A-Z The Writers and Poets of Mardan
Pushto Language is probably spoken in its best form in Mardan.The written script is also a popular one and is taught in schools.The writers and poets of Mardan are well known in Pulhtunkhwa.
The work of these poets and writers became more obvious and organised when they formed Pashto Adabi Jarga (Literary Society) in 1955.The time between 1962 and 1970 was the golden period of this society. This was the time of political awareness in the country and these intellectuals did a brilliant job in introducing the new ideas and progressive Pashto Poetry. The group had personalities like Asghar Lala, Sher Ali Bacha, Qamar Rahi, Pir Gohar, Dr Amin ul Haq, M R Shafaq, Mohammad Iqbal Iqbal, Jamal Razi, Israr Toru and Mian Khairul Haq Gohar. They used to hold regular poetry and other literary sessions in the office of Sher Ali Bacha who was a lawyer by profession. There is no doubt that these activities attracted younger poets who benefited from the Jarga and later on became very famous in the literary circles of the region and media.
It is a big task to mention and write about all the poets of Mardan. We have selected 20 prominent names who are not only the poets and writer but they have served the people of Mardan in some other capacity as well.Mian Khair ul Haq Gohar, Hasan Khan Soz, Dr Amin ul Haq, Sher Ali Bacha Anwar, Qamar Rahi, Asghar Lala, Pir Gohar, Mohammad Iqbal Iqbal, Jamal Razi, Dr Israr Israr, Humayun Huma, Israr da Toru, Shamsul Qamar Andesh, Noor ul Bashar Naveed, Miraj Khan, Mamoon ur Rasheed, Zubair Hasrat, Meem Ray Shafaq, Abdur Rauf Zahid, Professor Dr Salma Shaheen…..
The list is not the final one and we will publish more about the poets and writers very soon. Mardan is extremely lucky to have such a bunch of talented people.
Akbar Hoti
Muhamad Akbar Hoti born on 3rd March 1978 in the family of Guldad, at Par Hoti Mardan. By profession he is a lawyer of high court. In the same time he is a social, political and literary activist and also a research scholar. He is also radio presenter of Radio Pakhtunkhwa FM 92.6 Mardan. He is a senior editor of Monthly Leekwal Peshawar and had written a lot of political and literary articles for different Pashto and Urdu magazines. He is also running his own official website.
He is the permanent fellow of Chicago Cultural Alliance United States. He published a research book which has been received the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa award. He has also been published a poetry book which is mainly focusing on peace, nationalism and humanity. During his cultural fellowship visit to Washington DC United States, he has been awarded on his
incredible work on International Poster Show.
He has received so many awards from different national organizations for his outstanding social and literary efforts. He is running the ‘Institute for Culture and Civic Education’ since June 2012 to provide quality education on constitutional law, fundamental rights and democracy. His current ‘Speak for Change’ project received so many appreciations from governmental and political organizations. He is competent lawyer and enthusiast political activist and an ardent literary figure. He gladly renders his services for the promotion and development of Pashto language and his efforts substantially contributes to the preservation Pashtun culture. Moreover, he is also a progressive poet of Pashto language. His poetry deals with peace, love, human dignity, human rights and Pashtun nationalism.
Akmal lewanay
Ali Haidar Joshi
Ali Haidar Joshi was born in Ismaila village, in 1914 about 20 km from Mardan city. He was a real and gifted poet who conveyed his message through different forms of poetry including Tappa, Charbeta, Neemakai and Rubaiyat. However his very popular version of poetry was the folk story of Yousaf Khan Sher Bano. He wrote this as “Badala” (a long version of poetry). Because of this he gained huge popularity. The story became so popular that it became the first Pushto film Yousaf Khan-Sher Bano in 1971. It was a hit movie because of the good story and the beautiful songs. Ali Haidar Joshi wrote on a variety of topics apart from love and romance. The readers have enjoyed his poetry in any form.
His published books are: 1) Yousaf Khan Sher Bano 2) Ajiba Gul 3) Deewan-i- Joshi 4) Deedar-i- Husain 5) Gul Sarhad 6) Deewan-i- Haidari and a few more.
