Sher Ali Bacha
By M. Awais Qarni
The Pukhtoon land, Pukhtoonkhwa, is full of stories of bravery and love for the homeland. There are many heroes who fought fiercely to protect the values of this land. This fight was not only with sword but also by the use of brain. And on every occasion the opposition has been defeated.
Sher Ali Bacha is one of these heroes who used all his resources to spread the message of human rights and Pukhtoon Nationalism. He was a great intellectual with a vision and philosophy. His work had not only helped people in the recent years but it will also be a guidance for the future generations. He was a great poet, writer, intellectual and a nationalist politician who believed in principles and Pukhtoon values.
Born in Hoti Mardan in 1933 , his family is the descendant of Syed Ali Termizi and for this reason was known as Bacha. People also called him Bachajee to show extra respect for his work. The family elders played a leading role in Khudai Khidmatgar Movement, lead by Bacha Khan. During his student life he was actively involved in the literary activities and was the secretary of Pushto Adabi Tolana, Mardan College. He got his Law degree from Karachi and practiced as a lawyer for a short time in Mardan but because of his political activities; he could not continue and finally stopped this completely.
A Writer and a Poet
While studying Law in Karachi, Bacha became the Editor of Pushto Magazine "Adal". His name was then Anwar. This was the time of Martial Law in the country and he tried to use his literary power to promote political awareness amongst the people and tell them about their rights. When back in Mardan, he with the help of other friends reactivated the Pukhto Adabi Jarga Mardan. It became very popular and the literary activities were at the height. It not only attracted local talent but writers like Ajmal Khattak, Qalandar Momand, Hamza Shinwari, Ayub Sabir and other poets from all corners of Pukhtoonkhwa attended the sessions in Mardan.
There was a memorable Mushaira (poetry session) on the eve of his wedding. This was the first of its kind and is still remembered very much by those who attended the session.
Later on during his political life he produced pamphlets, leaflets, posters and Brochures in the form of "Mazdoor Kissan Zinda Baad", "Sanobar" and numerous others.
His scientific analysis and approach to the problems of Pukhtoon Nation earned him a unique place. He not only highlighted the problems but came up with the best solution as well. These are now published in the form of a book "BAL MASHALOONA".
His death was a great loss to the nation. After his death the tribute and comments of his friends, writers and family members were saved in the condolence Book. These are unique of its kind and are now published in the form of a book "Milli Atal". You will be able to judge yourself about his contribution to the nation as well as to Mardan.
He also wrote the manifesto and constitution of Pukhtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party which will play a major role in Pukhtoon Movement and the uplift of Pukhtoon Nation in future.
A Promoter of Human Rights and Social Justice
During his entire life Bacha struggled for the uplift of the poor people. He was in favour of a big revolution which would bring an end to the miseries of the nation. He was unable to tolerate the social injustice and the class system in the society. There is no doubt that he was keen to resist the self made rules of feudal lords regarding the land workers, peasants and laborers.
These rules were:
Compulsory provision of security to feudal lords' palaces and other residences by peasants at night time
No peasant could make any matrimonial relation or any other business with another peasant without the permission of the feudal lord. All cases should be reported to the feudal lord's representatives, instead of police stations, and justice would be dispensed off by the lord and not by the court of law
At the time of sowing and reaping, each peasant would gift a chicken to the lord, otherwise no one would be allowed to cultivate or harvest
The feudal lord would appoint the Imam of the local mosque
Land allotment for schools would be forbidden
Any lord would not engage a convicted peasant from the court of any other lord for any work
At the time of harvesting, the feudal lord would determine the share of peasant according to his own will
Ban on schooling of peasants' kids was imposed
It was made compulsory that a lamb would be given to the lord every year.
Bacha and his other friends worked hard for a successful movement in the form of Mazdoor Kissan Movement and as a result these nonsense rules have vanished from Pukhtoon land.
