Peshawar, Jan 7, 2026: Renowned poet, humorist, singer and a distinguished figure of Khowar literature Iqbaluddin Sahar passed away on Wednesday morning in Peshawar. He was 75.
He suffered a stroke a few days earlier and was first admitted to the DHQ hospital Chitral and then referred to Peshawar. However, he could not recover and passed away this morning.
His funeral prayer will be offered on Thursday, January 8, at 11 am in his ancestral village of Shoghor, Lower Chitral.
According to Dr Inayatullah Faizi, Sahar’s book, Aarzoo-e-Sahar, is the first work that blends poetry and prose in the Khowar language, addressing contemporary themes while vividly reflecting local culture and traditions.
His death has cast a deep shadow of grief over literary circles in Chitral, Gilgit-Baltistan and beyond.
Sahar was widely regarded not only as a poet, but as a vibrant institution of love, knowledge and cultural richness. Known for his unique, free-spirited temperament and charismatic personality, he left a lasting impression in society, spreading warmth, joy and love through his poetry.
A shining star of Khowar literature, Sahar played a pivotal role in promoting Khowar language and culture. His literary contributions, intellectual depth, and humane outlook earned him immense respect among readers, writers, and scholars.
The literary world of Chitral and Gilgit has suffered an irreparable loss with his passing, and his absence will be deeply felt for generations to come.
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