Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, Pakistani activist and politician (d. 1988)

Abdul Ghaffar Khan, born on 6 February 1890 and passing away on 20 January 1988, was a towering figure in the Indian subcontinent's struggle for independence. This revered Pashtun freedom fighter and political and spiritual leader dedicated his life to nonviolent resistance against British colonial rule in India. He was known by several honorific titles reflecting his immense stature and influence, including Bādshāh Khān (بادشاه خان), meaning 'King Khan', and Bāchā Khān (باچا خان), or 'King of Chiefs'. Perhaps one of the most significant accolades was Fakhr-e-Afghan (فخرِ افغان), 'Pride of Afghans', signifying the deep respect and admiration he commanded among his people and beyond.

A devout Muslim, Abdul Ghaffar Khan was a lifelong pacifist and a staunch advocate for Hindu-Muslim unity across the diverse Indian subcontinent. His profound commitment to nonviolence, a philosophy he believed was deeply rooted in Islamic teachings, aligned closely with the principles espoused by Mahatma Gandhi. This ideological kinship and a deep personal friendship led to him being affectionately nicknamed Sarhadi Gandhi (सरहदी गांधी), literally 'Frontier Gandhi', a title bestowed upon him by his close associate Amir Chand Bombwal. This appellation underscored his role as the nonviolent standard-bearer in the rugged North-West Frontier Province, a region historically associated with martial traditions.

The Khudai Khidmatgar: A Nonviolent Army

In 1929, Abdul Ghaffar Khan founded the Khudai Khidmatgar (خُدائی خِدمَتگار), translating to 'Servants of God'. This powerful anti-colonial nonviolent resistance movement was unique, particularly for a region known for its tribal structures and a history of armed resistance. The Khudai Khidmatgar, also known as the "Red Shirts" due to their distinctive dyed uniforms, comprised volunteers who pledged themselves to a life of service and nonviolence, even in the face of extreme provocation. Their rigorous training focused on discipline, self-restraint, and community service, rather than combat. The movement's principles were deeply ethical and drew from Islamic concepts of service and justice.

The burgeoning success and widespread popularity of the Khudai Khidmatgar movement, which resonated deeply with the common people across British India, greatly alarmed the colonial government. In response, British authorities launched numerous brutal crackdowns against Khan and his devoted followers. The Khudai Khidmatgar experienced some of the most severe and sustained repression of the entire Indian independence movement, enduring mass arrests, torture, and even massacres, yet they largely maintained their commitment to nonviolent protest.

A Principled Opposition to the Partition of India

Abdul Ghaffar Khan was a vociferous opponent of the proposed Partition of India, a plan that sought to divide British India into the Muslim-majority Dominion of Pakistan and the Hindu-majority Dominion of India. He firmly believed in a united India where all communities could coexist peacefully. Consequently, he aligned himself with the pro-union Indian National Congress and the All-India Azad Muslim Conference, standing against the pro-partition All-India Muslim League.

His commitment to a united India stemmed from his vision of a pluralistic society and his concern for the future of the Pashtun people, whose territory lay on the proposed border. When the Indian National Congress, under immense pressure, reluctantly declared its acceptance of the partition plan without adequately consulting the Khudai Khidmatgar leaders, Khan felt a profound sense of betrayal. His heartbreaking words, "you have thrown us to the wolves," vividly captured his dismay and the abandonment he felt on behalf of the Pashtuns.

The Demand for Pashtunistan and the Boycott

In June 1947, demonstrating their resolve for self-determination, Khan and other Khudai Khidmatgar leaders formally issued the Bannu Resolution to the British authorities. This significant demand called for the ethnic Pashtuns to be given a choice to establish an independent state of Pashtunistan. This proposed state was envisioned to encompass all the Pashtun territories of British India and, crucially, not be automatically included within the nascent state of Pakistan, whose creation was still underway. However, the British government openly refused to comply with the demands of this resolution, prioritizing their own strategic interests over local aspirations for autonomy.

