Updated on 11/5/2002 5:37:22 PM
http://frontierpost.com.pk/city.asp?id=8&date1=11/5/2002
F.P. Report
PESHAWAR:NWFP Governor Lt-Gen (Retd) Syed Iftikhar Hussain Shah said that Ghani Khan was a versatile and all round personality, legend and a genius, who in fact was a great literary, cultural and intellectual asset for this province, says a handout.
He proposed to hold a yearly seminar to keep his memory fresh in minds and pay due homage and tributes to the son of the soil.
He was addressing a well-attended gathering after inaugurating the Ghani Dheri Memorial Complex, a cultural-cum-literary facility, created at the remote corner of the district Charsadda in the memory of Pashto poet, philosopher, Ghani Khan, on Monday.
Eulogizing the multidimensional literary, artistic and cultural services of late Ghani Khan, the governor said that he was not only a celebrated Pushto Poet but also a philosopher and many other intellect qualities, enjoying a unique status in the history of Pushto literature, particularly the poetry.
Though, the governor added, he was a contemporary intellectual yet his way of thinking as well as style of poetry was dominant by the bygone Pushto poet.
His entire poetry, the Governor said is depictive of his deep philosophical thinking which attracts the intellectuals and common readers alike.
Iftikhar said his Pushto verses especially got popularity and it would be not out of the way to call him ‘Baba-e-Nazam’.
The governor also referred to various books written by Ghani Khan in Pushto, Urdu and English saying that his English book ‘The Pattans’ a Sketch is a unique and unprecedented book in which he has highlighted various aspects of the Pukhtoon character.
He said that Ghani Khan was a genius enjoying full command over Pushto poetry besides his artistic qualities.
He said, the best way to pay homage to the late legend poet is to propagate his teachings because he is an asset,’we have to be proud of’.
The governor hoped that Ghani Dheri Memorial would give a boost to the literary and cultural activities in the area.
He on this occasion also referred to the various efforts, which the present government has taken to promote literary, cultural, and art-related activities in the province.
He said that besides introducing a Pushto web site in the Pushto Academy, the government has also handed over the former Commissioner House in Peshawar to the intellectuals for establishing a Khyber Writers Club.
Similarly, a big public library has been established in the historical cavalry house in Kohat.
Besides, the governor added, work on the construction of Hamza Baba Complex at Landi Kotal was in progress whereas Jalal Baba Auditorium has been refurbished.
The governor said that a gigantic cultural complex was also planned to be constructed at the vicinity of Nishtar Hall Peshawar which would include an Open Air Auditorium, an Art Gallery and a big Library.
On arrival at Ghani Dheri, the governor was warmly welcomed by the elected representatives and notables of the area.
Later, the Governor formally inaugurated the Complex and take a round of the building.
The Governor on this occasion was informed that the complex spreading over an area of 52 kanals has recently been completed at a cost of Rs 4.96 million and it consists a big Mushaira Hall and a Library besides sufficient open space and lawns.