Pareshan Khattak (), (10 December 1932 â 16 April 2009) real name Gahami Jan Khattak was a former Vice-Chancellor, Pashto poet and writer and former Chairman University Grants Commission.
Born in Karak, Pakistan he joined education department in 1958, after obtaining a master's degree in History, he joined the Pashto Academy as Assistant Research Officer. Due to his exceptional talent and leadership skills, he was then named as Director and then Chairman of the Pashto academy.
His book (in Urdu) entitled, âÂÂPashtoon Koonâ (Who are Pashtoons ?) was one of the best sellers throughout the country, and is considered an authoritative reference on its subject matter. Professor Pareshan Khattak has written various masterpieces in Pashto literature including âÂÂDrana Pakhtoâ and âÂÂLeek Dood.â In addition, Professor Sahab has published his poetry under the title of âÂÂTanakayâ and âÂÂHagha Dwa Malalaye Stargay.âÂÂ
The poetry of Professor Pareshan Khattak is mostly in the form of Nazam, and Ghazaal and most of his works are considered as masterpieces in Pashto Literature. The reader while going through the contents of his poetry becomes enchanted in the selection of words and the philosophy shaping his poetry. His books titled âÂÂPukhtana Kochay,â âÂÂDozakhi Pakhto,â âÂÂDrana Pukhtana,â âÂÂKhyber,â âÂÂIteraff,â and âÂÂAziza Meenaâ are popular reads in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan and pashtun regions of Afghanistan.
He also served as Chairman Pakistan Academy of Letters in 1984-85 and Professor in Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan.