Abdul Jabbar Khan (1958-1965)

Abdul Jabbar Khan, also known as Khan Abdul Jabbar Khan or Dr. Khan Sahib, was a prominent Pakistani politician who played a significant role in the country’s political landscape during the late 1950s and early 1960s. He was born on February 15, 1890, in the town of Utmanzai, Charsadda, in the then British India, now part of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan.

Abdul Jabbar Khan was an influential Pashtun leader and a member of the political party called the National Awami Party (NAP), which was founded in 1957. He was the younger brother of the prominent Pashtun leader, Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, who was famously known as “Bacha Khan” or “the Frontier Gandhi.” Both brothers were active participants in the Indian independence movement and were strong advocates of non-violent civil disobedience against British rule.

After the creation of Pakistan in 1947, Abdul Jabbar Khan continued to be involved in politics and represented the interests of the Pashtun community. He served as the Chief Minister of the province of West Pakistan (now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) from 1958 to 1962. During his tenure, he worked to promote education and social welfare in the region.

Abdul Jabbar Khan was known for his dedication to the cause of Pashtun nationalism and his efforts to address the socio-economic issues faced by the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He was a respected and influential leader in the province and commanded significant support among the Pashtun population.

However, his political career faced challenges during the early 1960s when the central government of Pakistan dissolved the provincial government of West Pakistan, and direct rule was imposed on the province. This led to tensions between the central government and regional political leaders, including Abdul Jabbar Khan.

Abdul Jabbar Khan passed away on November 9, 1967, leaving behind a legacy of Pashtun nationalism and dedication to the welfare of his people. His contributions to Pakistani politics and his advocacy for the rights of the Pashtun community have been remembered by many in the region.