1

Sain Kamal Khan Sherani: A Political and Literary Figure of District Sherani

By

HABIB ULLAH (Roll No.1215-BH-HIS-15)

B.A (HONS) HISTORY

SESSION 2015-2019

Supervisor

Dr. FARZANA ARSHAD

This thesis is submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the Degree of B.A

(HONS) in the Department of History, Government College University Lahore, Pakistan.

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DECLARATION

I, HABIB ULLAH, solemnly declare that the work submitted in the thesis is my own, and has

not been presented to any other institution or university for the degree. Neither work has been

plagiarized. It is an original work.

This work has been completed at the Department of History, Government College

University Lahore.

_____________________

HABIB ULLAH
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Acknowledgments

I am grateful to Allah Almighty, who blessed me with the talent and gave me the courage for

completing this project competently. I acknowledge the cooperation and hard work of my

supervisor Lecturer, Mam. Farzana Arshad, who provided the direction and guided me in the

project at every step. I am really indebted to my teachers Dr. Irfan Waheed Usmani and Dr.

Zahara Shah.

My thanks are also due to Dr. Shah Muhammad Marri, Raza Muhammad Raza Lala, Mir Hassan

Khan Athal, Wahid Sherani, Pashtun Yar, Rishtiyamal Sherani, Daulat Khan Harifal, Dr. Ikram

Kakar, Fazal Harifal, Adv. Kaleem Ullah Kakar, Aimal Khan Babar and Mudassir Khan

Mandokhail, whose special help and care always proved for me a blessing in disguise.

HABIB ULLAH
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Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................................... 3-5
BASIC AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF RESEARCH ................................................................................................ 5
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE RESEARCH……………………………………………………………………………………………………………5

THE RESEARCH QUESTIONS .......................................................................................................................... 6

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM ..................................................................................................................... 6
CHAPTERIZATION ....................................................................................................................................... 7-8
LITERATURE REVIEW ................................................................................................................................ 8-10
METHODOLOGY .......................................................................................................................................... 10
CHAPTER 1 .......................................................................................................................................... 11
KAMAL KHAN SHERANI: A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH (1924-1947) ........................................................ 11-19
1 EARLY LIFE (1924-1930) ...................................................................................................................... 11
1.2 EDUCATION (1930-1945)............................................................................................................... 11-12
1.2.1 EARLY EDUCATION (1930-1940) ................................................................................................... 12-13
1.2.2 HIGER EDUCATION (1941-1945) ................................................................................................... 13-14
1.3 INCLINATION TOWARDS RIGHT.......................................................................................................... 14
1.3.1 RELIGIOUS INFLUENCES ................................................................................................................ 14-15
1.3.2 MAULANA MAUDUDI .................................................................................................................... 15-16
1.4. INCLINATION TOWARDS LEFT ............................................................................................................ 16
1.4.1 THE INFLUENCE OF HIS TEACHER – SIR SAHIBZADA MUHAMMAD IDREES ....................................... 16
1.4.2 TRANSFORMING INFLUENCES OF LEFTIST IDEOLOGY .................................................................. 16-17
1.5 GOVERNMENT SERVICES .................................................................................................................... 17
1.5. 1 APPOINTMENT (1946) .................................................................................................................. 17-18
CHAPTER 2 .......................................................................................................................................... 19
KAMAL KHAN’S SOCIAL AND POLITICAL ACTIVITIES (1947-1970): AN OVERVIEW ............................. 19-31
2.1 RESIGNATION FROM GOVERNMENT SERVICE (1950) ................................................................... 19-20
2.2 LATKHANA MOVEMENT (1950-1954) ........................................................................................... 20-22
2.2.1 PASHTO LITERARY SOCIETY – PASHTO TOLLI (1952-1954) .......................................................... 22-24
2.2.2 KAMAL KHAN’S ESTABLISHED PROGRESSIVE WRITERS ASSOCIATION (1953-1954) ......................... 24
2.2.3 KAMAL KHAN AS A JOURNALIST (1953-1954)............................................................................... 25-26
2.2.3.1 THE LAUNCHING OF A PASHTO MAGAZINE (1953-1954) .......................................................... 26-28
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2.3 ESTABLISHMENT OF PANCHAYAT- A VILLAGE COUNCIL- COMMITTEE IN SHERANI(1955)............... 28

2.4 THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SCHOOL, MADRASA AND DISPENSARY (1955) ..................................... 28-29
2.5 PARTICIPATION IN POLITICS (1954-1970) ......................................................................................... 30
2.5.1 WRORE PASHTUN – PASHTUN BROTHERHOOD (1954-1957)...................................................... 30-31
2.5.2 ENGAGEMENT WITH SAMAD KHAN’S PARTY IN NATIONAL AWAMI PARTY (1957-1970) .......... 31-32
CHAPTER 3............................................................................................................................................... 33
KAMAL KHAN’S LATER POLITICAL CAREER AND LITERARY WORKS (1970-2010): A BRIEF OVERVIEW 33-
41
3.1 HIS ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORT TO NATIONAL AWAMI PARTY PASHTUNKHUWA (1970-1989) ..... 33-34
3.1.1 KAMAL KHAN’S ROLE IN THE APPOINTMENT OF MAHMOOD KHAN AS A PARTY HEAD (1973) ...... 34
3.1.2 PARTICIPATION IN ELECTORAL POLITICS (1974) .......................................................................... 34-35
3.1.3 EFFORTS TO DEVELOP ALLIANCE BETWEEN MAZDOOR KISAN PARTY AND NATIONAL AWAMI
PARTY PASHTUNKHUWA – NAP PK (1986) ................................................................................................. 35
3.2 KAMAL KHAN’S LETTER TO AYYUB KHAN (1970) ......................................................................... 35-36
3.3 KAMAL KHAN AND PASHTUNKHUWA MILI AWAMI PARTY - PkMAP(1989-2010) ....................... 36-37
3.4 KAMAL KHAN’S LITERARY WORKS .............................................................................................. 37-39
3.5 DEATH (2010) .............................................................................................................................. 39-40
CONCLUSION............................................................................................................................... 41-42
BIBLOGRAPHY ............................................................................................................................. 43-44
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INTRODUCTION

This research will cover a biographical study of Kamal Khan Sherani. The title of this research is
“Sain Kamal Khan Sherani: A Political and Literary Figure of District Sherani”. Kamal Khan
Sherani alias Sain (1924-2010) grew up in a remote village ‘Shina Ponga’ of the present-day
District Sherani, Baluchistan. Fortunately, he was the only educated child out of Essa khan’s four
sons, Kamal khan, Nawab Khan, Ibrahim Khan, Mitta khan and three daughters, who got his
primary education from a nearby village ‘Karama’ and middle standard level education from
district Zhob. There he got a scholarship and went to one of the best school ‘Sandeman High
School’ of district Pishin, Baluchistan in 1939. After completing matriculation from Sandeman
High School, he went to Islamia College Peshawar in 1941 and had been staying there for five
years1. But former senator, Raza Muhammad Raza writes in his article that he went to Islamia
College in 1942. In Is lamia College his major subject was Economics in which he got a gold
medal.2 There he inspired from Maulana Maududi3 and then by leftist ideology.4 After the
successful completion of BSC in 1945, he came back to Baluchistan and was appointed as a Naib
Tehsildar of Gulistan in 19465. Serving for consecutive five years as a civil servant, he discovered
that the officers were eating the forbidden fruit. Having five -years’ service to his credit, he
resigned from the post of Naib Tehsildar in 1950 and so did his colleague, Mama Abdullah Jan
Jamaldeini. Firstly, Kamal khan resigned and then came the turn of his best friend, Mama Abdullah
Jan Jamaldeini. Quitting government services simultaneously, the two young souls, Kamal khan,
and Mama Abdullah Jan Jamaldeini went to Quetta in order to put the future planning in effect.
As we know that the right paths are always difficult and full of challenges. Kamal khan chose the
virtuous path to serve humanity over his personal interests. Of course, he made a tough choice of
giving up the civil service, but higher goals needed utter perseverance. There they hired a single
room in Baluchi street Quetta, which aptly named ‘Lathkhana’ (abode of vagabonds) and their

1
Dr. Shah Muhammad Marri, Ishaq ka kapilay, (Quetta, Sangat Academy of Sciences, November 2011 and
November 2014), p.19
2
Raza Muhammad Raza, Da Pashtun Kami Gurzang Star Larshood Sain Kamal Khan Sherani, Lekanee,
Vol.III, No.22-23, (July-December, 2018), p.203
3
Dr. Shah Muhammad Marri, Quetta, 19 July, 2019.
4
Dr. Akbar Harifal, Sain Kamal khan Sherani (unpublished work), p.2
5
Dr. Shah Muhammad Marri, Ishaq ka kapilay, (Quetta, Sangat Academy of Sciences, November 2011 and
November 2014), p.27
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movement as ‘Lathkhana Movement’. That particular room was everything to them. It was used
for study, political conversations, sleeping and also used as a drawing-room. Even it was the birth
and death place of Monthly Pashto Magazine.6 Kamal khan did not stay there for long times but
frequently used to visit the home town, where he built a school, Madrasah, Panchayat (village
council) and dispensary in 1955, but were closed in a year because Mullahs (religious cleric) and
Malik (chieftain) remained contrary to him. Kamal khan lived in a society that was settled in tribal
ethos and every unknown thing was declared forbidden.7

Moreover, he started his mainstream politics in Wrore Pashtun (Pashtun Brotherhood) in 1954,
where he worked as a volunteer. He was also the part of a committee that was nominated for
making Wrore Pashtun’s manifesto. Similarly, when Wrore Pashtun was merged in National
Awami Party (NAP) in 1957, he and Samad Khan started their politics at National Awami Party.
Serving in National Awami Party (NAP) till 1970, he and Samad khan developed differences with
NAP when its leadership agreed on the merger of Southern Pashtun belt with princely states of
Baluchistan. They separated their way because they were the supporters of the communal slogan
of having a separate homeland and put the new name of the party as ‘National Awami Party
Pashtunkhuwa’ in 1970.8 In 1970, Samad khan also contested election under the banner of National
Awami Party Pashtunkhuwa (NAP Pk) and bagged more votes from Zhob and Sherani areas as
compared to other areas. It became possible due to Kamal khan’s efforts. 9 Only three years later
to that election, he was martyred. After the sudden demise of Khan Abdul Samad Khan Achakzai
in 1973, the Party came into crisis. To get rid of the crisis, a meeting was convened in order to
elect the Party Chairman. After that meeting, Mahmood Khan popularly known as Mashar (elder)
was declared the Party chairman and it became possible due to Kamal Khan and Abdul Rahim
Mandokheil.10 Similarly, Kamal khan stepped in electoral politics and contested by-election,
which fell vacant following the assassination of a renowned politician Maulana Sayed Shams-ud-
din Harifal on 14th March 1974. Kamal khan put himself up to PB10 seat for the provincial

6
Ibid., p.32
7
Mir Hassan Athal, Da wugari dair karay khudaiya, (Quetta, united press, 2014), P.130
8
Raza Muhammad Raza, Da Pashtun Kami Gurzang Star Larshood Sain Kamal Khan Sherani, Lekanee,
Vol.III, No.22-23, (July-December, 2018), p.203
9
Wahid Sherani, Zhob, 15 August, 2019.
10
Amanullah Kharoti, Sain Kamal Khan Sherani Ki Sahapati, Siyasi Awr Adbi Khidmat, (Master’s thesis,
University of Balochistan, 2007), p.7
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assembly of Baluchistan. This time the mighty Nawab knocked out both Mullah and Kamal khan,
though under the serious allegations of rigging. 11

Kamal khan’s all efforts for scattering the light of education suffered a serious setback when in
1977 the great soldier of Islam, Zia-ul-Haq, clandestinely and forcibly grasped the helm of affairs
in his own hand, the religious seminaries multiplied all over the province, even in secular Baloch
societies and the more fundamentalist orders took the lead in ministering to young people who
otherwise had little educational opportunities. Though he was attached to Pashtunkhuwa Mili
Awami Party (PKMAP) ideology, yet he stayed out of the active politics and devoted himself to
literary works, but never compromised on his ideology. The ideology which had entered his head
could not be dislodged till death.12

AIMS AND OBJECTIVE OF THE RESEARCH

This research will highlight Kamal Khan Sherani’s biography who was born in the present-day
district Sherani, Baluchistan. It will explore Kamal khan’s personality in detail regarding early
life, education, social, political and literary activities. Hence, these are the following objectives of
this research.

