CHARSADDA: Renowned researcher, poet and author Fayyaz Khan Utmanzai has launched his new book, ‘Khudai Khidmatgar Sadar Sahib Kon’, highlighting the life and services of Sarfaraz Khan, popularly known as Sadar Sahib, who was among the staunch leaders and activists of the Khudai Khidmatgar movement.

Speaking at the launch ceremony here on Wednesday, Mr Utmanzai said the book had been written to acquaint the younger generation with the contributions and sacrifices of their elders and prominent figures of the freedom movement.

He said his father, Sarfaraz Khan Utmanzai, was a relative and neighbour of Abdul Ghaffar Khan, and when Bacha Khan launched the Khudai Khidmatgar movement from his native village of Utmanzai, Sarfaraz Khan responded to his call and became one of the first Khudai Khidmatgars.

He said Sarfaraz Khan later served as the movement’s first salar (commander), first president and first dedicated volunteer. According to the author, Bacha Khan, on the advice of Sadar Sahib, also established the welfare and social reform organisation, Anjuman-i-Islahul Afghania, to unite Pakhtuns and end tribal feuds and disputes.

He added that the organisation’s first jirga successfully resolved the longstanding and violent enmity between the Shamozai and Malyano groups, after which large numbers of people joined the movement.

Mr Utmanzai said Sarfaraz Khan played a vital role in the freedom movement and rendered immense financial and personal sacrifices. He claimed that the British colonial authorities imposed a fine of Rs5,000 on Sarfaraz Khan — a huge amount at the time — forcing him to sell around 200 jeribs of fertile agricultural land to pay the penalty. He added that Sardar Sahib and his family were subjected to severe oppression during the colonial era.

The author said Sarfaraz Khan Utmanzai had not been given the recognition he deserved despite his historic contributions to the Khudai Khidmatgar movement. He regretted that even at Bacha Khan Markaz, no photograph or proper record of Sardar Sahib had been displayed. He called for special events to be organised to highlight his services and legacy.

Mr Utmanzai also announced that copies of the book would be distributed free of cost to universities, organisations, colleges and libraries.

Published in Dawn, May 21st, 2026