In response to this refusal and the limited choices offered, Khan, along with his elder brother Dr. Abdul Jabbar Khan (popularly known as Dr. Khan Sahib), boycotted the crucial 1947 North-West Frontier Province referendum. This referendum, orchestrated by the British, presented only two options: merge with India or merge with Pakistan. Khan argued that it fundamentally failed to provide the Pashtun-majority province with legitimate choices for self-determination, specifically the option to become independent as Pashtunistan or to join neighboring Afghanistan. This boycott reflected his unwavering commitment to Pashtun autonomy and his rejection of what he saw as a manipulated choice.

Life and Legacy in Post-Partition Pakistan

Following the Partition of India, which came into effect on 14 August 1947, Abdul Ghaffar Khan, despite his deep reservations about the new nation's formation, ultimately pledged allegiance to the newly created Pakistan. He chose to remain in the now-Pakistani North-West Frontier Province, continuing his work for Pashtun rights and a more democratic state. However, his advocacy for greater provincial autonomy and his critical stance towards government policies often put him at odds with the Pakistani authorities. Consequently, he was frequently arrested and detained by the Pakistani government between 1948 and 1954.

His opposition to the government's policies continued throughout his life. In 1956, he was again arrested for his strong opposition to the controversial One Unit program. Under this program, the government announced its plan to merge all the provinces of West Pakistan into a single administrative unit, ostensibly to match the political structure of erstwhile East Pakistan (present-day Bangladesh). Khan viewed this as a direct assault on provincial identities and an attempt to dilute Pashtun political influence. As a result of his persistent activism and principled stands, Khan spent much of the 1960s and 1970s either incarcerated or in exile, enduring immense personal hardship for his beliefs.

Abdul Ghaffar Khan passed away in Peshawar on 20 January 1988, while under house arrest. In accordance with his last will, he was buried at his residence in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, a choice that symbolized his deep connection to the broader Pashtun lands. His funeral was an extraordinary event, attended by tens of thousands of mourners who marched through the historic Khyber Pass from Peshawar towards Jalalabad. Despite the heavy fighting prevalent at the time due to the ongoing Soviet-Afghan War, both warring sides – the Soviet-Afghan government coalition and the Afghan mujahideen – declared an immediate and unprecedented ceasefire to allow for Khan's peaceful burial. Tragically, the procession was marred by two bomb explosions that killed 15 people, a stark reminder of the volatile regional context, yet it did not diminish the profound respect shown by all parties for the great leader.

Frequently Asked Questions About Abdul Ghaffar Khan

Who was Abdul Ghaffar Khan?

Abdul Ghaffar Khan was a prominent Pashtun freedom fighter and independence activist who led a nonviolent resistance movement against British colonial rule in India. He was a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi and a lifelong advocate for peace and Hindu-Muslim unity.

Why was he called "Frontier Gandhi"?

He was nicknamed "Frontier Gandhi" due to his unwavering commitment to nonviolence, which mirrored Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy, and his leadership of the nonviolent movement in the North-West Frontier Province, a region historically associated with tribal warfare.

What was the Khudai Khidmatgar movement?

The Khudai Khidmatgar, or 'Servants of God', was a nonviolent anti-colonial resistance movement founded by Abdul Ghaffar Khan in 1929. Its members, known as "Red Shirts", pledged nonviolence and service, enduring severe repression from the British authorities.

What was Abdul Ghaffar Khan's stance on the Partition of India?

He strongly opposed the Partition of India, advocating for a united India and the right to self-determination for Pashtuns through a proposed independent state of Pashtunistan, rather than being forced to join either India or Pakistan.

Why was he imprisoned after Pakistan's independence?

After the creation of Pakistan, Abdul Ghaffar Khan was frequently imprisoned by the Pakistani government for his continued advocacy for Pashtun autonomy, provincial rights, and his opposition to centralizing policies like the One Unit program, which he believed undermined regional identities.