Zubair Torwali

2 months ago | thenews.com.pk | Zubair Torwali

The term ‘Kohistani’ literally means ‘of the mountains’ or ‘mountainous’ – referring to the people who inhabit mountainous regions and their way of life. It does not denote a specific language, community, cultural identity or ethnic group. Rather, it is a broad geographical descriptor applied to individuals residing in mountainous terrains, whether they belong to the Khel Daas Kohistani of the Thar Desert’s hilly areas or the Indus Kohistanis, such as Afzal Kohistani.

2 months ago | thenews.com.pk | Zubair Torwali

In this modern world driven by rapid sociocultural changes, international conflicts and manmade and natural disasters, the socio-economic and political organisation of human society – citizens of a nation-state – is divided into three sectors: the public (governmental or state owned and managed), the private (commercial and corporate), and the non-governmental, non-commercial sector now recognised as the ‘third sector’.

2 months ago | thenews.com.pk | Zubair Torwali

The region of Torwal in Swat, where now the language Torwali is spoken by about 140,000 people and which was once the entire area of today’s Bahrain tehsil in the Swat district, has undergone significant transformations across multiple dimensions – physical, cultural, demographic and environmental. These changes have been influenced by modernisation, state policies, external cultural influences and environmental challenges.

Jan 6, 2025 | thenews.com.pk | Zubair Torwali

The Swat Valley, nestled in the northern mountains of Pakistan, is not merely a geographical marvel; it is a cradle of cultural, emotional, and natural heritage that flows through its lifeblood – water. Springs, streams, rivers, glaciers, canals, waterfalls, and lakes are not just reservoirs of water but sources of what is now called ‘hydro-heritage’.

Dec 9, 2024 | thefridaytimes.com | Zubair Torwali

In the past, Dardistan was known for its unique Dardic customs, culture, and geographic boundaries. This region, diverse in linguistic and ethnic makeup, also served as a significant corridor for migrations between Central and South Asia. Influences from three major cultural zones—Persian, Indian, and Central Asian—along with Tibetan imprints, are evident in this region. This diversity, akin to the Caucasus, contributes to the area's remarkable linguistic variation.