Aitbar Sajid; a Well known Urdu Poet of Our Time:

Aitbar Sajid

Aitbar Sajid/Aitebaar Sajid (Urdu: اعتبار ساجد) is one of the best known Urdu poets of our time, born in Multan Division now lives in Islamabad. His poetry has attracted millions. 

 In 80's he was the one whose ghazals were waited among boys. He was handsome and charming and used to read with Tarannum (rhythmic delivery of words in a tune). 

His name appeared in the circle of Urdu Adab 27 years ago. He is a well known Poet, Essay writer, travelogue writer and short story writer but his poetry made him known to each Urdu lover. Many compilations of his poetry have been published. 

Haider Qureshi; a Well Known Urdu Poet, Writer and Jaurnalist

Haider Qureshi

Haider Qureshi (Urdu: حیدر قر یشی ), born Qureshi Ghulam Haider Arshad (Urdu: قر یشی غلا م حیدر ارشد ) on January 13, 1952 in Chenab Nagar, Punjab, is a well-known Pakistani Urdu poet, writer and journalist. His poetry is a rich colours of traditional Urdu and the local lingo. He is also researcher of "mahiya" on correct meter poetry methods. He has written several poetry and prose books and many articles.

Haider Qureshi was born on January 13, 1952 in Chenab Nagar, Punjab, Pakistan in a Seraki-speaking family. His father Qureshi Ghulam Sarwar belonged to Khanpur, Rahim Yar Khan. When he was still a child, he started to write his own verses. After finishing secondary education in 1968, he wrote his first romantic story. At the time he was also working at a sugar mill. Later he obtained his Master of Arts (M.A.) in Urdu literature in 1976. He wrote his first ghazal in 1971 which published in a weekly magazine Lahore. He has visited several countries.

Ghazal by Haider Qureshi

Haider Qureshi was a active member of literary circles in Khanpur. His five publications are related to anthologies of ghazal, nazm and mahiya. His short stories, pen sketches, inshaiya (light essays), a travelog of his pilgrimage to Mecca and a recently published literary journal titled "Umre-La ' haasil ka Haasil" (The outcome of futile life) are ample proof of his being a prolific writer while living in Germany. He is a strong supporter of Urdu mahiya and has been praised for his work on mahiya and also criticized in the poetry circles.

He is the editor of the literary Urdu magazine Jadeed Adab, which is published both online and in print. It was first launched from Khanpur in 1978, and later from Germany. Haider Qureshi's poetry has been translated into English, Arabic, German and Turkish. At the University of Bahawalpur in Pakistan, a student has written a research thesis on him for his master of arts degree, and a PhD thesis has been written on Qureshi and on his literary work by a student at Gulbarga University of Karnataka, India.

Book by Haider Qureshi

Haider Qureshi is playing the active role in literary activities and he also participated actively in the literary circles of Khanpur to unmask fake poets. He is still an open enemy of pseudo-poets.

Most of his literar work comprises in the book Umr-e-Lahaasil Ka Haasil, a Kulliyat of poetry and prose.

Poetry:

• Umr-e-Lahaasil Ka Haasil (The Outcome of Futile Life) - Education Publications House Delhi, India. 2009

• Sulgate Khaab - Tajdeed Ishaat Ghar Lahore, Islamabad, Pakistan. 1996

• Umr-e-Gurezaan - Tajdeed Ishaat Ghar Lahore, Islamabad, Pakistan. 1996

• Mohabbat ke Phool - Nayab Publications Lahore. 1997

• Ghazalien, Nazmein, Mahiye - Sarwar Adabi academy, Germany. 1998

Meri Muhabbatain by Haider Qureshi

Prose:

