Raj Wali Shah Khattak (1952 – 2015) was a distinguished Pashto-language poet, critic, and writer from Pakistan, who made significant contributions to Pashto literature. Known for his thought-provoking poetry and extensive research in Pashto language and literature, Khattak left an indelible mark on modern Pashto poetry and literary criticism.
Early Life and Education Of Raj Wali Shah Khattak
Born on January 24, 1952, in the village of Dak Ismail Khel in Nowshera, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Khattak was passionate about Pashto literature from an early age. This passion would later translate into a lifelong commitment to promoting and preserving Pashto language and culture.
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Career and Contributions Of Raj Wali Shah Khattak
Khattak served as the Director of the Pashto Academy at the University of Peshawar from 1995 to 2004. During his tenure, he advanced the academy’s mission to promote Pashto language and culture through academic research and literary pursuits. Recognized for his contributions, Khattak was awarded the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (Medal of Excellence) by the President of Pakistan, General Pervez Musharraf.
Khattak’s contributions to Pashto literature extended beyond poetry. He published 14 books, including critical essays, research works, and dictionaries. His works often explored themes central to Pashtun culture and heritage, and his collection Sangzar was particularly notable, with critics hailing it as a precursor of poetic innovation in Pashto literature.
List of Pashto-Language Poets
Notable Works
Some of Khattak’s well-known books include:
- Da Pukhto Adabi Tehreekoona (Literary Movements in Pashto)
- Zeest Rozgar Da Faqir Jamil Beg (The Lifestyle of Faqir Jamil Beg)
- Manaqib-e-Faqir (Faqir Eulogies)
- Pashto Zhaba (The Pashto Language Dictionary)
- Da Pukhto Nawi Imla (The New Pashto Script)
- Sangzar (Poetry)
- Da Rehman Pa Shair (On the Poetry of Rehman)
- An Intangible Heritage (Published by InterLit Foundation)
- Pashtuno ke Kasb-o-Hunar (Pashto Crafts and Skills, published by Lok Virsa Islamabad)
- Pashtunwali (Pashto Code of Conduct)
Legacy and Death
Khattak authored over 60 research articles, which were published in reputable journals, demonstrating his dedication to academic excellence and the preservation of Pashto culture. His insightful research and literary works have been referenced by scholars worldwide and continue to be a valuable resource for those studying Pashto literature.
On July 20, 2015, Khattak passed away suddenly due to a cardiac arrest while returning from Swat. His passing was a significant loss to the Pashto literary community, yet his contributions live on, inspiring future generations of Pashto poets, writers, and scholars.