Pakistani poetry
Pakistan has a rich and diverse tradition of poetry that includes Urdu poetry, English poetry, Sindhi poetry,
Pashto poetry, Punjabi poetry, Saraiki poetry, Baluchi poetry, and Kashmiri poetry. Sufi poetry has a strong
tradition in Pakistan and the poetry of popular Sufipoets is often recited and sung.
Persian poetry is still common in Pakistan as a literary vehicle because of the centuries of Persian influence
on the region. Many sufi poets wrote their Kalam in Persian. Pakistan's national poet Allama Mohammad Iqbal
also wrote many volumes of poetry in Persian.
Poetry is widely read across Pakistan. Gatherings for the recitations of poetry known as Mushaira frequently
take place. Verses of popular poets are also used as political slogans by political activists.
The national poet of Pakistan is Muhammad Iqbal.
Muhammad Iqbal (1877-1938) is one of the preeminent writers of the Indo-Pakistan subcontinent. Indeed, the attention
he has received from numerous writers, translators, and critics from Western as well as Islamic countries testifies to his
stature as a world literary figure. While his primary reputation is that of a poet, Iqbal has not lacked admirers for his
philosophical thought. He has in fact been called “the most serious Muslim philosophical thinker of modem times.”
The frequently used appellation of “poet-philosopher” is thus well deserved. The hyphen in the phrase is
all-important: Iqbal’s poetry and philosophy do not exist in isolation from each other; they are integrally related,
his poetry serving as a vehicle for his thought. Iqbal wrote poetry in Urdu and Persian,
Iqbal was born in Sialkot, in the present-day province of the Punjab in Pakistan, in 1877. He received his early education
in that city, where one of his teachers was Mir Hasan, an accomplished scholar who commanded a knowledge of several
Islamic languages. Mir Hasan gave Iqbal a thorough training in the rich Islamic literary tradition. His influence on Iqbal
was formative. Many years later (1922), when the English governor of the Punjab proposed to the British Crown that
Iqbal be knighted in acknowledgment of his literary accomplishments, Iqbal asked that Mir Hasan also be awarded a title.
To the governor’s remark that Mir Hasan had not authored any books, Iqbal responded that he, Iqbal, was the book Mir
Hasan had produced. Mir Hasan received the title of Shams al-’Ulama’ (“Sun of Scholars”).
For higher education Iqbal went to Lahore (1895), where he enrolled in Government College, getting, in 1899, an MA in
philosophy; he had already obtained a degree in law (1898). In Lahore, a major center of academic and literary activity,
Iqbal soon made a name for himself as a poet. One of the teachers of Government College Iqbal admired most was
Sir Thomas Arnold. Arnold, too, had great affection for Iqbal, he helped Iqbal in his career as a teacher and also
encouraged him to undertake several research projects. When Arnold returned to England in 1904, Iqbal wrote a
touching poem in which he expressed his resolve to follow Arnold to England. The very next year, in fact, Iqbal left
for study at Cambridge. His choice of Cambridge was probably dictated by the fact that Cambridge was reputed for
the study not only of European philosophy but also of Arabic and Persian. In his three years of stay abroad, Iqbal
obtained a BA from Cambridge (1906), qualified as a barrister at London’s Middle Temple (1906), and earned a PhD
from Munich University (1908).
Pakistan has a rich and diverse tradition of poetry that includes Urdu poetry, English poetry, Sindhi poetry,
Pashto poetry, Punjabi poetry, Saraiki poetry, Baluchi poetry, and Kashmiri poetry. Sufi poetry has a strong
tradition in Pakistan and the poetry of popular Sufipoets is often recited and sung.
Pashto poetry, Punjabi poetry, Saraiki poetry, Baluchi poetry, and Kashmiri poetry. Sufi poetry has a strong
tradition in Pakistan and the poetry of popular Sufipoets is often recited and sung.
Persian poetry is still common in Pakistan as a literary vehicle because of the centuries of Persian influence
on the region. Many sufi poets wrote their Kalam in Persian. Pakistan's national poet Allama Mohammad Iqbal
also wrote many volumes of poetry in Persian.
on the region. Many sufi poets wrote their Kalam in Persian. Pakistan's national poet Allama Mohammad Iqbal
also wrote many volumes of poetry in Persian.
Poetry is widely read across Pakistan. Gatherings for the recitations of poetry known as Mushaira frequently
take place. Verses of popular poets are also used as political slogans by political activists.
The national poet of Pakistan is Muhammad Iqbal.
take place. Verses of popular poets are also used as political slogans by political activists.
