In Thana, Malakand, an art academy called Hunar Kor (meaning "Art House" in Pashto) has emerged as a vital platform for nurturing creativity and promoting regional culture.
Offering training in both music and visual arts, Hunar Kor provides students with access to a variety of musical instruments such as the rabab, sitar, harmonium, guitar, and tabla. Alongside music, the academy also teaches sketching, painting, and photography, making it a hub for young, aspiring artists.
Founded by poet, musician, and author Amjad Shehzad, Hunar Kor has been instrumental in fostering peace and countering extremism through the arts. In an interview with TNN, Shehzad shared, “We began Hunar Kor 22 years ago with poetry readings and study circles. During the unrest in 2009, we resisted extremism by organizing peace poetry sessions and musical events, aiming to bring the community together. Despite threats, we stood firm, and today we take pride in our success.”
The academy also offers online classes, enabling students from remote areas, including women and those living abroad, to participate. “Our online sessions attract students who face social barriers or live too far to attend in person,” Shehzad explained.
However, the journey has not been without challenges. “In 2009, during the peak of violence, I received death threats from extremists, who warned me to stop these ‘un-Islamic’ activities. One even disguised himself as a beggar to spy on us. But we remained steadfast,” Shehzad recounted.
One of Hunar Kor’s key figures is Shehzad’s sister, Brikhna Shehzad, a talented painter whose artwork, displayed on the academy’s walls, primarily focuses on women’s rights. “In our society, there’s a prevalent belief that a woman’s place is either in the home or the grave. We must change that mindset,” she said passionately.
Several students have gone on to achieve success in their fields thanks to Hunar Kor. Ibad, a skilled pencil artist, shared how the academy helped him hone his craft: “I’ve participated in numerous regional and national competitions. Hunar Kor polished my talent.” Similarly, Zarghoon Yousafzai, a rabab enthusiast, said, “I live close to the academy, where I learned to play professionally. Now I’m a sought-after rabab player among my friends.”
Expressing admiration for the academy, former ANP provincial assembly candidate Izhar Khan said, “Institutions like Hunar Kor are the backbone of our society. The government should allocate funds for such academies. Sadly, in our country, where even basic needs like health and clean water are neglected, the promotion of art and culture seems a distant dream.”
Despite repeated attempts, MPA Shakeel Ahmed Khan could not be reached for comment regarding government support for cultural institutions.
Beyond arts and music, Hunar Kor organizes study circles that invite participants from diverse backgrounds to discuss various topics, including Pashto language, archaeology, and mental health. Regular attendee Aizaz Ahmed remarked, “Hunar Kor plays a pivotal role in nurturing talent and promoting peace in a region like Malakand. Such institutions should be established across the country.”
