Bacha Khan, also known as Abdul Ghaffar Khan, was a prominent Pashtun independence activist and leader of the Khudai Khidmatgar ("Servants of God") movement in what is now Pakistan. Born on February 6, 1899, in the village of Utmanzai in the Charsadda district of the North-West Frontier Province (now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Bacha Khan was the son of a prominent Pashtun tribal chief and spiritual leader, Khan Abdul Bahram Khan.



Growing up, Bacha Khan received a traditional Islamic education from his father and was deeply influenced by his teachings of non-violence and social justice. He was also inspired by the example of Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian independence movement, and he began advocating for Pashtun autonomy and independence at a young age.

In 1919, Bacha Khan and his brother, Dr. Khan Sahib, founded the Anjuman-i-Islah-ul-Afaghina ("Association for the Reformation of Afghanistan") to promote social and educational reforms among the Pashtuns. The organization quickly grew in popularity, and in 1929, it was renamed the Khudai Khidmatgar (Servants of God) movement.

Under Bacha Khan's leadership, the Khudai Khidmatgar became a powerful force for social and political change in the region. The movement's members, known as "Red Shirts" for their distinctive clothing, were committed to non-violent resistance and civil disobedience in pursuit of Pashtun autonomy and independence.

Despite facing brutal repression from the British colonial authorities, the Khudai Khidmatgar continued to grow in strength and influence. In 1930, Bacha Khan and his closest associate, Ghaffar Khan (who was not related to Bacha Khan but shared his name), were arrested and imprisoned for their political activities. They were released in 1931 but were arrested again in 1932 and sentenced to three years in prison.

While in prison, Bacha Khan and Ghaffar Khan continued to organize the Khudai Khidmatgar and spread their message of non-violence and social justice. They also became close associates of Mahatma Gandhi, who visited them in jail in 1932 and was deeply impressed by their commitment to non-violent resistance.

After his release from prison in 1935, Bacha Khan continued to lead the Khudai Khidmatgar and advocate for Pashtun independence. He also played an important role in the negotiations that led to the creation of Pakistan in 1947, although he was deeply disappointed by the country's failure to recognize the autonomy of the Pashtun regions.

In the years that followed, Bacha Khan continued to be a vocal critic of the Pakistani government and its policies toward the Pashtuns. He was arrested numerous times and spent many years in prison, but he never wavered in his commitment to non-violence and social justice.

Bacha Khan died on January 20, 1988, at the age of 89. He is remembered as a visionary leader and a tireless advocate for Pashtun autonomy and independence. His legacy continues to inspire generations of activists and leaders around the world who seek to promote social justice and human rights through non-violent means.