Abstract:

Khushal Khan Khattak a poet, warrior, and political philosopher of the 17th century has widely written on political discourses through his prose and poetry. His political thoughts and vision were shaped and framed due to his life experiences, reading about leaders of the past and vice versa. His services for the Mughals, becoming an enemy of the Mughals in the latter part of his life, Afghans socio-political and socio-economic realities of that time and his ideal vision regarding nationalism, his ideal ruler, consultation in decision making inspired from Islam and Pashtun tribal background, War and its different dynamics and morality regarding politics greatly helped in framing his political ideas and philosophy. The study is qualitative based on content, thematic and discourse analysis and empirical in nature as it contributes towards the political philosophy and thought process. The main argument of the study is that Khushal Khan Khattak has significantly contributed to the political thought and philosophy of those times through his prose and poetry writings based on pragmatic and constructive thought and also inspires modern political thought too. His political philosophy though inspired by the conditions of his time is still relevant in modern political discourses and debates. The study is instrumental in its pertinence to political philosophy, statecraft and policy making for political leaders, thinktanks and research scholars.

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