By: Sajid Takar
PESHAWAR: The 31st death anniversary of the Pashto legendry poet, Amir Hamza Khan Shinwari, is being observed today on February, 18.
Born in 1907 in Landi Kotal, Shinwari penned over 25,000 poems, earning him a revered place in Pashto literature.
In 1935, he wrote the first Pashto drama, ‘Zamindar,’ for All India Radio Peshawar, followed by scripting the story, dialogues, and lyrics for the first Pashto film, ‘Laila Majnoon,’ released in 1941.
His works, rich with themes of love, nature, and human emotions, have transcended generations, making him a cultural icon for the Pashtun community.
Amir Hamza Shinwari also held the role of editor for the Pashto section of the English newspaper Khyber Mail his career.
In this capacity, he wrote daily columns titled Zara Fikrona, addressing a wide range of social and literary issues.
In acknowledgment of his immense contributions to literature, the Government of Pakistan honored him with the prestigious Pride of Performance and Sitara-i-Imtiaz awards
Hamza Baba one of the famous poetry pieces as saying, “Waye Aghyar che da Dozakh Jaba da, Za ba Janat ta da Pukhtu sara zam”
Enemies say It is a language of hell
But I will go to heaven with the Pakhtu
Read also: KP proposes death penalty or life imprisonment for drug offences in educational Institutions
