Mohammad Osman Akram, a celebrated satirist and media personality, died on Tuesday, September 10, after battling cancer.
Akram, also known by his pen name “Sargardan,” meaning “The Wanderer,” was the editor-in-chief of Zanbil-e-Gham (“The Basket of Grief”), a satirical monthly magazine that first began circulating clandestinely during the Taliban regime in 1997.
The publication, which ran for a year, was produced by hand, using only a pen, and was known for its biting social and political commentary.
Due to the sharp wit of his satire, some dubbed him “Osman the Scorpion,” a nod to the sting of his humor.
In addition to his writing, Akram was a well-known host of the satirical television program Talik, which aired on a private Afghan TV channel.
Throughout his career, Akram’s humor and incisive critiques left a profound mark on Afghan society, using his platform to both entertain and provoke thought.
His work resonated with many, capturing the complexities of life in Afghanistan with a blend of humor and sharp social critique.
