KHYBER: Writers called for in-depth study of the poetry of Amir Hamza Khan Shinwari, commonly known among the literati as Baba-i-Pashto Ghazal, to spread his message of peace and love among his lovers and followers.

They were addressing a literary session organised in Landi Kotal on Sunday in connection with the 30th death anniversary of Hamza Shinwari. The session was addressed by Prof Yar Mohammad Maghmoom, Prof Aslam Taseer, Prof Aseer Mangal, Prof Banaras Khan, Prof Qasim Mehmud, Prof Tawab Masroor, Prof Muhib Wazir and other young writers from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

Prof Yar Mohammad Maghmoom said that many of the present day writers were focusing more on the easily understood couplets of Hamza Baba while conveniently ignoring his complex and difficult poetry, which was an injustice to a major part of his poetry.

“We need to read and explore the actual meaning and essence of his writings as we have deviated from his teachings in his poetry,” he lamented. He said that Pashto and Islam were synonymous to Hamza Baba.

Session held to mark 30th death anniversary of Baba-i-Pashto Ghazal

Prof Aseer Mangal said that Hamza Baba always advocated peace and love in his poetry and used Pashto in the meaning of peace while associating it with the religion of Islam. He called upon writers to highlight the thoughts and philosophy of Hamza Baba to educate Pakhtun youth.

Prof Qasim Mehmud said on the occasion that nobody among the contemporary Pashto poets could match the standard of ghazal writing in Pashto poetry which Hamza Baba achieved in his poetry.

He said that his writings could guide people to better understanding of his thoughts and philosophy as he himself explained most of his poetry in his extensive writings.

Prof Tawab Masroor demanded of the authorities concerned to build a hall at the mausoleum of Hamza Baba in Landi Kotal for frequent holding of literary sessions alongside provision of quality books on different subjects to the library at his mausoleum.

He also said that Landi Kotal Degree College should be named after Hamza Baba and a museum should be established at his mausoleum where his personal belongings could be preserved and showcased for interested visitors.

A poetry session was also held on the occasion during which a number of poets presented their poetry much to the applause of the attendants which mostly included young followers of Hamza Baba.

Published in Dawn, February 19th, 2024