PESHAWAR: Literati, scholars and intellectuals gathered here on Friday to pay a glowing tribute to noted author Prof Khatir Ghaznavi on (1925-2008) on launch of his centenary celebrations terming him as a multilingual research scholar and visionary who had influenced the literary landscape of Urdu, Hindko and Pashto through his writings.

Organisers of the event said a series of literary functions including seminars, and poetry recitation sessions would be planned to highlight several aspects of Prof Khatir Ghaznavi’s life and works during the ongoing year.

Mohammad Ibrahim Baiq aka Khatir Ghaznavi served in several key positions had authored 50 books including fiction, poetry, prose, research, literary criticism and linguistics and mastery over Urdu, Persian, Hindko, Pashto, Malaya, Chinese and Russian languages owing to his widely travelled experiences and extensive study on several disciplines.

Born in 1925 in Peshawar, Prof Khatir Ghaznavi did his masters in Urdu literature from University of Peshawar and joined Urdu department from where he received retirement and was appointed as director general Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL), Islamabad. He also served in Radio Pakistan Peshawar and later went to China for a diploma in Mandarin followed by learning Malaya.

The Syndicate of Writers and Halqa-i-Arbab-i-Zauq, Peshawar chapter, jointly arranged a literary event, here on Friday at Haq Baba Auditorium, Ibadat Hospital, with noted physiatrist, Dr Khalid Mufti in the chair. Poets, writers, research scholars and fans attended the function and marked the launch of centenary celebrations of the late writer (1925-2025).

Prof Nazeer Tabassum, senior Urdu writer, while speaking at the event said Prof Khatir Ghaznavi was a real gem who had devoted his entire life to the cause of literary tradition and played a pivotal role in stilling the spirit of creative thought in his contemporary literati.

Prof Nasir Ali Syed while sharing his views pointed out late Ghaznavi being his own school of thought had contributed to fiction, poetry, prose and research on a variety of topics due to his vast scholarship, saying his services for enriching Urdu, Hindko and Pashto literary treasure trove earned him a widespread reputation at national and even international levels.

Veteran writer, Mushtaq Shabab on the occasion said Prof Khatir Ghaznavi being a multi-faceted author enjoyed varied tastes and remained committed to promoting the cause literary tradition through his tireless efforts.

Prof Dr Fazal Kabir moderated the function in a befitting manner and garnered great applause from the audience.

Prof Khalid Suhail Malik, Bushra Farrukh, Iqbal Sikander, Aziz Ejaz and Dr Ishaq Wardag also spoke at the event.

Published in Dawn, February 9th, 2025