A beacon in the storm : Khan Shaheed’s vision for Pashtuns

His legacy persists in the hearts of the Pashtun people, serving as a reminder that unity and freedom burns eternally.

In the archives of history, there are individuals whose lives become a beacon of hope, unity and sacrifice. Abdul Samad Khan Achakzai Shaheed, a name etched in the hearts of Pashtuns, stands as the epitome of such a luminary figure.

Born in 1907 in the muddy village of Inayat Ullah Karez, Khan Shaheed's journey was one marked by unyielding determination in the face of adversity. His multifaceted roles as a freedom fighter, statesman, prolific writer, journalist, educationist, and rights activist showcased the depth of his commitment to the cause he held dear.

In a tribal landscape where Pashtun people were fragmented into tribes and sub-tribes, Khan Shaheed revolutionised the political arena, uniting them into a cohesive nation. He transcended individuality, evolving into a symbolic movement. By pioneering the first political party, Anjuman-i-Watan, in the history of Pashtun Afghan In 1939, Khan Shaheed presented his people with a transformative vision — one of a singular nation, highlighting the paramount values of national unity, national interest, and independence. His legacy extends beyond being an individual; he symbolises a dynamic force shaping a collective destiny.

Khan Shaheed pioneered the inaugural newspaper, Istiqlal. This visionary effort marked a milestone, catalysing societal change and becoming a beacon of independence. Istiqilal provided a platform for diverse voices, shaping public opinion and fostering informed civic discourse.

Khan Shaheed, a visionary political leader, demonstrated remarkable foresight during the uncertain times of 1947. In April of that year, while the British departure from India left many in doubt, Khan Shaheed penned an article in a renowned "Pashtun magazine". In this article, he boldly asserted that the Britishers were on the verge of leaving India, and it was crucial for Pashtuns, including members of the Muslim League, Khudai Khidmatgars, and other communities, to come together and diligently plan for their collective future.

Khan Shaheed introduced a distinct Pashto script/orthography, aiming to diminish the impact of Arabic and Persian languages on Pashto, advocating for its purity and originality. His efforts extended beyond linguistic reforms, as he passionately translated numerous books from various languages. His unwavering advocacy for the preservation of Pashto language and culture resonated across generations.

Khan Shaheed, an anti-imperialist and non-violent leader, faced arrest 11 times throughout his political journey — five times in British India and six times in Pakistan. Remarkably, he spent over 22 years incarcerated during his 66 years of life; he was the first political prisoner in Pakistan. His steadfast commitment to non-violence and his numerous detentions mark a compelling chapter in the history of resistance against imperialism and injustice.

He strategically introduced hunger strikes to Pashtun nationalist politics, and his unwavering commitment was exemplified in the longest hunger strike among Pashtun leaders — lasting an astonishing 21 days.

Khan Shaheed's visionary acumen was prominently showcased during his 1969 visit to Kabul, a pivotal moment in Afghanistan's history. Invited by Pashto Tolana Afghanistan, he toured the country alongside Diplomatic Guide Muhammad Deen Zhowakand and observed a newly constructed road from the Herataan Bridge to Kabul. Known for his perceptiveness, he raised suspicions about the road, foreseeing its potential use for military purposes. A decade later, his foresight was validated as USSR tanks utilised the same road during the tumultuous events that followed Sardar Dowood's coup.

Amidst the populist sentiments following the coup and the ousting of King Zahir Shah, while everyone welcomed his coup, Khan Shaheed stood as a dissenting voice; he condemned the coup, predicting a blood war that would bring immense suffering to Afghanistan. Tragically, his ominous forecast materialised five years later when the nation descended into a prolonged and devastating conflict. The enduring Afghan war, lasting over four decades and claiming millions of lives, stands as a sombre testament to Khan Shaheed's prescient understanding of the consequences of political upheaval in the region.

Khan Shaheed emerged as a prominent leader within the National Awami Party (NAP), a key political entity formed in opposition to the controversial One Unit system in Pakistan. The NAP's manifesto advocated for the restoration of provinces in Pakistan based on linguistic foundations. Displaying unwavering courage, he endured imprisonment throughout the era of the dictator Ayub Khan. Upon his release, despite the advice to remain cautious, he fearlessly engaged in resistance, leading to his re-arrest after two months.

Following the reversal of the One Unit system, the reorganisation of provinces disproportionately divided Pashtuns into four regions, causing an identity crisis. Khan Shaheed vehemently opposed this division, but unfortunately, his political allies either weakened, compromised or remained silent, leading to the success of the new province's plan. In adherence to his principles, he parted ways with NAP, embarking on a new political journey from scratch. Even after almost 50 years, his viewpoint on the divisive restructuring of Pashtun territories finds resonance among the Pashtun population, highlighting the enduring impact of his principled stand.

Khan Shaheed's legacy lives on through the political parties he formed, including Anjuman-i-Watan, WROR Pashtun, and the National Awami Party Pashtunkhwa, which continues to champion the rights of Pashtuns. Today, his spirit endures in the political struggle led by the Pakhtunkhowa Milli Awami Party.

Khan Shaheed was a freedom fighter who was against all sorts of colonising policies. He had a clear, indisputable, and unequivocal narrative on national struggle and democracy. The nature of his struggle from day one had remained national-democratic, anti-feudal, and anti-imperialism. His struggle was against the abolition of Frontier Crimes Regulations (FCR) and the exploitation of labour under British colonial rule. His struggle continued for democracy, the rule of law and constitution after the independence of Pakistan, ethnic marginalisation of the Pashtuns in the state of Pakistan and against the one-unit system. Confronted with sedition charges, subjected to propaganda orchestrated by tribal chiefs, and enduring attacks on his public demonstrations, Khan Shaheed unwaveringly adhered to his political principles. In the face of these challenges, he recognised that nothing could sway him from his chosen path.

Tragically, Khan Shaheed's journey was cut short on December 2, 1973, when an unknown assassin threw a grenade into his Quetta residence. Yet, his legacy persists in the hearts and minds of the Pashtun people, serving as a reminder that the flame of unity and freedom burns eternally.