• Roshani ki Bisharat - Tajdeed Ishaat Ghar Lahore, Islamabad. 199

• Afsaane - Mayaar Publications Delhi, India. 1999

• Atmi Jang - Mayaar Publications Delhi, India. 1996

• Main Intezaar kerta hoon - Sahitia Bharat, Delhi, India. 1999

• Meri Mohabbatein - Mayaar Publications Delhi, India. 1996–1998

• Soo-e-Hejaaz - Mayaar Publications Delhi, India. 2000–2004

Research and critics books:

• Dr. Wazir Agha ahad saaz shakhshiyat - Nayab Publications Khan Pur, Pakistan. 1995

• Urdu mein mahiya nigari - Farhad Publications Rawalpindi, Pakistan. 1999

• Urdu mahiye ke bani Himmat Rai Sharma - Mayaar Publications Delhi, India. 1999

Dr. Anwar Zahidi; a Well known Urdu Poet, Short Story and Travelogue Writer

Dr. Anwar Zahidi

Anwer Zahidi (Urdu: انور زاہدی )(born July 9, 1946) is a Pakistani Urdu author of more than twelve books of poetry, short stories, travelogue and translations. After completing his graduation in science from Punjab University, Anwer Zahidi received a degree of MBBS from Nishtar Medical College, Multan in 1970.

A practicing physician by profession, Anwer Zahidi has carved out a place for himself in the world of letters. He is a short story writer, a poet and translator. His collection of verse Sunaehre Dinon Ki Shairi (Poetry of the Golden Days—1985) was followed by Azab-e Shaher Panah (The Torture of the Ramparts) collection of short stories, in 1991. New collection of poems Meri Aankhen Samadar and short stories Mausam Jang Ka Kahani Muhabbat Ki are under publication.

Dr. Anwar Zahidi

Dr. Zahidi is not only a creative writer but also a literary critic. His collection of critical writings on the world's great literary figures, called Bazyaft, has just been completed. Zahidi has also made a name for himself as a translator. His knowledge of Persian, which he mastered during three-year stay in Iran, is of invaluable assistance to him in his translations from Persian. 

He also translated Hermann Hesse in Barishon Ka Mausam (The Rainy Season) and Carl Jung's Psychology of the Unconscious for the National Language Authority. Besides these highly technical books he has also translated Arabic, Turkish and Latin American literary masterpieces. One of his masterpieces in the field of translation is Pablo Neruda's autobiography, which is certainly an invaluable addition to Urdu letters.

Poem by Dr. Anwar Zahidi

Mumtaz Mufti, one of the leading literary figures in Pakistan, entitled his review of Anwer Zahidi’s literary work, “Part-time poet” - implying that this work was somehow secondary to his principle vocation of a physician at a leading hospital in Islamabad. In fact, “Full-time poet and part-time doctor” would have been more accurate. Since graduation from Nishtar Medical College, Multan (University of Punjab) in 1970, he has practiced medicine, first in the military (1971–73), then as a private practitioner (1973–76), and subsequently in public hospitals in two countries, Iran (1976–80) and Pakistan (1980 to date). Yet, ever since 1968, when one of his poems got published in a reputed Urdu magazine, Nairang-e-Khyal, literature has been his primary occupation.

Exposure to great Western literature - in English translations – led him to an interest in translating favorite pieces from English into Urdu. Over time, Anwer zahidi has translated some of the greatest writers of various languages into Urdu. These include Tolstoy, Hesse, Neruda, Dickens, and Pessoa. From Western literature he moved gradually towards other great writers including the Kirghiz epic poet, Manas, and most importantly modern Persian poets like Neema Yosheej, Ahmad Shamlo, and Frogh Furrukhzad. Translating Iranian poetry (directly from Persian) into Urdu was enormously edifying. These writers are the pioneers of the new literary movement of Iran; they have broken the metric rigidity of the traditional Persian Ghazal and revolutionized its poetic vision, and have had a deep impact upon the literary movements in the sub-continent. The study of contemporary Persian literature completely revolutionized his poetic diction, including the infusion of elements of rebellion in early romantic formulas.

