Master Naqib Ullah (1934-2013)

Student life: Naqib Ullah received his early education at two of Kohat’s most prestigious institutions: Sanger School and G.H.S No. 1 High School. During his formative years at these respected establishments, he had the privilege of studying under some of the region’s most distinguished educators, including Sahib Zada Abdul Qadir Khan, Mustafa Khan, and Mian Shoukat Mehmood. These visionary teachers played a pivotal role in shaping his academic foundation. Their expertise, commitment, and passion for education created a nurturing environment where discipline, curiosity, and excellence were encouraged. Under their guidance, Naqib Ullah developed not only strong scholastic abilities but also the values and principles that would serve as the cornerstone of his future achievements. The mentorship provided by Sahibzada Abdul Qadir Khan, Khanzada Mustafa Khan, and Syed Mian Mehmood Shoukat inspired him to strive for excellence in every endeavor. Their influence left a lasting impact, helping mold his character, broaden his horizons, and strengthen his resolve. Naqib Ullah’s educational journey at Sanger School and G.H.S No. 1 High School laid the groundwork for the remarkable path he would later pursue, both in service and in leadership.

Start employment: Naqib Ullah’s remarkable journey began during the British era, when he was selected for the prestigious Air Scouts program—an initiative created to identify and nurture exceptional young talent. He was part of the tenth batch sent to Dirge Road, Karachi, for glider training under the expert supervision of Pilot Officer Mr. Afzal. This intensive program, conducted and sponsored by the Royal Air Force at Maleer Cantonment, Karachi, Pakistan, laid the foundation for his future achievements. Training alongside fellow scouts Sheikh Muzaffar Iqbal, Jafar, Sharon, and Gul Master Naqib Ullah quickly distinguished himself through his dedication, discipline, and natural aptitude for aviation. This early exposure to flight, leadership, and technical skills would shape the trajectory of his life. After Pakistan's independence, Naqib Ullah joined the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), where he continued to excel. Leveraging the skills he had cultivated as an Air Scout, he rose rapidly through the ranks and ultimately earned the esteemed position of commander of his platoon at Kohat Air Base. Fondly known as "Kapal Ullah," he garnered deep respect from both peers and superiors for his leadership, professionalism, and commitment. Despite a promising military career, Naqib Ullah chose a different path. He transitioned into the education sector, joining the N.W.F.P. (North-West Frontier Province) Education Department. There, he applied his leadership, discipline, and experience toward shaping young minds and contributing to the nation in a new and meaningful way. Naqib Ullah’s life story remains a source of inspiration, reflecting adaptability, courage, and unwavering dedication to service. His legacy goes far beyond his military achievements he continues to influence future generations through his impact on education and community development.

Career: During his student years, Naqib Ullah served with distinction as a Scout Master, guiding young scouts with discipline and purpose. He led the Tribal Scouts on a memorable tour of West Pakistan, where the delegation was received by President Field Marshal Muhammad Ayub Khan at the Rawalpindi Presidency. Their journey continued to Lahore, where they met Governor Amir Muhammad Khan of Kala Bagh. In appreciation of his exceptional leadership and service, Naqib Ullah was honored with the rank of Subaidar. Beyond his contributions to scouting, Naqib Ullah was a remarkably versatile individual a capable football player, a trained fire officer, and a dedicated educator. He completed multiple fire prevention and safety courses, reflecting his deep commitment to community welfare and preparedness. After retiring from N.W.F.P service, Naqib Ullah continued to enrich the field of education. He spent more than 15 years at Froebels International School Islamabad, and also taught at Marjan Public School, Hamdard Public School, and Science School and Collage Islamabad. Over the years, many of his students rose to positions of responsibility and distinction, serving the nation with honor and carrying forward the values instilled by their teacher.

