Breaking Records, Building Bridges: The Inspiring Journey of Hafizullah Khaled
Hafizullah Khaled, former diplomat and poet based in Vienna (left), with Abdul Wakeel Attack from ADN. Photo by @Ali Ahmad for ADN.
By Wakeel Attock
Hafizullah Khaled, a former Afghan diplomat, has led an extraordinary life marked by both personal achievement and unwavering dedication to his homeland.
Known for his remarkable gardening skills, Khaled achieved global recognition in 2020 by setting a Guinness World Record for growing the world’s tallest rose, 8.70 meters.
Before his gardening prowess captured international attention, Khaled served as a diplomat for 12 years, representing Afghanistan in Bangladesh and Iraq. During his diplomatic career, he played a crucial role in various peace initiatives and worked closely with the United Nations during 1980s.
However, the political turmoil in Afghanistan forced him to seek refuge in Austria in 1993. Despite the challenges of immigration and cultural adaptation, Khaled successfully integrated into Austrian society, raising four children who have gone on to achieve remarkable success in their respective fields of medicine, law, and banking.
Khaled’s commitment to his homeland has remained steadfast. In 2002, he founded the Help Afghan School Children Organization (HASCO), an initiative dedicated to providing educational support and resources to orphans in Afghanistan. Although currently inactive due to resource constraints, Khaled remains hopeful about reviving the project in the future.
Beyond his humanitarian endeavors, Khaled is a talented poet, writing in both Dari and Pashto. His poetry explores themes of patriotism, spirituality, and the ongoing struggle for Pashtun rights on both sides of the Durand Line. Several of his poems have been adapted into songs by Afghan musicians, further amplifying his message.
Khaled is an active participant in the Afghan diaspora community in Vienna. He frequently attends cultural events, including the Vienna Literature Gathering, where he shares his poetry and insights into Afghan culture. His dedication to preserving Afghan heritage and promoting understanding between cultures is evident in his various endeavors.
Reflecting on his life and accomplishments, Khaled emphasizes the importance of giving back to one’s homeland. He believes that Afghan refugees have a responsibility to contribute to the rebuilding of their country.
Hafizullah Khaled’s story is an inspiration to many. His resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to his homeland serve as a testament to the human spirit. Through his gardening achievements, diplomatic efforts, and cultural contributions, he has left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire generations.
ADN conducted a comprehensive bilingual interview in Dari and Pashto, which can be viewed here.
Afghan poet Wakeel Attock previously served as the director of culture for the eastern provinces of Laghman and Nooristan.
Note: The contents of the article are of sole responsibility of the author. Afghan Diaspora Network will not be responsible for any inaccurate or incorrect statement in the articles.
