PESHAWAR: Leading scholars, intellectuals and literati gathered here the other day at Area Study Centre, University of Peshawar, to celebrate the contribution of Ghani Khan (19014-1996) and Ahmad Faraz (1931-2008) through poetic and artistic vision.

“They reflected on timeless philosophy, poetry and humanism, Ghani Khan, the architect of the awakened human soul and Ahmad Faraz, the architect of love, each with an individual and uniquely expressive voice.”

The event was jointly arranged by Area Study Centre and the administration of Government Degree College Naguman.

A large number of teachers, students, poets and writers attended the inaugural ceremony with progressive Pashto poet Rahmat Shah Sail, Dr Qibala Ayaz in the presidium. Scholars highlighted different aspects of both the literary figures that enriched Pashto and Urdu with advocacy for the spirit of humanism, peace, romance and resistance, sill relevant in today’s divided world.

Dr Qibla Ayaz in his opening remarks said both the legendary writers were strong advocate of everlasting peace, social justice and humanism and both crafted images through their creative and loft imaginations that impacted generations of youth .

Rahmat Shah Sail who presided over the first day of the national conference said resistance was rooted in romantic threads of their measured compositions which went beyond conventional restrictions and societal taboos.

Ghani Khan and Ahmad Faraz, both born of the same soil, inspired the souls of the youth to contribute to society and the universe at large, as their expansive vision filled with restless and multifaceted imagery spoke deeply to the struggles and aspirations of the downtrodden masses.

Dr Taimur Ali, a special guest from LUMS, Lahore, mesmerised the audience by performing live music accompanied by beautiful featuring beautiful verses of Ahmad Faraz, earning resounding applause.

Prof Noorul Amin Yousafzai on the occasion said being contemporary bards- Ghani and Ahmad Faraz were symbols of revolutionary sentiments, societal change and pluralism as they wanted to instill the spirit of timeless philosophy of humanism and peace.

Prof Ahmad Ali Ajiz, Dr Mir Alam Yousafzai, Dr Rashid Hussain Mughal, Principal of GDC, Naguman, and Dr Uzma also addressed the event.

Published in Dawn, February 2nd, 2026