Kandahar Hosts the Annual Traditional Anar Gul "(Pomegranate Blossom)" Poetry Festival

The Kandahar Department of Information and Culture successfully organized the Annual Traditional Anar Gul (Pomegranate Blossom) Poetry Festival, honoring Afghanistan's rich literary history. The ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials, renowned poets, and hundreds of enthusiastic locals.  
Attendees included the Deputy Director of the Administrative Office of the Prime Minister, Mawlawi Abdul Salam Hanafi; the Minister of Urban Development and Housing, Mawlawi Hamdullah Nomani; the Governor of Kandahar, Haji Mullah Sahib; the Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture, Mawlawi Atiqullah Azizi; Deputy Minister of Publications, Mohajer Farahi; the Spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate, Mawlawi Zabihullah Mujahid; Director of Information and Culture, Mawlawi Inamullah Samangani; along with several other senior government officials, poets and naat reciters from Kandahar and other provinces.  
During his keynote speech, Deputy Minister Mawlawi Atiqullah Azizi refuted recent negative media reports claiming that poetry gatherings in Afghanistan had been banned.  

"Not long ago, several biased media outlets disseminated false stories, claiming that poetry meetings had been canceled. However, we are currently witnessing a colorful and culturally significant event in historic Kandahar. Isn't this a strong and respectable response to those unfounded allegations?"  
He further affirmed the Islamic Emirate’s commitment to promoting poetry and literature, stating that:  
“The Islamic Emirate does not seek to limit or suppress literary expression. Rather, we are actively working to support poets and organize poetry gatherings more effectively. In line with the directive of the Honorable Amir-ul-Mu’minin (may Allah preserve him), the Ministry of Information and Culture is entrusted with evaluating the contributions of poets annually and recognizing them with appropriate awards."  
In his welcoming remarks, Kandahar’s Director of Information and Culture, Mawlawi Inamullah Samangani, emphasized that this festival was the first to be held under the new framework established by the leadership to support cultural and literary activities. He expressed his gratitude to the Kandahar Governor’s Office, Police Command, Municipality, Department of Electricity, Intelligence Directorate, and Roshan Telecommunication Company for their critical support in organizing the event.  
The poetry festival began on Thursday evening and continued late into the night. Throughout the event, poets, naat reciters, and performers shared their artistry with the audience, receiving warm appreciation for their creative contributions.  

3rd Dhul-Hijjah 1446 AH