From the day I was born on 17 June 2001 until his passing on 3 April 2007, there were exactly 5 years, 9 months, and 17 days when our lifetimes overlapped on this earth. Eighteen years later, that missed chance still haunts me—how close we were in time, yet how impossibly far apart.
He was already a legend by then, weaving his ghazals in Peshawar while I took my first breaths. Those 2,117 days were my window to meet him, but fate kept us strangers: A CHILD CANNOT SEEK OUT A POET, AND A POET CANNOT WAIT FOR A CHILD TO GROW.
Today, on his death anniversary, I mourn not just the poet Pakistan lost, but the mentor I might have had. The math is merciless: 5 revolutions of the sun, 9 cycles of the moon, and 17 dawns we could have shared. But poetry defies calendars—in his words, I’ve found the conversation we were denied.
I’m talking about
د الفت د ميکدو ليونې، د حسرتونو د جاګير خودسره خان، د ليونتوب د کمالونو نه خبر، د محبت د عظمتونو ثنا خوان، د انتظار د هاړ تودو غرمو وهلې صابر
Today, we remember SAHIB SHAH SABIR, one of the most beloved poets of modern Pashto literature. Born in 1956, Sabir was not just a poet but also a passionate advocate for social change. During his college years, he was an active member of the Pashtun Student Federation, demonstrating his deep commitment to his community.
Sabir’s writings explored both personal emotions and broader societal issues. He was a strong Pashtun voice within the broader canon of Pakistani Literature. His poetry collections “Takal” and “Khobona”, as well as his book on Pashto literary criticism “Pukhto Adab Ke Tehqeeq ao Tanqeed”, reflect his thoughtful vision. He strongly believed in the power of education and often encouraged young people to seek knowledge, viewing it as key to progress.
مونږ لا هغسې د ځمکې لایق نه يو
د دنیا قامونه ستوري د اسمان دي
His poetry, known for its emotional depth and wisdom, has been celebrated by famous singers like Karan Khan, who dedicated an entire album “Bya Hagha Makham De” to Sabir’s ghazals and poems. Other artists, including Sardar Ali Takkar and Bilawal Sayyed, have also kept his words alive through their music.
Here’s a sample of Sabir’s poetry with English Translation:
تاريخي حقيقتونه
انساني صداقتونه
په ناجاڼو دليلونو
په خيرنو نظرونو
خړېدې شي، تورېدې شی
خو بيخي ورکېدې نه شي
هميشه پټېدې نه شي
صاحب شاہ صابر
Historical truths,
Human certainties,
Through invalid reasoning,
And filthy gazes,
May fade, may darken,
But they can never vanish completely,
They can never remain hidden forever.
— Sahib Shah Sabir
(Translator: MS_Rumi)
Though Sabir left us on 3 April 2007 in Peshawar, his words continue to inspire. His poetry remains a testament to the strength and beauty of Pashto language and culture. Even today, his verses resonate with readers and listeners, reminding us of the lasting power of poetry to move hearts and minds. On this anniversary, we honor his legacy—a legacy that will never be forgotten.
مرګه ولې شوې بې صبره؟
زما یار صابر خو ځوان وو
ډاکټر خالق زیار