Educator: Naqib Ullah was a pioneering educator whose dedication and vision helped lay the foundation for quality education in the Kohat region. As one of the founding members of Kohat Comprehensive High School established in the historic building of the old Islamia High School alongside Muhammad Arif Bangash he played a central role in shaping the institution’s early identity and academic direction. His commitment to learning and service positioned him as a respected figure among colleagues, students, and the broader community. Throughout his distinguished career, Naqib Ullah served in a wide range of educational institutions across diverse and often challenging regions. His journey took him through Bund Khula, G.H.S No. 1, Comprehensive High School, Ziarat Sheikh Allah Dad, Ladha (Waziristan), Landi Kotal (Kurram Agency), Shabqadar (Khyber Agency), Subhan Khuwar (Khyber Agency), Raisalpur, Akhurwal, Dara Adam Khail, Akhurwal (Kohat Pass), and G.H.S No. 4 Kohat. In each assignment, he brought the same spirit of discipline, compassion, and commitment to excellence, leaving a lasting mark wherever he taught. Naqib Ullah was known not only for his professional competence, but also for his ability to inspire confidence and curiosity in his students. His classrooms were spaces of encouragement where students felt guided, supported, and motivated to rise above limitations. Generations of learners benefited from his gentle yet firm approach, his belief in character-building, and his emphasis on both knowledge and integrity. The depth of his experience and the breadth of his service made him a mentor and role model for many aspiring educators. His legacy endures in the institutions he helped strengthen, the communities he uplifted, and the countless students whose lives he influenced. Naqib Ullah’s life remains a testament to the transformative power of education and the enduring impact of a teacher devoted to his mission.

Sharif Ullah Gullu (1895-1980)

The Legendary Footballer from Kohat Sharif Ullah Gullu was born in 1895 in Kohat, a city nestled in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. He hailed from the esteemed Rajpoot family, renowned for their contributions to the region's history and culture. His father, Habib Ullah, and grandfather, Azim Ullah, were prominent figures in Kohat, respected for their wisdom, courage, and community service. Gullu's fascination with football began in his teenage years when he joined the prestigious "Shining Club" in Kohat. Under the guidance of experienced coaches and mentors, he honed his skills, developing a unique playing style that would soon captivate audiences across the sub-continent. As Gullu's talents gained recognition, he became an integral part of the "Shining Club" team, leading them to numerous victories and accolades. Gullu's international career was marked by remarkable achievements. He holds the record for the most goals scored in international field football, a testament to his exceptional skill and dedication. He proudly represented Indo-Pak in various international matches across Mumbai, Delhi, Calcutta, and other parts of India. His outstanding performance earned him the prestigious British Governor-General's prize. Gullu's playing style was characterized by extraordinary ball control, speed, and agility. His ability to control the ball in tight spaces and under pressure was unparalleled. His clinical finishing and precision made him a nightmare for opposing goalkeepers. Gullu's legacy continues to inspire generations of football enthusiasts, cementing his place as one of the greatest footballers of all time. Apart from his illustrious football career, Gullu was a devoted family man. He was the grandfather of Javed Ullah Raja, a notable writer and proud custodian of his grandfather's legacy. Gullu's contributions to football have left an indelible mark on the sport's history in the sub-continent. His remarkable story serves as a testament to his dedication, passion, and resilience. Throughout his life, Gullu received numerous accolades, including the British Governor-General's prize, numerous gold medals, and trophies. His achievements serve as a motivation to young footballers, and fans and historians continue to celebrate his remarkable career. Sharif Ullah Gullu's legacy will forever be etched in the annals of football history.

Aziz Akhtar Warsi (1917-1980)

Hailed by Kohat, Khyber Pakhtoon Khawah as a Urdu poet, writer, who has written “Naat” “Marsiah” and beautiful “Ghazals” Aziz Akhtar Warsi was widely praise a far his unique style of poetry, which is gift for our new generation and also guide line for them. Aziz akhter Warsi’s poetry was full of dignities, habits and small griefs of daily life, his idea for hanger, struggle shows and the reader found him self engaged with. His poetry is balanced in natural and unnatural human worlds. His verses reach beyond his native region to touch on universal themes in accessible ways. Abdul Aziz Akhter Warssi was Pathan; to Yousaf zai was born in Kohat in 1917 and was son of Mr. Nabi Baksh .He was resided of Mohallah Ranger Kohat city. He received his education from his Town, and was also qualified B.C.D French. He is author of number of collection of poetry including every topic of the daily life under the guide line of popular name in the Poets “Semab Akbar Abadi”. Aziz Akhtar Warsi was popular among his fellows and was elected as General Sectary in “Bazmi Sukhan Kohat”and after that he was elected president in “Righter gills” Aziz Akhter Warsi served in judicial department Kohat. He was closed friend of SharifUllah Gullu, Footballer of the sub-continent. Aziz Akhter Warsi was died in 1980 in the age of 63 years old and was buried at Kohat, his death news was also announced from “All India Radio”. He left two sons Major Muhammad Zulfiqar Arif and Muhammad Waqar Babar, a nice gentle man, engaged in self business at his native district