 To analyze Kamal khan’s early life, education, and government service.

 To explore Kamal Khan’s early political influences.
 To analyze Kamal khan’s political role and its impacts on the Pashtuns.
 To highlight Kamal khan’s social activities and literary works.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE RESEARCH

This research is important in order to understand a legendary Pashtun figure Kamal Khan Sherani.
It is important because it not only covers Kamal khan’s political, social and literary activities but
also is conducted in the English Language. Before this, neither a book nor even a single paper in
the English Language is written on Kamal Khan Sherani. The whole literature, which is written on
him, is either in Urdu Language or in the Pashto Language. Moreover, that particular research also
covers Kamal khan’s political aspects, which have been never written before.

11
Dr. Harifal, Akbar. Sain Kamal Khan Sherani, (Unpublished work), p.9
12
Ibid, p.11
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RESEARCH QUESTIONS

 This research will answer the following important questions:

 How Kamal khan became an influential figure?
 What were the different aspects of Kamal khan’s life: political, social and literary?
 Did Kamal khan struggle for a specific class of the society or for the whole Pakistani
nation?
 Why Kamal khan developed differences with the National Awami Party (NAP)?
 Why Kamal khan quitted government service and adopted a different way?

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

There has been done much work on Kamal Khan Sherani. He has been discussed in many
dimensions, but he has never been explored in more detail as this research has explored him. His
political aspects have been either ignored or less explored. Even the recent studies bypassed his
biography such as “Ishaq ka Kapilay” (2011 and 2014) by Dr. Shah Muhammad Marri and “Da
Wogari Dair Karay Khudaiya” (2014) by Mir Hassan Athal. Moreover, firstly, his political
struggles were for all those who had been suppressed and denied their rights.13 But, lately, he
struggled for Pashtuns because he was understanding Pashtun as a nation and believed that
Pashtuns had been suppressed more than others.14

Being a Pashtun-cum-Pakistani nationalist, Kamal khan believed that provinces should be made
on a lingual basis and geography. He wanted that every community must have an inclusive
authority over its resources. He was in the view that when provincial autonomy should be
guaranteed to the provinces Pakistani nationalism should have emerged automatically. That’s why
he was the staunchest supporter of a communal slogan of having a separate homeland from Chitral
to Bolan. 15

13
Dr. Shah Muhammad Marri, Ishaq ka kapilay, (Quetta, Sangat Academy of Sciences, November 2011
and November 2014), P.32
14
Wahid Sherani, Zhob, 15 August, 2019.
15
Adv. Kaleem Ullah Kakar, Zhob, 17 August, 2019.
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CHAPTERIZATION

The first part of this research is based on the introduction. This part is, in fact, a mini-thesis itself.
It includes statement problem, methodology, research significance, research questions, and
literature review.

Similarly, the first chapter of this research is about Kamal khan’s early life, education, government
service, and early political influences.

The second chapter is based on Kamal khan’s political and social activities.

After making sacrifices of their careers, the two young souls, Kamal khan and Mama Jamaldeini,
went to Quetta, the capital of Baluchistan. There they rented a room in the Baluchi street Quetta
in 1950. Kamal khan chooses the virtuous path to serve humanity over his personal interests. There
in Quetta, they had to do their works and household chores by themselves. The place where the
former Tehsildars lived became famous with the name ‘Latkhana’ and their movement as Latkhana
movement. The purpose of this movement was to keep aware of the people.16 17
Moreover, he
served in politics and also as a journalist. Apart from that, he endeavored to dispatch campaign
against obscurantism in his native place. Time and condition did not favor him. As he set up a
school, dispensary, and Madrasah, Mullahs and Malik remained contrary to him due to which this
sacred works could not proceed lament.18

The third chapter is based on Kamal khan’s later political career and his literary works.

After developing differences with National Awami Party (NAP), Samad Khan and Kamal khan
quitted NAP and introduced the new name of the party ‘National Awami Party Pashtunkhuwa
(NAP Pk)’.19 Kamal Khan played an enthusiastic role in it. He also contested provisional election
under the banner of National Awami Party Pashtunkhuwa in 1974. 20 The party came into crisis
after the sudden demise of Khan Abdul Samad Khan and to get rid of that crisis a meeting was
convened in which Mahmood Khan was declared the head of the party. Kamal Khan played an

16
Abdullah Jan Jamaldeini, Lathkhana, (Quetta, Sangat Academy, 2002, 2013 and 2017), p.20
17
Dr. Shah Muhammad Marri, Ishaq ka kapilay, (Quetta, Sangat Academy of Sciences, November 2011
and November 2014), p.32
18
Ibid.,p.44
19
Amanullah Kharoti, Sain Kamal Khan Sherani Ki Sahapati, Siyasi Awr Adbi Khidmat, (Master’s thesis,
University of Balochistan, 2007), p.7
20
Dr. Akbar Harifal, Sain Kamal Khan Sherani (Unpublished work), p.9
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important role not only in the nomination of Mahmood Khan Achakzai as a party chairman 21 but
also played an essential role in the alliance between National Awami Party Pashtunkhuwa and
Mazdoor Kisan Party. Similarly, due to his services for Pashtunkhuwa, he is considered the co-
founder of Pashtunkhuwa Mili Awami Party.22 Additionally, he translated many books from
English to Pashto. However, neither he had written his biography nor another book except
articles.23

At the last, the whole thesis has been concluded that Kamal khan’s greatest contribution was his
being a public educationist, the greatest teacher of social science; we have ever had and
simultaneously a messenger of human brotherhood and social activist. He had devoted half of his
life to study and fight against obscurantism.

LITERATURE REVIEW

The published primary source “Miyastani Pashto (1953-1954)” by Sain Kamal Khan Sherani and
Dr. Khudaidad helped more in completing this research. It reflects the journalistic taste of Kamal
khan Sherani from 1953-54. It shows the article scribed by Kamal khan in the first edition of the
Magazine under the titled “Pashtana yu pa Pashto sara zagazu khu pa Pashto nasara poyaizu” (we
are Pashtuns, speak Pashto, but do not understand the Pashto language of each other). This article
is based on advice that Pashtuns should pay heed to Pashto. Apart from that, on the editorial page
of the same edition, he criticized the American government for electrocuting an American
communist couple Julius and Ethel Rosenberg on the alleged espionage activities and leakage of
information about the atomic bomb to the then USSR.24

Shaukat Tareen’s book titled as Wrore Pashtun (Pashtun Brotherhood) describes the whole
structure of Wror-Pashtun. The foundation stone of Wrore- Pashtun was laid down in April 1954
in Quetta, Baluchistan. Its first president was Khan Abdul Samad Khan and the committee which
was formed for making its manifesto consisted of Kamal Khan Sherani and others. Kamal Khan

21
Raza Muhammad Raza, Da Pashtun Kami Gurzang Star Larshood Sain Kamal Khan Sherani, Lekanee,
Vol.III, No.22-23, (July-December, 2018), p.204
22
Amanullah Kharoti, Sain Kamal Khan Sherani Ki Sahapati, Siyasi Awr Adbi Khidmat, (Master’s
thesis, University of Balochistan, 2007), p.7
23
Dr. Shah Muhammad Marri, Ishaq ka kapilay, (Quetta, Sangat Academy of Sciences, November 2011
and November 2014), p.105-107
24
Sain Kamal Khan Sherani and Dr. Khudaidad, Miyastani Pashto (1953-1954), (Zhob, Aziz book depo,
2018), P.3-4
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Sherani not only played an important role in making its manifesto but also served its members
when it was merged in National Awami Party (NAP). More, Wrore Pashtun also reflects the
journalistic taste of Kamal Khan Sherani. Tareen writes in Wrore Pashtun that Monthly Pashto
Magazine launched before the foundation of Samad Khan’s Wrore Pashtun Party. Its first issue
was published in 1953, and its editor- in- chief was Kamal khan while sub-editor was Dr.
Khudaidad

Dr. Shah Muhammad Marri’s book which is titled ‘Ishak kai Kapilay’ (Urdu) is a secondary source
that is mainly related to Kamal khan’s biography. It provides the basic details about Kamal khan’s
early life, education, government service. It also provides some glimpses about Kamal Khan’s
social and literary activities, but it does not cover the political life of Kamal Khan Sherani.

Mama Abdullah Jan Jamaldeini’s book which is titled ‘Lathkhana’ (Urdu) was firstly published in
2002 by Sangat Academy. It was written by Jamaldeini, a member of Lathkhana (abode of a
vagabond). This book provides the details of Lathkhana Movement that how and when the
movement started, what was its purpose? And how it became successful? It gives penetrating
accounts of the activities of the writers of the progressive movement in Baluchistan. Mama
Jamaldeini's book has also highlighted the journalistic taste of Kamal Khan Sherani. Mama
Jamaldeini writes that though Pashto magazine launched by the name of Kamal khan, its whole
works were done by Dr. Khudaidad and he was the editor of the magazine.

Mir Hassan Athal’s book titled as ‘Da Miyashtani Pashto Tahkiki Aw Tankidi Chairana’ (2018)
helped a lot in completing this research. In this book, Athal has highlighted in detail about
Latkhana movement, Pashto literary society-Tolli’s foundation and critical and evolutionary
analysis of Monthly Pashto Magazine. Apart from that, he has highlighted Kamal khan’s political
and literary services.

Mir Hassan Athal’s book ‘da Pashto Adab Hindara’ is written in the Pashto language which was
published by Asmat Ullah Kakar foundation Kanuzai, Baluchistan in 2014. In this book, Athal has
mentioned a brief overview of Sain Kamal Khan’s life, political struggle and literary works.

Athal’s book which is titled ‘Da Wugari Dair Karay Khudaiya’ was published by United press
Quetta in 2012. It describes a short biography of Kamal Khan Sherani and other writers who belong
to district Zhob.
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Quarterly Pashto Literary Magazine ‘Lekanee’ in Pashto was published by Pashto Academy
Baluchistan, Quetta in July- December 2018. This Magazine is comprised of different articles in
which five articles were written on Kamal Khan Sherani by respected Raza Muhammad Raza,
former Senator and writer, Amir Jan Nika, Dawood Khan Mohmand and respected Mir Hassan
khan Athal, Pashto writer and teacher. In all these five articles, the writers described Kamal khan’s
political, social, and literary activities.

Pro. Siyal Kakar’s book ‘da Kaisay da Lamanay Pashtana Likwal’ (Pashto) which was published
by Zamana Printing Quetta in 1974. It describes Kamal khan’s literary taste. This book explores
his literary works which comprise translation of books from English to Pashto.

