KARAK: The birth anniversary of 17th century poet and chieftain of Khattak tribe, Khushal Khan Khattak, was observed under the aegis of Lawagher Adabi Karwan here on Sunday.

Different aspects of the life of Khushal Khan Khattak were highlighted during the ceremony held at Pearl School and College, Mithakhel, under the chairmanship of poet Ayatullah Khattak.

Poets, notables, students and people from all walks of life attended the function. The chief guest, Dr Iqbal Naseem Khattak, said in his address that Khushal Baba was not a name of a person rather the name of a period, ideology and philosophy. He said that he was the moving soul of the independent movements and symbol of aesthetic sense.

He said that Khushal Baba was a shining star of Pashto literature and added that many people knew him as a poet and warrior, but very few knew him as a religious scholar.

He said that his book ‘Fazal Nama’ was taught to the students of religion and stressed that the new generation should know about Khushal Baba. He said that the people of Khattak tribe should interlink themselves again with education and this was the secret of their development.

Earlier, poet Zard Ali Khan, who had organised the event, presented the welcome address. Local poets, including Dr Wazir Shadan, Dr Hakeem Shah, Abdur Rahim Aasi, Prof Fazal Mir, Munawar Shah, Uqabi Khattak, Shad Nawaz and Arshad Moeen highlighted the life and poetry of Khushal Khan Khattak.

Published in Dawn, March 7th, 2016