PESHAWAR: Noted Pashto folk singers Fayyaz Kheshgi and Bakhtiar Khattak spellbound audience at a musical concert here by rendering popular poems of Ghani Khan.

They sang popular poems and ghazals of Ghani Khan and received round of applause from the participants. The musical concert was opened with popular anthem ‘Aey Zama Watana’ (O my homeland) by Ghani Khan. It set the tone for enchanting numbers of Ghani Khan.

Earlier, speakers threw light on the life and works of the renowned Pashto poet, painter and sculptor Ghani Khan in connection with his death anniversary. Poets, writers, intellectuals and students attended the event.

The function was organised by Pakhtun Students Federation, University of Peshawar that was also attended by Former MNA of ANP Jamila Gilani.

Function held in connection with death anniversary of the poet

ANP leader Mian Iftikhar Hussain chaired the event. He said that Ghani Khan was a like a free bird and he lived an eventful life. He said that he being a multidimensional personality left inedible marks on the minds of people, especially young generation.

“He belonged to a different world. A restless soul, his mind could not be caged. He was voice of poor and destitute. His poetry is like a running stream of words, colours and images drenched in ecstasy,” said Mr Hussain.

Young research scholar Saleem Kazmi presented a critical appreciation of one of the most beautiful poems of Ghani Khan titled ‘Reidi Gul’ (a wildflower called Reidi in local dialect).

He claimed that the poem had been translated into 52 languages of the world due to its overwhelming significance and spiritual impact.

He said that Ghani Khan asked a forlorn flower in a desert why it had been in such a miserable condition but the flower replied that it was in better place being the only one. He said that the poet used the flower as a symbol of hope.

“By objectification, he wants to give us a message that we should be confident of our own potentialities. He urges us to discover our strength,” said Mr Kazmi. Abdul Wakeel Khan, a young graduate of Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, said that Ghani Khan belonged to a breed of intellectuals, who had been born with talent, creativity and spirit of enthusiasm.

He said that his most charming aspect was his deep aesthetic sense. “Ghani Khan worshipped beauty and was in constant search to discover it in everything around him,” he said.

Javed Yousafzai, secretary general of British Pakhtun Association (BPA), in his tributary remarks said that Ghani Khan could not be measured in words.

He said that his message had a universal significance. He said that humanism, peace and love were among many themes of Ghani Khan’s poetry and art.

“He advocated social justice and fairness in his writings. He wanted Pakhtuns to be educated and forward looking. His philosophy stands on the principle of respect for all,” said Mr Yousafzai.

Akhtar Iqbal, another young fan of the late poet, said that Ghani Khan left a rich legacy for them which required an effort to be explored.

He said that his wisdom and art should be used for the guidance of youth.

Khalid Ayoub, Fitrat Buneri, Noorul Amin Yousafzai, Zar Mohammad Sangar, Abaseen Yousafzai and Mashal Khan also spoke on the occasion.

Published in Dawn, March 17th, 2017