He was a respected Pushtoon elder and liked to be seen in a traditional Pukhtoon dress and Loongi. Because of his on-going good work he was awarded “The best performance Award” by the government in 2002. He spent his life with his family in Takhtbai from 1981 onwards. He did not return to his village and died on 6th January 2004. He was then buried in his birth place, Ismaila. He still has some unpublished work which if published will be another great asset to Pushto literature.
Andesh Shamsul Qamar
Andesh Saib was born in 1933 in village Mayar, Mardan. He has BA qualification and is involved in local business and running a Medical Store. This store is very popular because of its name Sahoo Daroo (effective and pure medicine).
Andesh is a well-known literary personality of Mardan. He is one of the senior and best poets of Pukhtunkhwa.
He has been a fundamental member of Olasee Adabi Tolana Mardan.
He has worked hard for the development of Pushto language and is very keen that Pushto shall be given full respect like any other language in the world. The right of every mother language has been given by UNESCO and the mother language day is being observed on 21st February every year. Andesh and his friends do celebrate this day in Mardan regularly.
His father was associated with Bacha khan’s Khudai Khidmatgar Movement, a popular movement to gain independence from British Empire.
To pay a tribute to the leadership of this movement he published a book, Fakhr–e–Afghan (Bacha Khan).
His unpublished books are full of his Ghazals (poems).He has won many awards including the Best Poet Award of Pakistan Television.
Beloved Pashto poet, writer and intellectual Shamsul Qamar Andesh passed away on Sunday night in his native village of Mayar in Mardan district. (14-03-2015)
Asghar Lala.
Everyone knew him as Asghar Lala. Mohammad Asghar Khan was one of the founders of the modern and progressive poetry in Mardan. He along with a few friends founded Pushto Adabi Tolana Mardan. As a result new and younger writers were introduced and encouraged.
He was born in 1926 in Rustam Khel Mardan. He got a Law degree and worked in the department of excise and taxation for sometimes. Not like many others and to the surprise of every one he did not make a single penny. He even did not bother to open a bank account.
This secret was disclosed when he was paid a cross cheque by Peshawar Television Centre for participation in a Pushto debate. He carried the cheque for so long in his pocket that it finally expired. His Law Practice did not flourish as he was unable to take money from poor people.
His entire life was full of struggle for Human Rights. As a tribute to his work in this regard as well as a writer he was officially invited to participate in a seminar in Afghanistan. The Pakistan government at that time did not allow Pushtuns to travel from Peshawar to Kabul and for this reason he went to Kabul via India. In other words the journey of one hour took one week.
His famous book is Jwand Aw Adab. This has been an excellent book of its time and most probably the best of its kind. His popular poems are about Bala Hisar and Khyber.
Da Asman Sookey Khyber————– Da Kharho kanrho Raba
Da dey Paloso Khwaro——————Da Naro Panrho Raba
Daa Da Pukhtoon Jannat Dey———– Daa Da Pukhtoon Himmat Dey
Asghar Lala had been an advisory board member of Pasoon Magazine in the last period of his life. He sadly died on 20 December 2009.
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اصغر لالا
د اسمان څوکې خيبر د خړو کانړو ربه
د دے پلوسو خوارو د وچو پانړو ربه
دا د پښتون جنت دے دا د پښتون همت دے
Dr. Isar
Born on 15th December 1938 in the Sayed family of Hoti Mardan, Dr Israr got an MBBS degree from Khyber Medical College Peshawar. He served in the health department of Pukhtunkhwa and finally retired as a deputy director of health. He also served in Libya as a doctor and this experience has expanded his literary capabilities. He is however more famous as a writer than a doctor.
His medical knowledge helped him in writing more perfect and evidence based poetry and prose. His first Book was in Urdu Language and called: “Tibb-e- Jadeed Allopathy Naheen Hay”. It means the new medical science is not allopathic.
He has described DNA and other medical topics in his poetry. But his famous poem came after the first Heart Transplant was performed by Dr.Barnard in South Africa in 1967. These lines are really impressive:
(My dear! Let’s have a heart transplant. You take my heart and I take your heart. Then you will realize how much love I have for you).