The national poet of Pakistan is Muhammad Iqbal.
Muhammad Iqbal (1877-1938) is one of the preeminent writers of the Indo-Pakistan subcontinent. Indeed, the attention
he has received from numerous writers, translators, and critics from Western as well as Islamic countries testifies to his
stature as a world literary figure. While his primary reputation is that of a poet, Iqbal has not lacked admirers for his
philosophical thought. He has in fact been called “the most serious Muslim philosophical thinker of modem times.”
The frequently used appellation of “poet-philosopher” is thus well deserved. The hyphen in the phrase is
all-important: Iqbal’s poetry and philosophy do not exist in isolation from each other; they are integrally related,
his poetry serving as a vehicle for his thought. Iqbal wrote poetry in Urdu and Persian,
Iqbal was born in Sialkot, in the present-day province of the Punjab in Pakistan, in 1877. He received his early education
in that city, where one of his teachers was Mir Hasan, an accomplished scholar who commanded a knowledge of several
Islamic languages. Mir Hasan gave Iqbal a thorough training in the rich Islamic literary tradition. His influence on Iqbal
was formative. Many years later (1922), when the English governor of the Punjab proposed to the British Crown that
Iqbal be knighted in acknowledgment of his literary accomplishments, Iqbal asked that Mir Hasan also be awarded a title.
To the governor’s remark that Mir Hasan had not authored any books, Iqbal responded that he, Iqbal, was the book Mir
Hasan had produced. Mir Hasan received the title of Shams al-’Ulama’ (“Sun of Scholars”).
in that city, where one of his teachers was Mir Hasan, an accomplished scholar who commanded a knowledge of several
Islamic languages. Mir Hasan gave Iqbal a thorough training in the rich Islamic literary tradition. His influence on Iqbal
was formative. Many years later (1922), when the English governor of the Punjab proposed to the British Crown that
Iqbal be knighted in acknowledgment of his literary accomplishments, Iqbal asked that Mir Hasan also be awarded a title.
To the governor’s remark that Mir Hasan had not authored any books, Iqbal responded that he, Iqbal, was the book Mir
Hasan had produced. Mir Hasan received the title of Shams al-’Ulama’ (“Sun of Scholars”).
For higher education Iqbal went to Lahore (1895), where he enrolled in Government College, getting, in 1899, an MA in
philosophy; he had already obtained a degree in law (1898). In Lahore, a major center of academic and literary activity,
Iqbal soon made a name for himself as a poet. One of the teachers of Government College Iqbal admired most was
Sir Thomas Arnold. Arnold, too, had great affection for Iqbal, he helped Iqbal in his career as a teacher and also
encouraged him to undertake several research projects. When Arnold returned to England in 1904, Iqbal wrote a
touching poem in which he expressed his resolve to follow Arnold to England. The very next year, in fact, Iqbal left
for study at Cambridge. His choice of Cambridge was probably dictated by the fact that Cambridge was reputed for
the study not only of European philosophy but also of Arabic and Persian. In his three years of stay abroad, Iqbal
obtained a BA from Cambridge (1906), qualified as a barrister at London’s Middle Temple (1906), and earned a PhD
from Munich University (1908).
philosophy; he had already obtained a degree in law (1898). In Lahore, a major center of academic and literary activity,
Iqbal soon made a name for himself as a poet. One of the teachers of Government College Iqbal admired most was
Sir Thomas Arnold. Arnold, too, had great affection for Iqbal, he helped Iqbal in his career as a teacher and also
encouraged him to undertake several research projects. When Arnold returned to England in 1904, Iqbal wrote a
touching poem in which he expressed his resolve to follow Arnold to England. The very next year, in fact, Iqbal left
for study at Cambridge. His choice of Cambridge was probably dictated by the fact that Cambridge was reputed for
the study not only of European philosophy but also of Arabic and Persian. In his three years of stay abroad, Iqbal
obtained a BA from Cambridge (1906), qualified as a barrister at London’s Middle Temple (1906), and earned a PhD
from Munich University (1908).
Muhammad Ammad-Ud-Din Yaad
Muhammad Ammad-Ud-Din Yaad (ASA Ammad Hasan) born 26 January 1979 at PAF Hospital, Sargodha, Pakistan is a young Urdu poet from Lahore, Pakistan. He is an MBA from IBA (Punjab University) and working in the private sector on an executive level.
His father, Dr. Akmal Hasan, is a doctor by profession and an artist using water color media and who is presently Associate Professor, Physiology department at Central Park Medical College, Lahore. His mother, Abida Akmal, is a house wife. Yaad is married to Tanzeela Butt in 2006, they have a kid born on 10 November 2009 named Abdullah Bin Ammad.
