PESHAWAR: Speakers at an event held here the other day praised noted Pashto writer and research scholar Prof Hanif Khalil for his huge contribution.

They said that eminent literary figures should be adored in their lifetime so that young literati could know about the worth of their works.

Literati, scholars and intellectuals gathered, here the other day to mark golden jubilee of Prof Hanif Khalil and celebrate his literary services with an objective to acquaint budding writers with his works.

The event was held in two sessions, the first was devoted to research papers and expressions and in the second session, poets presented a poetic tribute to the guest scholar. Johar Khalil, chief of Pashto Asabi Tolana Regi Seema (PATRS). On the occasion speaker said Prof Hanif Khali had authored over a dozen books and numerous research papers and treaties in Pashto, Urdu and English featuring Pashtun history, literature and traditions.

The event was arranged under the auspices of PATRS in collaboration with a private Pashto TV channel at a wedding Hall on Kohat Road. Poets, writers, scholars and fans turned up at the event in large numbers.

Prof Yar Mohammad Maghmoom while speaking as chief guest at the function pointed out that Prof Hanif Khalil had played a significant role in exploration, explanation and explication of classic and modern Pashto literary trends. He maintained that Mr Khalil’s contributions should be duly acknowledged.

Senior writer, Prof Aseer Mangal stated that as Prof Hanif Khalil had been in close contact with literary giants like Ameer Hamza Baba, Hamesh Khalil, Qalandar Momand, Ajmal Khattak and scores of others, therefore, he had drawn direct inspiration from them.

Shahab Aziz Arman, a young researcher, remarked that Prof Khalil’s services to Pashto research, criticism, and comparative studies had motivated young bards and scholars because most of his observations were based on authentic sources.

Prof Noorul Amin Yousafzai in brief paper elaborated that golden celebrations in fact were ample proof that the writer under debate had done justice to the works he had created. “Unfortunately, most often contributions of literary figures are ignored in their lifetime but Prof Hanif Khalil is lucky to have earned adoration for his quality works so far,” he commented.

Samina Qadir, Prof Syed Zubair Shah, Prof Zubair Hasrat, Dr Roshan Kaleem Farooqi, Syed Adnan Shah, Prof Aslam Taseer Afridi, filmstar Jamil Babar and Fazal Mohammad Abid also spoke at the event.

Published in Dawn, May 15th, 2023