Poetry: His poetry is very attractive and simple. The way he wants to convey his message is very unique. He has described many things and changes that had taken place with the passage of time.
His poetry book is called “Da Jwand Naghma” (the song of life).One can really enjoy beautiful poetry here.Some of his poems have been sung by famous Pushto Singers. The most popular ones are:
Ashna che pa wada de itebar wokam kana
Hairan yama che bia de intezar wokam kana
And the other one is:
Za warta jorh cha pa gota karey yam
Kanray che razi zama pa sar lagee
Prose and Essay: Dr Israr realized that the general trend is towards essay, short stories and prose. He showed his command over these and introduced “Takal” in Pushto. His book “Da Takal Pa Takal Ke” is a very attractive book. Once the reader starts the book then it’s difficult to stop until the end of the book. This book has received many awards. Dr.Israr has received many other awards which include:
Abaseen Arts council first award for poetry..1989
Abaseen Arts Council Gold Medal for prose.1995
Chacha Karim Bakhash award……………1995
Khushal Adabi Award by Pakistan academy of letters.1995
Mardan Community center award
Fakhre – Mardan award…2000
World Pashto Convention Award..2005
Dr Israr has a very sweet and simple personality. He is straightforward and is very honest. Despite the ups and down in life and the change in the society, his attitude towards human fellows remained unchanged. You will find very few people like him in Pukhtunkhwa.
His message to the Pukhtun Nation is the message of Unity and struggle for their rights: (Let’s work for a free and prosperous Homeland).He is now a days the Chief Editor of the popular Pushto Magazine “Pasoon.
DR. HUMAYUN HUMA
A poet and Writer
DR. SALMA SHAHEEN
Professor Dr. Salma Shaheen was born on 16th of April 1954 in Baghada Mardan. Her father Mr. Amir Muhammad Khan was a well known Pukhtoon Figure of the region. She has devoted her life to the development of Pushto language and because of this she could not get time for marriage and marital life.
Professor Shaheen is a well known researcher, poet and writer. She is well respected in the literary circles of Pakistan, Afghanistan and china. She is the professor of Pashto literature at the university of Peshawar and is associated with the prestigious Pashto Academy of the University of Peshawar since 1978 .She has done her PhD degree in Pashto literature and for this reason is also known as Dr. Shaheen. The title of her thesis is Modern Poetry in Pashto literature .She has published her thesis in 2004.
Her research papers have won tremendous appreciations all over the world and especially in Pukhtoonkhwa.
She owns to her credit thirty research publications written about social, cultural, traditional, and linguistics issues.
Dr Salma has published twelve valuable books. In a very distinctive manner, she has highlighted the social and cultural issues which are faced by the people of Pukhtoonkhwa. She has also suggested solutions to these problems as well.
She has a very unique style of Pashto poetry. Her books are very popular. She is the first female Pushto novelist from Pukhtoonkhwa and some of her novels like “Ka Rana Shwa” (1988) have received awards.
She has visited many countries of and was a member of the cultural delegation to china. She has written a book about her journey to china.
Dr Salma Sheen has attended many seminars, conferences, and workshops since 1978. Her poetic aim is to remove poverty, ignorance, unemployment and lawlessness.
HASAN KHAN SOZ
This generous writer was born in Mardan city and was the elder brother of the famous writer Qamar Rahi. He served in the British Army in Karachi and Bengal. In later stages he was running an independent Homeopathic Clinic in Becket Gunj. A good poet, excellent writer and was famous for his critique.
He was also very hospitable and will usually take his friends for Chapli Kebab. Not only he used to pay for the kebab but also used to give free medicine if the kebab caused any stomach upset.
Soz was suffering from heart disease and was normally very careful about the treatment. One night he was sitting in his home when a child in the neighbourhood hurt himself. The child was screaming and Soz ran to his help. This was enough to cause a heart attack which proved fatal. Sadly Soz died.