The reason behind his starting poetry was the lengthy descriptions of the poetry in the text course and when teachers praised poets for the great contributions, he accepted it as challenge to prove he can also do the poetry and that it is not a big deal.
Later, he also admitted that he was wrong, though he is a poet but everyone can still not do poetry, it is really God gifted. His first Urdu poetry collection is expected in the near future comprising his work since 1991 by end of 2012 (Approximately 30 chapters). (Yaad Collections 2009).
His father, Dr. Akmal Hasan, is a doctor by profession and an artist using water color media and who is presently Associate Professor, Physiology department at Central Park Medical College, Lahore. His mother, Abida Akmal, is a house wife. Yaad is married to Tanzeela Butt in 2006, they have a kid born on 10 November 2009 named Abdullah Bin Ammad.
The reason behind his starting poetry was the lengthy descriptions of the poetry in the text course and when teachers praised poets for the great contributions, he accepted it as challenge to prove he can also do the poetry and that it is not a big deal.
Later, he also admitted that he was wrong, though he is a poet but everyone can still not do poetry, it is really God gifted. His first Urdu poetry collection is expected in the near future comprising his work since 1991 by end of 2012 (Approximately 30 chapters). (Yaad Collections 2009).
| Anwar Maqsood انور مقصود | |
|---|---|
| Born | Rangeela, [ کھٹا] 1935 Hyderabad Deccan, British India |
| Occupation | Playwright, Lyricist, Satirist, Poet |
| Nationality | Pakistani |
| Subjects | Entertainment |
Life and career
Anwar Maqsood is a versatile Artist of PTV and has now become a household name. He has tried his hand on a variety of subjects focusing on important issues prevalent in our society. Studio Dhai (Studio 2:30) and then Studio Ponayteen (Studio 2:45) along with Show sha and numerous other shows, displayed his talent as a compère with pungent and spicy comments..............
Zamir Jafri
| Zamir Jafri | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 1, 1916 Jehlum, Punjab, Pakistan |
| Died | May 16, 1999 (aged 83) Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan |
| Occupation | Urdu poet |
| Nationality | Pakistani |
| Genres | Humorous poetry |
Zaib-un-Nissa Hamidullah
Zaib-un-Nissa Hamidullah, circa 1970. | |
| Born | December 25, 1921 Calcutta, India |
|---|---|
| Died | September 10, 2000 (aged 78) Karachi, Pakistan |
| Occupation | Writer, journalist, publisher |
| Spouse(s) | K.M. Hamidullah |
Wasif Ali Wasif (15 January 1929 – 18 January 1993) was a writer, poet and sufi from Pakistan who was famous for his unique literary style. He used to write short pieces of prose on topics like life, fear, expectations, happiness, and so on. He was the regular columnist of Pakistan Urdu Newspapers Nawa-i-Waqt. In his life most of his columns were combined to form books with his own selected title. He did poetry in Urdu and Punjabi languages. Probably no contemporary Urdu writer is more cited in quotations than he is. Later years he used to answer questions in specially arranged gatherings at Lahore attended by the notable community. Some of these sessions were recorded in audio and were later published as Guftago (talk) series.................Yousaf Saleem Chishti
Yousaf Saleem Chishti (Urdu: یوسف سلیم چشتی) was an eminent scholar and writer from Pakistan. He was an expert on Iqbal and during 1925 - 1938 he was continuously in his company. He recorded these conversations in his diaries but in 1955 most of them were destroyed by an upsurge in Ravi, at Lahore. He is famous for his commentaries on Iqbal's works. In his later life he spent time in lecturing in Mosques on different Islamic and philosophical themes. He died in Lahore.
Works
* Sharah Baal e Jibreel
* Sharah Musnawi Pas Cah Baeed Kurd Moa Musafir
* Sharah Arghman e Hijaz (Hissa Farsi)
* Sharah Arghman e Hijaz
* Sharah Israar e Khudi
* Sharah Piyaam e Mashriq
* Sharah Bang e Dara
* Sharah Zarb e Klim
* Dhalaan
Works
* Sharah Baal e Jibreel
* Sharah Musnawi Pas Cah Baeed Kurd Moa Musafir
* Sharah Arghman e Hijaz (Hissa Farsi)
* Sharah Arghman e Hijaz
* Sharah Israar e Khudi
* Sharah Piyaam e Mashriq
* Sharah Bang e Dara
* Sharah Zarb e Klim
* Dhalaan
Vazir Agha
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Wazir Agha (1922 - ) is a Pakistani writer, poet, critic and essayist, who lives in Sargodha. He run a literary magazine 'Auraq' for many decades. He introduced many theories in Urdu literature. He is most famous for his work on Urdu humour. He has also written a seminal book on modern Urdu poets, notably those who have written more poems than ghazals. He has also written poetry and his poems mostly have an element of story.Books.
