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PESHAWAR, Jul 16 (APP):In the heart of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), where mountains echo with legends of valour, there lies a less celebrated, yet equally powerful identity that of music and melody that ruled over hearts of millions.
From the poetic strums of the rabab to the rhythmic heartbeat of the tabla with harmonium, the province has long been a cradle of musical heritage. But now, its timeless musical tunes and age-old instruments face an uncertain future, crying out for Govt substantial support and preservation.
For centuries, music in KP has thrived not merely as entertainment, but as a cultural soul– a medium of storytelling, expression, resilience and love. “The roots of music in KP go deep, attracting people in all ages,” says Bakhtzada Muhammad, Assistant Director at the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums while talking to APP.
“Traditional Pashto music and theater, marked by its poetic depth and soulful instrumentation, has been a source of harmony and identity for the Pashtun people. However, it is under threat in past few decades due to social media addiction and declining of cinema viz a viz hujra culture in KP,” he said.
Despite these challenges, KP’s contribution to the nation’s music scene is profound. From legends like rabab maestro Amir Khusro, and Ahmad Khan to modern icons such as Gulnar Begium, Khayal Muhammad, Mashooq Sultana, Gul Panra, Rahim Shah, and Sardar Ali Takkar – KP’s voices have transcended borders in the past, touching hearts millions of fans not only in Pakistan but also in Afghanistan, and even the Gulf.
Despite this rich legacy, musicians and singers today face daunting challenges in Khyber Pakthunkhwa due to lack of Govt strong and security challenges.
“There is little KP government support, and traditional avenues like theaters, cinema hujras, and folk shows have declined immensely in Khyber Pakthunkhwa that once produced great legends like Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor, Qavi Khan, Ismail Shahid, Firdus Jamal that ruled over subcontinent cinemas and TV over decades” laments Fayaz Khan Kheshgi, a 62-year-old folk singer from Nowshera.
“Social media may have provided a platform to immature singers and musicians, but it has also distanced people from live performances and classical traditions in Pakhtoon society,” he said.
Population explosion, conservative resistance, cultural shifts, security concerns, copyright, social media and a lack of Govt patronage have all contributed to a diminishing demand for classical music, pushing many artists toward economic uncertainty and switching over to other professions.
Once celebrated as Pesha War – the city of artisans, Peshawar is now home to only a handful of traditional instrument makers while many switch over to others craftsmanship for their families financial needs.
In the historic Shah Burhan locality of Peshawar City, Ahmad Ali and his family are among the last remaining artisans who still handcraft classical instruments like the rabab, tabla, and dafli (tambourine).
“Our grandfather started this craft after migrating from Gujranwala nearly a century ago and we continued this legacy still today,” says Ahmad. “We are the third generation keeping this tradition alive, but it’s getting harder each year due to price hike and lack of technical hands to repair musical instruments at Peshawar.”
Ahmad says crafting a rabab takes 10–12 days, while a pair of hand drums can take a month. With prices ranging from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 30,000, the cost and effort involved is significant, and the demand is steadily shrinking in KP.
“The problem is not just about making new instruments,” says Shahzaib Khan, a folk musicians and drumbeater from Nowshera.
Shahzaib said that normally he collected Ra10,000 to Ts20000 per wedding on Sunday in the past, adding earning from musical shows decreased immensely in Nowshera district.
Qaiser Khan, former Nazim village Mohib Banda Nowshera said that his hujra was a main centre of live musical programs by the villagers but now such programs disappeared due to social media and indoor households programs.
“Finding skilled hands to repair these drums and rabab and tune them is a bigger issue these days in KP. I had to travel all the way to Peshawar because no one in my district could fix my hand drums.”
Experts and artists alike are now urging the provincial government to act decisively to preserve this heritage from dying. These artists and musicians need recognition, training centers, stipends for artists, and serious investment in preserving traditional crafts.
It is good omen that some steps have been initiated by the KP Govt. The “Support to Living Human Treasures” project by the KP Directorate of Culture provides stipends of Rs. 30,000 to nearly 500 artists, including singers and tabla players. But many believe it is not sufficient keeping in view of the rising price hike in KP.
“There are only a few of us left who know how to make these instruments,” warns Ahmad Ali. “If nothing is done, this art will vanish. And when it goes, a huge piece of our culture goes with it.”
As modernization reshapes society, it is imperative to recognize that culture cannot thrive on nostalgia alone. Concrete policies, educational outreach, and institutional patronage are needed to revive the melodies of KP and the skilled hands that shape them.
The rhythm of the rabab and the beat of the tabla are not just sounds as they are the heartbeat of a people. In a land known for warriors, it’s time to also honour the musicians who fought battles of a different kind including terrorism with harmony, heritage, and hope.