After his death the family members were vacating his clinic. They found many envelops with addresses and money inside. These were the people he used to help financially without disclosing to anyone. Not many people, including Charity Trustees, will help the poor people as Soz did:
De Watan Ke Zama Sa Dee Che Sa Dee Hagha Pradee Dee
Faqat Yaw Zra Da Soz Khpal Wo Hagha Ranj Aw Bala Yawro
(There is nothing mine in this temporary world apart from my heart. But that too has been stolen by the miseries of the world).
HASEENA GUL
حسينه ګل
پام کوه جا نا نه څه په ګرا نه اوس پوره شومه
ګل شومه د زمکې د اسما نه اوس پوره شومه
نوره د ارما ن د ګوټ پېرونو راستنه يئمه
لاس راکه په مينه يه جا نا نه اوس پوره شومه
ستا د با رودې مسکا په هرا ټکل خبر يئمه
وژنى مې پرې ډ يره په اسا نه اوس پوره شومه
دومره تقرتونه دى چې سا مې پکښې ډ وبه ده
د ا طمع مې نۀ وه له انسا نه اوس پوره شومه
زۀ لکه د للمې ګل په خپله را ټو کېږمه
مه راځه د بر لورى با را نه اوس پوره شومه
ISRAR DA TORU
As the name indicates Israr is from Toru and was born here on the 15th of September 1939.His whole family has an educational background and especially in religious matters. His father Maulana Inayatullah was a good religious scholar based in Khaksar Mardan.
Israr ur Rahman got a master degree in Urdu language and also in education. He is a retired Principal now and has produced some well known students of Mardan.
His style of teaching has been excellent and he was one of the most popular teachers amongst the students.
His life has two sides:Pukhtoon Nationalist and Islamic Religious values .According to him his father used to bring a magazine named Pukhtoon.
In his young age he went with his father to Akorai, a place near Nawkhar where he met religious scholars. Here he got the opportunity to meet people like Ajmal Khattak and this increased his thirst for Pushto poetry. Following this he was attending the sessions of Mardan Adabi Jarga where he met people like Asghar Lala, Sher Ali Bacha, Pir Gohar ,Jamal Razi, Dr Israr, Abdul Wahid Tekkadar, Abdul Wahid Qalandar,Iqbal Iqbal,Humayun Huma,Andesh,Khair ul Haq Gohar,Dr Amin ul Haq and Manzoor Hussain Bacha.
He liked the poetry of Sher Ali Bacha as it was progressive and meaningful. He was also impressed by the beautiful poetic voice of Pir Gohar.
Later on in his life he took more interest in the religion matters and gained more knowledge about Islam. This may partly be influenced by becoming the son in law of the Khateeb of Bazaar Mosque in Hoti.
He is a very good poet and writer. He is very humble and hospitable. He wrote many books which are published. He first book was , Imam-e- Azam in 1965.His Other books are: Hajj Safar Nama Da Hajj Masaley Stories for children in Pashto
He studies Quran and has published a book in which he explained the total numbers of ayahs in Quran.
He suffers from heart disease and underwent surgery recently. This has limited his activities to a greater extent.
His message to everyone and in particular to his students is to hate war and terror. He says we need to fight diseases, poverty and ignorance instead of fellow Human Beings.
MAHBOOB ALI MAHBOOB
This very talented poet was born in 1945 in Toru Mardan. He studied initially in Toru School and later on in High School Number 1 Mardan. His full name is Syed Mahboob Ali Shah and is also known as Mahboob Bacha.
He started writing poems from the very young age and joined Ranizai Pukhto Adabi Jarga Sakhakot in 1965/66. This was the start of the political awareness and the Social injustice was highlighted by many human right activists and socialist politicians. He used to attend the literary activities with the well known poet Rahmat Shah Sayal and others.
Mahboob Bacha was not only a good poet but a reliable and hard working political worker. In 1974/75 he was involved with the creation of Hashtnagar Adabi Tolana along with Ashraf Gagmen and Ikramullah Gran. In 1981/82 he got employment in a factory in Haripur and was part of the Labour .
