Print

    A MESSAGE OF MUSIC AND HARMONY FROM FATA

    Written by: Adeel Wahid
    Posted on: January 27, 2014 |

    Za Paktun Yam (I am a Pakthun)

    Naseer Afridi

    Derided and chastised, the Pushtuns have recently found themselves stigmatized because of the ongoing “War on Terror” and its backlash. “People judge us before they even get to know us”, says Naseer Afridi, the alternative rock musician, who has unleashed a new and original musical experience for Pakistanis.

    In such a situation, it becomes imperative to tell the world at large, that Pushtuns are not any different from the rest. Naseer Afridi has taken this onus on himself, to right the already “wronged” image. It is always a challenging task to break stereotypes. “The minority of terrorists have managed to tarnish the image of the whole community” says Afridi.  

    Hailing from Kybher Agency, with his childhood spent mostly in Islamabad, Naseer talks about the marginalization of the FATA Pathans, whether it is economic, social or political. “Look at the basic facilities, hospitals and schools, and one will notice that no meaningful initiative has ever been taken to mainstream the Pushtuns from the Tribal Area.”    

     As a child, Naseer was exposed to the rich indigenous folk music in Pashto, but with time he also listened to and became an admirer of the Western bands such as Linkin Park and Three days Grace. This eventually led to his thinking that why can’t Pashto be sung with Western beats and instruments. “Somebody had to do it, and that somebody was me” Afridi says.

     Za Sta Pasha Nayam (I am not like you)

    Naseer Afridi

    Naseer Afridi has been approached by various organizations and agencies with ulterior motives, to showcase or rather use him as the “good, cultured Pathan who loves music” amidst the war loving, ruthless Pushtuns. Having fallen for one such trap, Naseer has now learned to be aware of such people who for their selfish designs try to lure artists in order to propagate their own hidden agendas.

    For such people, Naseer, now, has a clear message; “I am not like you”. Rather than being used as means to further hatred, and reinforce the racial and ethnic divide, Naseer tells them that, “Ao Za Mina Mina Mina Kom” (I am for love, love, love).

    But there is more that can be read in his and Shahab’s famous song, “Za Sta Pasha Nayam”, which came to be known as “That Pashto Song” by the majority, and which continued to be a hit on City89 for weeks when it initially came out in 2012. The song is an apt critique of the politicians and the society in general, especially on the people who establish relationships solely for narrow self interest.

    Pakistan

    “As a child, I had a dream; to don the uniform and serve the military and Pakistan” says Afridi. But he was rejected twice. “I was shattered, I had no plan B.”

    But then serving Pakistan is not limited to only one path, something that Naseer learned with time. In his view, music can be used as a means to unite, as a means to challenge misconceived notions which in turn can create greater harmony and peace.

    “Peace is essential for healthy social activities and also essential for creativity”, Naseer says. With a bleak scenario for music, especially in the current turmoil, artists have a hard time finding the opportunities to perform at gigs and concerts.

    “I have these six months before I graduate to convince my parents that I can make a living out of music” Naseer says. With three concerts planned in February, Naseer is ready to take on the challenge to prove to the world, that he has in him the talent and that rare creative energy which can lead him to greater success in times to come.

    Naseer's Jamming Session at Saad's (Ehl-e-Rock) Place

    Meray Yaar (My friend)

    In 2010, Naseer “met” Shahab, the lead guitarist of ‘Naseer & Shahab’, on the internet. “We instantly clicked” remembers Naseer, “We had the same vision in music and we instantly knew that we would make a great duo”. Shahab and Naseer have come up with four songs till date, and they are already working on the video of the fifth, “Galti Mein Shta” (It is my fault). Then there are short videos that the duo also works on, having recently completed “Born a Dead Man”; a critique on the status quo political system of Pakistan.

    Shahab, with his skills in graphics and engineering, is able to add the artistic graphic touch in the Naseer & Shahab videos along with bringing up novel ideas such as making of an “interactive video”, where the audiences, for the first time in Pakistan, would be a part of the video itself with the help of their cursors.

    Since Shahab is based in Australia, for live performances, Naseer relies on the support of his time tested friends, who are engaged with other bands, “Ehl-e-Rock” and “Black Hour”.

    It was in the hospitable atmosphere of Saad’s house, the lead guitarist of Ehl-e-Rock, that I witnessed a highly entertaining afternoon, with Naseer Afridi grooving it up for the upcoming gigs and concerts. 


    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

    YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021