Khatir Ghaznavi, born Mohammad Ibrahim Baig on 5 November 1925 in Ghazni, Afghanistan, was a renowned Pakistani multilingual writer, poet, playwright, research scholar, and director of the Pakistan Academy of Letters. Known for his profound contributions to Urdu, Hindko, and Pashto literature, Ghaznavi’s work has left a lasting impact on Pakistan’s literary landscape. Over his lifetime, he authored around forty-five to fifty books, spanning poetry, plays, and children’s literature.
Early Life and Education Of Khatir Ghaznavi:
Khatir Ghaznavi was born into an Afghan family that later migrated to Peshawar, Pakistan, where he spent most of his life. His primary education was in Bannu, and he completed his secondary education in Peshawar. He went on to pursue a Master’s degree in Urdu from the University of Peshawar in 1958. After completing his studies, he began teaching at the same university and eventually rose to the position of chairperson of the Urdu department. Ghaznavi was a polyglot, with knowledge of languages such as Urdu, Pashto, Hindko, English, Persian, Malay, Chinese, and Russian, which enriched his literary works and research.
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Literary Career and Achievements Of Khatir Ghaznavi:
Ghaznavi’s literary journey began with a role as a clerk at All India Radio, where he eventually became a producer. He worked with Radio Pakistan for two decades, contributing to programs in Peshawar and Rawalpindi. His prolific writing career began with a novel and soon expanded into poetry, plays, and translations. One of his significant contributions was translating the works of Pashto poet Khushal Khattak into Urdu and Hindko, helping bridge linguistic gaps.
His poetry collections in Hindko, collectively titled Koonjan, and his Urdu poetry collection Khwab Dar Khwab (Dream By Dream) are notable for their depth and artistic merit. He also wrote Pakistan Mein Urdu, a research-based book exploring Urdu’s development in Pakistan. He was known for his extensive research, particularly on the Urdu and Hindko languages. His book Urdu Zaban Ka Makhaz Hindko stirred some debate, as he explored the etymological roots of Urdu and Hindi with Hindko.
In 1999, the Pakistani government awarded Ghaznavi the Presidential Pride of Performance in recognition of his invaluable contributions to literature.
Scholarly Work and Advocacy
Beyond his literary works, Khatir Ghaznavi served as the director of the Pakistan Academy of Letters, where he engaged in research and scholarly activities. He was also the vice president of the Progressive Writers’ Association in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, advocating for literature’s role in societal progress. His commitment to education led him to donate his entire collection of publications and manuscripts to the University of Peshawar, ensuring future generations could access his works.
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Final Years and Legacy
Khatir Ghaznavi faced significant hardships in his later years, marked by financial struggles and health issues. He passed away on 7 July 2008 in Karachi and was laid to rest in Peshawar. His legacy endures through his works, which continue to be celebrated and studied by literary enthusiasts and scholars.
Khatir Ghaznavi’s contributions to Urdu, Hindko, and Pashto literature have solidified his place as a literary icon. His explorations of language, culture, and history resonate across linguistic and cultural boundaries, making him a revered figure in Pakistan’s rich literary heritage.
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