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Alif Jana Khattaka

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Alif Jana Khattaka
BornFebruary 28, 1929 (sources vary)
Ahmadi Banda, Karak
DiedSeptember 14, 2019
Occupation(s)Pashto Revolutionary Poet, Activist

Alif Jana Khattaka (February 28, 1929 - September 14, 2019) was a Pashto revolutionary poet and a prominent activist of the Karwan Khudai Khidmatgar Tehreek led by Fakhre Afghan Bacha Khan.[1]

Early life and education

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Born in Ahmadi Banda, Karak during British occupation, Khattaka was raised in a family actively involved in Bacha Khan's movement.[citation needed] Due to the prevailing circumstances, she received home education and later pursued formal education, earning a master's degree in Pashto and Urdu, as well as a Bachelor of Arts.[2]

Literary contributions

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A collaborator with poet Haleem Muhammad, Khattaka contributed to the monthly magazine "Pashtun" published in Bacha Khan's office. She gained recognition as a regular writer for "Pashtun" and expressed critical views, earning praise from Bacha Khan for developing critical skills among Pashtun women.

Freedom Movement and Poetry

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Khattaka dedicated her poetry to the freedom and prosperity of her people, actively participating in the Muslim freedom movement. Her verses reflect a keen awareness of the political situation, exposing British machinations and urging Pashtuns to rise against oppression.

Later years

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Post-independence, Khattaka continued to advocate for Pashtun rights, especially highlighting the plight of the community in Pakistan. Despite adopting a quieter life later on, she remained committed to preserving the legacy of Bacha Khan and other freedom heroes.

Death and legacy

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Alif Jana Khattaka's contributions endure, with her poetry included in educational curricula, and a college named after her in Bandha Dawood Shah district of Karak.[citation needed] She died on September 14, 2019, due to a cerebral vascular accident.[3]

Personal life

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Alif Jana Khattaka married Muhammad Zafar but the marriage faced challenges, leading to differences between the couple. She later served in various schools in Karak and Kohat, eventually retiring as a Divisional Education Officer.

References

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  1. ^ pakhtoon (2019-11-01). "الف جانه خټکه:د ازادۍ د غورځنګ مبارزه لیکواله – فېروز خان صادق". Pakhtoon | The Magazine (in Pashto). Retrieved 2023-12-30.
  2. ^ Correspondent, The Newspaper's (2019-09-16). "Veteran political worker, poet Alaf Jan Khattaka laid to rest". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 2023-12-30. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  3. ^ "Poetess Alaf Jana Khattak passes away, buried in Karak". www.thenews.com.pk. Retrieved 2023-12-30.