Ajmal Khan Khattak, a towering figure in Pakistan’s political and literary history, remains one of the most influential Pashto poets, writers, and politicians of the 20th century. Born on 15 September 1925 in Akora Khattak, a small town in what is now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ajmal Khattak led a life filled with struggle, sacrifice, and dedication to his people. He was not only a voice for Pashto literature but also a key figure in the political history of Pakistan, shaping the course of its national politics through his unwavering commitment to Pashtun nationalism and democratic ideals.
Early Life and Political Awakening
Ajmal Khattak’s journey into politics began in his youth. As a teenager, he was deeply influenced by the Khudai Khidmatgar movement, which was led by Bacha Khan, a prominent Pashtun freedom fighter who strongly advocated for non-violent resistance against British colonial rule. Khattak was only 17 when he joined the Quit India Movement, a significant protest against British colonial rule. His involvement in the movement forced him to leave his studies at the Government High School in Peshawar.
Khattak’s early political actions were marked by his determination to bring change, which led him to join the Khudai Khidmatgar (Servants of God) movement, a non-violent movement that worked for the rights of the Pashtun people. He was influenced by Bacha Khan’s philosophy, which combined both political activism and cultural revival.
Political Career and Exile
After Pakistan’s creation in 1947, Ajmal Khattak became an active member of the National Awami Party (NAP), led by Khan Abdul Wali Khan. His political career flourished as he climbed the ranks, serving as the Secretary-General of the NAP from 1969 to 1973. However, in the 1970 general election, Khattak faced defeat in his home constituency. His party’s opposition to Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s government made him a target, and he was forced into exile in Kabul in 1973 due to a crackdown against the NAP.
During his years in exile, Khattak remained closely tied to the Pakhtunistan movement, which sought greater autonomy for Pashtuns. He became a confidant of the Afghan leadership, particularly with leaders such as Nur Muhammad Taraki and Dr. Mohammad Najibullah, while also maintaining close relations with Badshah Khan.
Return to Pakistan and Rise to Prominence
In 1989, after years in exile, Khattak returned to Pakistan. The country had undergone significant political changes, and he rejoined the political fold with the Awami National Party (ANP), the successor of NAP. His return was marked by his election to the National Assembly in 1990, representing his home district of Nowshera. During this period, Khattak became the President of the ANP after Khan Wali Khan’s retirement.
Khattak’s tenure as the President of the ANP was marked by his strong leadership, but it was also a time of political turmoil. In the 1993 general elections, Khattak lost his re-election bid. Despite this, he remained influential in the party’s politics and was nominated to the Senate in 1994. His political journey was not without its challenges, including internal party disputes and struggles with political opponents.
In the year 2000, a bitter power struggle within the ANP led to Khattak’s ouster as party president. He briefly formed a splinter faction, the National Awami Party of Pakistan. However, after the 2002 general elections, which saw the rise of religious-right parties in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Khattak rejoined the ANP, marking his return to the party fold after years of political turmoil. He retired from active politics in 2003 and was later given the honorary title of Party Patron in Chief.
Legacy as a Writer and Poet
Beyond politics, Ajmal Khattak made significant contributions to Pashto literature. A committed Marxist-Leninist, Khattak’s poetry resonated with themes of resistance, social justice, and Pashtun identity. He authored numerous works in both Pashto and Urdu, with notable books including Da Ghirat Chagha, Pukhtana Shora, and Batoor. His writings played an important role in modernizing Pashto literature, introducing elements of European literary movements, particularly from English literature.
Khattak’s literary work was not only recognized within Pakistan but also garnered international attention. The University of Pennsylvania’s South Asian Studies Department undertook translations of his works, further cementing his reputation as a progressive poet. Despite his significant contributions to literature, Khattak turned down the Sitara-i-Imtiaz, a prestigious Pakistani award, in 2006, emphasizing his disillusionment with the state.
Death and Posthumous Recognition
Ajmal Khattak’s political influence began to fade as he retired from active politics. He spent his final years in his native village of Akora Khattak, where he passed away on 7 February 2010, at the age of 85. His death marked the end of an era for Pashtun nationalism and progressive politics in Pakistan.
In 2012, Khattak’s shrine in Akora Khattak was blown up by militants, symbolizing the ongoing violence in the region. Despite this tragic act, his legacy as a poet, politician, and revolutionary continues to inspire future generations of Pashtuns.
Conclusion
Ajmal Khan Khattak’s life was a testament to the power of literature and politics to create meaningful change. His early participation in the Indian independence movement, leadership in the Pashtun nationalist struggle, and contributions to Pashto literature make him a celebrated figure in the history of Pakistan. Even after his passing, his influence remains strong, with his political vision and literary works continuing to inspire many.