Akbar Barakzai, An Epitome of Revolutionary Literature

Akbar Barakzai (1939-2022) was born in Shikarpur, Sindh He received his early education from Karachi and later he graduated from University of Karachi. He is ranked amongst the prominent of modern Balochi literature. His poetry reflects the objective realities of Baloch and the way they live. Baloch patriotism, peace and prosperity and dignity of a man are the subject of his poetry. In his literary career which spans over half a century, Barakzai has managed to bring out just two anthologies of his poems, but his poetry has depth and reaches out to human hearts with its profundity. Last year, Barakzai rejected the Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) award, quoting the oppressive policies meted out to his region by the government as the reason. Further, he added that he cannot accept an award from an organization that operates at the back and call of the tormentors of his people.
On the other hand, Akbar Barakzai has been life-time warrior of Baloch liberation struggle and he was abducted twice by the Pakistani security agencies during the Martial law which was imposed by Ayub khan and imprisoned for his political activism for the Baloch liberation movement, later on, with the suggestion of Baloch Leadership to move towards Gulf in order to be saved and to maintain his political activism and literary activities. However, he moved to Iraq where he had literary and political gatherings with his friends in the result of which a Balochi newspaper was published with the name of “Teepak-E-Rah” (path of unity) which spread awareness regarding Baloch National resistance against Pakistani occupation, the atrocities and brutalities being committed by the security agencies in Balochistan.
Moreover, he expressed a lot times to be back in his Motherland, but he couldn’t since he knew that he couldn’t quit his activism and zip his mouth due to the oppression of Pakistani establishment.

He has lived the life with plenty of the hardness and difficulties but he never surrendered in-front of the enemy, with nostalgia of his motherland he continued to manage his activism in exiled life till his last breath. Apart from this, he served Baloch National liberation struggle and played a vital role during the 1973’s liberation movement. Having a command in writing he worked in Balochi papers and spread awareness regarding Baloch Nationalism.
The soul of Baloch liberation struggle Akbar Barakzai passed away on 8th March 2022 in London where has been staying nearly from 4 decades. His compositions would remain immortal and bring the Baloch youth towards the path of resistance.