By Fazal Amin Shinwari
LANDI KOTAL: A dignified book launch ceremony for the fifth publication of renowned poet, writer, and Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) spokesperson Haroon Shinwari was held on Saturday at the District Press Club Khyber, Landi Kotal. The newly released book is a comprehensive literary tribute to Baba-e-Ghazal Amir Hamza Khan Shinwari (Hamza Baba), one of the most influential figures in Pashto literature.
The ceremony brought together prominent personalities from literature, journalism, academia, and social life, making it a vibrant and intellectually enriching literary gathering.
The 650-page Urdu book, titled “(Waraq Palat’tay Raho, Hamza Parhtay Raho” ورق پلٹاتے رہو، حمزہ پڑھتے) “Keep turning the pages, keep reading Hamza,” received wide appreciation from literary and academic circles. The publication highlights the literary stature, intellectual depth, and spiritual legacy of Hamza Baba, while also serving as a valuable effort to preserve the region’s cultural and literary heritage. cultural and literary heritage.
Haroon Shinwari, who has previously authored several important books in Pashto and English, has further strengthened his reputation as a serious scholar through this work. Addressing the audience, he described Amir Hamza Khan Shinwari as not only a great poet but also an accomplished writer, dramatist, and spiritually enlightened Sufi. He said that Hamza Baba’s poetry and thought continue to enlighten hearts and minds even today.
Speaking to the youth, Haroon Shinwari emphasized the importance of positive thinking in the face of modern challenges while remaining deeply connected to cultural roots, literary traditions, spiritual figures, and history. “Nations remain dignified and alive through their history,” he remarked.
The author also shared that the book was written under extremely difficult circumstances and was driven by passion, devotion, and deep engagement with themes of love, mysticism, and spiritual intensity.
Prominent speakers, including Dr. Kaleem Shinwari, Naimatullah Aseer, Professor Fatima, Naveed Alam Shalmani, Abdul Ghafoor Ghafoor Afridi, Aftab Shinwari, Mujeeb Shinwari, senior journalist Ibrahim Shinwari, and Sameen Patang, paid rich tribute to Haroon Shinwari’s literary services. They congratulated him on the publication and expressed hope that he would continue contributing to literature and research with the same dedication.
During the ceremony, session president Naimatullah Aseer and Dr. Kaleemullah honoured the author by presenting him with a traditional Qilla Lungi, drawing applause from the audience. Haroon Shinwari also presented copies of his book to scholars, writers, and guests of honour.
Special copies were presented to guests from Islamabad, including Karamat Khan, Professor Fatima, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Union of Journalists Secretary General Ibrahim Shinwari, Sajjad Ali (grandson of Amir Hamza Khan Shinwari), and District Press Club Khyber President Aman Ali Shinwari. Meanwhile, Haji Barkat Shinwari and Fawad Khan presented commemorative gifts to the author, adding warmth and grace to the event.
The ceremony was attended by a large number of writers, intellectuals, journalists, and respected figures from various walks of life, making it a memorable occasion from literary, intellectual, and cultural perspectives.
Hamza Baba Shinwari was a towering literary, intellectual, and spiritual figure in Pashto history.
He is regarded as the founder of the modern Pashto ghazal.
His poetry combined Sufi wisdom with refined artistic expression.
Hamza Baba gave Pashto literature a new philosophical and aesthetic direction.
His legacy remains deeply rooted in the cultural and literary history of the Pashtuns.
