Zakir Muhammad Zakhmi A Legendary Poet of Khowar Literature

Name: Zakir Muhammad   
Nickname: Zakhmi 
Date of birth: February 15, 1963 
Place of Birth: Ujnu Torkho   
Village: Ujnu 

Zakir Zakhmi is one of the most famous and serious poets in Chitral who has portrayed a true picture of Khowar society. His real name is Zakir Muhammad but, people know him by his literary name “Zakhmi,”. He is one of the most celebrated poets of Chitral. He was born on February 15, 1963, in the rural and beautiful village of Ujnu Torkho. The poetic journey of Zakir Zakhmi has an indelible mark on the literary and cultural sector of the region. As he is a senior poet of Khowar Literature, he became an aspiration for the younger poets. Zakir Muhammad is famous for his passion and close connection to the Khowar language.  His contributions to Khowar Literature have built his status as an icon of Khowar poetry. 

Early Life and Education of Zakir Zakhmi

Zakir Muhammad was born in Ujnu Torkho to a simple land-owning family. His father, Dost Muhammad Khan, was not academically qualified but experienced and honest. Zakir had two brothers named Mohammad Sharafuddin Kashfi and Mohammad Ahsanuddin, with whom he has a very close bond. His early education was in the Government Primary School, Ujnu, where he began his academic journey with hope. 
Zakir’s love for education did not stop when he completed his high school at Government High School Shagram in 1979. His quest to further his education took him to Government Degree College Chitral for his FA. If we talk about BA, he completed it privately in 1986. Before entering college, Zakir already showed a growing love for literature and poetry- a taste that would blossom with him in his remarkable literary career. 

Poetic Journey of Zakir Zakhmi 

Now we are going to introduce you to the poetic journey of Zakir Zakhmi. We will let you know when and how he started the precious literary contribution. Zakir Muhammad started his poetic career in 1983. He wrote those verses that highly inspired the people of Chitral. In 1985, he participated in Mehfil-e-Mushaira (poetic gatherings) with other experienced poets and gained popularity due to his exceptional talent. His poems having the themes of love, spirituality, cultural beauty, and natural beauty brought him fame as one of the most authentic voices in the region. Zakir Zakhmi also focuses on the themes of nature, beauty, and cultural elements as other meaningful Khowar poets. He may found inspiration from senior poets like Baba Siyar. Also, he became a role model for junior poets like Munawar Zareef, Abdullah Shahab, Saif Ullah Hamraz, and Wasi Hussain Ilhan.
Zakir has composed two renowned collections of poetry, Ma Ishq Ma Junoon and Khaturshani Ishq. These compilations have been appreciated for their depth of emotion and lyricism by both the people and Singers of Chitral. Still, most of his great works remain in manuscript form, thus adding to an air of expectation from his fans. 

Affiliations and Contributions of Zakir Zakhmi 

 Zakir Zakhmi is not only a writer of Khowar Literature but a figure who manages to promote it in a wonderful way. Some Khowar Literary Organizations are promoting Khowar poetry under the supervision of Zakhmi Sahib. He has also had various positions in literary institutions such as he is the Vice President of “Anjuman-e-Taraqi-e-Khowar Chitral” and the President of “Anjuman-e-Taraqi-e-Khowar Booni.” The former president of “Qalam Qabila Chitral” also sat within his position. From 2009 he is serving for Khowar Qalam Qabila as president till date. In those capacities, he has also organized various literary gatherings across Chitral and Pakistan, which has become an effective ground for upcoming poets and writers. 

Inspirations and Favorites of Zakir Zakhmi 

Among the favorite personalities, there are some high-profile Khowar poets as well as Urdu poets. Apart from poets, there are some Islamic scholars on the list of his loved ones. Zakir Muhammad draws inspiration from an eclectic array of figures and artists. He loves Dr. Israr Ahmed and Muhammad Taqi Usmani for their intellectual depth, as they are persons of deep thought like Zakir. Asadullah Ghalib and Saghar Siddiqui are his favorite Urdu poets, who reflect his taste for the classical and melodramatic. In Khowar Music, Zakir Zakhmi likes Gul Nawaz Khaki, Mohammad Hasan, Baba Fatehuddin, Mansoor Ali Shabab, and Ziad Wali Zia. 

Legacy and Personal Interests 

Zakir Muhammad also fosters some other exciting activities. First of all, he loves his homeland and activities happening throughout the year except poetry. He is a real patriot who keeps Pakistan close to his heart and propagates its culture through his writings and practical works. His favorite part-time game is Budi Dik sports, which reflects his love for Khowar Culture. It means he has an attachment to indigenous Kho Norms. 

Literary Awards and Recognitions of Zakir Zakhmi 

If we talk about the receiving and recognition of Mr. Zakir there are numerous appreciations to write. Zakir Zakhmi’s contributions to Khowar literature have earned him several prestigious awards. These awards reflect his profound impact on the cultural and literary heritage of Chitral. These honors include: 

1. Baba-e-Khowar Award: Acknowledging his pivotal role in the promotion and preservation of Khowar poetry and language. 

2. Kamaal-e-Fan Literary Award: Presented by Anjuman-e-Taraqi-e-Khowar for his artistic excellence in poetry. 

3. Khohkan Adabi Award: Awarded by Ahl-e-Qalam Adabi Tanzeem for his outstanding poetic achievements. 

4. ثقافت کے زندہ امین Award: Conferred by the Cultural and Tourism Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, recognizing him as a living custodian of Chitral’s rich culture. 

Numerous other local recognitions underscore his unwavering dedication to Khowar literature and culture. Each award reflects the community’s deep admiration for Zakir Zakhmi’s poetic legacy and his enduring role in cultural preservation. 

Conclusion 

Zakir Muhammad Zakhmi remains a true representation of Khowar literature and a source of inspiration for aspiring Kho poets. His way of presentation, passion for cultural preservation, and dedication to fostering literary growth have an enduring legacy. As he continues to contribute to the literary world, Zakir’s words remind us of the power of poetry to transcend time and touch hearts. 

For Videos based on Cultures please Click Here >>

About Author