A famous figure in Pashto literature, Habibullah Rafi, is facing grave health issues related to diabetes and has been hospitalized.

“I have been struggling with diabetes for more than one year. It has recently got worsen and I went for treatment in Islamabad,” he said.

He is the founder of Pashto folklore literature. He worked for at least 60 years as a researcher in several social sciences including history, folklore and literature

Rafi, 76, works as a professor at the Academy of Science of Afghanistan.

“My first, important piece of writing is named 'Di Khalko Sandri (Songs of People),' which was praised by the people and is still being use by the people,” he said.

Rafi has received more than 30 certificates and many medals for his extensive work on Pashto literature by many national and international organizations.

“It has been at least 20 years that I have been working with Mr. Rafi. He is a great writer and publishes at least three books every year,” said Mohammad Nabi Tadbir, a colleague of Professor Rafi.

Professor Rafi’s latest book is named “Asrarul Afghani” which is published in Dari.

He has four daughters and two sons.