Sulaiman Layeq, born Ghulam Mujaddid on October 12, 1930, was a prominent Afghan communist politician, poet, and intellectual. He played significant roles in both the political and cultural realms of Afghanistan, particularly during the tumultuous years of the 20th century. Known for his influential work within the People’s Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA) and as a member of the Parcham faction, Layeq’s legacy extends into both Afghan literature and political history. He passed away on July 31, 2020, in Germany at the age of 90.
Early Life and Education Of Sulaiman Layeq
Layeq was born in Sharana, Paktika Province, into a Sulaimankhel Pashtun family. His father, Abdul Ghani, was a religious figure and a Sufi Khalifa with ties to the Mojaddedi family, a prominent religious family in Afghanistan. Abdul Ghani fought against British forces in the Third Anglo-Afghan War and later served as an imam to Prime Minister Mohammad Hashim.
From a young age, Layeq was exposed to both religious and secular education. He began his schooling at Habibia High School in 1940, before attending a state-run madrasa in Paghman in 1947. It was here that he adopted the name Sulaiman, in honor of his mother, who had passed away from cholera during his youth. Layeq also adopted his surname, which was the name of an ancestor, to distinguish his identity further.
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Academic and Literary Pursuits Of Sulaiman Layeq
Layeq’s educational journey was marked by political activism. In 1951, he led a student protest at his madrasa, which resulted in his expulsion. However, he was soon readmitted and completed his studies. In 1955, he enrolled in a Sharia program at Kabul University, as per his father’s wishes, but was expelled due to his participation in anti-government protests. Undeterred, he returned to the university to study literature and philosophy, graduating in 1957.
Layeq began his professional career as a journalist in 1958 with Hewad, a state-owned newspaper. His career in media expanded when he joined Radio Afghanistan, where he worked from 1959 to 1965, eventually becoming the head of the Department of Education and Literature. He then transitioned to the Ministry of Information and Culture, where he served until 1967. Through his work as a journalist and poet, Layeq increasingly engaged with Afghanistan’s political landscape, aligning himself with progressive and revolutionary ideals.
Political Career and the PDPA
By the mid-1960s, Layeq had become involved with the newly formed PDPA, a Marxist-Leninist party established in 1965. Although he did not initially hold a central role within the party, he soon became a key figure in the Parcham faction, which advocated for moderate, socialist reforms and was led by Babrak Karmal. Layeq contested for a parliamentary seat in 1965 and 1969, but both attempts were unsuccessful.
In 1978, the PDPA executed a coup, known as the Saur Revolution, which led to the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan. Layeq became the Minister of Radio and Television in the new government and later held the post of Minister of Nationalities and Tribal Affairs, a role that positioned him as a mediator between the central government and various tribal factions. He also served as the President of the Afghan Academy of Sciences, contributing to the promotion of Afghan culture and education.
The Parcham-Khalq Split and Imprisonment
The PDPA experienced internal divisions between the Khalq and Parcham factions. Layeq, a staunch Parchamite, found himself at odds with the Khalq faction, which dominated the government under leaders Nur Mohammad Taraki and Hafizullah Amin. In 1979, Layeq was imprisoned at the infamous Pul-e-Charkhi prison, sentenced to death by the Khalq-led administration. However, he was released following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan later that year, which restored the Parcham faction to power under Babrak Karmal.
Ministerial and Politburo Roles
During the Soviet-backed government, Layeq’s influence grew. He became a member of the Politburo and Deputy Chairman of the National Fatherland Front. He played a key role in efforts to reconcile with various Afghan resistance groups, leveraging his tribal connections to negotiate with moderate Mujahideen elements. Layeq also engaged in diplomatic missions, including peace negotiations with factions in Pakistan and other countries. As a respected Pashtun nationalist, he maintained relations with the Pashtun nationalist movements in Pakistan, which contributed to his reputation as a diplomat and negotiator.
Later Years and Death
Following the Soviet withdrawal in 1989, Layeq continued to support President Mohammad Najibullah’s government. He played an essential role in Najibullah’s national reconciliation policy, which sought to negotiate peace with the Mujahideen. However, these efforts ultimately failed as the government fell in 1992.
Sulaiman Layeq spent his final years in Germany. He passed away on July 31, 2020. His body was repatriated to Afghanistan, where he received military honors. He left behind a literary legacy, with around 70 volumes of unpublished political diaries, as well as a significant impact on Afghan culture and politics.
List of Pashto-Language Poets
Literary Contributions
Sulaiman Layeq was not only a politician but also a prolific poet. He wrote extensively in Pashto and Persian, addressing themes of nationalism, social justice, and the plight of the Afghan people. His notable works include Chunghar, De Abaseen Spaiday, and Kaygday. His poetry reflected his political beliefs and aspirations for his country, making him a revered figure among Afghan literati.
Conclusion
Sulaiman Layeq’s life was a testament to the complex interplay between culture and politics in Afghanistan. As a poet, he captured the struggles and aspirations of his people; as a politician, he navigated the ideological and tribal divides of his nation. His legacy endures in Afghan literature and the political history of the region.
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