PESHAWAR: Poets, writers, intellectuals and political workers gathered here on Tuesday to celebrate the launch of poetry collection of Ajmal Khattak titled ‘Da Ghairat Chagha (the cry of valour) after 68 years of its first edition that was published in 1958, facing ban both in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Despite ban, the maiden poetry book by Ajmal Khattak gained a tremendous response due to its revolutionary substance. Youth and literary critics termed it the bible of Pashto poetic tradition. The poetry collection had already witnessed multiple editions during the last several decades.

MPA Nisar Baz, Awami National Party provincial general secretary Hussain Shah and senior playwright Noorul Bashar Naveed were also among the participants of the event.

The event was jointly arranged by Bacha Khan Trust and Pashto World Conference in Bacha Khan Markaz here on Tuesday. Literati, intellectual and workers of ANP attended the function and shared their views on the life of Ajmal Khattak and his literary contribution.

ANP central leader Mian Iftikhar Hussain said on the occasion that apart from political struggle, the poetic voice of Ajmal Khattak was relevant today more than ever before because of its strong message, creative style and universal appeal. He said that the book created an impetus and instilled a spirit among youth. He said that young people must give a try to it to know its magical impact.

“The book small in size, spread over 199 pages, has registered a huge impact as its every single poem creates a strange sensation. Most young people in the early 70s had learnt the entire book by heart,” he claimed.

Prof Sadiq Zarrak, a Quetta-based poet, said he and his colleagues brought out the celebrated poetry work of the revolutionary bard on the repeated request of bibliophiles and strong demand of audience with a beautiful getup.

“Themes of resistance, nationalism, humanism, love for homeland and revolutionary fervour dominate, aligning with modern poetic trends while drawing from the warrior-poet tradition of figures like Khushal Khan Khattak,” he said.

Advocate Akbar Hoti said on the occasion that Ajmal Khattak’s language was sharp, direct, and powerful. “His verses serve as rallying cries rather than mere lyricism. One poignant example from his work reflects defiance: even if oppressors silence the tongue, the voice grows louder, like a flute sweetened by sharpening. This imagery captures the essence of the book: unyielding protest that amplifies under repression,” he added.

Prof Fazal Rahim Marwat, Gul Munir Buneri, Zafar Bakhshali and Ejaz Khan Yousafzai also addressed the event. Several poets rendered popular peons from the poetry book which garnered a thunderous applause from audience.

Published in Dawn, February 11th, 2026