METHODOLOGY

The methodology which is opted for this research is the qualitative method. The whole research is
based on descriptive analysis and sources that are used in this research as a source of data collection
are primary and secondary. The primary sources include interviews. The interviews were taken
from those who had been stayed with Kamal Khan Sherani and also from common people.
Similarly, the secondary sources include books, articles, and thesis related to the topic are
consulted. I borrowed the method from “Ishaq ka kapilay” (2011 and 2014) by Dr. Shah
Muhammad Marri. In which he throws light on the biography of Kamal Khan Sherani, a legendary
historic personality.
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CHAPTER 1

KAMAL KHAN SHERANI: A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH (1924-1947)

1 EARLY LIFE (1924—1930)

Kamal Khan was born on 3 January 1924, into a generally peaceful and middle-class Pashtun
family, in a remote village “Shina ponga”, the dominantly Pashtun population area which is
situated in the recently created district “district Sherani” in January 2006, following the bifurcation
of Zhob District.25 District Sherani is bounded by Zhob on the West and North, on the south by
Mousakheil and on the east side by Dera Ismail Khan (DIK). Geographically, the Sherani tribes
are divided into two groups: Largha and Bargha. Those residing East of the Suleiman range is
known as the Largha, which falls under the control of DIK, while those residing to the west are
known as Bargha, where Kamal Khan dwelled, falls under the jurisdiction of the district Sherani.
That division ensued during British Raj following the khiderzai expedition of 1890. 26

Kamal khan was the eldest son out of Essa Khan’s, a popular trader in United India, four sons and
three daughters.27 He belonged to the Hayzai clan which falls in Bargha group of district Sherani.28
“According to Kamal khan that he was born in 1917, but the date which is mentioned in the
certificate is 1924 and he declared in an interview that it was written by the teacher mistakenly”.
29

1.2 EDUCATION (1930—1945)

Kamal khan pursued his primary school education from a village named ‘Karama’ and middle
standard level education from district zhob. There he got a stipend and went one of the best schools
in Balochistan province ‘Sandeman high school’ in 1939. That particular school was shifted from
Quetta to district Pishin due to the disastrous earthquake, which ensued in 1935 in Quetta. After

25
Raza Muhammad Raza, Da Pashtun Kami Gurzang Star Larshood Sain Kamal Khan Sherani, Lekanee,
Vol.III, No.22-23, (July-December, 2018), p.200
26
Dawood Khan Mohmand, Sain Kamal Khan Sherani, Lekanee, Vol.III, No.22-23, (July-December,
2018), p.226
27
Shah Muhammad Marri, Ishaq ka kapilay, (Quetta, Sangat Academy of Sciences, November 2011 and
November 2014), p.13
28
Dawood Khan Mohmand, Sain Kamal Khan Sherani, Lekanee, Vol.III, No.22-23, (July-December,
2018), p.244
29
Barakwal Miakhail, Sain Kamal Khan, “Sain Kamal Khan Sherani Zhawand banday khabaray”, video,
voice of America, 2001, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYgP8ZZnO9Q (accessed July 10, 2019).
 16

getting matriculation, he went to Islamia College Peshawar in the pursuit of higher education,
where he completed his B.A in Economics in 1945.30 This stood his alma mater and in detail will
be discussed below.

1.2.1 EARLY EDUCATION (1930—1940)

Kamal Khan Sherani grew up in a small and remote village of district Sherani.31 In 2006 district
Sherani got the status of district and earlier district Sherani came under the jurisdiction of Zhob
district.32 There was extreme poverty and illiteracy in the entire village due to conventional
customs and way of life. Moreover, nobody could raise the voice even for their basic rights. At
that time there were hardly two or three schools in the entire Sherani and Harifal area, even now
there is a lack of educational institutes in the whole area of district Sherani.33 Fortunately, Kamal
Khan’s father was aware of the importance of education. His father being a trader in united India,
decided for something better for his son than trading. He wanted to embrace his eldest son with
the jewels of modern education. To fulfill his father’s wish, Kamal Khan moved to a nearby village
“Karama” where he could start his educational journey. There he stayed with his relative Balo
Khan and got admission in a primary school.34 Karama was the only village of those times that
offered primary education. Karama is renowned to date because it produced an expound known as
Kamal Khan. The soil of Karama remained gratified for the blossoming of such a glorious
personality.

Kamal Khan’s ancestral village remained highlighted for the corrupt and murderous acts until
Kamal Khan negated all those false interpretations and prejudices about his village. He gracefully
brought the exponential capacity and honor by leaps and bounds towards his ancestral village.

On November 13, 1890, Robert Sandman occupied the entire area of Sherani and Harifal. After
returning from Khiderzai expedition, he held a Darbar at Karama. Fines were imposed and the

30
Mir Hassan Athal, Da Wugari Dair Karay Khudaiya, (Quetta, United press,2014), p.127
31
Mir Hassan Athal, Da Pashto Adab Hindara, (Khanozai, Asmat Ullah Kakar Foundation, 2014), p.183
32
Fazal Sherani, One of the backward districts of Baluchistan, 2017,
http://thebalochistanpoint.com/shirani-one-of-the-backward-districts-of-balochistan/ (accessed July 15,
2019), p.1
33
Dr. Akbar Harifal, Sain Kamal Khan Sherani (unpublished work)., p.1
34
Dr. Shah Muhammad Marri, Ishaq ka kapilay, (Quetta, Sangat Academy of Sciences, November 2011
and November 2014), p.13
 17

deserving got the rewards. Afterward, British White men established a primary school in the
village. However, this school has been barely upgraded to middle level after a century. That school
mostly remains closed and is in the dire need for attention and system upgrade. 35

After the completion of primary education from the village, Kamal Khan loaded his bags and
baggage on a donkey and paved his path towards the Zhob city. There he successfully completed
his middle-level education and got a scholarship for his outstanding academic performance. In
1939, Kamal turned his footsteps towards Pishin Baluchistan, where he got admission in one of
the best schools of Baluchistan “Sandman High School”. After the disastrous earthquake of 1935,
the school was shifted from Quetta to Pishin. At that point of time, Kamal was highly inspired by
the poetry of Allama Muhammad Iqbal. Iqbal’s motivational poetry did not only prove to be a
guideline for Kamal, but it also acts as a bridge to engage him with his like-minded intellectuals,
Mr. Abdullah Jan Jamaldeini and Dr. Khudaidad. This was his early educational history.36

1.2.2 HIGHER EDUCATION (1941—1945)

In 1940, after completing his education, he headed towards Aligarh in the pursuit of higher
education along with his colleague Mama Jamaldeini. However, their teacher respected Hashim
Ghilzi suggested them to go to Islamia College Peshawar, the most reputed and precious institution
of that time and even now. By following the advice of their teacher, they opted for Islamia College
Peshawar and stayed there for about 5 years. Kamal Khan acquired his higher educational degrees
of F.A and B.sc economics from there. He made very amicable relations with the teachers of that
college. Some of his teachers already recognized the extraordinary abilities in him. 37

Kamal gradually developed a sense of modern clothing and adopted the fashionable ways of life.
He dressed up in a three-piece suit buttoned up gracefully, he took the smoking pipe in one hand
whose smoke and scent burgeoning up to the books shelf. Under the training of renowned teachers
Sahibzada Idrees and Sheikh Timur, Kamal went through a lot of precious books and became a
keen reader. The welcoming environment of Islamia College and the group of legendary teachers
contributed a lot to the grooming of Kamal Khan. That bunch of intellectuals at Islamia College

35
Dr. Akbar Harifal, Sain Kamal Khan Sherani (unpublished work). P.3
36
Dr. Shah Muhammad Marri, Ishaq ka kapilay, (Quetta, Sangat Academy of Sciences, November 2011
and November 2014), p.19,20
37
Abdullah Jan Jamaldeini, Lathkhana, (Quetta, Sangat Academy, 2002), P.23
 18

taught him contemporary ideas and innovative techniques. That ground became a Pandora box for
Kamal. He learned everything according to his whim and caprice. In 1945, Kamal completed his
B.sc degree in economics by securing the highest grades. Among all the exam questions the
noteworthy was “Why is India a poor Country”? Instead of giving stereotypical arguments
regarding overpopulation and low growth rate etc. He pointed out that private ownership is the
root cause behind the exponential economic decline in the country.38

The great Islamic scholar Maulana Maududi used to deliver lectures at Islamia College at that
time.39 Kamal got highly inspired by Maulana’s personality40 and once during the question-answer
session, he asked about the economic system of Islam. However, Maulana Maududi answered his
question but unexpectedly it failed to satisfy the curious nature of Kamal. This was the turning
point in Kamal’s life which enabled him to think sagaciously. Moreover, after this incident, many
questions arose in Kamal’s mind regarding socio-economic justice. 41

1.3 INCLINATION TOWARDS RIGHT

The formative influences behind Kamal Khan’s inclination towards the right are religious
influences and Maulana Maududi, which are described below.

1.3.1 RELIGIOUS INFLUENCES

The absolute majority of the people living in Kamal khan’s native land belonged to the Sunni
sect of Islam. Many people were very conservative and strict. The role of the mullah (religious
leader) was very important in the performance of rituals. The role of Mullahs is still strong in rural
areas of Baluchistan where literacy is very low. A mullah was respected for being the leader in
prayers, profound knowledge of the Quran and performing rituals. The overwhelming majority of
that particular time and even now has belonged to the Sunni sect. Many people were engaged with
Islamic teachings and secular education was looked at with suspicion and even hatred. Living in

38
Dr. Shah Muhammad Marri, Ishaq ka kapilay, (Quetta, Sangat Academy of Sciences, November 2011
and November 2014), p.25-26
39
Ibid., p.24
40
Dr. Shah Muhammad Marri, Quetta, 19 July, 2019.
41
Dr. Shah Muhammad Marri, Ishaq ka kapilay, (Quetta, Sangat Academy of Sciences, November 2011
and November 2014), p.24
 19

the same society one cannot leave without having influence. Thus, Kamal khan was also grabbed
by these influences.42

1.3.2 MAULANA MAUDUDI

In those days Maulana Maududi used to come for delivering a lecture in Islamia College
Peshawar.43 Kamal Khan was very inspired by him.44 He got in touch with Maulana and inspiration
was so much that Mama Jamaldeini, Kamal khan’s friend, left his beard long. But one day, after
delivering a lecture, during the question-answer session, young Kamal Khan put a question about
the economic system of Islam, though Maulana replied that could not satisfy the future intellectual.
This event was a turning point in Kamal khan’s life and brought irreversible change in his mind
regarding social and economic justice.45 (Shah Muhammad Marri and Dr. Akbar Harifal). But,
Wahid Sherani and Kamal Khan’s son, Rishtiya Mal, said that he was not inspired by Maulana
Maududi. In 1944, Kamal khan only wrote a letter to Maudodi that he (Maududi) delivered a
lecture to them on the Islamic economy. In a replied, Maulana wrote that he would deliver a lecture
on the Moral system instead of the Islamic economy. Owing to this, Kamal khan did not even
listen to the lecture delivered by Maulana Maududi, which was on the Moral system. Because he
knew better the Moral system. Wahid Sherani added that Kamal khan understood, after that, that
Maulana was neither a scholar nor he knew Islamic economy. Moreover, Wahid Sherani said that
he inclined towards progressive politics and minimized the opposition which was created by
general norms that Islam is in contrast with socialism.46

But on the contrary, respected Raza Muhammad Raza, former senator, said that in those days
different national movements were apprising in Pashtun areas such as Bacha khan’s Kudai khidmat
gar movement (servants of God) and Samad khan’s movement. Therefore, Kamal khan became

42
Fazal Sherani, One of the backward districts of Baluchistan, 2017, http://thebalochistanpoint.com/shirani-
one-of-the-backward-districts-of-balochistan/ (accessed July 15, 2019), p.1
43
Dr. Shah Muhammad Marri, Ishaq ka kapilay, (Quetta, Sangat Academy of Sciences, November 2011
and November 2014), p.24
44
Shah Muhammad Marri, Quetta, 19 July, 2019.
45
Dr. Shah Muhammad Marri, Ishaq ka kapilay, (Quetta, Sangat Academy of Sciences, November 2011
and November 2014), p.24
46
Wahid and Rishtya Mal Sherani, Zhob, 15 August, 2019.
 20

influenced by these movements especially from Khan Abdul Samad Khan’s movement and started
struggling for the Pashtun nation.47

1.4 INCLINATION TOWARD LEFT

The formative influences behind Kamal khan’s inclination toward the left are described below in
detail.