* Dastak Us Darwazay Per
* Ghas Per Titlian.
1.
1. References##
1. ^ URDU AUTHORS at www.urducouncil.nic.in
Ambersara;A study of ghazals of wazir Agha by a modern poet Iqtidar javed published in literary magazine SHER O SUKHN in 2008.
Sufi Ghulam Mustafa Tabassum
Sufi Ghulam Mustafa Tabassum #REDIRECT [August 4 1899-1978) was a noted 20th century poet in three languages: Urdu, Punjabi, and Persian. Tabassum (or Tabussum) was the pen name by which he was universally known.
He is best known for his many poems written for children, as the creator of the Tot Batot character, and as the translator of many poetical works from Urdu and Persian into Punjabi. Sufi Tabassum's style is in the classical tradition, informed by a deep awareness of the pain and suffering that afflicts modern life.
Sufi Tabassum was born in Amritsar, India, to parents of Kashmiri ancestry. He earned a Master's degree in Persian from Forman Christian College (FCC) in Lahore. He remained with Government College Lahore for his entire career, rising to head the Department of Persian Studies...........
He is best known for his many poems written for children, as the creator of the Tot Batot character, and as the translator of many poetical works from Urdu and Persian into Punjabi. Sufi Tabassum's style is in the classical tradition, informed by a deep awareness of the pain and suffering that afflicts modern life.
Sufi Tabassum was born in Amritsar, India, to parents of Kashmiri ancestry. He earned a Master's degree in Persian from Forman Christian College (FCC) in Lahore. He remained with Government College Lahore for his entire career, rising to head the Department of Persian Studies...........
Tanwir Phool
| Tanwir Phool | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Tanwiruddin Ahmad Siddiqui 1948 Muzaffarpur |
| Language | Urdu and English |
| Nationality | Pakistani |
Education and career
He received his education in Karachi. He obtained 11th Position in Matriculation (Secondary education) and 8th Position in Intermediate (Higher secondary education) in the examinations of Karachi Board. He studied in D. J. Science College and Urdu College. He graduated in First Class in 1971 from the University of Karachi. In 1973 he obtained Master Degree (M.A.) in Islamic History from Karachi University.........
Qateel Shifai
| Qateel Shifai | |
|---|---|
| Born | Aurangzeb Khan December 24, 1919 Haripur District , N.W.F.P, Pakistan |
| Died | July 11, 2001 (aged 81) Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan |
| Pen name | Qateel Shifai |
| Occupation | Urdu poet, Lyricist |
| Nationality | Pakistani |
| Ethnicity | Hazara Mother language: Hindko |
| Genres | Ghazal |
| Notableaward(s) | Pride of Performance, 1994 |
| Children | Pervaiz Qateel Masirit Qateel, Samina Khurshid |
Early life
Qateel Shifai was born in Haripur, Hazara Division, British India (now Pakistan).........
Parveen Shakir
Shakir started writing at a young age, penning down both prose and poetry, and contributing columns in Urdu newspapers, and a few articles in English dailies. Initially, she wrote under the pen-name, Beena.........
Mirza Ather Baig
Mirza Ather Baig is a Pakistani fiction writer, scholar, playwright and expert on Post-Colonial Philosophy. He is chairman of the Philosophy Department at Government College University in Lahore. His fiction production includes the novel Ghulam Bagh (The garden of slaves) which is considered to be one of the most important works of literature in the Urdu language.
The novel has found a loyal readership outside the literary circles, as well, and has in fact achieved cult status, so much so that some of the readers have named themselves after the characters in the novel. Three editions of Ghulam Bagh have been published in Pakistan within two years, and now Random House India is pursuing Baig for an English translation...........
The novel has found a loyal readership outside the literary circles, as well, and has in fact achieved cult status, so much so that some of the readers have named themselves after the characters in the novel. Three editions of Ghulam Bagh have been published in Pakistan within two years, and now Random House India is pursuing Baig for an English translation...........
