PESHAWAR: In a tribute to one of Pashto literature’s most influential voices, prominent writer, poet, researcher and former director of the Pashto Academy Prof Salma Shaheen was honoured at a special literary ceremony held at the Culture Directorate Hall here on Saturday.
The event, organised by the Niaz Adabi Sangar, brought together a large number of scholars, poets, writers, students and cultural activists who celebrated Prof Shaheen’s decades-long dedication to preserving and enriching Pashto language and folklore.
Prof Aseer Mangal, chairman of the Niaz Adabi Sangar, presided over the function and said Prof Shaheen was a leader who broke significant gender barriers in Pashto literary circles.
“Dr Salma Shaheen is not just a scholar; she is a living institution who has redefined the role of women in Pashto literature,” he said.
Speakers demand national awards for her
The speakers highlighted Prof Shaheen’s pioneering research on Tapa, the two-line Pashto folk poetry, which has played a crucial role in documenting the oral history, wisdom and cultural identity of Pakhtun people.
Her multi-volume works, particularly on Pashto folk literature, have ensured that these rich traditions are preserved for future generations, according to them.
Amjad Ali Khadim, a senior poet and prominent member of Niaz Adabi Sangar, paid rich tribute to Prof Shaheen’s literary journey.
“Dr Salma Shaheen’s pen has given voice to the unspoken struggles and resilience of Pakhtun women. Her novels and research papers are not mere academic exercises; they are mirrors reflecting our society’s realities with honesty and depth,” he said.
Khadim added that Prof Shaheen’s work had elevated Pashto literature from regional confines to a position of global respect.
Senior literary figure Dr Farkhanda Liaqat said Prof Shaheen’s tenure as the first woman director of the Pashto Academy marked a golden chapter.
“Prof Shaheen not only authored critically acclaimed books but also digitised rare manuscripts and established a cultural museum that will serve generations of researchers,” she said.
Another Niaz Adabi Sangar member, Dr Aam, said in an era when many feared cultural erosion, Prof Shaheen stood as a guardian of our heritage.
“Her dedication serves as a guiding light for young writers, especially women, encouraging them to embrace their literary roots without hesitation.”
Participants noted that Prof Shaheen’s writings had consistently portrayed the social realities, emotional strength and challenges faced by Pakhtun women, offering nuanced feminist perspectives within the Pashto literary tradition.
They added that her contributions spanned poetry, fiction and extensive academic research, spanning over four decades.
The speakers urged the government to confer national-level awards on Prof Shaheen and to facilitate the digitisation and translation of her research into Urdu, English and other languages for broader accessibility.
The ceremony reached its peak when Prof Aseer Mangal and other dignitaries presented Prof Shaheen with a shield of honour. In response, a visibly touched Prof Shaheen expressed deep gratitude.
“The love and appreciation shown by my readers and fellow writers is the greatest reward of my life,” she said.
“As long as I breathe, I will continue my humble efforts to serve Pashto literature and our cherished cultural heritage.”
The other speakers, including Prof Hanif Khalil, Dr Kazim Niaz and Hameedur Rahman, said Prof Shaheen, a recipient of the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz, remained a towering figure whose lifelong commitment continues to strengthen
the foundations of Pashto identity and literary excellence amid rapid societal changes.
They said such events underscored the vibrant literary scene in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the enduring power of regional languages in shaping the national cultural mosaic.
Published in Dawn, May 24th, 2026