kalpani River.

Bakhshali Manuscript

The Bakhshali manuscript is an early mathematical manuscript which was discovered over 100 years ago.

The Bakhshali Manuscript is the name given to the mathematical work written on birch bark and found in the summer of 1881 near the village Bakhshali (or Bakhshalai) of the Mardan district (now in Pakistan). The village is situated 15 km from the city of Mardan.

An Inspector of Police named Mian An–Wan–Udin (whose tenant actually discovered the manuscript while digging a stone enclosure in a ruined place) took the work to the Assistant Commissioner at Mardan who intended to forward the manuscript to Lahore Museum. However, it was subsequently sent to the Lieutenant Governor of Punjab who, on the advice of General A Cunningham, directed it to be passed on to Dr Rudolf Hoernle of the Calcutta Madrasa for study and publication. Dr Hoernle presented a description of the BM before the Asiatic Society of Bengal in 1882, and this was published in the Indian Antiquary in 1883. He gave a fuller account at the Seventh Oriental Conference held at Vienna in 1886 and this was published in its Proceedings. A revised version of this paper appeared in the Indian Antiquary of 1888. In 1902, he presented the Bakhshali Manuscript to the Bodleian Library, Oxford, where it is still (Shelf mark: MS. Sansk. d. 14).

A large part of the manuscript had been destroyed and only about 70 leaves of birch–bark, of which a few were only scraps, survived to the time of its discovery.


Baba Karam Singh

There is no doubt that Mardan is a wonderful place. Once you live here, you love it. This is not only true about the present inhabitants but also those who lived here in the past.Buddhists, Hindus, Sikh,Christians and Muslims equally loved it. One person who loved Mardan was a Sikh Saint, Sant Karam Singh.

Karam Singh joined the Corps of Guides in 1846, which was later reorganized as 5th (Guides) Battalion of the 12th Frontier Force Regiment, with Mardan being its normal duty station. He was spending off–duty hours in prayer in the regimental gurdwara or in solitary meditation on the bank of a nearby stream Kalapani, besides voluntary service in the common kitchen.

In 1857, the Guides formed part of the force that went from the Punjab to the aid of the British locked in a critical combat with Indian soldiers. Delhi fell to the British on 20 September 1857 after a siege lasting five months. The victorious soldiers fell upon the city and freely indulged in loot and massacre.

During this unrestrained pillage, officially permitted, Karam Singh, who had come to Delhi with his regiment, protected several families by standing guard outside their doors, refusing to accept any reward for his help. He was one soldier who stood aloof from this wholesale plunder.

Karam Singh returned to Mardan with his regiment. To be able to devote himself fully to his spiritual pursuit, he resigned from the army. The legend persists till today that once as he remained absorbed in meditation for long hours, he was reported absent from duty, but the officer who went to check up found him present. When Karam Singh, it is said, heard of this strange occurrence, he quit the army. His fame as a saint spread and visitors began to pour in to see him. For their sake, a few thatched huts were constructed near Hoti, a town close to Mardan, a well was sunk, and Guru ka Langar started – all by voluntary service in which soldiers from the Guides also participated.

He did not deliver lengthy sermons, but people felt inspired by his pious manner. Many became his disciples. He had his admirers among Hindus and Muslims and among the turbulent Pathan tribals. He did not go out of Hoti Mardan during the rest of his life, except once when he undertook a pilgrimage to Panja Sahib, Amritsar and Haridvar.

There are so many stories about him in the villages like Gujar Garhai and Rustam. His followers in Jalandhar,Punjab dedicated a site to Dera Hoti Mardan, started by Baba Karam Singh ji.

Guides Memorial will disappear

M.Usman Mardanvi, Archaeologist, Mardan Foundation

S A Ali,Mardan Foundation

Cultural heritage and buildings have its historical significance. It

represents the taste and theme of the time. The Guides Memorial

Mardan also has a very relevant historical importance. It was built by the British in 1892 in memory of their soldiers who sacrificed their

lives in defence of Queen’s Residency in Kabul in September 23rd 1879.

This historical memorial was built in the centre of Mardan city. It has three storey building. There is an opening arch in the centre of this

memorial while on both sides are the stair cases.

