Written by: Musawir Qureshi
The soil of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has always given birth to dignified personalities who, through their character, integrity, honor, and public service, earned an everlasting place in the hearts of the people. Among these eminent individuals, the name of Yousaf Khan Hazarkhawa stands out prominently—a man viewed with immense respect and admiration not only in Peshawar but across the entire province. He was a truly courageous leader and a sincere servant of the public.
Yousaf Khan Hazarkhawa hailed from an influential and respected family, yet his true identity was never defined by wealth, feudal status, or family rank. Instead, he was defined by his love for the people, his support for the poor, his commitment to justice, and his legendary hospitality. He was considered a pillar of strength for the poor, the helpless, and the oppressed in his region. No needy person ever left his doorstep empty-handed or disappointed. If a underprivileged person approached him after facing oppression or injustice, Yousaf Khan Kaka would personally ensure that justice was served and the person received their due right—no matter how powerful or influential the oppressor might be.
The most prominent feature of his personality was his unwavering stance against oppression, injustice, and wrongdoing. If he ever had a dispute or animosity with anyone, it was never out of personal interest, ego, or revenge, but solely for the sake of the rights of the oppressed and for justice. This is the reason why his name remains a symbol of honor, dignity, and justice to this day.
Although Yousaf Khan Hazarkhawa belonged to a distinguished Malik and Khan family, he never allowed his social status to create a distance between him and the public; his status as a Khan never became a barrier for the poor. His Hujra (traditional community guest house) remained open to both the common man and dignitaries alike—serving as a venue where people’s grievances were heard, Jirgas (tribal councils) were held, and disputes were settled amicably.
Today, his family continues to keep these brilliant traditions alive. His sons—the late Haji Kifayatullah Khan, Shafaatullah Khan, Nazim Haji Hidayatullah Khan, Haji Hamidullah Khan, and Inayatullah Gul—are following in their father’s footsteps, making public service, hospitality, and supporting the poor their guiding principles. In their Hujras, Jirgas, consultative sessions, and meetings to resolve public issues still take place around the clock. They share in the joys and sorrows of the community and extend every possible cooperation within their means.
Yousaf Khan Hazarkhawa’s grandsons and other family members are also carrying forward this legacy of public welfare, nobility, tolerance, and community relations. Their excellent manners, warm nature, and people-centric approach have earned them a unique place in the hearts of the local populace.
I personally had the opportunity to observe and know this family closely. There was a time when the mere mention of the name ‘Hazarkhani’ brought images of fear and notoriety to people’s minds. In our childhood, we used to hear similar stories from others, which made us hesitant and fearful of going there.
However, when I was admitted to the Hazarkhani High School and ended up in the same class as the late Yousaf Khan’s sons, Hamidullah Khan and Inayatullah Gul, studying alongside them gave me a close look at their manners and character. It also gave me a true understanding of the real environment of Hazarkhani, and all my misconceptions were cleared. Their hospitality, sincerity, affection, and high moral standards deeply inspired me, making me realize that one should never blindly believe hearsay until they have had a personal, firsthand observation.
The reality is that no area can be judged solely on the basis of the actions of a few individuals. Good and bad people exist in every society and every region, and Hazarkhani is no different. However, according to my personal observation, the family of Yousaf Khan Hazarkhawa has always been an excellent example of honor, dignity, hospitality, tolerance, and public service. Reconciling people, ending disputes, and promoting social harmony remain the ancient tradition and identity of this family.
This is why, even today, people across Hazarkhani, the entire city of Peshawar, and various regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa look upon the family of Yousaf Khan Hazarkhawa with deep respect and affection. The identity of this family is not just tied to its past; its members still hold a distinguished position in society today due to their character, service, sincerity, and public relations.
There are very few families in society that pass down the tradition of public welfare, the legacy of Jirgas, the establishment of peace, mutual respect, and social harmony from generation to generation as their core identity. The family of Yousaf Khan Hazarkhawa is the custodian of these very traditions, and this is their true heritage.
We pray to Almighty Allah to grant forgiveness to the late Yousaf Khan Hazarkhawa, elevate his ranks, and bestow upon his children and future generations the ability to continue serving the public with the same spirit of service, sincerity, justice, and humanity. Amen.