Anwar Zahidi

Although Anwer Zahidi is known in South Asia primarily as a “modern” poet (Nazam-e-Azad), some of his most intense work is in the genre of abstract short stories. They enable a mode of expression that is difficult to incorporate into the poetic structure. Reflecting the nature of injustice and absurdity in contemporary existence, these short stories tend to take an acrid view of life. 

Prose writing also led him into translations of prose and non-fiction, including memoirs (Neruda) essays (Hesse), psychology (Jung).

Anwar Zahidi has authored about a dozen books comprising of Poetry, Short Stories Collection (Afsana) Travelogue and Translation from otherlanguages into Urdu. Some of his books are mentioned below.

Mandir Wali Gali

Fiction:

• Azab-e-Shehrpanah----1991

• Mosam Jang Ka Kahani Muhabat Ki----1996

• Mandir Wali Gali------2008

Translations:

• Dreechon Mein Hawa( Translation of modern Persian poetry)-----1985

• Barishon Ka mosam ( Translation of Herman Hesse’s poetical works)---1986

• Yadein (Translation of Pablo Neruda’ s memoirs—1996)

• Lashaoor Tak Rassai (Translation of Jung’s Approaching the Unconscious)—1996

• Manas (Translation of Krighizstan Epic poetry) --- 1997

• Pessoa Ki Nazmein (Translation of Fernando Pessoa’s poetry)---1997

• Bazyaft- (Translation of World’s ten great poets) ----2002

Travelogue:

• Duneya Kahein Jisay ( Travelogue of USA/Canada/ London & Dubai)---2005

Tariq Ismail Sagar; an Excellent Urdu Novelist

Tariq Ismail Sagar

Tariq Ismail Sagar (Urdu: طارق اسماعیل ساگر) is a renowned Urdu novelist, short story writer, columnist, Drama writer and travelogue writer. He is considered to be one of the most famous contemporary Urdu fiction writers in Pakistan. He is the man who takes his responsibility as novelist, journalist, dramatist and current affairs specialist with iron hands. 

A journalist by profession Mr. Sagar is regarded as an icon of both electronic and paper media. He owns an asset of sixty plus books, twenty three drama serials and thousands of articles. 

He is the one who has given Pakistan film industry the breakthrough script of the movie “Salakhein”.

Tariq Ismail Sagar has the firm command over the workings and the networks of worldwide intelligence services. He is ranked among the bestselling novelist of South Asia. His books are sold like hot cakes.

People all around the globe wait for his writings. As a matter of fact, many of his books are translated into English for non-Urdu speakers. Hundreds of thesis has been written on his writings and services. No doubt, he is the living legend of Pakistan.

His books hold the reader till the last page of the book. One cannot separate the book once starts it and he fully enjoys reading of his novels.

He his besic field is under world and intelligence agencies but he has written on almost every important issue. Like “Lal Masjid Operation Silence” written on the deadly operation against the innocent female students of Lal Masjid in Islamabad by then president and military dictator General Pervez Musharraf, which led Pakistan to an endless bloodshed.

His valuable investigative book on the assassination of Benazir Bhutto can also be included in this category. He has written on Osama Bin Laden when he was regarded as a Hero of Muslim before 9/11.

Some of his books are given below:

