Ustad Omar Pasoon in interview with “Dawat Media”

Ustad Omar Pasoon in interview with “Dawat Media” :

“Dawat magazine should be published once every three months.”

Respected Mr. Bazger, greetings and best wishes!

The questions have arrived along with Zirai (a reference to the sender). Among them was the note that you have published an extraordinary issue of Dawat, which pleased me greatly.

I will provide brief answers to your four questions.

First Question: “What do you like about Dawat?”

I will delve a bit deeper here. There is a Pashto saying:

“Others may like different things,
But I found sweetness in its eyes.”

In Dawat, I admire its national and Islamic policies. From its inception until now, Dawat has stood firmly with its nation and country. It has reflected the aspirations of the people and defended the rights of Pashtuns and all Afghans—not just defending but also firing from the national front-lines against the enemies of the country and nation. It has exposed their true faces and fulfilled its responsibility in awakening and enlightening the nation.

Moreover, Dawat embraces everyone—children, women, youth—and covers all kinds of social, cultural, literary, economic, and political writings. The fragrance of our homeland emanates from all these writings.

Dawat is not just a newspaper; it is a beautifully presented platform for seasoned writers in Pashto and Dari, along with an English website and a television website, all of which have been publishing for decades.

The Dawat newspaper and website are published in multiple national and international languages, including Pashto, Dari, English, and Norwegian. Additionally, Dawat has published dozens of books. It is not just a newspaper or website but a complete media institution.

I have been associated with Dawat since 1988. In the ’80s and ’90s, many newspapers and magazines reached me from Afghan publishers in Western countries, but most of them, after a few issues, would write to their readers: “Due to financial difficulties, we cannot continue our publications, so we bid farewell to our readers.”

But Dawat, by the grace of God, has left three decades behind, moving forward step by step with perseverance. All credit for this goes to you.

In the West, countless Afghans live, many preoccupied with making money. But thankfully, there are people like you who don’t just make money—you make history. I will conclude my answer to your first question with a few lines of my poetry:

“People are all the same,
Scattered across the world,
Busy from dawn till dusk,
All thinking of their homes and themselves.
But some have toiled, struggled, and strived,
You serve humanity and mankind.”

Second Question: “What do I want from Daawat?”

We all know that running a newspaper and three websites requires immense effort and financial resources.

In the West, those who publish a newspaper and a website have office buildings, cars, numerous journalists, cameras, faxes, telephones, printing presses, computers, travel expenses, salaries, and constant hustle and bustle. But I am well aware of your solitude, limited resources, and financial constraints.

Yet, in response to your question, I will whisper slowly into your ear: “It would be much better if Dawat is published once every three months.” I say this cautiously because you might think, “What does this hungry man know?” or “The barefooted one speaks of shoes.”

Brother, electronic media, computers, websites, Facebook, Twitter, radio, and various TV channels have taken over the world. Yet, print media still reigns supreme among readers as it did before. Print media retains its place and weight.

Third Question: “What do I want from Daawat’s writers, supporters, and readers?”

I will say this much: Among Pashtuns, there was a saying that those who have money are uneducated, and those who are educated have no money—or that Pashtuns don’t spend money on newspapers, magazines, or books. These notions are now buried.

Those who have money are also educated, and those who are educated but lack money still borrow to buy books, magazines, newspapers, and journals. Last year, when I went back to Kabul, I visited the Aksos bookstore in Darul Aman. While searching for my books, two or three Afghans came, picked up books, paid, and left. When I placed my books on the counter, I asked the shopkeeper, “How’s business?” He replied, “Alhamdulillah, it’s good.” From our conversation, I understood he was satisfied with his business, and I was pleased with his contentment.

My hope for Daawat’s writers is that they continue their unwavering support for Dawat as they have in the past.

To the supporters and readers, I request consistent financial contributions and subscription fees according to their means, so that Dawat’s light remains bright forever. Allah (SWT) says in the Quran: “Man shall have nothing but what he strives for.” (53:39)

Fourth Question: “An assessment of our beloved country’s current situation?”

I will echo the demands of my nation: Our beloved and oppressed people are tired of war. The Afghan people, in general, seek peace from the international community—and specifically from the Americans and the Taliban.

Let the Americans hear clearly: The brave Afghan people, the Afghan government, the Taliban, and the nations and governments of neighboring countries all want peace in the region—not the wars waged by America, the Taliban, and ISIS.

Our president has knocked on the doors of all neighbouring countries for peace, but no one has reciprocated with sincerity. He has dedicated much of his time to peace, striving day and night. Similarly, the Taliban also claim they want peace, saying their leaders—Mullah Mohammad Omar, Mullah Mansur, and Mullah Baradar—were martyred for peace.

Our people and neighbouring nations fear that America wants to prolong and expand war in this region. If America insists on war here, they too will drown in it alongside us.

In this region, China is laying down roads, belts of connectivity, electricity and gas lines, highways, and railway tracks—while America brings war and conflict. Let’s see which superpower will dominate the world in the coming times and which path will succeed—peace or war?

The Afghan people say to America: “Thousands of Americans came here in military uniforms and aircraft. You should return to your country in the same uniforms. Then, come back not in thousands but in millions—in civilian clothes, in the name of friendship. The Afghan people will shower you with flowers.”

Afghans would take pride in friendship—even servitude—with Americans, but not in war. Our culture dictates that we would never enter paradise by force with a friend, but in friendship, we would even walk into hell with them.

It would be best if America and the Taliban reach an agreement through dialogue. Peace is in everyone’s interest.

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