MARDAN, Jan 4: Famous Pashto poet Pir Gohar died of cardiac arrest here on Friday. He was 81.

A large number of people, including those from literary, civil society and political circles, attended his funeral prayers held at Pirano Park in Piranudaga area here.

Popularly known as Shaer-i-Aman, Mr Gohar had started his literary career after completing his higher secondary school education in Mardan city. Former president General (retired) Ziaul Haq had awarded him the title of ‘Shaer-i-Aman’ in 1985 when he wrote the poem titled “Aman”.

Mr Gohar had written eight books covering literature, poetry, fiction and comic stories. Besides, he would write articles and essays on different topics with the pen name of Shilmani and Silani.

His family members and friends said that the poet also took part in the freedom movement of Pakistan.

He had written several poems on freedom movement and used to say these poems in rallies and public meetings of Quaid-i-Azam, Sardar Abdur Rab Nishtar and other leaders.

All those present at the funeral expressed sorrow over the death of Mr Gohar and demanded of the government to announce Hilal-i-Imtiaz for him in recognition of his literary services.