• Aee Rah e Haq ke Shaheedoo

• Akhri Gunnah ki Mohlat

• Afghanistan Par Kia Guzri

• America re America

• Aur Hasar Toot Gaya

• Balochistan Ka Aatishfishan

• Bay naam si Aqeedat

• Bharat Toot Jaiga

• Bhatka Hua Rahi

• Bhutto Bach Jate Agar

• Chanaroon k Aansoo

• Commando

• Crack Down

• Cross Fire

• Cut Out

• Deshat Gard

• Dhuwaien ki Dewaar

• Double Cross

• Drug Mafia

• Falcon Kaun Tha

• Grift

• Jasus Kese Banta Hay

• Kaffara

• Kargil Crises

• Lahoo ka Safar

• Lal Masjid

• Leherdar Panion Ki Karwahat

• Mein aik Jasoos Tha

• Muhasara

• Musafat

• Operation Blue Star

• Pak Bharat Ta’alluqat

• Pakistan Aalmi Sazish k Narghe mein

• Phandha

• Poreb ki Simat

• Raw

• Red Alert

• Shaitani Kaneesa

• Shikanja

• Shri Kant

• Shimlay ka Swami

• Target Kahota

• Target Pakistan Tha

• Tum Kitnay Bhutto Marogay

• Uncle Tom Ka Dais

• Usama Bin Laden; Ek Shakhs Ek Tahreek

• Wadi-e-Lahoo Rang

• Wattan ki Mitti Gawah Rehna

• Yalghar

Ata ul Haq Qasmi; a Leading Urdu Writer

Ataulhaq Qasmi

Ata ul Haq Qasmi (عطا الحق قاسمی) is one of the leading and most popular columnist of Pakistan who has been writing Urdu columns for more than last 45 years in the leading newspapers with the name of "Rozan-e-Dewar Sey". The most distinguished character of Qasmi's column is his satire on social inequalities of the society and his anti dictatorship stance which he boldly takes in his columns. 

He has a unique style of writing incomparable to any other columnist because of his humorous way which holds the reader till the last line of his column which is his punch line.

Qasmi was also elevated to the position of Ambassador of Pakistan in Norway and Thailand during 1997 to 1999. He is also a very famous drama writer and poet. His books of columns include "Column Tamam", "Shar Goshiyan", "Hansna Rona Mana Hay", "Mazeed Ganjey Farishtey" and many more while his TV Drama Serials include the most popular "Khwaja and Son", "Shab Daig", "Sheeda Talli" etc.

His travelogues are also very popular and one of the best is "Shoq-e-Awargi". Qasmi has also received the Pride of Performance and Sitara-e-Imtiaz (highest civil awards) from President of Pakistan in addition to many other awards over his literary contributions.

Mushtaq Ahmad Yousfi has termed Qasmi as the best columnist of Pakistan while Altaf Gohar has termed him as the wittiest columnist of Pakistan.

Shafiq Ur Rahman; the Famous Urdu Humorist and Short Story Writer

Shafiq Ur Rahman

Shafiq-ur-Rehman (Urdu: شفیق الرحمن) (Nov 9, 1920 - Mar 19, 2000) was a famous Pakistani humorist and a short-story writer of Urdu language. He is one of the most illustrious writers of South Asia. Like P. G. Wodehouse, he has given enduring pleasure to his readers. He was a medical doctor by profession, and served in Pakistan Army.

Shafiq-ur-Rehman began writing humorous stories during his school days. His stories were published in a literary monthly magazine called Khayyam. Kirneyn, his first book was completed before he joined the medical college and was published in 1938 while he was still a medical student. His unforgettable characters include Razia, Shaitaan, Hukoomat Aapa, Maqsood Ghora, Buddy, Nannha and others.

Shafiq-ur-Rehman's work added a new dimension to humor in Urdu literature. He created a world that was very real with all its joys, pains and anguish. It was an affirmation of life and of human values: empathy, compassion and respect. Even the seemingly frivolous and trivial situations had hidden meanings that probed deep into the human psyche. His language was simple, spontaneous and expressive.

Shafiq-ur-Rehman was born in a small town near Rohtak. He was educated at Bahawalpur, as described by Muhammad Khalid Akhter, Shafiq’s classmate at Sadiq Dean High School and a humorist in his own right. After passing his MBBS in 1942 from King Edward Medical College in Lahore, he joined the Indian Army Medical Corps and served at different war fronts during the Second World War. 

After partition, he joined the Pakistan Army and eventually rose to the rank of general. He completed his post-graduation in tropical medicine and public health from Edinburgh, in 1952.