Pir Ghamkol Sharif ,r.a (1939-1999)

Pir Ghamkol Sharif (r.a) hailed from Kohat. He was born in Jungle khail village of Kohat in the year 1912. And was known as “Zinda Pir” His father was Pir Ghulam Rasool Shah (r.a) Hazrat Pir Sahib (r.a) was spiritual recognition from his childhood. It was narrated that in 1938 he joined army as a tailor master. During his job he visited many mazars throughout the country; finally he visited darbar of Hazrat Imam Ali ul Haq (r.a). Pir sahib instructed to precede Mohra Sharif Murree. He bait on the hands of Hazrat Khawaja Muhammad Qasim (r.a) of Mohra Sharif. Pir Ghamkol Sharif (r.a) continued job for 10 years and displayed many karamats by the grace of Allah. Once the unit man noticed that he was saying prayer on the watercourse. In 1948 Pir Ghamkol Sharif was stayed in Abbottabad with his unit and was wide known as saint. He left the army in 1949 and stayed in Abbottabad as a Pir there he meat with Hazrat toori Baba (r.a) who was the Pir bhai of Pir Ghamkol Sharif (r.a) It is be noted that Pir Syed Mehmood Shah Muhaddis Hazrwi (r.a) of Havalian was also Pir bhai of Hazrat Pir Ghamkol Sharif (r.a) Pir sahib Left for first Hajj in !952, in Madina in front of Raza-i-Rasool he was shown a Vision Hazrat Pir sahib saw some mountains while on one mountain it was written “Zinda Pir Darbar-e- Alia Ghamkol Sharif”. From that day Pir sahib was known as Zinda Pir. Returning from Hajj Pir Sahib (r.a) migrate from Abbottabad to Kohat. Hazrat Pir Sahib was had love for the saints of Naqshbandia, Qadria, Suharwardia and Chistia. He was fond of Hazrat Khawaja Ajmair Sharif (r.a). Hazrat Pir Ghamkol Sharif visited for many years to the Mazar of Hazrat Ibrahim Khandozai (r.a) in the village of Shiekhan in Kohat. It was the routine of Pir Ghamkol Sharif that he visited at 2 a.m say tahajjad there and returns to the valley of Ghamkol before Fajar Prayer. Hazrat Ibrahim Khandozai passed faiz to Hazrat Khawaja Ajmairee (r.a) Hazrat Pir Sahib was departed from the world on 21st March 1999 and was buried there. The roza Mubarak was constructed under the supervision of Hazrat Pir Habibullah shah, grandson of Pir Sahib. Sajada Nashine of the Darbar is Hazrat Khawaja Pir Badshah Sahib. Pir Abaidullah is son of the Pir sahib (r.a)

Ahmad Faraz (1939-2008)

Ahmad Faraz, the poet hailed from Kohat. He was born in Nowshera in 1939. His father Muhammad Shah Barq was a Persian poet and remained attach with the Radio Pakistan. Ahmad Faraz was a resident of Mohallah Miankhel, Kohat. He was belonged from the family of Sufi Saint Hazrat Haji Bahadar (r.a) of Kohat. He got his early education from Kohat and then from Peshawar. He was indeed a great Urdu poet of the sub-continent.The writer of the sub-continent was awarded pride of performance. Ahmad Faraz was died on 27th August, 2008

He will be remembered by the lovers of Urdu poetry.