Art & Culture

Ghafoor Jan Kako, beloved Kandahari comedian, dies in Pakistan

Ghafoor Jan Kako, a well-known Kandahari comedian celebrated for his sharp social commentary and humorous Pashto performances, has died in the Pakistani province of Balochistan, local sources confirmed Wednesday.

Family members said Kako had been struggling with illness and poverty in recent months. He passed away on Tuesday.

Known for his distinctly Kandahari tone and unpretentious style, Kako built a loyal following across southern Afghanistan and Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. His comedic work often tackled difficult social issues with subtlety and wit, offering audiences both laughter and reflection.

Over the years, he became a cultural fixture in Kandahar, using humor as a means of resilience in a region long impacted by conflict and hardship.