A Nationalist Politician
In his young age Bacha became a member of the provincial council and the district general secretary of National Awami Party (NAP). He was working day and night for the party and attracted many people to the party. He got elected from his constituency and supported democracy against Ayub Khan. He was the only member in the whole of Pakistan who asked Ayub Khan to fulfil his promises that the president made for agriculture reforms.
In 1963 Bachajee and Afzal Bangash opened an office in Mardan to work for the organisation of peasants. They were working according to the constitution of the party. But a few party members objected to the programme and Bachajee along with his friends was expelled from the NAP in 1967.
They put their act together very soon and formed Mazdoor Kissan party (labour and peasants party).This party struggled for the uplift of the poor and was never in the good books of the feudalist and the government institutions. Because of the nationalistic ideology of Bachajee the party was later on called Pukhtoonkhwa Mazdoor Kissan Party (1979).
Between 1979 and 1985 Bachajee was in exile initially and then behind the bars. After his release he reorganised the party and worked together with other parties for the equal rights of the oppressed nations of Pakistan (Sindhis, Pukhtoons and Balochis).In 1986 there was an agreement between the national party Pukhtoonkhwa and Pukhtoonkhwa Mazdoor Kissan party. The result was the formation of Pukhtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) in 1989.Bacha became the general secretary of the party and he worked in this capacity till the last days of his life. This party is playing a very prominent role in the current politics and is expected to be the future major Pukhtoon Nationalist Party.
Sufferings in his life
The time of Ziaul Haq was the worst period for the human rights activists and nationalist politicians.
The police used to harass the family of Bachajee and one day raided the house. They took Photos, unpublished material and valuable books. These were his photos of different stages of the life. Nothing has ever been returned. The house was sealed for 5 years. His children and other close family members suffered. Bachajee was in hiding in different parts of Pakistan and then was in exile in Afghanistan.
Life Behind the Bars (in Jails)
In 1969 – 1970 during the Martial Law of General Yahya Khan, he was arrested and was under severe surveillance in Dera Ismail Khan Jail. This is the worst jail because of the lack of facilities and the extreme hot weather. He was in jail for more than two years and was released after Pakistan was split into two parts.
Between 1979 and 1981 he was in exile following the arrest warrants issued by General Ziaul Haq and was arrested on 2nd July 1981.Once again he was put in the worst jails. This time it was Bala Hisar Fort Peshawar where there are special torture cells. These were made about 400 years ago and therefore there are no light and ventilation facilities. The prisoners sleep on the floor on a sheet made of dry leaves of plants and herbs, called Puzai. It is extremely hot inside the cells and there is no concept of fans. No visitors or family members were allowed to see him. He was kept here for five months. He spent the month of Ramadan and Eid in these cells. But his morale was always high. Once on an Eid day, another political prisoner, Siraj Lala, asked him about Eid and people celebrating outside the jail. In reply Bacha said, "Za la ghulam yama Akhtara pa maa ma raza"
(Eid! Please do not visit me yet as I am still a slave).He was then transferred to Haripur jail. He was imprisoned for 5 years and finally released in 1985.The interesting thing is that the prisoners liked him very much. He used to read them books and encouraged them to work for the uplift of the poor once they are released from the prison.
Final Days of Life
Bacha used to visit the small villages of Pukhtoonkhwa. There is no village where he did not go to bring political awareness amongst the people. In July 1998 he was visiting Swat with his friends and at the same time there were talks going on in Peshawar to bring the various Pukhtoon political factions together. Bacha was representing Pukhtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party. Unfortunately, he became unwell and was admitted to the hospital with a medical condition called Guillain-Barre syndrome. In a place like Peshawar where health facilities are not advanced and provision of good medical care is the last priority, this condition proved fatal. His friends accompanied him and nursed him day and night throughout his illness. Sadly this great Pukhtoon hero died at 6.05 pm on 25th July 1998.
He is buried in his ancestral graveyard at Bibi Abai, Hoti Mardan.
