FLI Supports Wakhi Speakers in Hosting Cultural & Music Festival

FLI provided support to the Wakhi Tajik Culture Association (WTCA) in organizing a grand cultural showcase at Karakoram International University, Gilgit, during the last weekend of the previous month. A significant turnout of Wakhi community members from Gilgit city attended the event.
The program commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by “Sho Mubarak Bod,” a welcoming song performed by elders, and “Sinisai,” presented by the women. Mr. Lutfullah Khan, President of the Wakhi Tajik Culture Association, expressed gratitude to FLI for its assistance in bringing together Wakhi speakers to celebrate their culture in the city. Artists and musicians from Bulbulik, a music school in Gulmit, Gojal, showcased their talents throughout the event. Both male and female singers from Gojal and Ishkoman valleys, as well as children, performed. An audience participatory cultural dance added to the festivities, reflecting Wakhi traditions. Traditional handicrafts and food were served to guests, with special stalls arranged.
Mr. Eiman Shah, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Information, graced the occasion as the chief guest. In his address, Mr. Eiman Shah commended the efforts of the Wakhi Tajik Culture Association in promoting culture, heritage, music, poetry, and language. He pledged his full support for the establishment of the Wakhi Cultural Centre in Gilgit. The event celebrated the diverse heritage of Wakhi communities from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, China, and other Central Asian countries.
The Wakhi language belongs to the Iranian branch of Indo-European languages and is spoken in Afghanistan, China, Tajikistan, and Pakistan. In Gilgit-Baltistan, Wakhi people predominantly inhabit the upper region of Hunza, known as Gojal. Additionally, Wakhi speakers reside in the Ishkoman Valley of District Ghizer and certain villages of Yasin Valley. In Pakistan, Wakhi communities also reside in Broghal, Chitral district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
FLI places significant importance on connecting language speakers living outside their native regions. Previously, the organization has supported various communities such as Indus Kohsitani, Torwali, Palula, Dameli, Khowar, Burushaski, Balti, and Shina, residing in urban areas of Pakistan, to come together and celebrate their cultures.