The INC posted the message on its account on X on Khan’s death anniversary, calling him a freedom fighter.

Popularly known as ‘Frontier Gandhi’, he was a lifelong advocate of Hindu-Muslim unity and his indomitable spirit is a reminder of peace and secularism.

The politician, also known as Bacha Khan, was born in Charsadda which was then in Punjab in British India and is now in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

He not only had a similar ideology but was also close friends with Mahatma Gandhi, leading to his nickname.

He died in Peshawar on January 20, 1988 at the age of 97.

His descendants are still active in politics in the province. His grandson Asfandyar Wali Khan led the Awami National party for a long time. Asfandyar’s son, Aimal, is now a recongisable party leader as well.