After retiring from the army, Dr. Shafiq-ur-Rehman, served as Chairman of the Academy of Letters of Pakistan from 1980 to 1985.

During his tenure, the Academy of Letters acquired a new dimension as a prominent literary institution of Pakistan. He continued to write till his death in March 2000.

He was awarded the Hilal-e-Imtiaz for his military and civilian services after his death and his son, Atiq-ur-Rehman, received it on his behalf on 23 March, 2001.

Shafiq Ur Rahman has written many books which have enriched Urdu Adab galaxy. A list of his books is given below:

• Kirnein (Rays of Light)

• Shagofey

• Lehrein (Waves)

• Maddojazar (Ebb and Flow)

• Parvaaz (Flight)

• Himaqatain

• Mazeed Himaqatain

• Dajla (a travalogue)

• Insaani Tamasha (a translation of “a human comedy”)

• Dareechay

• Pachtaway (Regrets)

Mustansar Hussain Tarar; a Famous Urdu Writer

M.H. Tarar

Mustansar Hussain Tarar (Urdu: مستنصر حسين تارڑ) ( March 1, 1939)is a Pakistani author, actor, former Radio Show Host, compere and enthusiast. Having made a name for himself by taking the mantle in Pakistan's mountaineering community, Mustansar Hussain is widely recognized as one of the most famous and well known personalities in both Pakistan and the rest of the world. Though the origin of his fame and decadence is usually considered to be his established and decorated career and as a writer, Tarar can also be recognized as the foremost endorser for tourism projects in Northern areas of Pakistan, having exorbitantly increased the array of tourist exposure to the areas in question by becoming both a mountaineer and an adventure author who uses these locations as backdrops for his storylines.

Mustansar Hussain's literary proficiency as an author often overshadows the fact that he has been an active mountaineer for a very extensive period of time. Having embarked upon several painstaking and challenging tasks such as the ascension of K-2 and the surpassing of the treacherous "Chitti Buoi" Glacier (translated as a glacier with large caravesses). More significantly, both of Mustansar Hussain's professions often intertwine and relate, since he uses his experiences on his expeditions as compilations or travelogues. Though some of his publications have met lukewarm reactions due to supposed exaggeration, he reflects on this predicament with the notion that "words or even pictures cannot successfully express the beauty and splendor of nature in it's true spirit."

Tarar opines in a similar manner to the portrayal of environments and localities in other adventure novels. As such, in one of his books, he advises his critics to live through similar experience before criticizing because most people cannot dare go through such dangerous sporting experience of high altitude trekking. This advice is further testified through the respect and regards that Tarar carries in Pakistani climbing community.

Pakistan's biggest mountaineering names like Nazir Sabir (first Pakistani climber on Everest and among the only few Pakistanis to have summitted K2) and Rajab Shah also regard Tarar as one of their motivations although both of these climbers hail from the Northern Areas where livelihood of a lot of people is through being high altitude guide and porters. Tarar is a household name in the Northern Areas of Pakistan and people in remotest northern areas take pride in being his hosts during his visits and expeditions.

Tarar's first book Nikley Teri Talaash Main, a travelogue of Europe was published in 1971, he has so far over forty titles to his credit which include all genre of literature; travelogues, novels, short stories and collection of his newspaper columns and Television dramas. He has been the best-seller fiction writer of Pakistan for the last fifteen years.

Mustansar was born in 'jokalian' a small town in Punjab, Pakistan. He spent his early childhood in the village. However he was destined to live some precious moments of his life in the lively city Lahore.So the fate played its tricks , and his family moved to culturally rich Lahore. His father Rehmat Khan Tarar opened a small seed store that flourished into sub-continent's lead seed supplier company. Mr Tarar got his schooling from Rang Mehal Mission High School and Muslim Model High School, Lahore. He , then got admission in Government College Lahore , a college that owns the credit to polish several intellectuals of Pakistan.In somewhat around 1950's , he went to London for higher studies. In London, he spent much of his time in watching and enjoying movies , doing theater and reading books. In 1957 he attended the World Youth Festival in Moscow and wrote a book named 'Fakhta' (Dove) on that experience.

