Rich tributes paid to Pashto literary stalwarts

Speakers here in a seminar paid glowing tributes to literary giants of Pashto literature Amir Hamza Khan Shinwari, Qalandar Moomand, Dost Mohammad Khan Kamil, Ghani, Ayub Sabir, Saifur Rehman Saleem and Sahibzada Faizur Rehman Faizi and said that these men of letters immensely contributed to Pashto by thick and thin.
A literary organisation Da Sahu Leekunkio Maraka arranged a daylong seminar titled "Day of the Elders" on the seven literary stalwarts of Pashto language and literature here on Monday at Peshawar Press Club. Saleem Raz, who presided over the function, said that poets and writers should use their pen for the emancipation of the common masses.
Speakers said Hamza Baba perfected Pashto ghazal and drama while Qalandar Moomand introduced new thought in Pashto fiction. Ghanis contribution to art and poetry both are matchless; similarly Dost Mohammad Khan Kamil a great luminary discovered Khushhal Khan Khattak and Rehman Baba in their true colours.
They said Saifur Rehman Saleem and Sahibzada Faizur Rehman Faizi excelled in modern ghazal with fresh diction and new wind of thought. Speakers in their research papers pointed out these seven stars of Pashto literature enriched Pashto language with many new experimentation both substance and style.
These poets and writers were born during the months of January, February and March. Pashto fiction, prose and poem touched new heights when Ulasi Adabi Jirga (UAJ) a popular literary organisation came into being as it had started literary criticism, research on scientific lines and introduced new trends by rendition from Urdu and other languages.
They were of the view that substantive research has not been carried out on the literary contributions these literati and the responsible institutions and academics should come forward to conduct fruitful research so that their literary achievements could come to light and new researchers and students of Pashto literature in particular benefit from their writings.
Speaking on the occasion, veteran nationalist leader Begum Nasim Wali Khan, who was chief guest on the occasion in her 20- minute emotional speech appealed to the rulers without naming anyone in power to improve the worst law and order situation in Swat valley and tribal areas.
She said she was stunned to know about the literary and journalistic contributions of the Pashtun poets and writers. Begum Nasim Wali Khan specifically mentioned Qalandar Moomand and Saadullah Jan Barq for their unique style.
The organisers pledged that they would bring out the research papers read out in the seminar in book form in near future. The gathering condemned the desecration of Rahman Baba shrine and demanded for its early reconstruction. Professor Dr Zubair Hasrat conducted the seminar.