There is an influence of Hindu temple on the ground structures, level with suspended leaves in well carved stone works, with marble stones, mouldings which not only support the building but secure it from earthquake shockwaves.The Gothic arches are the British Architect like seen in Churches. On the second floor there are open arches from where a major part of the surroundings is visible.On the third stage there are cupolas on each corner of this memorial. This is an Islamic architect.

On both sides of the building are stone carved lotus flowers for decoration which is of Buddhist idea. On both sides of building there are marble inscriptions in Pushto, Persian and English languages. The names of those soldiers' cavalry and infantry are mentioned. It looks like the Irish Infantry and Battalions.

Some of the history is already is already vanishing. Once there was the door of the gate of Jandul Fort (Dir) but it is not clear whether it has been stolen or has been taken to some other part of the country. There are historical cannons which were used against Umara Khan Jandul. He was the brave Afghan/Pushtun who resisted the invasion of British Army. According to some he is the Napoleon of the East.

There is even more history about this historical monument. But what is the point of discussing it as sadly due to the negligence of the government some parts of this memorial are damaged and broken. There are garbage bags, rubbish wastes and the place looks miserable.

On behalf of Mardan Foundation, we request the government to take a notice of the problem. The right move will be to hand over the management of Guides Memorial to the appropriate authorities. Alternatively an official involvement of local communities and organisations will be useful in the preservation of such historical buildings.

Jens Christensen

Jens Christensen was born on the 24th of August 1899 in Chicago, of Danish parents. Jens' father, Christen Christensen (died 1944), an engineer in the American Telegraph Service, and his mother, Margrethe Poulsen (died 1947) were members of the Presbyterian Church, and their children grew up in a very pious home.

During the First World War, America came to the rescue of France by Sending troops to the French–German border. Jens volunteered for service And joined a regiment bringing provisions to the front line. Back home in 1918, he resolved to become a missionary abroad, and at once started to prepare himself for the task at the New York Missionary Training School in Nyack. Affiliated to this school was the

'Christian and Missionary Alliance'–the CMA mission.

Jens was sent to India by this society in 1922 and then to the North–West Frontier Province (NWFP) to learn the language and start mission work there. Here it is worth looking at the luggage JC chose to bring along. The allowance was mainly spent on books bought second–hand: 'The Church Fathers', Calvin's 'Institutes', commentaries on the Scriptures, the Greek language, dictionaries and grammars. Also handbooks on technical subjects, such as drawing and construction work, and on top favourite American poetry. At Mardan in the NWFP they were met by an old CMA missionary,

Mr Robertson, who gave them quarters.

Mardan was a well–known township in the NWFP for two reasons:

(i) it was the home of the famous British regiment 'The Queen's Own Guides', who had subdued unruly Pathan tribes, making part of the NWFP habitable for ordinary citizens; and (ii) the Danish Mission, Zanana Hospital, founded in 1906 by a Danish lady doctor, Marie Holst. The hospital was supported by the 'Danish Tent Mission' (later called the 'Danish Pathan Mission'), and run by Dr Anna Bramsen, assisted by Danish nursing sisters and a local staff.

The Danish missionaries at the Zanana (women) hospital had long felt the need for work amongst men, and the Home Board agreed. So when, in 1925, Jens applied for work in the TM/DPM mission, he was happily accepted, so much more because he had become engaged to one of the nursing sisters, Margrethe Rasmussen! They were married in January 1926.

He wanted very much to stay on in the NWFP. From the very start, he had wholeheartedly studied the Pushto language and the Pathan way of life, and had come to respect and like the proud and self–reliant people.

His first book in Danish was about the Pathans and Islam. He also felt at home with the Danish Lutheran Mission and its teaching. He was given the tasks: to preach the Good News at Mardan and in the surrounding villages, to take care of the pastoral work in the small Christian community, and to produce Christian literature in Pushto.

He divided his work into three categories:

Evangelisation, Instruction of the Christians, and Literacy Work, that is, comprising tracts in Pushto about the Christian faith, translation of the Bible, and opening of reading rooms for distribution of the literature, and as meeting places for personal talks and dialogues.

