Keywords: Pir Gohar, Pashto poet, poet of peace, Shaer-i-Aman, Pakistani literature, Mardan poet, Pashto ghazals, Pakistani songwriter, Pride of Performance, Pirano Daga
Introduction
Pir Gohar (پیر گوہر), affectionately remembered as Shaer-i-Aman (The Poet of Peace), was a legendary Pashto poet, critic, songwriter, and freedom activist whose literary voice echoed across decades of political and social upheaval in Pakistan. His life, rooted in the cultural soil of Mardan’s Pirano Daga, was a testament to resistance, patriotism, and literary brilliance. Through poetry and prose, Pir Gohar became a torchbearer of hope, peace, and national pride.
Early Life and Education
Born on December 8, 1931, in Pirano Daga, Mardan—then under British rule—Pir Gohar completed his early education during the colonial period. After Pakistan’s independence, he pursued higher education, ultimately earning a Master’s degree. From a young age, he was deeply influenced by the freedom movement and political changes that shaped South Asia.
Political Engagement and Transformation
Initially aligned with the Pakistan Muslim League (PML), Pir Gohar participated in political movements, including the Movement for the Restoration of Democracy, Operation Fair Play, and voiced his dissent against military coups in Pakistan. However, disillusioned with politics, which he later described as a “source of oppression of the poor,” he distanced himself from political circles to focus solely on literature and cultural advocacy.
Literary Contributions
Pir Gohar’s literary journey began with writing ghazals, songs, comic tales, and fictional stories. His passion for literature flourished, and he actively participated in public recitals where he recited his patriotic poetry in the presence of national icons like Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Abdur Rab Nishtar.
His work extended to radio and television, where he wrote dramas for Radio Pakistan and later for the Pakistan Television Corporation. Over the years, Pir Gohar authored eight poetry books, some of which include:
- Haq Shaoor
- Azghun Pasarly
- Walwaly
- Polay Lasoona
- Taswaf-e-Noorani (on Sufism)
- Shalghaty (considered a cornerstone of his Pashto poetry)
His writings promoted themes of peace, patriotism, and literary depth, which earned him the title Poet of Peace. His poems have been translated into ten different languages, extending his influence beyond linguistic and national boundaries.
Leadership in Literary Circles
As a respected literary figure, Pir Gohar served as the chairperson of Mardan Adabi Jirga and the Mardan Arts Council, fostering young talent and nurturing cultural development in the region. His literary efforts were recognized by Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, which honored him as a “prominent literary personality.”
Awards and Recognition
In acknowledgment of his exceptional literary service, the President of Pakistan, under General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, awarded Pir Gohar the Presidential Pride of Performance, one of the nation’s highest civilian honors for contributions to arts and culture.
Legacy and Death
Pir Gohar passed away on January 4, 2013, due to cardiac arrest at his home in Pirano Daga, where he was laid to rest in his ancestral graveyard. His life and work are immortalized in books such as:
- “Gouhariyat” by Afghan author Aftab Gul Banrr
- “Shaair – Amn Pan Ao Shakhsiyat” by Pakistani poet Ghumgeen Mayari
His death left a literary void in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the broader Pashto-speaking community, yet his legacy continues to inspire new generations of poets, writers, and peace advocates.
Conclusion
Pir Gohar was not merely a poet; he was a symbol of peace, love, and resistance. Through his words, he challenged tyranny, celebrated freedom, and ignited the fire of hope in the hearts of many. His dedication to the Pashto language and Pakistani literature cements his place among the great literary figures of the region.
Meta Description:
Explore the life and legacy of Pir Gohar, the iconic Pashto poet known as Shaer-i-Aman. Discover his role in Pakistani literature, his patriotic poetry, and his lifelong advocacy for peace.