Ajmal Khattak, a name synonymous with resistance, revolution, and resilience, was not only a prominent political figure in Pakistan but also a celebrated poet and writer in the Pashto language. His life, spanning from 15 September 1925 to 7 February 2010, was marked by a relentless pursuit of justice, freedom, and equality for his people. As a key figure in the Awami National Party (ANP) and a close associate of Khan Abdul Wali Khan, Khattak’s contributions to both politics and literature left an indelible mark on the history of Pakistan.
Early Life and Political Awakening of Ajmal Khattak
Born in Akora Khattak, a small town in the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) of British India (now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan), Ajmal Khattak was deeply influenced by the socio-political environment of his time. As a teenager, he became actively involved in the Quit India Movement, a testament to his early commitment to the struggle against colonial rule. His involvement in the Khudai Khidmatgar movement, led by Bacha Khan, further solidified his resolve to fight for the rights of the oppressed.
Khattak’s political journey was intertwined with his academic pursuits. Although his participation in anti-colonial activities forced him to leave school, he eventually completed a master’s degree in Persian from Peshawar University. His time at Islamia College, Peshawar, was particularly significant, as it was there that he began to modernize Pashto literature, linking it to European influences and establishing himself as a progressive poet.
Political Career and Exile of Ajmal Khattak
Ajmal Khattak’s political career officially began when he joined the National Awami Party (NAP), where he quickly rose to prominence. His role as the Secretary General of NAP from 1969 to 1973 was crucial, particularly during the turbulent period following Pakistan’s first general elections in 1970. Despite his defeat in the elections, Khattak remained a formidable force in the political arena. His participation in the United Democratic Front rally in Rawalpindi in 1973, where he narrowly escaped an assassination attempt, further highlighted his dedication to the cause.
The political climate in Pakistan became increasingly hostile for Khattak and his comrades, leading to a crackdown on NAP by the government of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. To avoid arrest, Khattak fled to Afghanistan, where he spent 16 years in self-imposed exile. During this period, he became a key figure in the Pakhtunistan movement and maintained close ties with the leadership of the People’s Democratic Party of Afghanistan.
Return to Pakistan and Leadership in ANP
Ajmal Khattak returned to Pakistan in 1989, after the Awami National Party (ANP), the successor to NAP, formed an electoral alliance with Nawaz Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League. In the 1990 general elections, Khattak was elected to the National Assembly of Pakistan, representing his home district of Nowshera. This victory marked a new chapter in his political career, as he succeeded Khan Abdul Wali Khan as the President of ANP in 1991.
During his tenure as ANP President, Khattak navigated the party through various challenges, including alliances with former adversaries and internal power struggles. His leadership was characterized by a commitment to the renaming of NWFP to Pakhtunkhwa, a move that reflected his dedication to the recognition of Pashtun identity within Pakistan. However, his tenure was not without controversy. In 2000, following accusations of his closeness to then-President Pervez Musharraf, Khattak was ousted from his position as ANP President. He briefly formed a splinter group, the National Awami Party of Pakistan, but it failed to gain significant traction in the 2002 elections.
Literary Contributions and Legacy
Apart from his political achievements, Ajmal Khattak was a prolific writer and poet. A committed Marxist-Leninist, he authored numerous books in Pashto and Urdu, including Da Ghirat Chagha, Batoor, and Guloona Auo Takaloona. His works, which often reflected his revolutionary spirit and commitment to social justice, earned him the title of Baba-e-Nazam (Father of Poetry) by the Torlandi Pukhto Adabi Tolana in Swabi in 2006.
Khattak’s literary legacy extended beyond Pakistan’s borders, with his works being studied and translated by institutions such as the University of Pennsylvania. Despite his recognition, Khattak remained humble, famously declining the Sitara-i-Imtiaz, one of Pakistan’s highest civilian awards, in 2006.
Final Years and Death
After retiring from active politics in 2003, Ajmal Khattak spent his remaining years in his hometown of Akora Khattak. His death on 7 February 2010 marked the end of an era for the Pashtun nationalist movement in Pakistan. Khattak was laid to rest in his native village, leaving behind a legacy of resistance, poetry, and unwavering commitment to the rights of his people.
However, even in death, Khattak’s legacy faced challenges. In 2012, his shrine in Akora Khattak was destroyed by unknown militants, a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by those who dare to challenge the status quo.
Conclusion
Ajmal Khattak’s life was a testament to the power of words and actions in the pursuit of justice and equality. As a politician, poet, and writer, he left an indelible mark on the history of Pakistan, particularly in the context of Pashtun nationalism and the broader struggle for rights and recognition in the country. His contributions continue to inspire future generations to carry forward the torch of resistance and revolution.
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