PESHAWAR: Poets and writers gathered here the other day to pay tribute to late Pareshan Khattak on his 16th death anniversary for his immense contribution to Pashto language and literature.

The event was arranged by Abad Adabi Karwan Peshawar (AAKP) and Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL), Peshawar chapter.

Dr Ejaz Hasan Khan Khattak, son of the late writer, was also among the participants.

Guest writers on the occasion said Prof Pareshan Khattak (1932-2009) contributed to several literary genres of Pashto, including poetry, prose, research and history, impacting generations of literati and changing the landscape of Pashtun intellect through his powerful writings and vision.

Pareshan Khattak entered the Pashto literary scene as a poet of refined romantic thoughts with his maiden volume of poetry Tarranke (blisters), followed by Hagha Dwah Malaley Stargey (those two innocent eyes). Surprisingly enough, he soon switched over to more serious subjects like ethnology, linguistics, research, literary criticism and historiography, leaving an inedible mark on every topic he touched upon.

Chairing the event, noted poet Prof Abasin Yousafzai said Pareshan Khattak taught at a government school while doing his masters in Pashto literature and history from the University of Peshawar. “He later became the director at a Pashto academy and drew the attention of Pashto literary and scholastic circles due to his scholarly approach, literary taste and administrative skill.”

“A self-made person, Mr Khattak was fine orator and an inspiring teacher, who used to mesmerise audiences, especially his students. Contrary to the prevailing trend in Pashto, he used both ghazal and nazm for giving vent to his deep sensibilities. Some of his poems lack free flights of fancy but still the admiration for beauty finds remarkable expression in his ghazals,” Mr Yousafzai remarked.

Prof Gulzar Jalal Yousafzai, chairman PAL’s Peshawar chapter, observed that late writer’s Urdu book ‘Pashtun Kaun’ about the origin of Pashtuns did not create ripples among critics though, it did speak volumes about his deep understanding of history.

He said Pareshan khattak was recipient of numerous awards, including Pride of Performance.

Bushra Farrukh said the rendition of poetry of Khushhal Khan Khattak into eight volumes of Urdu prose was considered one of his greatest literary achievements, while a book, written in Urdu, about the customs and traditions of the tribesmen was reflective of his expertise as a researcher. “Pareshan Khattak also compiled a comprehensive catalogue,” Ms Farrukh said.

Published in Dawn, April 21st, 2025