In M. A. Taib he found a lifelong co–worker. Taib was a Muslim convert from a village in Swat, where his father was a mullah. He had been baptized by Mr Robertson. He was a writer and a poet, a composer of several hymns, and versified Jens's prose writings, making them more palatable to the Pathan taste.

To begin with, Jens spent much time in the reading room at Mardan, when not travelling in the district with Taib and other Christians to contact the people and preach the Word. The need for literature in Pushto was obvious. In 1927 the 'Pushto Literature Committee' was formed; six missionary societies were involved and Jens chaired the committee. The reading room at Mardan, called 'Dar ul Tabligh' (house of learning), became the centre for printing and distribution.

Books from English, Danish and Urdu were translated. In the Old Testament we find common ground with Muslims, so books about the Patriarchs and about Ishmael were found. 'Stumbling Blocks' only in English and Danish was Jens' answer to a young student who had demanded a logical explanation of the Christian doctrines.

In 1931 Jens began the translation into Pushto of Matthew's Gospel, followed in 1936 by the translation of John's Gospel, followed soon after by a new edition, versified by Taib, and with a commentary by Jens, presented in the best tradition of Muslim religious writings – a tradition which was respected in the publications from Dar ul Tabligh. 'The British and Foreign Bible Society' met the cost (as it later did with the translation of the whole New Testament).

Taib, working as a librarian, kept a record of the distribution of tracts, booklets and Bible portions. It made the annual reports Jens' sent home interesting reading. In 1938, after 10 years with the committee, it showed that 37 different books and tracts by 14 different authors had been published.148,000 copies had been printed, which had been widely distributed through the province and even across the border to Afghanistan, the closed country.

Taib also studied theology with Jens and in 1938 he was ordained pastor by Bishop J. Sandegren, from the Lutheran Swedish Church in South India. In 1939 the church building at Mardan stood ready and was consecrated by the Anglican Bishop, George Lahore, in April.

There were now two congregations: one Pushto and one Urdu at Mardan, as well as small ones at Malakand and Swabi. Taib became a travelling pastor, now meeting his fellow men in new situations, giving rise to many questions as a Christian Pathan serving poor Christian communities.

When the Second World War broke out the Danish Mission was cut off from its home base and its support. It required some rethinking and Jens received a commission as recruiting officer at Mardan in the 'Allied Cause' that is the united forces against Hitler, his regime and confederates.

The office was in one of the old hospital buildings, so Jens just had to cross the road to find himself in his own office, where he also chaired the committee for the translation of the New Testament from Greek into vernacular Pushto. It was done very thoroughly under the auspices of 'The British and Foreign Bible Society', and was finished in 1945. Jens' concern about church leadership and the work of evangelists and

missionaries found expressions again and again in letters, articles, reports and lectures.

From 1950–60 he worked steadily on a correspondence course comprising 37 lectures. There were students in several countries. We now find the lectures in the book 'The Practical Approach to Muslims', edited by a mission society in North Africa.

To help young preachers, Jens published his sermons for each Sunday in a church. In 1955 he prepared the Constitution for the Lutheran Church in Pakistan (PLC), and in 1959 'The Book of Common Worship of the Pakistani Lutheran Church', with the Creeds and the Augsburg Confession, was published. He was consecrated Bishop of the PLC in 1955.

Jens Christensen was a soldier in the Church Militant, and at the frontline. He was loyal to the last in spite of much illness and many trials. He was an inspiring leader and a good friend of many different people, who enjoyed the cheerful hospitality of his and Margrethes' home. He was only 67 when he died in 1966. At his side was his faithful wife and secretary Margrethe who, until her own death in 1983, very actively supported and promoted his work.

At the front of the Mardan Church there is an inscription, in Jens' beautiful Pushto handwriting:

"This is now his farewell to the Pathans."