His poetry is full of new ideas and creativity. Some of his poems are really very attractive and are worth admiration. His Top poem is the “Da Pukhtoonkhwa Tasweer”. This poem has been the favourite of many Pukhtoons who are working or living abroad. This poem was awarded as the best poem by the “World Pukhtun Foundation”.However it is worth mentioning that on this occasion another person put his claim on the award and subsequently Mahboob Ali Mahboob could not get the full financial benefit.
This great poet is living a very ordinary life and is facing a lot of financial hurdles like many other Pukhtoons. Despite all these problems he is still using his physical and writing power to fight against the social injustice and the class system. He is looking forward to a prosperous Pukhtoonkhwa, just like the picture that he drew in “Da Pukhtoonkhwa Tasweer”.
Pukhtukhwa Tasweer is one of my favourite Pushto poems. I translated this into English. Dr. M K Khan read this poem in the poetry week of our local radio and television in America. He received many accolades. It was liked by many and was termed as the best versed poetry by Pushtun and non Pushtoon audiences.
Here is the poetry with my English translation:
Za Ba Da Qalam Pa Jaba Daa Jusa Rokhana Kram
Ta Pa Dey Tasweer Ke Bia Lug Rung Da Wafa Wachawa
(I will highlight the beauty of her figure with my pen …..I wish you would reciprocate by filling this picture with the colours of love and devotion)
Makh Ba Warla Za Da Abaseen Pa Chapo Wo Wenzam
Ta Pa Key Mowjoona Da Amu Da Drazah Wa Chawa
(I will see her beautiful face washed by the waves of the Abaseen River….I wish you would add the power of the rise and fall of the waves of the Amu River)
Khaal Laka Chatral Ba Warla Za Pa Tandi Keigdama
Ta Pre Da Bolan Da Palwasho Na Rana Wachawa
I will paint a beauty dot on her forehead, just like the beautiful Chatral….I wish you would enlighten her face with the bright light of Bolan)
Haar Da Zamarudo Da De Ghar Ba Warpa ghara Kam
Sourey Da Zangalo Warla Zulfey Pa Sha Wachawa
(I will put a necklace around her neck, made of the precious Emerald stones of the mountains of my land….I wish you would decorate the shadows of her long hair with the shadows of the tall trees of the woodlands of my country)
Stargo La Bai Za Da Watan Tola Bijlee Rawalam
Ta Pa Ke Da Masto Thunderuno Adaa Wachawa
(I will bring the light to her eyes from the powerhouses of my entire country….I wish you would add sound of thunder to her scenery)
Shundey Ba Ye Za Da Pekhawar Pa Surkhay Sre Krama
Ta Pre Da Khyber Au Taa-tarey Na Khkula Wachawa
(I will colour her lips with the bright red colours of my city Peshawar….I wish you would make her beautiful just like the beautiful Khyber and high Tatara mountains)
Wrok De Shi Pezwan Da Mughulwal Da Ghulamay Nakha
Ta Warta Chargul Da Pukhtano Da Anna Wachawa
(I will remove Pezwan from her nose (the jewellery for the nose) as this is a symbol of Moghul slavery….I wish you would decorate her nose with the Chargul instead (The customary Pashtoon jewellery in the shape of four Petal flower)
Noom Ba Warla Za Da Pukhtunkhwa Pa Seena Woleekam
Ta Pa Ke Da Wago Tago Barkha Bala Wachawa
(I will print the name of “Pukhtunkhwa” over her chest …. I pray to God for his blessing over the poor and needy of this land)
Poet: Mahboob Ali Mahboob………….Translation: Dr. R S Mohmand USA
MEEM RAY SHAFAQ
Known more commonly as Meem Ray Shafaq, short for Mushtaq-ur-Rahman. He was born on the 1st of July 1946 and comes from a literary family in Toru.
He worked as a Pushto language translator in Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation Islamabad. From time to time he used to read Pushto news on the radio. His voice is very clear, attractive and just right for reading the news.
He got involved with poetry in young age. His elder brother is Israr da Toru and it looks as they were having a poetry competition in their house after school time.
