January 7, 2025
By Asma Gul
PESHAWAR
Once a celebrated musician in Afghanistan, Baryalai Wali now lives as a refugee in Peshawar. With his resilience and strength he is the soul of what Pashto music stands for.
Armed with a Master’s degree in Economics from Kabul University, Baryalai’s passion for music led him to a career that celebrated the poetic works of Pashto literary giants such as Rahman Baba, Khushal Khan Khattak, Ajmal Khattak, and Rashid Khan Khattak. His unique interpretations of their poetry made him a household name in Afghanistan.
But, the fall of Kabul in August 2021 marked a turning point, not just for the people, but also their spirits which were deeply entrenched in its culture.
Afghanistan was a haven for music and arts, but after being hit by the Taliban, it became inhospitable for artists and musicians like Baryalai Wali, and forced hundreds to seek refuge in neighbouring countries like Pakistan.
Wali reflects on this. “Terrorism has had a profoundly negative impact on music. Wherever there is violence, the first casualties are music and women’s rights. Even today, Pashto music faces immense challenges. We don’t want music to be silenced—it is a symbol of love and unity in society.”
In Afghanistan and even in certain areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, music remains banned, which is equivalent to erasing Afghan culture and traditions.
“It is also true that while people in Pashtun society appreciate art, they do not value the artist, which is unfair and unacceptable,” he adds.
The Vedic legacy of Pashto music
Dr. Rashid Khan, a renowned scholar, has dedicated his life to the preservation and promotion of Pashto music. With a PhD from Peshawar University’s Pashto Academy, his research focuses on the evolution of Pashto music and the historical roots of its ragas. He highlights the distinct genres of Pashto music, such as dastan, qissa, namiya, tappa, and charbeta, which reflect the cultural fabric of the Pashtun belt.
According to Dr. Rashid Khan, the historical journey of Pashto music dates back to ancient times, with traces found in Hindu scriptures and references to significant musical landmarks in the region. Yet, this heritage has faced repeated challenges.
“During British rule, when anti-monarchy wars were waged, court musicians were displaced. Later, the jihadist era and the rise of Talibanization further dismantled the vibrant essence of Pashto music,” he explained.
Art in the face of extremism
Hyat Roghani, chairman of the Mafkura Research and Development Center, believes that fine arts and music symbolize peace. However, he notes that violent ideologies have left lasting scars on the region’s artistic community. In an interview with Voicepk.net, he emphasised that over the past century, Pashto music has endured numerous challenges.
“Even today, extremism casts a shadow over music and singing, which are often viewed with disdain and hatred,” Roghani lamented.
A call for revival and peace
Experts and advocates for Pashto music stress the need for sustained efforts to keep this cultural tradition alive.
They argue that fostering peace and stability in the Pashtun region is critical not only for the survival of music but also for the economic stability of thousands of families connected to this art form.
Revitalizing Pashto music is not merely about preserving a cultural artifact—it is a means of rebuilding the identity of a people long battered by conflict and instability. In a region where songs have long told the stories of love, valor, and community, Pashto music remains a beacon of hope, longing to find its voice again.