PESHAWAR: Awami National Party central president Asfandyar Wali Khan on Friday termed popular Pashto poet Ghani Khan an epitome of humanism, saying he was a strong advocate of spreading humanism despite unfavourable situations around him and left indelible marks on the minds of people due to his unique style and way of expression.

He expressed these views as chief guest at a function arranged here under the auspices of Bacha Khan Trust, Peshawar, to mark the 23rd death anniversary of the renowned Pashto poet, sculptor and social reformer, Ghani Khan.

He said that Ghani Khan suffered great hardships, including rigorous imprisonment while opposing British imperialism, stood like a rock and used the power of pen to raise awareness among his people of the freedom from the colonial power.

Asfandyar says the poet raised awareness of freedom among his people

Bacha Khan Trust also launched three Pashto books on Ghani Khan titled ‘Ghaniyaat, Ghaninamey, and Ghani Khan Paijadandy Laarkohd’ written by Sajjad Juandoon, Ayazullah Tarakzai and Dr Abdur Rauf Rafiqi, and a few other titles on different topics.

A large number of poets, writers, political workers and fans of Ghani Khan attended the event.

Asfandyar Wali said that Ghani Khan was not a victim of intellectual crisis as he was very clear on many important issues. He pointed out that after Khushal Khan Khattak; he was the first poet- philosopher who had raised many important questions with his creative skills regarding human existence, religion, life and death. He said that Ghani Khan used his wisdom to base his thoughts on a logical approach towards the philosophy of life and hereafter while poetry and art were the two powerful vehicles through which he had crafted wonderful images.

Other speakers shed light on various aspects of life and literary services of Ghani Khan and termed him a great literary giant among his contemporaries due to his lofty imagination and creative vision tinged with a carefree nature and deep love for beauty and art.

Prof Yar Mohammad Maghmoom Khattak in his paper said that Ghani Khan had many shades of life and always advocated love, humanism, peace and justice in his writings as he wanted a peaceful and progressive Pakhtun society free from ignorance, poverty and superstitions.

Young scholar Samiuddin Arman said that Ghani Khan impacted the Pakhtun youth in a different manner and inspired writers and artists to create new images befitting the needs of modern age.

He said Mr Khan loved colours, flowers, fragrance and advocated the same through his poetry and art.

Prof Noorul Amin Yousafzai, Prof Nasrullah Jan Wazir, Engineer Ejaz Khan Yousafzai and Mashal Khan (grandson of Ghani Khan) also spoke at the event.

Hashim Babar of Qaumi Watan Party, ANP leaders Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour, Mian Iftikhar Hussain, Syed Aqil Shah, Sardar Hussain Babak and chief of Bacha Khan Trust Aimal Wali Khan were also among the participants.

Published in Dawn, March 16th, 2019