1.4.1 THE INFLUENCE OF HIS TEACHER -SIR SAHIBZADA MUHAMMAD IDRESS

Islamic College University was the place where Kamal Khan’s personality was shaped. It was a
prestigious and reputed institution with few qualified teachers in the region. They looked at their
pupils like their children. One of them was sir Sahibzada Idress who was physically handicapped
and used a wheelchair. Under the supervision of Sir Idress, Kamal went through different books.
He worked hard on Kamal Khan. Sir Idress – the philosopher, thinker, and novelist, became Kamal
khan's best coach. Sir Idress is the author of a world-renowned Pashto novel named “Paigla”. Sir
Idress did his B.A in Economics from Islamic College University Peshawar after which he went
to Ali Garh where he got his M.A and LLB degrees. This stood his Alma matter. In addition to it,
he served as a chairperson of political science and economics departments in Islamic college
university Peshawar. He taught Kamal Khan Philosophy, economics and introduced him to leftist
writers. If sir Idress did not teach him the fragile device of the economy, Kamal Khan probably
would not have taken the final path that would later become his destiny and prosperity of the
people.48

1.4.2 TRANSFORMING INFLUENCES OF LEFTIST IDEOLOGY

After completing his matriculation, he went to Islamia College Peshawar in the pursuit of
higher education. There he got in touch with teachers who were inclined to left-wing. In Islamia
College University, under renowned teachers like Sahibzada Idress and sir sheik Taimur, Kamal
khan studied Goethe, Gorki, Haggle, Engle, Aristotle, Plato, Russell, and Bernard Shaw. He
became a voracious reader, enjoining the writings of left-wing Intellectuals: Marxism as an

47
Raza Muhammad Raza Lala, Zhob, 25 August, 2019.
48
Dr. Shah Muhammad Marri, Ishaq ka kapilay, (Quetta, Sangat Academy of Sciences, November 2011
and November 2014), p.21-23
 21

49
economic and with its sociopolitical worldview. This had totally changed the mind of young
Kamal Khan. These two teachers played a seminal role in the career of Kamal Khan. Here is a
student of economics; Kamal khan imbibed a heavy dose of socialism. All these leftist intellectual
writings had left transforming influence on Kamal khan’s mind.50 In addition to it, though Kamal
khan’s intellectual base was laid down in the Sundeman High School, Pishin, yet to strengthening
the academic environment of Islamia College played an important role in it.51

1.5 GOVERNMENT SERVICE

After successfully completing his education from Islamia College Peshawar, he stepped into
government service and remained there till 1950 after that he stepped out.52 Further explanation
will be described below.

1.5.1 APPOINTMENT (1947)

Soon after the completion of higher education, Kamal Khan was appointed as the Naib Tehsildar
in 1946, a much sought-after designation. Co indecently, Ghulam Ishaq Khan's former president
of Pakistan also rose from this very position to the presidency. He was appointed naib Tehsildar
at Gulistan which was the ancestral homeland of his political mentor Khan Abdul Samad Khan
Achakzai.53 But Mir Hassan Athal opines that he was appointed the Naib Tehsildar at Jaat Paat
and then at Gulistan.54 The same happened with Kamal after 35 years his biographer and an eligible
student Dr. Shah Muhammad Marri was appointed as the medical officer in Zhob. This position
brought the student in proximity to his mentor.55

As the young Kamal was the man of great honor. He could burn the midnight oil in order to sustain
the virtue and stability in the system. After serving for 5 long years as a civil servant, Kamal
discovered that the officers were eating the forbidden fruit. This multifaceted system did not

49
Dawood Khan Mohmand, Sain Kamal Khan Sherani, Lekanee, Vol.III, No.22-23, (July-December, 2018),
P.227
50
Dr. Akbar Harifal, Sain Kamal Khan Sherani, (unpublished work).,p.2,3
51
Abdullah Jan Jamaldeini, Lathkhana, (Quetta, Sangat Academy, 2002), P. 23
52
Ameer Jan, Da Sain Kamal Khan Sherani Ilmi, Siyasi Aw Adbi Shaksiyat, Lekanee, Vol.III, No.22-23,
(July-December, 2018), p.209-210
53
Dawood Khan Mohmand, Sain Kamal Khan Sherani, Lekanee, Vol.III, No.22-23, (July-December, 2018),
P.229
54
Mir Hassan Athal, Da Wugari Dair Karay Khudaiya, (Quetta, United press,2014), p.128
55
Dr. Akbar Harifal, Sain Kamal Khan Sherani, (unpublished work), p.4
 22

convince him much.56 Moreover, World War 2 added fuel to fire and disrupted global peace and
social equilibrium. Many socialist regimes developed, the mass destruction from the nuclear
atomic explosions in Japan and the air of malice and unhappiness took over the planet. These series
of unpleasant incidents left a deep impact on the Kamal’s sensitive mind and soul.57

56
Ibid., p.4
57
Dr. Shah Muhammad Marri, Ishaq ka kapilay, (Quetta, Sangat Academy of Sciences, November 2011
and November 2014), p.28
 23

CHAPTER 2

KAMAL KHAN’S SOCIAL AND POLITICAL ACTIVITIES (1947—1970): AN

OVERVIEW

Having five years of service to his credit, he and Mama Abdullah Jan Jamaldeini went to the side
from government services after finding faults in the government structure prevailed in the shape
of bribery, political suppression, class system, illiteracy, and poverty.58 The two Tehsildars after
Quitting Government services made their ways possible to Quetta in order to put the future
planning in effect. There they hired a room which aptly named ‘Lathkhana’ and their movement
as ‘Lathkhana Movement’.59

In 1954, Kamal khan attached his political affiliation with Wrore Pashtun (Pashtun Brotherhood).
He served as a senior member in Wrore- Pashtun. Kamal khan started his politics at National
Awami Party (NAP) when Wrore Pashtun was merged in NAP in 1957, but soon Kamal khan and
Samad khan Achakzai developed differences with NAP and renamed their party. 60 Moreover,
Kamal khan set up a school, dispensary, and Madrasah, but Mullahs and Malik remained contrary
to him due to which this sacred works could not proceed lament.61

2.1 RESIGNATION FROM GOVERNMENT SERVICE (1950)

After the accomplishment of 5-years’ service, Kamal finally resigned from the post. He could not
survive with the pinching conscious and Kamal along with his Colleague Abdullah Jan Jamaldeini
left the so-called civil service. According to his biographer Dr. Shah Muhammad Marri, Kamal
wrote his lengthy resignation with serious allegations and spiteful statements. That’s not all Kamal
also wrote the resignation of Jamaldeini rather comprehensive one. Their friendship and bond
stood the test of time.

Another incredible mate of Kamal, Bahadur Khan Bangulzai became ready to follow Kamal’s
footsteps and decided to leave civil services. But to his dismay, Kamal stopped him to do so. As

58
Dr. Akbar Harifal, Sain Kamal Khan Sherani (unpublished work), p.4
59
Abdullah Jan Jamaldeini, Lathkhana, (Quetta, Sangat Academy, 2002), P.20
60
Raza Muhammad Raza, Da Pashtun Kaami Gurzang Star Larshood Sain Kamal Khan Sherani,
Lekanee, Vol.III, No.22-23, (July-December, 2018), p.203
61
Dr. Shah Muhammad Marri, Ishaq ka kapilay, (Quetta, Sangat Academy of Sciences, November 2011
and November 2014), p.44
 24

we know that nature cannot be changed. Soon after Kamal’s resignation Bahadur Khan Bangulzai
bid farewell to civil services. In this way, civil services lost three gems. Afterward, Kamal’s father
asked him to reconsider his decision of leaving such an honorable job, but he ignored all the things
and listened to his heart. He wanted to turn the tables and earned respect by serving people and
doing their welfare otherwise.62

2.2 L ATKHANA MOVEMENT (1950—1954)

LITERAL MEANING

The word laatkhana is taken from the word laat (vagabond) which means a person who does not
fulfill all kinds of responsibilities and simply describes the place where loafers are lived.63

ANOTHER MEANING

According to Khan Abdul Samad Khan, a renowned politician, the word laat (vagabond) means a
person who is pursuing an important purpose and does not retreat until he becomes the headman
for this very purpose. In this way, Dr. Shah Muhammad Marri describes the views of Samad khan
about word laat (vagabond) as; those people who become hungry for a higher purpose continue to
work their best until they pursue it. 64

FOUNDATION

The two young souls, Kamal khan, and Mama Jamaldeini, after renouncing the civil services
returned to Quetta. They rented a room in the Baluchi street Quetta, the capital of Baluchistan, in
1950. As we know that the right paths are always difficult and full of challenges. Kamal khan
chose the virtuous path to serve humanity over his personal interests. Of course, he made a tough
choice of giving bid to civil services, but higher goals needed utter perseverance. There in Quetta,
they had to do their work and household chores by themselves. It was a room with no electricity.
It was their bedroom as well as their drawing room and library and it opted a name ‘Lathkhana’
(abode of vagabonds). Kamal khan burnt the candle from both ends to achieve his goals. With the
sense of alacrity and motivational will, they named their movement as Lathkhana movement. In

62
Ibid., p.30-31
63
Abdullah Jan Jamaldeini, Lathkhana, (Quetta, Sangat Academy, 2002), P.13
64
Ibid., p.14
 25

that room they used to have political and mind blogging discussions, debates on various arguments
and sometimes they merely used silence as the tool for conversation.65

PROGRESSIVE MOVEMENT

It was a progressive movement that began in March 1950 in Quetta, Balochistan.66 Though the
foundation of this movement was laid down together by Kamal khan, Mama Jamaldeini,
Khudaidad, and Bahadur Bangulzai,67 yet the leader and spokesman of the movement were Kamal
Khan Sherani.68 After the establishment of laatkhana movement, they needed pen, paper, books
and to compensate themselves financially for all the expenses they had gone to. For these purposes,
they opened a stationary on Masjid road, which temporary name was suggested by Kamal Khan
Sherani. To mention stationary here is also important because it had been not only the part of the
movement but also served people like a library.69 The purpose of this movement was to keep the
people on the path of awareness and development. In that particular time, the people of Balochistan
had been exploited in every way and had been denied even their basic rights due to which they had
been living a miserable life for a considerable period of time. That’s why Conscious awareness
had been given to the people by Kamal Khan and others through this movement. So that they could
escape from the tyranny of government and started agitation by demanding their democratic rights.
Kamal khan felt strongly about serious matters, such as the way the people of Balochistan were
treated by the government.70 Before throwing any further light on laatkhana movement, it is
important to note how the name given to this movement was described by Mama Abdullah Jan
Jamaldeini in his book ‘laatkhana’. “Mama Jamaldeini writes that whenever a friend of ours, Ghani
Khan Achakzai, appears in the courtyard, he sees us lying in the bed and loudly tells what are you
doing loafers (vagabond) that still you are lying. After that, the place became famous and opted
the name of Latkhana (abode of vagabond).”71

65
Dr. Shah Muhammad Marri, Ishaq ka kapilay, (Quetta, Sangat Academy of Sciences, November 2011
and November 2014), p.32
66
Abdullah Jan Jamaldeini, Lathkhana, (Quetta, Sangat Academy, 2002), p.17
67
Dr. Shah Muhammad Marri, Ishaq ka kapilay, (Quetta, Sangat Academy of Sciences, November 2011
and November 2014),p.32
68
Abdullah Jan Jamaldeini, Lathkhana, (Quetta, Sangat Academy, 2002), p.18
69
Ibid., p.31
70
Ibid., p.27
71
Ibid.,p.154
 26

Mama Jamaldeini further says that they thought about improving their people and society in
university time, philosophy and nationalism provided intellectual dimension. Bernard shah,
Russell and Thomson provided intellectual grounds. The country and global situation created a
passion for building practical infrastructure on these grounds. Similarly, Mama Jamaldeini writes
in his book ‘laatkhana’ “that what we read in the university was practically seen in the time of the
job, such as the bribery of civil servants, the destruction and degradation of the poor class, etc.
likewise, the revolution ensued in china. The intellectuals like us could not survive without being
influenced by these conditions.” 72

Thus, the movement shows that these thinkers understand that khans, Malaks, chiefs, tenants, state
institutions and government officials were held responsible for the misfortune and misery of the
people. Additionally, Mama Jamaldeini says in his book about Kamal khan that on one hand, he
was wandering the spreading scientific ideas of the new world. On the other hand, he was
disturbing the illiteracy and poverty of the people of Baluchistan. He knew the selfishness of
Sardars (chieftains) and Malaks because he was well aware of the behavior of this class when he
was doing government jobs. He also knew that there was a lot of contradiction in the interest of
the people of this class and the common people of Baluchistan.73 At last, the Movement became
popular not only in Pakistan but also in Afghanistan. Its activities attracted the attention of the
people of Lahore, Karachi, Jacobabad, Kabul, Qandahar and even the people of Iran. 74

