Rashid Ahmad Khan
Rashid Ahmad Khan | |
|---|---|
راشد احمد خان | |
| Born | 22 February 1985 Swabi, Pakistan |
| Education | PhD in Pashto Music University of Peshawar, 2022 |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 2005–present |
| Employer | Hunari Tolana |
| Musical career | |
| Origin | Peshawar, Pakistan |
| Genres | |
| Instruments |
|
Rashid Ahmad Khan (Pashto: راشد احمد خان) (born 22 February 1985, in Jhanda village, Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan) is a Pashto singer, poet, musicologist, and rights activist.[1] In December 2022, Khan completed his PhD at the University of Peshawar's Pashto Department, becoming the first person to complete a PhD thesis on the subject of Pashto folk music.[2] [3] [4] [5]
Family Background
Rashid Khan hails from the Khan family of Jhanda village in Swabi District.[6] Jhanda's history dates back to the early 1800s, when Maiz Ullah Khan, a Pashtun leader from the Yusufzai tribe, entrusted the area to his sons, Khan Bahadur Khan and Fateh Khan. Since then, the village has remained predominantly under the stewardship of the same Khan family, spanning seven generations. Notable figures from Khan's family include Bushra Gohar and Sitara Ayaz who are politicians of Pakistan.[7][8]
Early life and education
Khan gained his early education at his hometown Swabi. He then went on to attend University of Peshawar, where he completed his MPhil in Pashto before embarking on his doctoral research.[9]
Career
Khan is the president of Hunari Tolana Welfare Society, an NGO dedicated to the welfare of artists.[10][11][12] Under his leadership, the organization has been instrumental in advocating for the rights and protection of both local and Afghan artists, especially in challenging times.[13][14][15] He also works as Director of Angaze Music Production which runs under Bacha Khan Trust.[16]
References
- ^ Qasim Shah, Sadia (2 September 2017). "A PhD scholar doing research on Pashto music is planning to set up the first-ever music school in the province to promote and preserve musical instruments". dawn.com. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
- ^ "Artiste defends first ever PhD on folk music". thenews.com.pk. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
- ^ "Hindi music has roots in Hindu Kush's Pashtoon belt". tribune.com.pk. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
- ^ "Hindi classical music has roots in Hindu Kush's Pashtoon belt: Dr Rashid". app.com.pk. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
- ^ Ali, Kamran. "Breaking barriers: Musician Rashid Khan completes PhD on Pashto folk music". voicepk.net. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
- ^ Qasim Shah, Sadia (2 September 2017). "A PhD scholar doing research on Pashto music is planning to set up the first-ever music school in the province to promote and preserve musical instruments". dawn.com. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
- ^ Khan, Ayesha; Naqvi, Sana (14 March 2020). "Bushra Gohar". doi:10.1080/03068374.2020.1748414. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
- ^ "Senator Sitara Ayaz". Retrieved 7 January 2024.
- ^ Alam, Mehboob (10 March 2016). "Biographay of Rashid Ahmad khan". swabiblog.wordpress.com. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
- ^ Khan, Aina. "'People weep and shower me with rupees': the overwhelming artistry of Pashtun singer Zarsanga". The Guardian.
- ^ Khan, Hidayat. "Veteran artists' contribution to Pashto folk music praised". Dawn News. Retrieved 24 January 2025.
- ^ Shinwari, Sher Alam. "Rubab Recognized". The News.
- ^ Shinwar, Sher Alam. "Decline of Pashto folk music". The Friday Times. Retrieved 13 January 2025.
- ^ "Speakers seek protection to local, Afghan artistes". thenews.com.pk. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
- ^ Jan, Ahmad. "Afghan Musicians". Heinrich Böll Stiftung.
- ^ "BKT music school gets new director". thenews.com.pk. thenews.com.pk. Retrieved 11 January 2025.