He is very keen to see the progression and development of Pushto language. For Urdu speaking people he wrote a book about how to learn Pushto. This is called Pushto Urdu Bol Chal. His other Pushto books are: Da Reekhteen khabarey Qalandar Momand aw Shakhsiat Spogmay (award winning)
Currently he is the Chairman of Pashto Adabi Society Islamabad and intends to publish more books in the near future.
MIA WAKEEL SHAH FAQIRKHEL
Mia Wakeel Shah Faqeer Khel was born on 14th February 1957 at Sawal Der Mardan .He belongs to the well known Pushtoon family of Jamil Khan (Jamil Beg) who was the brother of Khushal khan Khattak. Jamil khan was also a literary person and wrote many books in Pushto mainly about religious matters.
Mian Saib is working in the Post Office and he has a major contribution to Pushto language.
His interest is to explore the history of Pushto literature and unknown valuable poets and writers.
He produced research thesis on various personalities and these have been published in different magazines.He is also looking forward to highlight those writers and poets whose work went unnoticed because of lack of resources or some other reasons.
His published books are:
Khedmatgaar Da Faqeer Khel Pa Kutub Khana Ke
Da Tahqeeq Pa Rana Ke
His coming books are:
Da Maazud Din Khattak Deewan
Da Ahmad Deen Talib Deewan
Da Tareekh Da Panro Na
MIAN KHAIR UL HAQ GOHAR
Mian Saib was a hard working teacher and the students really liked him. His other hobbies were playing chess and doing crossword competitions. He was born in Sra-Derai Mardan in 1906 and later on settled in Mardan during his career as a teacher in High School. Those who have seen him may have seen him on his bike. His personality was as balanced as the wheels of his bike.
He was one of the senior writers and the life long President of Mardan Adabi Jarga. He has done much creative work which was published in different journals from time to time. He wrote some beautiful poems but we like the following lines:
STA DA ISHQ PA JURUM KE RAKAGI ME MAQTAL TA NAN
KHALAQ DEE RAJAMA DAMAMA GHAGEEGI DUNG DUNG
Mian saib sadly died at the age of 83 in 1989 leaving behind a bunch of talented students and writers.
MUHAMMAD IQBAL IQBAL
Muhammad Iqbal Iqbal was born in Bari Chum Hoti Mardan in August 1947.He lived in Babu Mohalla for a while and then in Sultan Abad Mardan. He was a great Pushto poet and writer. He was the Secretary General of Olasee Adabi Tolana Mardan.
He had an extensive knowledge of Pushto language. He liked composing magazines and books, some at a very short notice.A good example is “Milli Atal” after the death of Sher Ali Bacha which he composed within 48 hours.
Iqbal published a number of books.These include :
Palwasha (poetry) in 1978….پلوشه ..Award winning
Da Laiwala Mohabbat
Da Rabab Trung 1989
Talee Peroona ….. تلې پيرونه ….Short stories1999
A few years ago The German Government wanted to make documentaries about refugees from every country of the world. Iqbal was asked to write a poem as well. He wrote the poem on Afghan refugees. The poem was sung by a female vocalist Farzana and it got the first award in the World Refugees Documentary Festival. His poetry books have been a good treasury for the Radio and Television artists since 1962.
In late life Iqbal became the Editor of Bimonthly Pushto Magazine “Pasoon”. He promoted Pushto till the last day of his life. This sincere writer and poet died on Saturday 21 March 2009.His services will be remembered throughout Pukhtunkhwa.
