Tributes Pour In As Patriotic Poet Matiullah Turab Dies

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Ministry of Information and Culture (MoIC), along with a number of current and former officials, politicians, writers, cultural figures and several well-known cricketers have expressed their deep sorrow over the sudden death of national and epic poet Matiullah Turab.

They described his passing as a great loss to the country's literary community.

Renowned Afghan epic poet Matiullah Turab passed away on Monday night at the age of 54 due to a heart attack at a hospital in Khost. He will be laid to rest on Tuesday in Nangarhar province.

In a statement, the MoCI expressed deep sorrow upon receiving the news that the country's“eloquent people's poet and the voice of emotions,” Matiullah Turab, has passed away from this mortal world.

“The leadership of the Ministry of Information and Culture extends its heartfelt condolences and sympathies to his respected family, friends, admirers and all lovers of poetry and literature,” the statement reads.

Zabihullah Mujahid, chief spokesman of IEA, wrote on his X:“The death of the people's poet Matiullah Turab deeply saddened us. We ask Allah Almighty to grant him Paradise and give patience to his family and relatives.”

Anas Haqqani, another senior official of IEA, also took to his X account:“Matiullah Turab was a people's poet who emerged from the heart of society. His poetry was a strong voice for public awareness, conscience, hope, and judgment.”

He added that while death marks the beginning of a new life, the death of certain individuals creates a void in society. He prayed that Allah may illuminate Turab's grave and ease his eternal journey.

Khalid Zadran, spokesman for Kabul police wrote:“With deep sorrow, we received the news that Afghanistan's renowned national poet Matiullah Turab has passed away.”
He added:“Man is formed from dust and shall return to dust, but personalities who bring joy, love, pride, and awakening to the nation through their pen, speech, and thought-such individuals never truly die.”

Former President Hamid Karzai wrote on his Facebook page that he was deeply saddened to hear about the death of the beloved national poet of the country, Matiullah Turab.

He added:“The late Turab used to express the country's and people's problems and pains with poetic emotion. His poems consistently conveyed messages of patriotism and unity to the people.”

He also wrote:“I extend my condolences and sympathy to the family and friends of the late Matiullah Turab and pray to Almighty God to grant him Paradise and give his family patience.”

In the previous government, former chairman of the Meshrano Jirga Fazl Hadi Muslimyar wrote on X that the late Turab was a passionate poet of Greater Afghanistan-brave, bold, and patriotic.

He left a name in Pashto literature and culture that will not be forgotten. His poetry will echo in the hearts and minds of future generations.

Muslimyar wrote that Turab always expressed the pain of his nation with courage and in flowing, simple, and local language.

He possessed a poetic style that gave voice to the cries of the oppressed against tyranny. He was a historical, unyielding, and unparalleled figure.

University professor Ismail Yoon wrote on his Facebook page that not only he, but every nationalist and patriotic Afghan saw their own sentiments reflected in Turab's magical language.

He stated:“His words were filled with such art and substance that both ordinary and intellectual people could relate to them. Young and old alike-everyone understood and appreciated his poetry.”

Yoon wrote that not just ordinary people but also religious scholars and literary figures admired his poetry.

“Turab was a rare gem who fell from our society's ring at a time when our people still had a deep need for him. It will take a long time for a Pashtun mother to once again raise a child like Turab in the cradle of love,” he added.

Similarly, writer and intellectual Abdul Ghafor Lewal wrote:“The late Matiullah Turab was a people's poet. He expressed the nation's demands in a clear voice and unique style. His style of recitation was stirring, and until the end, he never deviated from the idea of national unity among Pashtuns across regions.”

He added:“May the soul of this eloquent soldier of the Pashtun protection movement rest in peace.”

Renowned singer from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Karan Khan, wrote:
“Matiullah Turab has also departed from this mortal world. He had an exceptional memory-his style was truly unique, and he had his own rhythm for reciting poetry. I offer my condolences and prayers for patience to his family, loved ones, and all Pashtuns.”

Similarly, Pashtun nationalist leader Mohsin Dawar wrote on Facebook:
“The famous patriotic poet of national pride, the people's powerful voice, the shining sun of the Pashto language, and the healer of the pains and hearts of Afghans across borders-Matiullah Turab-has passed away.”

He added:“The National Democratic Movement wishes patience for the family of the deceased and Paradise for him.”

Manzoor Pashteen, PTM chief, wrote:“The sweet-tongued poet of love, emotion, and sacrifice for Pashtuns on both sides of the Durand Line, Matiullah Turab, has unfortunately passed away due to a heart attack.”

He added:“Turab, who dreamed of national unity, never saw it realized in his lifetime. Given the current state of our homeland, it seems unlikely that the wish expressed in his final poem-his poetic will-will be fulfilled. His loss is immense for us. May Allah grant Matiullah Turab the highest place in Paradise.”

Members of the Afghan national cricket team-including T20 captain Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and several other players-also expressed their grief at Turab's death.

In addition to the above, many other government officials, former politicians, and cultural figures have also considered the death of Matiullah Turab a great loss and prayed for patience for his family.

sa/ma

MENAFN15072025000174011037ID1109804530