About

He was born in 1890 in the present-day Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. Khan championed the rights and welfare of the Pashtun people, who reside primarily in the northwest region of the country. Khan founded the Khudai Khidmatgar ("Servants of God") movement, which aimed to promote nonviolent resistance against British colonial rule. He actively participated in various civil disobedience campaigns and protests against the British Raj, often leading to his imprisonment. After India gained independence in 1947 and Pakistan was created, Khan continued his political activism and advocacy for Pashtun rights. He emulated the principles of nonviolence practiced by Mahatma Gandhi and believed in the power of social reform and education. Khan dedicated himself to the empowerment of women, advocating for their education and equal rights. Despite his nonviolent and inclusive approach, Khan faced opposition and challenges from various political factions in both India and Pakistan. His party, the Khudai Khidmatgar, was suppressed by successive governments but remained active. Khan's contributions to society and his peaceful philosophy earned him numerous accolades, including the Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding, which he received in 1967. He was also nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1985. Abdul Ghaffar Khan passed away in 1988, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of South Asia's most revered leaders. His teachings and principles continue to inspire and influence generations, not only among Pashtuns but also among activists and advocates for nonviolence and social justice worldwide.