ISLAMABAD, Feb 10 (APP): Pashto Adabi Society, in collaboration with the Pakhtun Journalists Association, on Tuesday organized a condolence and literary reference to commemorate the 16th death anniversary of renowned poet, writer, and national leader Ajmal Khattak, a recipient of the prestigious Kamal-e-Fun Award.
The event was held at the Conference Hall of the Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL), Islamabad, and was presided over by eminent literary figure Syed Mahmood Ahmed.
Prominent personalities, including former Director General Health Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Dr. Muhammad Ayub Rose Yousafzai, Saadat Sahar, Abdul Karim Baryalai, and Qamar Yousafzai, attended the ceremony as chief guests.
The proceedings were conducted by Sardar Yousafzai, Secretary General of the Pashto Adabi Society, Islamabad, who performed his duties with notable grace and eloquence.
Scholarly papers highlighting Ajmal Khattak’s intellectual, literary, and national services were presented by Professor Dr. Abdullah Jan Abid, Dr. Hassan G. Ishrat, and Abdul Hamid Zahid.
Speakers described Ajmal Khattak as a powerful and dignified reference in Pashto literature, noting that his poetry and prose prominently reflect themes of national consciousness, resistance, peace, and human dignity. They observed that he was among those rare literary figures whose thought, pen, and practical struggle not only gave new directions to Pashto literature but also ignited awareness, self-respect, and collective consciousness among the Pashtun people.
They said Ajmal Khattak’s poetry was not merely an artistic arrangement of words but the voice of an era. His work courageously and truthfully addressed Pashtun history, culture, national identity, freedom, peace, and human dignity. His pen consistently resisted oppression, injustice, and tyranny, treating literature as a tool for social change rather than mere entertainment.
As a writer and intellectual, speakers noted, Ajmal Khattak expanded the intellectual horizons of Pashto literature.
His writings are marked by depth, reasoning, and purposefulness, and he firmly believed that literature should serve life and society, making it an effective means of social reform and national guidance. His works continue to serve as a source of intellectual inspiration for younger generations.
Highlighting his political and national struggle, speakers said Ajmal Khattak was a committed national leader who played a vital role in safeguarding Pashtun rights, language, and culture. His struggle was rooted in tolerance, democratic values, and peaceful resistance, which remains relevant in the present era.
On the occasion, speakers emphasized that personalities like Ajmal Khattak grow brighter with time. His thought and art continue to serve as a guiding light for future generations, and his message should be practiced in everyday life rather than confined to ceremonial events.
Poetic tributes were presented by Khursheed Ibn Labeed, Ehsaas Khattak, Noor-ul-Islam (singer), and Muhammad Ayub Ayub, which were warmly appreciated by the audience.
Noted writers and intellectuals, including Idrees Asar, Hairan Khattak, Shoaib Yousafzai, Professor Dr. Manzoor Muztar Afridi, Dr. Nighat Yasmin, Dr. Saif-ul-Islam Saif, and Naseem Mandokhail, described Ajmal Khattak as an era-defining personality whose legacy continues to inspire new generations.
The ceremony concluded with prayers for the eternal peace of Ajmal Khattak and a renewed commitment to preserving and promoting his literary and intellectual legacy.
The event was attended by a large number of literary figures, journalists, social activists, and students from the International Islamic University hostels and other educational institutions.