KARACHI: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) that has long been conceived as the “land of extremists and militants” actually houses many creative talents.

The younger generation of KP is concerned about the stereotypes associated with the region and its people, and hence are passionately using music and poetry to change the preconceived mindset.

Duo Ismail and Junaid are two such musicians who are rapidly gaining popularity amongst the Pashtun audience.

Their Pashto song “Qarara Rasha” has become the most popular song in Pashtun weddings. The song has been honoured as the second best Pashto song of all time by the Pashto Cultural Board Society.

The use of ‘Rabab’, a traditional string instrument and traditional rhythms which get their music closer to Pashto traditional music, has earned them the attention of not just Pashto music lovers but also contemporary music fans all over Pakistan.

The duo say, “We want to promote Pashto music and culture and would avail any opportunity that could expose Pashto music to larger audiences.”

Following the renowned musicians Rahim Shah and Coke Studio famed Zeb and Haniya, the emergence of more talent from the region is a welcome change. They believe music can be a good weapon to fight against preconceived notions about Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.