Kazi Zainul Abedin
| Kazi Zainul Abedin | |
|---|---|
 Kazi Zainul Abedin in 1936 as 1st Taluqdar of Nizamabad | |
| Born | 8 December 1892 Parbhani, Hyderabad Deccan |
| Died | May, 1962 Mirpurkhas, Pakistan |
| Other names | Abid (pen name for poetry) |
| Citizenship | Pakistani |
| Occupation | Poet, Government Servant |
| Known for | Poetry, literature |
| Spouse(s) | 1. Sahibni Begum, 2. Zohra Begum |
Ancestry
Kazi Zainul Abedin was born in Parbhani on December 8, 1892. He was the only son of Kazi Mohammed Badruddin Hussain and Rahimunnisa Begam...........
Ishtiaq Baig
Ishtiaq Baig is Vice Chairman Baig Group Companies a multinational conglomerate engaged in diversified industrial and commercial activities operating in Pakistan, U.A.E. and Morocco. The group has workforce of over 1500 dedicated employees. This businessman par-excellence represents a rich background of international exposure to the realms of Finance and Marketing.
Ishtiaq Baig, A well Traveled Diplomat, and a high profile industrialist, accompanied President and Prime Minister of Pakistan on their various foreign overseas visits as part of their entourage. In recognition of his intrinsic worth, he was conferred prestigious awards by no less than the President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan. He is also the younger brother of the famous Pakistani personality Dr. Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, a renowned business tycoon and political figure..........
Ilona Yusuf
| Ilona Yusuf | |
|---|---|
| Born | date of birth unknown London, England, UK |
| Occupation | Poet |
| Ethnicity | Pakistani Polish |
| Citizenship | British |
| Notable work(s) | “Picture This...” |
| Children | 2 |
A designer of lamps and furniture, she spends her time between Pakistan and the United States. She is married with two children. “Picture This…” is her first book of poems. Presently, along with Bina Shah, she edits the Alhamra Literary Review, a publication dedicated to showcasing the work of Pakistani writers writing in English. She has also begun to contribute articles to feature and art magazines, and has recently put together a second collection of poems, which is as yet unpublished.
Ihsan Danish
| Ihsan Danish | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1914 |
| Died | 1982 |
| Occupation | Poet, Writer, Architect |
| Nationality | Pakistani |
| Notable work(s) | Jahan-i-Danish |
Hakim Said
| Hakim Muhammed Said | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 9, 1920 Delhi, British India |
| Died | October 17, 1998 (aged 78) Karachi, Pakistan |
| Nationality |  Pakistani |
| Known for | Scholar and philanthropist |
Establishing Hamdard University...........
Habib R. Sulemani
Habib R. Sulemani (born June 5, 1971, Gulmit, Gojal, Hunza) is a young poet, writer and journalist, living in Pakistan. He has been writing in three languages: English, Urdu and Wakhi.
Writing since high school, he has written for various mainstream and regional publications. He has also broadcast from Radio Pakistan, Gilgit. He covers topics from globalization, global peace and harmony, and interfaith issues.
Publications..........
Writing since high school, he has written for various mainstream and regional publications. He has also broadcast from Radio Pakistan, Gilgit. He covers topics from globalization, global peace and harmony, and interfaith issues.
Publications..........
Habib Jalib
.jpg)
(Front Row: From R to L) Gul Khan Nasir, Habib Jalib and Abdul Karim Shorish. (Lawyer's Leader Ali Ahmed Kurd can be seen in the second row, on the extreme left.)
| Habib Jalib | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1928 Hoshiarpur, Punjab |
| Died | March 12, 1993 Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan |
| Occupation | Urdu poet, Politician |
| Nationality | Pakistani |
| Ethnicity | Punjabi |
| Notablework(s) | Dastoor (Poem) |
| Notableaward(s) | Nigar Awards, Nishan-i-Imtiaz (awarded on 23 March 2009) |
Khawaja Reazuddin Atash
| Khawaja Reazuddin 'Atash' | |
|---|---|
| Born | 4 March 1925 Patna Bihar, India |
| Died | January 2001 Chicago, U.S. |
| Nationality | Pakistani |
Biography
Atash was born on 4 March 1925, (8th Sha'ban, 1342 H) at the historic city of Azeemabad (Patna) Bihar, India. His grandfather, Sukhan Dehlavi, was a disciple of Mirza Ghalib, a renowned poet and writer of the late 19th century. Sukhan wrote and published many books, including collection of his poems, Divan-e-Sukhan, and Sarosh Sukhan, which is considered an early Urdu classic.
Atash spent the last ten years of his life in Chicago, Illinois, United States, where he became a popular literary personality. He died in January 2001 and is buried at Chicago's Rosehill Cemetery.