By M. Awais Qarni
The Pukhtoon land, Pukhtoonkhwa, is full of stories of bravery and love for the homeland. There are many heroes who fought fiercely to protect the values of this land. This fight was not only with sword but also by the use of brain. And on every occasion the opposition has been defeated.
Sher Ali Bacha is one of these heroes who used all his resources to spread the message of human rights and Pukhtoon Nationalism. He was a great intellectual with a vision and philosophy. His work had not only helped people in the recent years but it will also be a guidance for the future generations. He was a great poet, writer, intellectual and a nationalist politician who believed in principles and Pukhtoon values.
Born in Hoti Mardan in 1933 , his family is the descendant of Syed Ali Termizi and for this reason was known as Bacha. People also called him Bachajee to show extra respect for his work. The family elders played a leading role in Khudai Khidmatgar Movement, lead by Bacha Khan. During his student life he was actively involved in the literary activities and was the secretary of Pushto Adabi Tolana, Mardan College. He got his Law degree from Karachi and practiced as a lawyer for a short time in Mardan but because of his political activities; he could not continue and finally stopped this completely.
A Writer and a Poet
While studying Law in Karachi, Bacha became the Editor of Pushto Magazine "Adal". His name was then Anwar. This was the time of Martial Law in the country and he tried to use his literary power to promote political awareness amongst the people and tell them about their rights. When back in Mardan, he with the help of other friends reactivated the Pukhto Adabi Jarga Mardan. It became very popular and the literary activities were at the height. It not only attracted local talent but writers like Ajmal Khattak, Qalandar Momand, Hamza Shinwari, Ayub Sabir and other poets from all corners of Pukhtoonkhwa attended the sessions in Mardan.
There was a memorable Mushaira (poetry session) on the eve of his wedding. This was the first of its kind and is still remembered very much by those who attended the session.
Later on during his political life he produced pamphlets, leaflets, posters and Brochures in the form of "Mazdoor Kissan Zinda Baad", "Sanobar" and numerous others.
His scientific analysis and approach to the problems of Pukhtoon Nation earned him a unique place. He not only highlighted the problems but came up with the best solution as well. These are now published in the form of a book "BAL MASHALOONA".
His death was a great loss to the nation. After his death the tribute and comments of his friends, writers and family members were saved in the condolence Book. These are unique of its kind and are now published in the form of a book "Milli Atal". You will be able to judge yourself about his contribution to the nation as well as to Mardan.
He also wrote the manifesto and constitution of Pukhtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party which will play a major role in Pukhtoon Movement and the uplift of Pukhtoon Nation in future.
A Promoter of Human Rights and Social Justice
During his entire life Bacha struggled for the uplift of the poor people. He was in favour of a big revolution which would bring an end to the miseries of the nation. He was unable to tolerate the social injustice and the class system in the society. There is no doubt that he was keen to resist the self made rules of feudal lords regarding the land workers, peasants and laborers.
These rules were:
Compulsory provision of security to feudal lords' palaces and other residences by peasants at night time
No peasant could make any matrimonial relation or any other business with another peasant without the permission of the feudal lord. All cases should be reported to the feudal lord's representatives, instead of police stations, and justice would be dispensed off by the lord and not by the court of law
At the time of sowing and reaping, each peasant would gift a chicken to the lord, otherwise no one would be allowed to cultivate or harvest
The feudal lord would appoint the Imam of the local mosque
Land allotment for schools would be forbidden
Any lord would not engage a convicted peasant from the court of any other lord for any work
At the time of harvesting, the feudal lord would determine the share of peasant according to his own will
Ban on schooling of peasants' kids was imposed
It was made compulsory that a lamb would be given to the lord every year.
Bacha and his other friends worked hard for a successful movement in the form of Mazdoor Kissan Movement and as a result these nonsense rules have vanished from Pukhtoon land.