2.2.1 PASHTO LITERARY SOCIETY--- PASHTO TOLLI (1952-1954):

INTRODUCTION

The founders of Lathkhana movement intended to aware the Baluchistan’s people of their
marginalized status, which was prevailed in the form of political suppression, class system, and
poverty, degraded social and cultural system. For this purpose, they came forwarded with an
intention to bring awakening through writings. In this way, they gathered scholars, writers, poets,

72
Abdullah Jan Jamaldeini, Lathkhana, (Quetta, Sangat Academy, 2002), P.25-26
73
Ibid., P.27
74
Ibid., P.118
 27

and thinkers of Pashto, Balochi, and other regional languages. All of them laid down two literary
societies, one for Pashto and other for Balochi.75

FOUNDATION

Pashto Tolli was laid down in June 1952. Its first cabinet was nominated temporary, consisting of
Malik Shair Muhammad, its president, Dr.Khudaidad, General Secretary, Maulvi Abdul Kaliq,
Naib President, and Muhammad Akbar Achakzai became its joint secretary. But it lasted for one
month. After that, it was dissolved and fresh elections were announced in July 1952, in which New
cabinet got elected comprising of Kamal khan Sherani—the president, Dr.Khudaidad—general
secretary, Maulvi Abdul Khaliq—the naib President, Yousef and Muhammad Akbar became its
joint secretary's.76

UNDERLINE MOTIVES

The underlined motives of Pashto literary society---Pashto tolana were as

1: the progress and protection of Pashto literature

2: the collection of pure/un-mixed Pashto words

3: to make the required words with the passage of time according to need

And the ways to pursue the underlined motives were as:

1: members would conduct weekly gathering/study circles in order to criticize and analyze Pashto
literature

2: There would be a library, in which new Pashto literary books, newspapers and magazines would
be guaranteed/ensured

3: Tolli would help those, in Pashto writing, who were not capable to write Pashto correctly

4: Tolli would launch a monthly Pashto magazine

5: Pashto books would be published

75
Mir Hassan Athal, Da Miyashtani Pashto Takiki Aw Tankidi Chairana, (Quetta, Hewadzai Charaneez
Markaz, 2018), P.30
76
Ibid., P.30
 28

6: Tolli would write for those who didn't know Pashto writing and then collected those writings

Though we don't have much detailed information about Pashto literary society, yet some historical
records and evidence suggest that Pashto literary society had been continued its literary, academic
and political works till 1954.77 For instance, the news headlined in 1954, in the Amroz times
Lahore, Pakistan, that the Pashto Tolli's delegation had met Mian Jaffar Shah, a broadcasting
minister, under the leadership of Mr. Afzal Ahmed Ghazi. The delegation demanding the
declaration of Pashto as a source of education in the schools, situated in the Pashtun dominated
regions, and the launching of Pashto broadcasting from the radio station Quetta immediately. The
minister of broadcasting, Mian Jaffar Shah, responded to the nomination and said that he would
extend sympathy to the Quetta radio station for the immediate management of Pashto
broadcasting.78

2.2.2 KAMAL KHAN ESTABLISHED PROGRESSIVE WRITERS ASSOCIATION

(1953—1954)

After giving up government service, Kamal khan and his friends started writings in order to
enlighten the people. They themselves also started writings and gathered writers and poets, who
used to send their writings for the Pashto magazine. The purpose of this association was creating
a generation of progressive thinkers, Pashtun intellectuals and literary figures in Pashto literature.
The writers who used to send their writings were comprising of Sadiq Rishteen, Qalandar
Mohmand, Samad Khan Achakzai, a renowned politician, Himesh, Abdul Hai Habibi, a Pashto
researcher and historian, Jaffar Achakzai, Hamza Shinwari, Muflis Durrani, Ayyaz Durrani,
Khudaidad, Sahibzada Muhammad Idress, Abdullah Jan Jamaldeini, Abdul Khaliq Tarran, Farooq
Shah, Khalil and many more.79 They kept strong relationships with them. The relationship was so
strong that when Khalil, who used to send writings for Pashto magazine, was put into jail, Kamal
khan and others strongly condemned his detention and published his photo in the magazine that
the government had arrested one of the great Pashto writers. 80

77
Ibid., P.38
78
Ibid., P.39
79
Mir Hassan Athal, Da Miyashtani Pashto Takiki Aw Tankidi Chairana, (Quetta, Hewadzai Charaneez
Markaz, 2018), p.55
80
Amanullah Kharoti, Sain Kamal Khan Sherani Ki Sahapati, Siyasi Awr Adbi Khidmat, (Master’s thesis,
University of Balochistan, 2007), p.3
 29

2.2.3 KAMAL KHAN AS A JOURNALIST (1953—1954)

Aman Ullah Kharoti, a student of Mass Communication at the University of Baluchistan,

mentioned in his thesis, which is written in Urdu under the titled “Sain Kamal Khan Sherani Ki
Sahapati, Siyasi Aw Adbi Khidmat”, that people knew less than that Kamal khan was related to
journalism. He wrote that his journalism needs proper research in order to protect his position in
Baluchistan’s journalism. He not only succeeded in getting permission to publish a magazine but
also served as a senior editor of the Magazine while his colleagues Dr. Khudaidad worked as sub-
editor. The magazine which he launched named Pashto, which was published in April 1953. Its
language was completely Pashto and the materials which were published in it were socialists and
nationalists. It was the first monthly magazine of Baluchistan, which published the last time in
June 1954. After one year, the magazine was banned by the government. The reasons behind its
banning were the publishing of socialist and nationalist materials. He wrote that khan Shaheed, the
father of Mahmood khan Achakzai, warned them to make its policy less strict when they sent the
copies of the magazine to him in detention. But they did not pay any heed and the government
81
banned it.

When the Pashto progressive society was founded, a year later, the same society, especially
Kamal khan and Dr. Khudaidad launched an independent literary and political magazine
(Miyashtani Pashto) for contemporary literature. But the magazine could not last long, in a year it
was banned.82 Shaukat Tareen says in his book “Wrore Pashtun” (Pashtun Brotherhood) about
Miyashtani Pashto (Monthly Pashto magazine) that Miyashtani Pashto started its inception before
the foundation of Wrore Pashtun- Pashtun brotherhood. Its first issue was published in 1953, and
its editor- in- chief was Kamal khan while the sub-editor was Dr. Khudaidad.83 Similarly, Mama
Jamaldeini says in his book ‘ Laatkhana’ “that though Pashto magazine launched by the name of
Kamal khan, its whole works were doing by Dr. Khudaidad and he was the editor of the magazine”

81
Ibid., p.2-4
82
Mir Hassan Athal, Da Miyashtani Pashto Takiki Aw Tankidi Chairana, (Quetta, Hewadzai Charaneez
Markaz, 2018), p.35
83
Shaukat Tareen, Wrore Pashtun- Pashtun Brother hood, (Quetta, New College Publication, 2017), p.18
 30

84
which was also acknowledged/ confessed by Kamal khan himself in an interview conducted by
Barakwal Miakhail. 85

The Pashto magazine lasted for a year. The CID was cautious about the rising attention of the
Miyashtani Pashto (Monthly Pashto magazine). Therefore, CID was resisting the magazine and
banned it at last. Mama Jamaldeini writes in his book ‘Laatkhana’ “about its closure as that one
afternoon our close friends in the police suddenly appeared and called me. These two kindly friends
were Abdul Jabbar, who later become the speaker of Balochistan assembly and Ghulam Hussain.
Mama Abdullah Jan Jamaldeini says that they said to me that the posts of Pashto magazine had
been carefully censored. They added that we must arrange it very carefully at least it should be
banned. Mama says that it was their love and passion for political and literary activities that they
informed me of the danger in a timely manner. Thus, the address was changed. In spite of
precautionary measures and several other gaits, the CID traced the new address too and banned
the Pashto magazine.”86 The closing date which is mentioned in the Miyashtani Pashto Magazine
and Mir Hassan Athal’s book is 1954, 87 but Dr. Shah Muhammad Marri writes in his book that it
was banned in 1955 by Qurban Ali A.G.G.88

2.2.3.1 THE LAUNCHING OF PASHTO MAGAZINE (1953—1954)

In 1953, Kamal Khan Sherani, Mama Jamaldeini, and Dr. Khudaidad succeeded in getting
permission to publish a monthly Pashto magazine after turning down their first request for Balochi
magazine. They got the declaration of a magazine on the name of Kamal khan. Political, historical
and literary articles were written in the Pashto magazine.89 Miyashtani Pashto magazine became
fams because it was progressive and during that particular time progressive writers and journalists
were fiercely hostile to US imperialism and the capitalist system. Especially in Pakistan, these
days the government was engaged in the erosion of such a thought, then the Amroz times, Pakistan

84
Abdullah Jan Jamaldeini, Lathkhana, (Quetta, Sangat Academy, 2002), p.137
85
Barakwal Miakhail, Sain Kamal Khan, “Sain Kamal Khan Sherani pur Zhuwand banday khabaray”,
Video, voice of America, 2001, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYgP8ZZnO9Q (accessed July 10,
2019).
86
Abdullah Jan Jamaldeini, Lathkhana, Quetta, Sangat Academy, 2002. p.137
87
Mir Hassan Athal, Da Miyashtani Pashto Tahkiki Aw Tankidi Chairana, (Quetta, Hewadzai Charaneez
Markaz, 2018), p.50
88
Dr. Shah Muhammad Marri, Ishaq ka kapilay, (Quetta, Sangat Academy of Sciences, November 2011
and November 2014), P.42
89
Ibid., p.34
 31

times, Lal Nahar and its seventh page were at war with the progressive and imperialists. Obviously,
the Monthly Pashto magazine did not want to lag behind.90 Its first edition appeared with a blasting
article scribed by Kamal Khan in the editorial page carrying biting criticism on the American
government for electrocuting an American communist couple Julius and Ethel Rosenberg on the
alleged espionage activities and leakage of information about the atomic bomb to the USSR. The
couple stoically maintained their innocence throughout the length of the trial and appeals. They
were executed by the electric chair on June 19, 1953; which also happened to be the 14th
anniversary of their marriage in a controversial court proceeding. The execution story still haunts
American history. Kamal Khan in his mood of anger and frustration wrote that Julius and Ethel
had been framed by the false testimony and should never have been tried, much less executed. The
editorial of Pashto published that particular news along with angry slogan; damn America. In this
way, the Pashto magazine came under a cloud of suspicion and it had not been more than a year.91

Besides this, in the first edition of the magazine, Kamal khan also writes an article under the titled
“Pashtana yu pa Pashto sara zagazu magar pa Pashto nasara poyaizu” (we are Pashtuns and speak
Pashto but do not understand the Pashto language of each other), in which he writes that it is a
clear fact that Pashtuns, who live in Baluchistan, are going far away from their mother tongue-
Pashto, every day. That particular distance is felt intensely. The unfortunate moment is that even
educated people do not pay heed to Pashto and is neglecting it. Despite the fact, that they are those
people who are expecting to serve Pashto language and literature. He adds that this situation is not
an unusual mishap at all, but it is a constant process that holds a complete history of events. If one
saw in this historical background, the carelessness of today’s Pashtuns, especially educated ones,
with their mother tongue is not so strange. But the truth is that we are losing our history by
maintaining distance to the Pashto language. There is a truism that history for a nation is necessary
as strength for a person. If serious steps are not taken, we may be lost our identity. He writes
further that the Pashto magazine was published with the incentive to promote Pashto language and
Pashto literature. Pashto literary society (Pashto Tolli) took the initiative of launching Pashto
magazine and the government of Baluchistan accepted the request. It is clear that Pashto Tolli’s
objective is for all Pashtuns and we hope that the people of Baluchistan will help for the promotion

90
Abdullah Jan Jamaldeini, Lathkhana, (Quetta, Sangat Academy, 2002), p.138-139
91
Dr. Shah Muhammad Marri, Ishaq ka Kapilay, (Quetta, Sangat Academy, 2011), p.34-35
 32

of magazine more as they can. And it is also expected to all educated people that they will send
their materials for the magazine. Additionally, he adds that the essay written by Abdullah Jan
Jamaldeini with the titled Pashto literature is worth praising and the essay titled ‘Pashto and Pashto
literature’ written by Asmat Ullah Khan Achakzai must be encouraged and praised him for it.
Lastly, we are expected from all educated Pashtuns that they must pay attention to Pashto language
and Pashto literature as well.92

