PESHAWAR: The participants at a literary event here the other day paid tribute to renowned Pashto poet, short-story writer, researcher and critic Hamish Khalil for his services to the Pashto language and literature.

The commemorative programme, organised by Jauhar Adnan Literary Karawan, highlighted Mr Khalil’s enduring literary legacy on his second death anniversary.

Later, the participants visited his grave in Tehkal, laid a floral wreath, offered Fateha and prayed for the eternal peace of his soul.

Mr Khalil has authored over 80 books across poetry, fiction, literary criticism, research, biography and translation.

Hamish Khalil, who passed away on July 21, 2024, at the age of 99, left behind a remarkable literary heritage that continues to inspire scholars, researchers and creative writers.

Speakers described him as one of the foremost architects of modern Pashto literature whose writings have become an enduring source of intellectual and cultural inspiration.

Special attention was devoted to his celebrated short story collection, Chargul (Nose Ring), first published in February 1973. Written during his imprisonment in the DI Khan, Machh and Haripur jails, the anthology contains nine memorable stories portraying the hardships, resilience and emotional struggles of rural Pakhtun society under political repression and economic deprivation.

The participants observed that stories such as Deewa Mrha Shwah, Mor, Chargul, Nannha Mian, Meena, Weena, Pkhemaani and Yaw Haqeeqat aw Yaw Afsana reveal profound human emotions while addressing themes of injustice, sacrifice, family bonds, patriotism and social realities.

The volume concludes with his acclaimed Pashto translation of Alphonse Daudet’s The Last Lesson, reflecting his commitment to cultural identity and national consciousness. The speakers examined different dimensions of Mr Khalil’s scholarly achievements.

On the occasion, Jauhar Khalil highlighted his distinguished work in Tazkira Nigari, noting that Hamesh Khalil meticulously documented the lives and works of classical Pashto poets, preserving invaluable literary history for future generations.

Sher Ahmad Khalil spoke about Mr Khalil’s celebrated Muqaddamas (critical introductions) to various Diwans, describing them as outstanding examples of literary scholarship that illuminate the historical, linguistic and artistic significance of classical poetry.

Abbas Khalil discussed his mastery of short-story writing, observing that Chargul remains a milestone in Pashto fiction for its realistic portrayal of ordinary people and its compassionate depiction of the social and political conditions of its time.

Speakers also reviewed his poetry collections — Zama Sandary, Naghma Zaar, Khapoona aw Khaloona and Sooghat — which they said combine patriotism, realism and classical elegance while enriching Pashto with rare vocabulary, vivid imagery and memorable metaphors.

Published in Dawn, July 23rd, 2026