Keywords: Khatir Ghaznavi, Urdu literature, Hindko poet, Pakistani writers, Pashto literature, multilingual writer, Pride of Performance
Introduction
In the diverse and culturally rich landscape of South Asian literature, few names shine as brightly as Khatir Ghaznavi. Born as Mohammad Ibrahim Baig on 5 November 1925 in Ghazni, Afghanistan, Ghaznavi left an indelible mark on Urdu, Hindko, and Pashto literature. A celebrated poet, researcher, translator, and scholar, his literary journey spanned over six decades, culminating in a treasure trove of over 45 published works. His immense contributions earned him the Pride of Performance Award in 1999 by the Government of Pakistan.
Early Life and Education
Khatir Ghaznavi hailed from an Afghan ethnic background. His family later migrated to Peshawar, Pakistan, where he completed his primary education in Bannu and secondary studies in Peshawar. He earned his Master’s degree in Urdu from the University of Peshawar in 1958 and went on to join the same university as a lecturer. Over time, he rose to become the Chairperson of the Urdu Department.
A polyglot by passion and profession, Ghaznavi mastered multiple languages, including Urdu, Pashto, Hindko, Persian, English, Malay, Chinese, and Russian. He also acquired diplomas in Malay and Chinese, enabling him to engage with global literary communities.
Professional Career and Literary Contributions
Ghaznavi’s early professional career began at All India Radio, later transitioning to Radio Pakistan, where he served for two decades as a producer and program organizer. His academic and literary work took him to Malaysia, where he worked on a dictionary project involving Urdu and Malay and served as Head of the Department at the University of Malaya.
Back home, he was deeply involved with literary institutions. He served as Director of Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) and was Vice President of the Progressive Writers’ Association in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. His editorial presence in leading magazines and newspapers solidified his status as a literary influencer.
A Prolific Writer Across Languages
Khatir Ghaznavi authored a wide array of works, including:
- Poetry: Khwab Dar Khwab, Saanp Ki Chatri, and the Hindko collection Koonjan
- Plays: Zindagi Ke Liay, Manzal Ba Manzal
- Novels & Folklore: Phool Aur Pathar, Chattan Aur Romaan, Sarhad ki Romaanvi Kahaniyan
- Research Works: Pakistan Mein Urdu, Jadeed Urdu Adab, Urdu Zaban Ka Makhaz Hindko
His translation of Khushal Khan Khattak’s poetry into Urdu and Hindko played a key role in making classical Pashto literature accessible to wider audiences.
Controversy and Innovation in Research
Ghaznavi’s linguistic research sparked debates, especially with his assertion in Urdu Zaban Ka Makhaz Hindko that both Urdu and Hindi languages have Hindko as their origin. Though controversial, this viewpoint opened new avenues for linguistic research and dialogue. While some critics labeled his theories as unorthodox, his work highlighted the interconnectedness of regional languages and dialects.
Legacy and Final Years
Despite his monumental contributions, Khatir Ghaznavi’s final years were marked by financial hardships and declining health. He passed away on 7 July 2008 in Karachi and was laid to rest in Peshawar.
In a symbolic gesture of commitment to education, he donated his complete collection of manuscripts, research papers, and books to the University of Peshawar, ensuring that future generations could learn from his legacy.
Awards and Recognition
- Pride of Performance Award (1999) by the President of Pakistan
- Revered across South Asia for his multilingual writing and academic contributions
- Founding influence in the development of the Department of Chinese at the University of Peshawar
Conclusion
Khatir Ghaznavi remains a towering figure in the literary history of Pakistan. His multilingual legacy, academic contributions, and innovative research have enriched Urdu, Hindko, and Pashto literature. Through poetry, folklore, plays, and research, Ghaznavi gave voice to the complexities of language, identity, and culture. His life is a testament to the enduring power of words and the boundless possibilities of literary expression.
Tags: #KhatirGhaznavi #UrduPoetry #PakistaniLiterature #MultilingualWriter #PrideOfPerformance #HindkoPoet #PashtoLiterature
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