2.3 ESTABLISHMENT OF PANCHAYAT-- A VILLAGE COUNCIL-COMMITTEE IN

SHERANI (1955)

Kamal Khan Sherani adopted different ways in order to get enlightened and awaken the people.
He worked patiently to cultivate the culture and intellectual development in the collective
consciousness of the people. He went to his village and set up a committee so that village decisions
could be made in the same panchayat. But the government turned against this system of public
reconciliation because the whole structure of Malik (chieftain), Mullahs (religious clerics) and
district management were being challenged. So, the Mullahs and Malak with their dictatorial
attitude started conspiracies and this sacred task could not proceed. Though what were the matters
behinds the banning, yet it shocked Kamal khan.93

2.4 THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SCHOOL, MADRASA AND DISPENSARY (1955)

At the same time, Kamal khan Sherani opened a school in the present-day district Sherani and
started teaching there. Similarly, he built a dispensary there, but neither school nor dispensary
could proceed more than a year. Later he constructed a school at a place called ‘Obasir’, about
nine miles away from Manikhuwa, which he named as a Madrasah (a religious boarding school).94
He did this to appease the religious lobby of rigid tribal Mullahs, but unfortunately, all in vain.
Kamal khan operated this madrasah for the sake of public participation and ownership. He started
this sacred mission in order to get enlightened the people. He constructed the Madrasah with the
Intention of pouring out the buckets of ignorance which had been injected in the brains of the
people. But, they remained conflicted and opposed Kamal Khan Sherani by and by. Since Kamal
khan had a cordial relationship with the populous beings and white man of the society, his

92
Sain Kamal Khan Sherani and Dr. Khudaidad, Miyashtani Pashto, (Zhob, Aziz Book Depo,2018), p.4-5
93
Dr. Shah Muhammad Marri, Ishaq ka Kapilay, (Quetta, Sangat Academy, 2011), p.44-45
94
Ibid., p.44
 33

friendship with them was considered unholy by the Mullahs. In the rural police and administration.
The fight between old and new thought proved to be the final end, the Madrasah lasted its essence
and was closed with the assistance of nail in the coffin. Mullahs were not ready to accept new
ways. They argued about the preconceived notion of the harmful effects of education and schools
on their children.95 The elimination of Madrasah was proven to be the greatest achievement of
Mullahs and Maliks (village heads). The Mullahs wrongly dedicated all their meaningless efforts
to Allah’s will. They do nothing for the betterment of society, in fact, they use religion as a weapon
to get access to power. As far as Mullahs of Pashtun are concerned, they are armed up to the teeth
with his abominated weapon.96

At last, the Madrasah which he erected lamentably could not proceed for a long time due to certain
reasons, which we're told by different people as; the conservative mullahs (religious person) and
Malik (village head) turned against it. Because both boys and girls got enrolled in it and they
considered it not only against Pashtunwali, Pashtun’s codes of conduct but also against Islam.
When Kamal Khan popularly known as Sain put stubborn resistance, using force they closed it.
(Dr. Ikram Kakar). The second reason was that the head of the madrasah was being forced through
local administration by unidentified people, which is a hard reality. 97 (Dr. Ikram Kakar). Thirdly,
Amanullah Kharoti has mentioned in his thesis, which was declared wrong by Dr. Ikram, that it
was closed due to a lack of financial resources. 98Regardless of whatever were the reasons behind
the closure of madrasah, but its closure not only hit Kamal khan but also increased student’s plight?
If it was not sealed, it could produce unexpected outcomes.99

95
Ibid., P.44-45
96
Dr. Akbar Harifal, Sain Kamal Khan Sherani, (unpublished work), p.5-6
97
Dr. Ikram Kakar, Zhob, 15 August, 2019.
98
Amanullah Kharoti, Sain Kamal Khan Sherani Ki Sahapati, Siyasi Awr Adbi Khidmat, (Master’s thesis,
University of Balochistan, 2007), p.7
99
Adv. Kaleem Ullah Kakar, Zhob, 17 August, 2019
 34

2.5 PARTICIPATION IN POLITICS (1954—1970)

When Kamal Khan went to Gulistan for a job, he came across Khan Abdul Samad Khan. Samad
khan informed him about his political ideas and goals. On the one hand, he was a supporter of
leftist and progressive ideology. On the other hand, Allah Almighty had given him the spirit to
serve the people and homeland. Therefore, without any delay, Kamal khan engaged with Samad
khan’s political thinking in 1954 and then had been remaining in that position till the end of his
life. The political struggles of Kamal Khan were to become an obstacle and forestall the brutal
policies of Pakistani rulers and Punjabi colonialism, along with the global oppression and brutality.
Kamal Khan wanted that the oppressed and subdued Pakistani, the Pashtun, Balochs, Saraiki, and
Sindhi were to be get rid of this oppression100 (Mir Hassan Athal). Additionally, he stayed away
from active politics in 1999 when his own agenda was not followed.101 The leadership of
Pashtunkhuwa Mili Awami Party wanted Kamal khan to be elected either as MNA or as Senator,
but he had always been declining offer. 102

2.5.1 WRORE PASHTUN-PASHTUN BROTHERHOOD (1954—1957)

Khan Abdul Samad khan formed Wrore Pashtun (Pashtun brotherhood) in 1954 in Quetta, as a
substitute for Anjuman-e- Wattan. Khan Abdul Samad khan was nominated its president, Hashim
khan Ghilzai as a general secretary, Maulvi Rahmat Ullah Mandokhail as naib president and Fazal
Ahmad Ghazi as information and broadcasting secretary. A committee which was formed to make
Pashtun wrore’s manifesto was comprising of Kamal Khan Sherani, Khan Shaheed, Hashim khan
Ghilzai, Rahmat Ullah Mandokhail, Malak Usman Kasi, Malak Ammer Jan, Akbar khan Achakzai,
Malak Abdul Ali Kakar, Malak Yousef, gull Hassan khan Mandokhail, Abdul Khaliq Kasi and
Kamal din Kamal Sherani. The above-mentioned committee not only been played an important
role in the formation of Wrore-Pashtun’s manifesto but also had been played an essential role in
the conveyance of Wrore- Pashtun’s message across British Baluchistan (Mir Hassan).103 In
addition to that, Kamal khan worked as a volunteer in Wrore Pashtun. Kamal khan believed not
only Pashtun as a nation but also believed that as a nation they must have their own political party

100
Mir Hassan Atahal, Da Wugari Dair Karay Khudaiya, (Quetta, United Press, 2014), p.133
101
Wahid Sherani, Zhob, 15 August, 2019.
102
Mir Hassan Athal, Da Wugari Dair Karay Khudaiya, (Quetta, United Press, 2014), p.134
103
Mir Hassan Athal, Da Miyashtani Pashto Tahkiki Aw Tankidi Chairana, (Quetta, Hewadzai Charaneez
Markaz, 2018), p.40
 35

“khapal kaam khapala party in Pashto’’ (Wahid Sherani).104 Moreover, Raza Lala says in his article
‘Da Pashtun Qami Gurzang Starlar Shood Sain Kamal Khan Sherani’ that Kamal khan was
considered the right hand of Samad khan in Wrore Pashtun. 105

2.5.2 ENGAGEMENT WITH SAMAD KHAN’S PARTY IN NATIONAL AWAMI

PARTY—NAP (1957—1970)

In 1957, Khan Abdul Samad Khan and Kamal khan Sherani joined hands with NAP irrespective
of their political differences for the abrogation of one unit and the creation of new provinces on
the basis of language and geography. Kamal khan who had kept political engagement with Samad
Khan’s party went to the side from National Awami Party (NAP) when Samad Khan developed
differences with NAP. He was the staunchest supporter of liberal democracy where people rules,
not dictators and when Ayyub Khan abrogated the constitution and imposed martial law in 1958,
he condemned Ayyub khan. Similarly, when Samad khan was arrested in Ayyub khan’s
government, Kamal khan represented the Wrore Pashtun in the National Awami Party and became
closer to Pashtuns and Baloch leaders in the National Awami Party. 106

Moreover, Khan Abdul Samad Khan commonly known as khan Shaheed himself came to Mani
khuwa, now tehsil of district Sherani, in 1959 before his arrest and made a political unit there,
which was comprised of Kamal Khan Sherani, Maulvi Din Muhammad, Sufi Noor Muhammad,
Maulvi Noor Muhammad, and Kamal Din Sherani. 107

Samad Khan and Kamal khan developed differences with National Awami Party (NAP) when
Pashtun areas were merged with princely Baloch states in a single province of Balochistan.
Because Kamal Khan Sherani and Khan Abdul Samad Khan were in favor of Pashtun unified
geographical unit in Pakistan and believed that every community should have exclusive control
over their own resources. After merging the Pashtun lands that violated the NAP manifesto to form
national units on lingual basis and geography, Kamal khan and Samad khan separated their ways
with NAP.108The abrogation of one unit, by Yahya, not only hurt Kamal khan, who was in the

104
Wahid sherani, Zhob, 15 August, 2019.
105
Raza Muhammad Raza, Da Pashtun Kaami Gurzang Star Larshood Sain Kamal Khan Sherani,
Lekanee, Vol.III, No.22-23, (July-December, 2018), p.203
106
Ibid.p.203
107
Wahid Sherani, Zhob, 15 August, 2019
108
Dr. Shah Muhammad Marri, Quetta, 19 July, 2019
 36

favor of communal slogan of having separate homeland from Chitral to Bolan, but also late Nawab
Khair Bakhsh Marri, a Baloch leader, who told Kamal Khan Sherani in 1969 that if you got
Pashtunistan we would be with you.109 Now, the question either he was in favor of an independent
Pashtunistan or not. The answer to this question will be that he was not in favor of an independent
Pashtunistan but wanted the Pashtun living in Attock, Mianwali, British Baluchistan, KPK
erstwhile NWFP, and Fata should be made one Province.110 But, Ameer Jan Nikka writes in his
article that he wanted an independent Pashtun State (Pashtunistan).111

109
Wahid Sherani, Zhob, 15 August, 2019
110
Dr. Shah Muhammad Marri, Quetta, 19 July, 2019
111
Ameer Jan, Da Sain Kamal Khan Sherani Ilmi, Siyasi Aw Adbi Shaksiyat, Lekanee, Vol.III, No.22-23,
(July-December, 2018), p.210
 37

CHAPTER 3:

KAMAL KHAN’S LATER POLITICAL CAREER AND LITERARY WORKS (1970—

2010): A BRIEF OVERVIEW

Kamal Khan Sherani started his politics in NAPPK (National Awami Party Pashtunkhuwa) after
developed differences with National Awami Party (NAP) in 1970. Kamal khan played an
enthusiastic role in NAPPK- National Awami Party Pashtunkhuwa. He served as a senior member
of NAPPK.112 He also contested a by-election in 1974 under the banner of NAPPK.113 In addition
to this, when the party came into crisis after the sudden demise of Khan Shaheed and to get rid of
that crisis a meeting was convened in which Mahmood Khan was declared the head of the party.114
Kamal Khan played an important role not only in the nomination of Mahmood Khan Achakzai as
a party chairman but also played an essential role in the alliance between National Awami Party
Pashtunkhuwa and Mazdoor Kisan Party.115 Similarly, due to his services for Pashtunkhuwa, he
has been considered the co-founder of Pashtunkhuwa Mili Awami Party. 116 Additionally, he
translated many books which will be discussed below in detail.

