15th death anniversary of Ajmal Khattak observed

NOWSHERA: The 15th death anniversary of renowned politician, poet, writer, researcher, scholar and journalist Ajmal Khattak was observed in Akora Khattak with a day-long series of events paying tribute to his services in various fields.

The commemoration began with the recitation session of the Holy Quran at his residence, followed by a literary seminar and poetry session at his mausoleum. The event was presided over by Dr. Hanif Khalil and Dr. Abdullah Jan Abid, while the keynote speaker was Sadaat Sahar.

Eminent scholars , including Dr. Kulsoom Zaib, Dr Aslam Tasir, Dr Iqbal Fana, Gul Muhammad Betab, Sadiq Akbar Raza, Dr Attaur Rehman Atta, Bakht Rawan Umar Khail, Dr Iqbal Shakir, Prof Dr Manzoor Afridi, Dr Sadiq Zarak, Prof Tahir Naeem Malik and Sabookh Syed presented research papers and recited literary pieces reflecting on Ajmal Khattak’s life and contributions.

Speaking at the seminar, Dr Abdullah Jan Abid said that he had written two books on Ajmal Khattak: The Life, Work, and Personality of Ajmal Khattak and Past and Present of Pashto Literature. He praised Khattak as a multifaceted personality who served humanity selflessly, remained humble throughout his political career, and genuinely represented Pashtun rights as a member of the National Assembly and Senate.

Dr. Hanif Khalil, director at Quaid-e-Azam University, acknowledged Ajmal Khattak as “The King of Pashto Poetry”, emphasizing his role in promoting Pashto language and literature. He noted Khattak’s contributions to progressive literary movements, including his collaboration with Ahmad Nadeem Qasmi. Khattak’s poetry collection Da Ghairat Chagha gained international recognition and was translated into English by Dr. Sher Zaman Taizai. Other notable poetry collections include Gulona Taklona and Gul Perhar, while his prose works include Da Za Paagal Wum and Saray Ghunchay. His Urdu poetry collection Jala Watan Ki Shayari and research works on Pashto language and history were also praised.Various speakers noted that besides being a revolutionary poet and critic, Ajmal Khattak was also a visionary politician dedicated to public service.