Death anniversary of Pashto poet observed

MARDAN: The ninth death anniversary of Pashto poet, writer, and intellectual Shamsul Qamar Andesh was observed the other day.

Poets, writers, and intellectuals from across the province attended the literary function.

The function, presided over by poet Dr Israr and with Prof Dr Humaun Huma as the chief guest, paid rich tribute to the revolutionary poet. Speakers including Rahmat Shah Sail, Israr Toru, Noor-ul-Baswar Naveed, Fazal Wahab Fazi, Mihar Andesh, Akbar Hoti, and Hazart Zubair Zubair highlighted Andesh’s lifelong dedication to promoting Pashto language and Pakhtun rights.

Born in 1933 in Mayar village, Andesh, a graduate from Punjab University, ran a popular medical store in Mardan. Inspired by his father’s association with Bacha Khan’s Khudai Khidmatgar Movement, Andesh remained deeply involved with it throughout his life.

A founding member of the Mardan Ulasi Adabi Tolana, he made significant contributions to Pashto literature, although much of his work remained unpublished during his lifetime.

His sole published book titled “Fakhr-e-Afghan” paid tribute to Bacha Khan. Andesh, affectionately known as Andesh Baba, was honoured with the title of best poet of the country by Pakistan Television (PTV).