3.1 HIS ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORT TO NATIONAL AWAMI PARTY

PASHTUNKHUWA (1970—1989)

As Samad khan and Kamal khan developed differences with NAP, they quit NAP. After quitting
NAP, in August 1970, Abdul Samad Khan, Kamal Khan and his party workers introduced the new
name of party National Awami Party Pashtunkhuwa in Quetta. Kamal khan also went to the side
with Sammad Khan instead of remaining the part of NAP further.117 He served there as a member
of the central committee. Additionally, a question asked by me from Wahid Sherani that why

112
Raza Muhammad Raza, Da Pashtun Kaami Gurzang Star Larshood Sain Kamal Khan Sherani,
Lekanee, Vol.III, No.22-23, (July-December, 2018), p.203
113
Dr. Akbar Harifal, Sain Kamal Khan Sherani, (unpublished work), p.6
114
Raza Muhammad Raza, Da Sain Kamal Khan Sherani Ilmi, Siyasi Aw Adbi Shaksiyat, Lekanee,
Vol.III, No.22-23, (July-December, 2018), p.204
115
Amanullah Kharoti, Sain Kamal Khan Sherani Ki Sahapati, Siyasi Awr Adbi Khidmat, (Master’s
thesis, university of Balochistan, 2007), p.7
116
Raza Muhammad Raza, Da Pashtun Kaami Gurzang Star Larshood Sain Kamal Khan Sherani,
Lekanee, Vol.III, No.22-23, (July-December, 2018), p.204
117
Ibid., P.203
 38

Kamal Khan extended his sympathy towards Khan Abdul Samad Khan instead of Bacha Khan,
frontier Gandhi. Wahid Sherani replied, who heard him saying that the non- violence of Bacha
khan is like feeding grass to a lion. Referring to non- violence, Kamal Khan remarked that the
pistol should not be taken from Pashtun, but its face should be towards the enemy instead of his
beloved.118

Moreover, when Samad khan contested the 1970 election under the forum of National Awami
Party Pashtunkhuwa, he bagged highest votes from Sherani, where Kamal was born, as compared
to other places. It became possible due to Kamal khan’s efforts. 119

3.1.1 KAMAL KHAN’S ROLE IN THE APPOINTMENT OF MAHMOOD KHAN AS A

PARTY HEAD (1973)

Abdul Samad Khan was martyred when he was sleeping at home in a room towards the road. This
room was having a window outside to road through which garnets were thrown inside the room
which claimed Khan Abdul Samad Khan’s life. After the sudden demise of Khan Shaheed in 1973,
in the same year, a meeting was convened regarding the appointment of the party chairman. The
process of this power shifting was in a democratic way. Many senior members such as Kamal
Khan Sherani and Rahim Mandokhail were invited to appoint the chairman. On the consciences
of people, Kamal Khan Sherani and Rahim Mandokhail, it was decided that this leadership should
be given to Mahmood Khan Achakzai, the current chairman of Pashtunkhuwa Mili Awami Party
(PkMAP). Apart from that, every five years an election on central level in party for the nomination
of leader is conducted and every time in a democratic way Mahmood Khan is elected as a chairman
of the party, and every time Kamal khan had been playing a big role in his appointment because
he had been the member of central committee.120

3.1.2 PARTICIPATION IN ELECTORAL POLITICS (1974)

In the by-election of 1974, there was turmoil in the socio-political environment. After the brutal
assassination of Maulana Shams-Ud-Din Harifal, the vacant seat was immediately occupied by

118
Wahid Sherani, Zhob, 15 August, 2019.
119
Wahid Sherani, Zhob, 15 August, 2019.
120
Adv.Amin Khan, Political History of Pashtunkhuwa Mili Awami Party, 2013,
https://www.academia.edu/13452509/Political_History_of_Pashtun_Khuwa_Milli_Awami_Party
(accessed July 10, 2019), p.10
 39

Kamal Khan. Kamal khan put him in the candidature of PB 10 seat for provisional assembly of
Baluchistan.121 People became terrified due to the reason of Maulana Shams- Ud-din assassination
as well as the strong candidature of Nawab. Kamal Khan did not lose hope.122 He ran the campaign
with a stern head. After witnessing Kamal Khan’s valor and hard work in the elections, Mala
Zareef Akhund says in his book ‘the Pashtunkhuwa Nagmay’ that we went there and campaigned
for Kamal Khan Sherani.123 He contested that particular election on the ticket of Samad khan’s
party. However, hard-luck stroked and Nawab knocked out Mullah and Kamal khan under the
serious allegations of rigging. 124

3.1.3 EFFORTS TO DEVELOP ALLIANCE BETWEEN MAZDOOR KISAN PARTY

AND NATIONAL AWAMI PARTY PASTHTUNKHUWA—NAP PK (1986)

Kamal Khan wanted that both Mazdoor Kisan Party (Sher Ali Bacha group) and National Awami
Party Pashtunkhuwa (NAP Pk) came close to each other and for that, he had been struggling for
long times. At last, Kamal khan’s efforts achieved when both parties' leaderships agreed on the
merger in 1986 and formed Pashtunkhuwa Mili Awami Etihad, which in turn was then renamed
Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami party in 1989. Without Kamal khan’s efforts, might be the alliance was
not possible. Raza Muhammad Raza, a former Senator, said to me that he was very delighted
when the alliance became possible.125 Ameer Jan Nikka says in his article that he played an
integral role in the alliance between them. He further writes that Kamal khan was in favor of good
discipline in the party. Without any discipline and a good leader, the party cannot achieve its
goals.126

3.2 KAMAL KHAN’S LETTER TO AYYUB KHAN (1970)

Ameer Jan Lala remarks, in his article “Da Sain Kamal Khan Sherani Ilmi, Siyasi Aw Adbi
Shaksiyat” that Kamal khan wrote a letter to General Ayyub khan in 1970. In that letter, he
demanded suffrage for district Zhob, however, voting rights were given to them by Yahya khan,

121
Dr. Akbar Harifal, Sain Kamal Khan Sherani, (unpublished work), p. 6
122
Ristiya Mal Sherani, Zhob, 15 August, 2019.
123
Mala Zareef Akhund Kakar, The Pashtunkhuwa Nagmay, (Quetta, Mala Zareef Kakar foundation,
2011), p.49
124
Akbar Harifal, Sain Kamal Khan Sherani, (unpublished work), p. 6
125
Raza Muhammad Raza, Zhob, 25 August, 2019.
126
Ameer Jan, Da Sain Kamal Khan Sherani Ilmi, Siyasi Aw Adbi Shaksiyat, Lekanee, Vol.III, No.22-23,
(July-December, 2018), p.213
 40

but Kamal khan was not only humiliated but also threatened to death when he went to people for
taking their approval signs on that letter. People demanded from Kamal khan to roll back his
decision, but he did not cease and sent the letter. 127

Kamal Khan was living in a society where people were understanding education, literacy, and
democracy an evil. They considered that it would leave an adverse effect on them; therefore, they
turned against Kamal khan and threatening not only to kill him but also to dishonor. But Kamal
khan who had left his job for the sake of those people could not step back without showing the
right path to them. He could not leave them until the era of prosperity and modernity would not
usher in. That’s why he did not roll back his decision and sent a letter to Ayyub Khan. He did this
in order to bring political awareness among the people so that they could not mislead.128

3.3 KAMAL KHAN AND PASHTUNKHUWA MILI AWAMI PARTY—PKMAP (1989—

2010)

As stated above that Kamal khan had been serving as a central committee member in Samad khan’s
Wrore Pashtun (Pashtun Brotherhood) and National Awami Party Pashtunkhuwa (NAP Pk). Even
so, he has been called the founder of Pashtunkhuwa Mili Awami Party (PkMAP) and had been
associating with it till death. He also served as a member of the central committee in Pashtunkhuwa
Mili Awami Party (PkMAP) but went to the side from this position in 1999 when his own agenda
was not followed. His agenda consisted; to restore Rana magazine, which was closed and
government teachers should perform their duties if they did not perform their duties should be
suspended their party memberships. He went to the side from the central committee due to
following reasons; on one side, he grew old, and on the other side, his above-mentioned agenda
did not meet/ follow. Even so, he had a big role to play in the formation of a party flag and his role
in the party’s manifesto was as a mentor.129 Apart from that, the Pashtunkhuwa Mili Awami Party
(PkMAP) offered a senate ticket to Kamal khan, which was declined by him.130 Here Nelson
Mandela’s quotation comes in mind that “A politician thinks for elections but a leader strives for

127
Ibid., P. 214
128
Ibid., P.214
129
Wahid Sherani, Zhob, 15 August, 2019.
130
Ameer Jan, Da Sain Kamal Khan Sherani Ilmi, Siyasi Aw Adbi Shaksiyat, Lekanee, Vol.III, No.22-23,
(July-December, 2018), p.221
 41

the nation”.131 Kamal Khan was completely fit by that particular quotation. He considered Pashtun
as a nation and his whole life had been spending not only to strive this nation but also providing
them an identity.132 He put to side all his personal benefits. For instance, he refused to take the
ticket in 1994 which led to the upper house of Pakistan, also put himself to side from live stream
courage in talk shows, speeches and another forum which gave 0ne publicity.133 He refused to take
a senate ticket because it distinguishes one from others and Kamal khan did not want that he was
called a senator and counted himself in D class- the lower section of the society. He believed
Pashtun as a nation and had been working to furnish that nation till last moment of his life. He was
not like others who considered that everything ought to be done for the sake of personal benefits.
This breed of selfless politician is now almost extinct.134

He stayed out of the active politics; however, took oath from the central committee members,
Mahmood khan and Rahim Mandokhail in 2007,135 and devoted himself to literary works, but
never gave up ideology. The ideology which had entered his head could not be dislodged till
death.136 Apart from that, Ameer Jan Nika says, in his article “Da Sain Kamal Khan Sherani Ilmi,
Siyasi Aw Adbi Shaksiyat” that once someone asked Kamal khan about his favorite Pashtun leader
and its reason. To this, Kamal khan replied that Mahmood khan, the chairman of Pashtunkhuwa
Mili Awami Party, was his favorite leader. He kept all the leadership qualities that a commander
had. The commander recognized his soldier by name and knew the name of every place in his
homeland. Besides, he did not lie and spoke the truth. All these capabilities were also present in
Sher Shah Suri.137

131
Nelson Mandela, Long to Freedom, united States, (Macdonald Purnell, 1994), p.22
132
Amanullah Kharoti, Sain Kamal Khan Sherani Ki Sahapati, Siyasi Awr Adbi Khidmat, (Master’s thesis,
University of Balochistan, 2007), p. 7
133
Mir Hassan Athal, Da Wugari Dair Karay Khudaiya, (Quetta, United Press, 2014), P.234
134
Ameer Jan, Da Sain Kamal Khan Sherani Ilmi, Siyasi Aw Adbi Shaksiyat, Lekanee, Vol.III, No.22-23,
(July-December, 2018), p.221
135
Amanullah Kharoti, Sain Kamal Khan Sherani Ki Sahapati, Siyasi Awr Adbi Khidmat, (Master’s thesis,
University of Balochistan, 2007), p.7
136
Dr. Akbar Harifal, Sain Kamal Khan Sherani, (unpublished work), p. 6
137
Ameer Jan, Da Sain Kamal Khan Sherani Ilmi, Siyasi Aw Adbi Shaksiyat, Lekanee, Vol.III, No.22-23,
(July-December, 2018), p.216
 42

3.4 KAMAL KHAN’S LITERARY WORKS

Kamal Khan was a man of scholastic tastes. He neither wrote a book nor his autobiography,
however, he has written articles and translated books from English to Pashto.138 But, Ameer Jan
Nikka writes that Kamal Khan Sherani wrote the Introduction of Mahmood Khan Achakzai’s
Novel-- Ochrak and Abdul Rahim Khan Mandokheil’s book--- the British Colonialism and
Afghanistan.139 The books which he translated into Pashto are:140

1: The trial of Socrates published by the name of ‘Socrates Mukadima’

2: Jail and bowel of poison (the cup of Hemlock)

3: Candid by Voltaire was translated and published by name of ‘Spailai’

4: Ten days that shook the world by John Red and it was published in 2014.

5: Islam in Practice by Ghulam Muhammad and it was published by the name of ‘Rishtani Islam’
in 2005.

6: Dialogues of Plato and it was published by the name of ‘da A platoon zaghawai’ in 2015.

He did this translation on the demand of Khan Shaheed. Actually, Khan Shaheed offered him to
save the words of Pashto of their region. Owing to this, he gave Kamal khan a novel ‘Mother’ but
Kamal Khan refused to take it and replied that he had the same novel. When Kamal khan came
home, he did not find the same novel and translated the dialogues of Plato instead of Mother.141

7: Autography of Gorki’s first part ‘My childhood’ and it was published after his death in 2018.