A Nationalist Politician
In his young age Bacha became a member of the provincial council and the district general secretary of National Awami Party (NAP). He was working day and night for the party and attracted many people to the party. He got elected from his constituency and supported democracy against Ayub Khan. He was the only member in the whole of Pakistan who asked Ayub Khan to fulfil his promises that the president made for agriculture reforms.
In 1963 Bachajee and Afzal Bangash opened an office in Mardan to work for the organisation of peasants. They were working according to the constitution of the party. But a few party members objected to the programme and Bachajee along with his friends was expelled from the NAP in 1967.
They put their act together very soon and formed Mazdoor Kissan party (labour and peasants party).This party struggled for the uplift of the poor and was never in the good books of the feudalist and the government institutions. Because of the nationalistic ideology of Bachajee the party was later on called Pukhtoonkhwa Mazdoor Kissan Party (1979).
Between 1979 and 1985 Bachajee was in exile initially and then behind the bars. After his release he reorganised the party and worked together with other parties for the equal rights of the oppressed nations of Pakistan (Sindhis, Pukhtoons and Balochis).In 1986 there was an agreement between the national party Pukhtoonkhwa and Pukhtoonkhwa Mazdoor Kissan party. The result was the formation of Pukhtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) in 1989.Bacha became the general secretary of the party and he worked in this capacity till the last days of his life. This party is playing a very prominent role in the current politics and is expected to be the future major Pukhtoon Nationalist Party.
Sufferings in his life
The time of Ziaul Haq was the worst period for the human rights activists and nationalist politicians.
The police used to harass the family of Bachajee and one day raided the house. They took Photos, unpublished material and valuable books. These were his photos of different stages of the life. Nothing has ever been returned. The house was sealed for 5 years. His children and other close family members suffered. Bachajee was in hiding in different parts of Pakistan and then was in exile in Afghanistan.
Life Behind the Bars (in Jails)
In 1969 – 1970 during the Martial Law of General Yahya Khan, he was arrested and was under severe surveillance in Dera Ismail Khan Jail. This is the worst jail because of the lack of facilities and the extreme hot weather. He was in jail for more than two years and was released after Pakistan was split into two parts.
Between 1979 and 1981 he was in exile following the arrest warrants issued by General Ziaul Haq and was arrested on 2nd July 1981.Once again he was put in the worst jails. This time it was Bala Hisar Fort Peshawar where there are special torture cells. These were made about 400 years ago and therefore there are no light and ventilation facilities. The prisoners sleep on the floor on a sheet made of dry leaves of plants and herbs, called Puzai. It is extremely hot inside the cells and there is no concept of fans. No visitors or family members were allowed to see him. He was kept here for five months. He spent the month of Ramadan and Eid in these cells. But his morale was always high. Once on an Eid day, another political prisoner, Siraj Lala, asked him about Eid and people celebrating outside the jail. In reply Bacha said, "Za la ghulam yama Akhtara pa maa ma raza"
(Eid! Please do not visit me yet as I am still a slave).He was then transferred to Haripur jail. He was imprisoned for 5 years and finally released in 1985.The interesting thing is that the prisoners liked him very much. He used to read them books and encouraged them to work for the uplift of the poor once they are released from the prison.
Final Days of Life
Bacha used to visit the small villages of Pukhtoonkhwa. There is no village where he did not go to bring political awareness amongst the people. In July 1998 he was visiting Swat with his friends and at the same time there were talks going on in Peshawar to bring the various Pukhtoon political factions together. Bacha was representing Pukhtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party. Unfortunately, he became unwell and was admitted to the hospital with a medical condition called Guillain-Barre syndrome. In a place like Peshawar where health facilities are not advanced and provision of good medical care is the last priority, this condition proved fatal. His friends accompanied him and nursed him day and night throughout his illness. Sadly this great Pukhtoon hero died at 6.05 pm on 25th July 1998.
He is buried in his ancestral graveyard at Bibi Abai, Hoti Mardan.
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