Music,Poets and Writers in Mardan

By Akbar Hoti

There is no doubt that Pushto Singers and Musicians of Mardan are well known throughout Pukhtoonkhwa and Afghanistan. On the one hand the poets have written beautiful poetry and on the other hand the musicians and the singers have worked hard to convert these into beautiful songs. The majority of this traditional group of singers and musicians are living in Par Hoti Mardan. Most of them have come from Marghuz and Baja Bam Khel in Swabi and some from Swat. The reason of coming to Mardan was the hardships of life in their villages and the relatively closer geographical position of Mardan to Peshawar. From here they used to visit other places to perform .They also used to go to Peshawar Broadcasting Station for recording of the songs. There were small studio rooms where people used to visit and listened to the music in Par Hoti. For this reason this area was called the music bazaar of Mardan. Some great singers have emerged from Par Hoti. The famous ones are Bachazareen Jan, Qamro Jan, Kishwar Sultan, Mashuk Sultan, Nigar Sultan,Khatoon, Shakila Naz and Neelam. The well known Pushto singer Khial Muhammad also learnt singing in Mardan in his childhood. The musicians who became popular are Farrukh Seir Shama, Rahdat Hussain, Muhammad Anwar Master and Wali Dad Tibla Nawaz. At the present time Master Liaqat, Moeen Ali, Iqbal Hussain Shan, Laloon, Fazal Wahab Dard, Zar Nosh, Muhammad Ali (Rabab Nawaz), Malik Aman and Kachkol Ustaz are worth mentioning. These are the people who have kept the Pushto music alive and in particular the traditional and folk music of Pukhtoon Nation. They are also working hard to promote Pushto poetry and language. Despite the struggle, this group of people have always been living in poor conditions. The main reason is that like the Pushto language, these are the disadvantaged people. There is not enough coverage of Pashto language on the Government Media. With the introduction of Private Pushto Radio Services and TV Channels there is some hope that Pushto language and along with it the Pushto Music will flourish. Badshazarin Jan Akbar Hoti Badshazareen Jan is one of the famous Pashto singers. She comes from Mardan and started singing in a very young age. Her first song was played by Radio Peshawar in 1949 when she was only 7 year old.This great singer was born in Par Hoti in 1942.Her father was Abdul Rahim who concentrated on her education. She was the first Pashto female singer who passed Metric exam from a local school for girls She got the initial music lessons from her elder sister, Dilbar Jan Balelai and later on regular training from Pazir Gul Ustaz. She is the only singer who has sung in Pashto, Hindko, Punjabi, Farsi, Potohari, Saraiki and Urdu languages. Apart from every corner in Pakistan, she has performed in India as well.She is not only a good singer but also played a central role in Radio dramas like Jalat Khan-Mahbooba and Sher Alam-Mamoonai. She was given an award for best performance in 1960s and in 2000 she received a Medal of distinction. She remained single and dedicated her life to Pashto music. Like everything else the good time has come to an end. Badshazareen Jan is living quietly in Gulbahar Peshawar. The grant from Radio has been stopped and she is facing financial problems. She deserves more what she received for her good work. She has recorded many songs but the ones we like are پناه ولاړه يمه هلکه بلۍ مه نړوه ليدې مې نۀ شې او زۀ Aw za pana walarha yama...Halaka balai ma narhawa, leedey mey na shey 2.ما پر ے سيز ے ځې په مکيزونو ياره هوجرې له بله ډيوه و ړ ے Maa pe sezey..... Zey pa makezoono yara....Hujrey la bala deva worey... Qamro Jan By Akbar Hoti Mardan is playing a very central role in keeping the Pukhtoon culture alive. Apart from literary activities, it has produced some very top singers who have performed at the top levels. These traditional singers are not only known to the people of Mardan but are very popular in the entire Pukhtoon population throughout the world. Qamro Jan is one of these singers .This vocalist was born in 1944 in Par Hoti. Her father Nawab Khan was a musician and a good Harmonium player. Qamro Jan was fond of music and had a beautiful voice since young age. Her first song was broadcasted from Peshawar Radio Station in 1959 and she was only 15 year old at that time. The producer was Rashid Ali Dehqan and the director was