NIAZ PARWAR NIAZ
غرونو زرغون شوے جاړې بوټى يو شينکے دے
تازه وينـــه جوړيږى د ذهنــــــونـــــو قرارے دے
سودم ته پسرلے دے
تازه هـوا چليږى روحونــــــه خـــــــوشــــحاليږى
مارغان په چغار ګډدى د ښکاريانو اخترے دے
سودم ته پسرلے دے
دا فکرونه مشالونه
ناز پرور ناز
دا فکـــــــــــرونـــــــه مشالونه چې بليـــــــږى دې رڼا ته پتنګان به راټــــــــــوليــــــــــږى
د تيارو دا تور تمونه به وروکيـــــــــــږى رڼائې به په هر لــــــورى را خـــــــوريـــــــــږى
بيا به راشى پســـــــــرلى په دې وطن کښې ښکلاګانــــــو تــه ئې قامونه به پسخيږى
بـــــيا بـــــــــه ډک شې دا انګڼ د سرو ګلونو بـــــــــورا ګان بــــه ئې په سرو پاڼو بڼيږى
دا محفـــــل پــــــه رنګينيـــو به ښائسته شى سرودونــه بــــــــــه خــــــواږۀ پکښې غـــږ يږى
يــــــو بــــــــــاران د رحمتـــــــونـــو بـــه راووري دا باران به د هر چا پـــــه کـــــــور وريـــــــږى
بيا زرغون به شى په دې زمکه شنۀ بـــوټى عالمونــــــه د دُنيا بـــــــــه حېـــــــرانيـــــــــږى
شازلمى به مې راويـــــــښ شى د غرق خو به مئېنـــــــــدې ټولې به جامو کښې نۀ ځائيږى
يــــــو پـــــــه يــــــــو بــــه بدل اخلو د دښمن نه شاباسې بـــــه د نيکيانــــــو رارسيــــــــږى
نــــــــاز پــــــــــرور فخـــــــــر کوومه پـــــــه افغان جرتونـــــه د پــــــښتـــــــون کلــــــه ختميږى
دغــــــــه طمعـــــه زۀ پــــــه زړۀ لــــرمه دا به بيا تاريخ زما د قــــام بــــــه تــــــــــازه کيږى
د مـــــــړانې نغمې وائى به دا خـــــوئېنـــــــدې چنغلې بــه انتظار تـــــــه خــــوشحاليـــــږى
دا ســــــــوچونه مې د ټولـــــــو پښتنـو دى پښتـــــونخــوا به درنګ ساعت له ازاديږى
NOOR UL BASHAR NAVEED
Noor ul Bashar Naveed is an internationally renowned drama writer, columnist, journalist and poet. He was born on the 12th of February 1956 in Rashid Abad Toru. He got his initial education in Toru. Since young age he was keen to learn about Pushto literature and along with it National Politics. For this reason he is not only limited to literature but also has a vision about the local and international politics. Bashar is the Chief Editor of the Monthly Pushto magazine”Leekwal”, published from Peshawar. He also writes a regular column for daily newspaper “wahdat”. His published Books are: 1. Mashaloona (poetry) 2. Maa ta ghwag sha (volume 1 and volume 2) 3. Watan ya Kafan (prose). He is one of the top drama writers. He has written dramas and serials for Radio and Television. Some of these dramas have received awards from government departments, television, radio and other literary societies. This great writer has not only popularised Mardan but is also playing a major role in promoting Pukhtoon culture and language.
PIR GOHAR
Pir Gohar is known as “The Poet of Peace”. Belongs to Pirano Daga Mardan and started writing poems in very young age. Initially he worked with Muslim League. But soon realised the ups and downs of life and the big gap between poor and rich.
This is why he wrote:
Rasha Che Da Haala Da Ghareeb Na De Khabar Krama
Kooz Sha Da Motor na Che Tatke Darta Pa Sar Krama
His other popular Poem was “Sehra” which he wrote on the occasion of the wedding of his friend Sher Ali Anwar. But his most popular lines are the ones in which he wants the Peace to prevail throughout the world:
Ghwarama Che Tola Duniya Meena Meena Meena Shee
These lines show his real desire and message for Peace throughout the world.
Pir Gohar
QAMAR RAHI
Qamar Rahi is a well-known writer and a poet of Mardan. He is one of the founders of Pukhto Adabi Jarga and worked in Sugar Mills Mardan. His great job was to publish a Pushto Magazine “QAND” which was as sweet as the sugar of Mardan.
It was very popular and probably no other magazine has achieved what Qand did in a short period. His efforts are well recognised in the literary circles of Mardan and Pukhtunkhwa.
He knows the problems of the nation and has mentioned about this in his poetry:
(The years of oppression has made me revengeful. You cannot blame me).
