On May 30, 2023, I attended the anniversary of the late Prince Adnan Aurangzeb at their Palace in Saidu Sharif, Swat. It was a pleasant surprise to see a young boy engaged in conversation with Prince Dr. Mahmud Aurangzeb and Prince Justice Hasan Aurangzeb on the veranda. The boy, named Abdul Aziz, presented them with a manuscript.
Upon further inquiry, I discovered that Abdul Aziz hailed from the Kabul area in Swat. He was a student at Jehanzeb College, pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Pakistan Studies. His thesis focused on the life and times of Miangul Adnan Aurangzeb. It is likely that Abdul Aziz’s name does not originate from Swat, and it is possible that his father or a family member had served overseas in Saudi Arabia, leading to the adoption of the name. Similar to how the name “Saddam” gained popularity in Pakistan after the Gulf War in the 1990s, despite not being a local name.
While driving back to meet my friend Zahoor Iqbal in Sangota, I captured a photo of a Swati individual wearing traditional Arab clothing along the Aman Kot road. This observation highlights the impact of cultural interaction on societies, which can have both positive and negative effects.
As I walked back to my car, I contemplated the importance of safeguarding our distinctive identity through our cultural heritage and history if we are truly devoted to Pakistan. Without preserving our rich cultural and historical heritage, it is difficult to envision a future of peace and progress. Long live Pakistan and its vibrant cultural and historical past! 🇵🇰