Qazi Saeed. This was the song that popularized the poet Ali Haidar Joshi and the story of Yousaf Khan Sher Bano. The song called "Badala" was a hit and following this Qamro Jan became a famous artist. Initially she used to sing on Radio only as there was no television or Pushto movies. She rented an accommodation in Qissa Khwani and was paid fifty rupees for each recording of the song. Later on she sung on stage and television. She received an award for her best performance from Peshawar Radio Station. She sung patriotic songs and anthems at the time of wars in 1965 and 1971 but she has never been awarded for this by the National, Provincial or the divisional authorities. This great singer is still alive. She even does not have her own house. She is living in Par Hoti in a small house made of mud and clay. She is paying 600 rupees per month to the landlord. Qamro Jan played her role to popularize Pushto music and Mardan. Now it's up to the authorities and the people of Mardan to take care of this wonderful singer. She is passing through the most difficult period of her life. Song This song is written by Dr Israr and is sung by the vocalist Haroon Bacha. You can listen to the song by visiting the following link: http://www.musafar.com/new_songs/nsp/pushto_new_songs_004.html Khalak badal shoo, Ka badal shuloo wakhtoona Jinakay na razi goodar tha Pakhwa ba har mazigar, da nazar sel wo-- Mangi pa sar ba junoo, jor karey tel wo-- Da goodar har bootay ba da sar poolel wo-- Wus pake aloozi spera spera badoona Jinakay na razi goodar tha Da sa jadoo woka cha, pa kali kor-- Da goodar patey na sho, haghasey nor Pa deedanoono bandey, porey sho wor-- Cherta mayeno ta cha wokra azaroona Jinakay Na Razi Goodar Tha Hope you enjoyed the song. And if you have then why not listen to it again Poets and Writers Pushto language is probably spoken in its best form in Mardan. The written script is also a popular one and is taught in schools. The poets and writers of Mardan are well known in the region. They have always worked for the uplift of the nation and the language. They have tried to highlight the importance of Pushtun National Unity and not to forget their glorious past. They have been in the front of row of campaigners for human rights and social justice. At the same time they are the poets of nature, beauty,love and peace. The work of these poets and writers became more obvious and organised when they formed Pashto Adabi Jarga (Literary Society) in 1955.The time between 1962 and 1970 was the golden period of this society. This was the time of political awareness in the country and these intellectuals did a brilliant job in introducing the new ideas and progressive Pashto Poetry. The group had personalities like Asghar Lala, Sher Ali Bacha, Qamar Rahi, Pir Gohar, Dr Amin ul Haq, M R Shafaq, Mohammad Iqbal Iqbal, Jamal Razi, Israr Toru and Mian Khairul Haq Gohar. They used to hold regular poetry and other literary sessions in the office of Sher Ali Bacha who was a lawyer by profession. There is no doubt that these activities attracted younger poets who benefited from the Jarga and later on became very famous in the literary circles of the region and media. It is a big task to mention and write about all the poets of Mardan. We have selected 20 prominent names who are not only the poets and writer but they have served the people of Mardan in some other capacity as well.Mian Khair ul Haq Gohar, Hasan Khan Soz, Dr Amin ul Haq, Sher Ali Bacha Anwar, Qamar Rahi, Asghar Lala, Pir Gohar, Mohammad Iqbal Iqbal, Jamal Razi, Dr Israr Israr, Humayun Huma, Israr da Toru, Shamsul Qamar Andesh, Noor ul Bashar Naveed, Miraj Khan, Mamoon ur Rasheed, Zubair Hasrat, Meem Ray Shafaq, Abdur Rauf Zahid, Professor Dr Salma Shaheen….. The list is not the final one and we will publish more about the poets and writers very soon. Mardan is extremely lucky to have such a bunch of talented people. Poets and Writers of Mardan Mian Khair ul Haq Gohar Hasan Khan Soz Dr Amin ul Haq Ali Haidar Joshi Sher Ali Bacha Qamar Rahi Asghar Lala Pir Gohar Mohammad Iqbal Iqbal Dr Israr Israr Shamsul Qamar Andesh Mushtaq Majrooh Humayun Huma Israr da Toru Meem Ray Shafaq Abdur Rauf Zahid Jamal Razi Mahboob Ali Mahboob Noor ul Bashar Naveed Miraj Khan Mamoon ur Rasheed Muhammad Saeed Saeed Mian Wakeel Shah Faqir Khel Faizul Wahab Faiz Akmal Lewaney Muhammad Zaman Adil Akbar Hoti Salma Shaheen Zubair Hasrat.