PESHAWAR: Writers, poets, research scholars and academicians have welcomed the nomination of renowned writer and educationist late Prof Jahanzeb Niaz for the posthumous President’s Pride of Performance Award in recognition of his contributions in the field of Pashto literature, linguistics, research and education.

The coveted civil award nomination for the late legendary wordsmith was announced at an event on August 14 during diamond jubilee celebrations. The award would be given to family of the late writer on Pakistan Day (March 23) next year.

Prof Abasin Yousafzai, Laiqzada Laiq, Prof Nasir Ali Syed, Kalsoomzeb and Pashto Academy director Nasrullah Jan Wazir in separate statements issued here expressed satisfaction over the posthumous award nomination for the reputed bard and research scholar Prof Jahanzeb Niaz.

“Prof Niaz was a true scholar, visionary writer and a fatherly figure for his students. He inspired a host of budding poets and young scholars, always found to be helping out students, therefore he enjoyed widespread respect among literary circles and fully deserved the award,” stated Prof Abasin Yousafzai.

Prof Niaz was a true scholar and fatherly figure for his students, says Abasin Yousafzai

Amjad Ali Khadim, a poet and active member of Jahanzeb Niaz Adabi Sangar, Charsadda, said that recognition of illustrious services of Prof Niaz was a commendable step that would encourage young Pashto literati to contribute to the society.

Born in Rajjar area of Charsadda district in 1928, Mr Niaz later did his master’s in Geography and Pashto from the University of Punjab and University of Peshawar (UoP), respectively, and joined teaching profession. He served as head of the Pashto Department, UoP, and also chaired Pashto Department, Islamia College University.

Mr Niaz also had a master’s degree in Linguistics from Michigan University, US, and after his return had launched doctorate classes at the UoP.

He had authored over a dozen Pashto books on a variety of topics, including poetry, research, criticism and linguistics. His titles, including Soghaat, Ghani Ghani De, Borjal, Gabeen and Da Jeende Chapey, remained in the bestseller list due to the fluent language and lofty thoughts.

Laiqzada Laiq, a senior poet, remarked that Prof Niaz, who had already earned several national and international awards, was a humble soul and awarding him posthumously would prove gratifying to his family, fans and literati.

Prof Niaz, who passed away in 2015, also founded the World Pashto Congress and had served as its chairman till last.

Published in Dawn, August 25th, 2022