Qamar Rahi’s Poetry
ډولۍ قمر راهي
| په رهګزرکښې ځان له پروت يم ډېرخوشحاله نۀ يم | د رهګزر دغه کمـــره راته يــــو قبر ښکاري |
| څوک څۀ حاجت پسې منم چې کله کله راشي | دغه راتلل زما د فکر تسلسل هم مات کـړي |
| وينه او مينه رانه ټولـــــــه رهګــــــــزر وخـــــوړه | اوس تشې مينې ته بدل کښې زۀ لېواله پروت يم |
| څۀ ساعت پس چرته چې بيا فکر را ونغاړمـه | زۀ ستا د زلفو شبستان تــــه پټ پټ وپسخيږم |
| ستا د خبرو پس پسي پسې غوږ وګــــرځــــــوم | شبستان نۀ وي د خبرو پس پسې به څــۀ وي |
| چې دبارودو تور لوګے زخمي زخمي کريکې وي | څۀ تصور به د ګلــونــــــو اننګـــــــو کـــــــومــــــه |
| دې کښې ياران به د غزل تقاضا څنګه کــوي | چې دا غزل غزل وطن په خپلو وينو سوردے |
| اوس څۀ قصور دے چرې زۀ کۀ دخپل سويري ريږدم | زۀ چې له ويرې نه خپل سوري ته په شاشا ګورم |
| داسې حالاتوکښې تش سر خو پټول هم نۀ دي | ګني دې قبر شان کمرې سره خو ښۀ بلـــد يم |
| ما سره غم د پښتونخوا دے پښتانۀ ورکيږي | ډولۍ خوڅۀ کوے چې خدائے دې کجاوې ته خېر کړي |
SHER ALI BACHA
Born in Hoti Mardan in 1933, his family is the descendant of Syed Ali Termizi ( Pir Baba).For this reason was known as Bacha. People also called him Bachajee to show extra respect for his work. During his student life he was actively involved in the literary activities and was the secretary of Pushto Adabi Tolana, Mardan College. He got his Law degree from Karachi and practiced as a lawyer for a short time in Mardan. But due to his busy life in politics, he could not continue his practice and finally stopped this completely.
Sher Ali Bacha as a writer and Poet:
While studying Law in Karachi, Bacha became the Editor of Pushto Magazine “Adal”. His pen name was then Anwar. This was the time of Martial Law in the country and he tried to use his literary power to promote political awareness amongst the people.He made them aware of their rights. When back in Mardan, he along with his friends reactivated in 1962 the Pukhto Adabi Jarga Mardan. It became very popular and the literary activities were at the height. It not only attracted local talent but seniors like Ajmal Khattak, Qalandar Momand, Hamza Shinwari, Ayub Sabir and other poets from all corners of Pukhtunkhwa attended the sessions in Mardan.
There was a memorable Mushaira (poetry session) on the eve of his wedding. This was the first of its kind and the beautiful poems are still remembered very much by those who attended the session.
Later on during his political life he produced pamphlets, leaflets, posters and Brochures in the form of “Mazdoor Kissan Zinda Baad”, “Sanobar” and numerous others.
His scientific analysis and approach to the problems of Pukhtun Nation earned him a unique place. He not only highlighted the problems but came up with the best solutions as well. These are now published in the form of a book “BAL MASHALOONA”. His poetry book “Milli Pasoon” is published in 2010.
His death was a great loss to the nation. After his death the tribute and comments of his friends, writers and family members were saved in the condolence Book. These are unique of its kind and are now published in the form of a book “Milli Atal”. Once you read this book, you will be able to judge yourself about his contribution not only to Mardan but to the entire nation of Pukhtunkhwa.
ZUBAIR HASRAT
Born in Barhi Cham Hoti Mardan in August 1962, Muhammad Zubair Hasrat is well known in education and literary circles. He got his MPhil degree in Pushto language and is currently working as a professor of Pushto in Swabi district.
He is extremely talented poet and writer. His research work and critique is also of a high standard. So far he has published seventeen books. His popular books are:
Zama aw Sta Sandaray
La Mardan na tar Mardana
Jwandee Lafzoona
He intends to do more work in future to promote Pushto language.