BATKHELA: Speakers at a literary event eulogised literary contributions of noted progressive Pashto poet Rahmat Shah Sail here on Sunday.

They demanded of the government to name a library and an educational institution after Rahmat Shah Sail. The Pakhtun Leek, a literary-cum-social organisation, arranged the event at Batkhela Press Club to pay tributes to Rahmat Shah Sail for his tremendous literary services to Pashto language and literature.

A large number of poets and writers attended the event. Delegates from Swat, Dir, Malakand and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa showed up at the event.

Earlier, Rahmat Shah Sail administrated oath to the newly elected members of the Pakhtun Leek (PL).

The speakers said that Mr Sail motivated and influenced a host of young Pashto bards to compose progressive poetry and prose and instilled in them the spirit of progressivism and modern thought.

Speakers eulogise literary services of Rahmat Shah Sail

They said that Pashto found a new expression in his writings as he inspired young poets and writers to use their talent for highlighting social and political issues of people.

Provincial senior vice president of Private Education Network Amjad Ali Shah, who was chief guest on the occasion, said that Malakand produced eminent personalities in almost every field including literature and Rahmat Shah Sail was one among them who devoted his entire life to serve the cause of Pakhtun nationalism and marginalised segments of the society.

He said that he had a large following in Afghanistan, Balochistan and Sindh more than any other Pashto writer due to his lofty imagination and genuineness. He said that literary organisations and writers hailing from Malakand played vital role in creating awareness regarding peace, pluralism and book culture in the area.

Speaking on the occasion, Rahmat Shah Sail urged young writers to contribute to the society through their talent and give due place to the issues of people in their writings.

He said that poets and writers could pave way for modernity and progressivism. “It is a good omen that a town hall is being built in Malakand where young poets, writers and artists are expected to display their latent talent,” he added.

Noted writer and antiques collector Fazal Zaman Shalman, Prof Hameed Khan, Ali Mohammad Sahar and Mohammadzada also spoke on the occasion.

Later, a mushaira was held in which poetic tributes were paid to Rahmat Shah Sail.

Published in Dawn, December 23rd, 2019