Chitral, Aug 31, 2025: The launch ceremony of the late poet Abdul Wakeel Soz Khatana’s book, Aaina-e-Rozgar, was held at the Town Hall in Chitral on Sunday.
Khatana, the first published poet from the Gujjar community of Chitral, was widely respected for his literary contributions. The event was attended by poets, writers, enthusiasts of the Khowar language and literature, and prominent figures from the Gujjar community.
Tragically, the poet passed away in a road accident at Golen in the last week of July, while the book was still in the printing phase. Despite this, the book was published posthumously, serving as a testament to his enduring legacy.
Mehtar Chitral’s political secretary Naveed Ahmad Baig Kohkan was chief guest whilerenowned poet Javed Akram Firaq chaired the event.
Several guests spoke about the book and the poet’s impact, including former district Nazim Mugfirat Shah, Haji Anzar Gul, Noorullah Sagar, Asifullah Asifi, Iqbaluddin Sehar, Haji Sher Muhammad, SP Investigation Shafi Shifa, Professor Zahoorul Haq Danish, retired Subedar Gul Muhammad, Musarrat Beg, Maulana Mahmoodul Hasan, Abdul Qadir, Inayatullah Aseer and Mahboobul Haq Haqi.
They highlighted the crucial role of educated youth as the nation’s greatest asset, describing them as beacons of knowledge who dispel darkness. They praised Abdul Wakeel Soz’s leadership and his lasting influence on the people of Chitral. The late poet is regarded as an inspiring role model whose example encourages young people to serve their community and nation with dedication and honor.
