Noted Pashto writer Prof Jahanzeb Niaz remembered on his 5th death anniversary

PESHAWAR: Noted poet and scholar, Professor Jahanzeb Niaz was remembered at Pakhtun Cultural museum, Pashto Academy , University of Peshawar, here on Saturday. Large number of poets, research scholars and students showed up at event.

Dr Kazim Khan Niaz, son of Prof Niaz and chief secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was among the attendees.

Scholars read out papers on different aspects of the late Pashto poet, intellectual, linguist and researcher, Prof Jahanzeb Niaz’s life and his literary contributions. Five ‘Prof Jahanzeb awards’ were given to Rokhan Yousafzai, Amjad Ali Khadim, Zaman Zaheer, Shakirzeb and Fahad Ihsas for the best services in their respective field while cash award Rs 10,000 each was also given to 10 poor but position holder girl-students of a govt high school in Rajar, Charsadda.

Hamish Khalil was given life achievement award at the event.

The Prof Jahanzeb Niaz Organizing Committee organized the function and senior writer, Hamish Khalil graced the occasion as the chief guest.

Prof Aseer Mangal, president of organizing committee, said that Prof Jahanzeb Niaz had more a dozen books to his credit, six among them being on poetry and prose while rest were related to research and compilation. He said that Prof Niaz inspired many of his students and young literati to serve their land and people.

Hamish Khalil in his paper said that Prof Jahanzeb Niaz was a humble soul who would always guide his students to explore new ideas. He said the late writer was a source of motivation for even his colleagues. Khalil said Prof Niaz was a strong advocate of girl’s education.

Mirwais Khan Niaz, son of Prof Jahanzeb Niaz, Prof Salma Shaheen, Prof Dr Yar Mohammad Maghmoom Khattak, Ismail Gohar and Prof Hanif Khalil also addressed the function.

They paid tribute to the late poet and writer for his contributions to the Pashto literature. They said Prof Jahanzeb Niaz was an enlightened person and preached the same in his writings and poetry. They said the charismatic personality of Prof Jahanzeb Niaz and his contributions to the field of Pashto literature will be remembered for long by the followers of Pashto literature.