Ghulam Ahmad Bilour’s autobiography launched

PESHAWAR: The autobiography of senior nationalist politician Ghulam Ahmad Bilour was launched at a ceremony here on Wednesday.

Titled “Main Kyun Nahi Toota” (“Why I Didn’t Break”), the autobiography has been compiled by Dr Sohail Khan, a professor at Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan. The book chronicles Bilour’s personal and political journey, offering a detailed insight into his life.

China Window and the Pakistan Academy of Letters organized the event, which was attended by prominent personalities, including Awami National Party (ANP) Central Secretary General Salim Khan, ANP Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Mian Iftikhar Hussain, Dr Noor Jahan, and others.

Mian Iftikhar Hussain praised Bilour as a great leader of the ANP and a true follower of Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan and Khan Abdul Wali Khan. He remarked that the book captured pivotal events from Bilour’s political career and would serve as a valuable resource for the younger generation. Biographer Dr Sohail Khan said that completing the book took two and a half years, ensuring a comprehensive portrayal of Bilour’s life. He welcomed constructive criticism to enhance future editions. Other speakers, including Salim Khan, Dr Noor Jahan, Dr Gulzar Jalal, Dr Samiuddin Arman, and Syed Akhtar Ali Shah, commended the publication, noting it provided a window into Pakistan’s political history through the lens of a seasoned leader.

Ghulam Ahmad Bilour said that his autobiography covered his childhood memories, family background, and entry into politics. He recalled his meeting with Khan Abdul Wali Khan in 1969 and said that was a turning point that led to his association with the National Awami Party, and later with the NDP and ANP.

The veteran politician from Peshawar, who has served as an MNA multiple times and held the position of federal minister, said his candid reflections on the party’s past mistakes were meant as constructive insights for the new generation and should not be misinterpreted as criticism of the ANP.