He did this translation on the demand of his teacher Sir Sahibzada Idress.

8: studying in a dying culture by Christopher Caudwell’s first chapter ‘liberty’ and it was published
by name of ‘Azadi’ in 1973. It was also translated in the Balochi language by Dr. Shah Muhammad

138
Dr. Shah Muhammad Marri, Ishaq ka Kapilay, (Quetta, Sangat Academy, 2011), p.105
139
Ameer Jan, Da Sain Kamal Khan Sherani Ilmi, Siyasi Aw Adbi Shaksiyat, Lekanee, Vol.III, No.22-23,
(July-December, 2018), p.22
140
Ibid.,P.223
141
Wahid Sherani, Zhob, 15 August, 2019
 43

Marri through the mutual commitment of both mentor and pupil. (Kamal khan and Shah
Muhammad)

To sum up, Kamal khan considered that translation is the best work. He came to translation when
Abdul Hai Habibi, Pashto researcher and historian, and Khan Abdul Samad Khan Achakzai
demanded that he must work on the words of Pashto of his region. Owing to this, he translated
books and saved the uninfluenced words of the Pashto of the Sherani people.142

3.5 DEATH (2010)

It is rightly said that,

“Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside us while we live”143

Death approached the members of Lathkhana movement by turns and bounds. First, it took Dr.
Khudaidad and then insidiously marched towards the legendary soul-- the Kamal Khan Sherani.
To our dismay, we lost this exceptional man due to Bladder Malignant Cancer. The situation
became worse when he had hematuria, urine in blood. Though he rushed to Shaukat Khanum
Memorial Hospital Lahore for Radiotherapy, sorrowfully chances for survival diminished
completely. He predicted the end of his life several times before his student, Dr. Shah Muhammad
Marri. His prophecy of departure took only 25 days to get into shape. He looked awfully ill due to
the chronic illness. In the initial week of November, he lingered between life and death and finally
on the 5th of November 2010 he lost his battle with cancer. The paragon of gentry and father of
justice peacefully gone to sleep, but this time forever. He rests in peace under the blanket of his
native soil of Zhob. May the light of heaven graciously shine on him.to find a legend like Kamal
Khan in millions would be equal to discover a heavenly seed in a pomegranate? As it is never easy
to bid a farewell and especially when it comes to the one who always struggled for the betterment
and prosperity of mankind. Many eminent personalities came to attend his final rituals which
include PkMAP, Chief Mahmood Khan, Nawab Ayyaz Khan, Senator Usman Lala, former Senator

142
Ameer Jan, Da Sain Kamal Khan Sherani Ilmi, Siyasi Aw Adbi Shaksiya, Lekanee, Vol.III, No.22-23,
(July-December, 2018), p.222
143
TupacShakur,https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/80268-death-is-not-the-greatest-loss-in-life-the-
greatest (accessed August 15, 2019).
 44

Raza Lala, etc. He left behind in tears, a window, a daughter, five sons and thousands of broken
hearts.144

The golden words which perfectly describes the Kamal Khan’s selfless and courageous
personality.

“Appraisals are where you get together with your team leader and agree what an outstanding
member of the team you are, how much your contribution has been valued, what massive potential
you have, and in recognition of all this, would you mind having your salary halved” 145

-Theodore Roosevelt-

144
Dr. Shah Muhammad Marri, Ishaq ka Kapilay, (Quetta, Sangat Academy, 2011), p.136.
145
Theodore Roosevelt, https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/theodore_roosevelt_120666 (accessed
July 25, 2019).
 45

CONCLUSION

Kamal khan (1924-2010) grew up in Shina ponga and died in Silyazi, Zhob, though part of his life
was spent in readings, translations, political struggles, launching movements, organizing study
circles and fighting against obscurantism, yet his greatest contribution was his being a public
educationist, greater teacher of social science, a literati; we have ever had and simultaneously a
messenger of human brotherhood. He had devoted more than half-life to study.146 Without
exaggeration, His biographer, Dr. Shah Muhammad Marri, claims with authority and responsibility
that he could live without sons, brothers, and friends, but never without books. Dr. asserts that he
had seen a bookish C.R Aslam, Angela Davis and sir Banjo’s library where books were injured
from markers and pens, but had been ever finding such a bookish as Kamal khan was. Dr. further
writes that books helped in making, enhancing and maintaining the friendship of others with Kamal
khan. He writes that whenever he used to come to Quetta, exchange of books ensuing between him
and friends then. He says that we did not study any books living in cities, where thousands of
books are available, but Kamal khan studied every book even the latest one living in a remote
village, where there was no availability of basic needs and to find books were very far. Whenever
he came to Quetta from Sherani, on returning he filled his bag from books.147 Moreover, he can be
compared with Socrates. Like Socrates, he listened to the people and helped in shaping their mental
development. According to Wahid Sherani, he was a national psychologist. There was probably
no best national psychologists in the entire Pashtun belt as Kamal khan was. Even he was used as
a guideline by Khan Shaheed, a renowned journalist, and politician.148 Having all these qualities,
but unfortunately, only some people got benefit from him. Such as Khan Shaheed, Abdul Rahim
Mandokheil, Shah Muhammad Marri, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, current chairman of
Pashtunkhuwa Mili Awami Party, and a renowned Politician Maulana Muhammad Khan Sherani.
Kamal Khan served them not only as a teacher but also as a guideline to them.149

146
Dr. Akbar Harifal, Sain Kamal Khan Sherani, (unpublished work), p.1
147
Dr. Shah Muhammad Marri, Ishaq ka Kapilay, (Quetta, Sangat Academy,2011 and 2014), p. 96
148
Wahid Sherani, Zhob, 15 August, 2019.
149
Dr. Shah Muhammad Marri, Quetta, 19 July, 2019.
 46

As the young Kamal was the man of great honor. He could burn the midnight oil in order to sustain
the virtue and stability in the system. After serving for 5 long years as a civil servant, Kamal
discovered that the officers were eating the forbidden fruit. This multifaceted system did not
convince him much. More, kamal khan sherani would use to visit his native city and pick up the
notoriety of Pashtun patriot, literati and coordinator. There he tried to switch n campaign against
obscurantism, but time and condition did not favor him. He set up a School under the name of
Madrasa at Obasir, Sherani. But Kamal Khan Sherani action’s and symbol did not appeal to
essentially tribal sensibilities, as Malik and Mullah remained contrary to him.150

To sum up, Kamal khan has been criticizing for doing nothing even for his own district ‘Sherani’
except for building a School and dispensary which were sealed in 1956. After that, he brought
nothing neither for district Zhob nor for district Sherani. Asking a question from the people of
district Sherani and Zhob that what Kamal khan did for them. They replied in negative. 151 152 In a
speech on the death rituals of Kamal Khan, Mahmood Khan popularly known as Mashar (elder)
said that people had been criticizing Kamal khan that what he did. Owing to this, he said that he
was a national leader. He added that people had been criticizing him for quitting government jobs
and argued that if he did not renounce it, he would be Commissioner. He emphasized that he did
not know any Commissioners where they were buried, but he knew where Kamal was. To find a
legend like Kamal khan in millions would be equal to discover a heavenly seed in a
pomegranate.153 At last, Kamal khan was not only a social activist, literary figure but also a
politician who served in Wror-Pashtun, National Awami Party Pashtunkhuwa (NAP Pk), and
Pashtunkhuwa Mili Awami Party (PkMAP). The ideology which had entered his head could not
be dislodged till death.

150
Dr. Akbar Harifal, Sain Kamal Khan Sherani, (unpublished work), p.4-5
151
Majid Harifal, Sherani, 25 Augus t, 2019.
152
Saif- Ur- Rahman, Zhob, 25 August, 2019.
153
Mahmood Khan Achakzai, “Sain Kamal Khan Sherani”, video, November 05, 2010,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hq6g1pfnNCo (accessed August 10, 2019).
 47

BIBLIOGRAPHY

BOOKS

Akhund, Mala Zareef. The Pashtunkhuwa Naghmay, Quetta: Mala Zareef Kakar Foundation,
2011.

Hassan, Mir. Da Miyashtani Pashto Tahkiki Aw Tankidi Chairana, Quetta: Hewadzai Charaneez
Markaz, 2018.

Hassan, Mir. Da Pashto Adab Hindara, Khanozai: Asmat Ullah Kakar Foundation, 2014.

Hassan,Mir. Da Wugari Dair Karay Khudaiya, Quetta: United press, 2014.

Jan, Abdullah. Lthkhana, Quetta: Sangat Academy, 2002.

Kakar, Muhammad Siyal. Da Kaisay da lamanay Pashtana Likwal (Pashto), Quetta: Zamana
printing, 1982.

Muhammad, Shah. Ishaq ka Kapilay, Quetta: Sangat Academy, 2011 and 2014.

Sherani, Kamal Khan and Khan, Khudaidad. Miyashtani Pashto (1953-1954), Zhob: Aziz Book
depo, 2018.

Tareen, Shaukat. Wrore Pashtun, Quetta: New College Publication, 2017.

ARTICLES

Harifal, Akbar. Sain Kamal Khan Sherani, (unpublished work).

Jan, Ameer. “Da Sain Kamal Khan Sherani Ilmi, Siyasi Aw Adbi Shaksiyat”, Lekanee, Vol.III,
No.22-23, (July-December, 2018). P.205-232
 48

Khan, Dawood. “Sain Kamal Khan Sherani”, Lekanee, Vol.III, No.22-23, (July-December,
2018). P.224-249

Khan, Amin. Political History of Pashtunkhuwa Mili Awami Party, 2013,

https://www.academia.edu/13452509/Political_History_of_Pashtun_Khuwa_Milli_Awami_Party
(accessed July 10, 2019).

Muhammad, Raza. “Da Pashtun Kaami Gurzang Star Larshood Sain Kamal Khan Sherani”,
Lekanee, Vol.III, No.22-23, (July-December, 2018). P.200-204

Sherani, Fazal. One of the backward districts of Baluchistan, 2017,

http://thebalochistanpoint.com/shirani-one-of-the-backward-districts-of-balochistan/ (accessed
July 15, 2019).

THESIS

Kharoti, Amanullah. “Sain Kamal Khan Sherani Ki Sahapati, Siyasi Awr Adbi Khidmat.”
Master’s thesis, University of Baluchistan, 2007.

INTERVIEWS

Adv. Kaleem Ullah Kakar, Zhob, 17 August, 2019.

Dr. Shah Muhammad Marri, Quetta, 19 July 2019.

Dr. Ikram Kakar, Zhob, 15 August 2019.

Majid Harifal, Sherani, 25 August, 2019.

Rishtiyamal Sherani, Zhob, 19 July, 2019.

Raza Muhammad Raza, Zhob, 25 August, 2019.

Saif- Ur- Rahman Lawoon, Zhob, 25 August 2019.

Wahid Sherani, Zhob, 15 August 2019.

 49

GLOSSARY TERMS

Sain Kamal Khan popularly known as Sain

PKMAP Pashtunkhuwa Mili Awami Party

NAP National Awami Party

NAPPK National Awami Party Pashtunkhuwa

Wror-Pashtun Pashtun Brotherhood

Khan Shaheed Abdul Samad Khan popularly known by his

Followers as Khan Shaheed

Mashr Mahmood khan achakzai popularly known by

His followers as Mashr

Khapal our

Quam Nation

Laat vagabond

Laat khana abode of vagabond

Silyazi A Place in district Zhob, where Kamal khan is

Buried

Sherani Cast and district

Harifal cast

Hazayi clan

Shina ponga a village of district Sherani of Baluchistan

 50

Pishin name of district situated in Baluchistan

Zhob name of district situated in Baluchistan

Karama A village in district Sherani of Baluchistan

Obasir/obosar A place in district Sherani of Baluchistan

Bangulzai Cast

Malak chieftains

Mullah religious cleric

Jamaldeini cast

Khudai Khimat gar servants of God

Pashtunwali Pashtuns code of life

Pashtunistan land of Pashtuns

Pashtun an ethnic group who are living both in Pakistan

And Afghanistan