Returning London, he met Majeed Nizami the editor of Nawai waqt , the famous Pakistani newspaper. During those days Majeed was in London as a reporter for the newspaper. He suggested Mustansar to write a travelogue of Russia .This marks the starting of Mustansar's literary life. His first literary writing was a travelogue , " London Say Moscow Taq " that was published in three episodes. After this literary endeavor he returned to his homeland , Pakistan.For a short period he looked after the business of his father. Meanwhile he got the chance to act for PTV.He also succeeded in establishing himself as a good actor. It's testimony is that Ashfaq Ahmed chose him to act for one of his plays, Qurat-ul-Ain.

In 1969 he travelled seventeen European countries. On his return he wrote the travelogue , ' Niklay Teri Talash Main ' (نکلے تیری تلاش میں).This travelogue has been included by the Moscow University as a content of Urdu course. After the completion of this literary pearl , he remained busy in the research work that meant for another literary creation , the travelogue , ' Undlas May Ajnabi (اندلس میں اجنبی.

His first novel was , Pyar Ka Pehla Sher ' (پیار کا پھلا شھر') that is still the best-seller. He wrote this novel by sitting in one of the shops located in the extreme hustle bustle of ' Guwal-Mandi ', Lahore During 1980's he chose the northern areas of Pakistan to be infused in the charismatic beauty with his son Saljook. He wrote twelve travelogues based on the Northern Areas of Pakistan. A lake in Fairy Meadows , a location of northern area of Pakistan has been named after Mustansar Hussain Tarar as , 'Tarar lake'.

He was a host of PTV's live morning transmission Subuh Bakhair (Urdu: صبح بخیر) (Good Morning),starting in January 1988 for many years. His unconventional and down-to-earth style of comparing earned him great popularity among people from all circles of life. He is one of the most recognized personality among children as he spent a big part of transmission time addressing exclusively children. He proclaimed himself Cha Cha Jee (Urdu: چاچا جی) (paternal uncle) of all Pakistani children and soon became known by this title. He often told on TV that even adults called him Cha Cha Jee in letters and in person.

Currently he writes a weekly column for Akhbar-e-Jehan, he also writes a fortnightly column for the English language daily "Dawn" and columns for an Urdu language daily Aaj Daily.

He is the author of more than 17 travelogs and many novels. His novel Raakh was nominated as one of the best in the history of sub-continent South-Asia. His books include:He is Currently written Colum In Daily Jinnah(Urdu Daily)

• Raisani ( Named on A British Award Winning Police Officer Mir Mohammad Ali Raisani )

• Andulus Mayn Ajnabi (اندلس میں اجنبی) (Stranger in Spain)

• Bahhao (بھا و) (Flow)

• Bay Izti Kharab (بے عزتی خراب) (Insulting dishonor) - This phrase is deliberately wrong and commonly used this way in local communities, thus the book name.

• Berfeeli Bulandiyan (برفیلی بلندیاں) (Snowy Heights)

• Carvan Sarai (کارواں سرایےؑ) (Caravan Motel)

• K-2 Kahani (کے ٹو کھانی) (K2 Story)

• CHIK CHUK (چک چک) (Remove the curtain)

• CHITRAL DASTAAN (چترال داستان) (Chitral Tale)

• Dais Huwaa Perdais (دیس ھٗوے پردیس) (Homeland becomes foreign land)

• Deyo Saai (دیوسا یی)

• Dakia aur Jolaha (ڈاکیا اور جولاھا) (Postman and cloth-maker)

• Gadhay Hamaray Bhai Hain (گدھے ھمارے بھایی ھیں) (Donkeys are our brothers)

• Ghar-e-Hira mien ek Raat (a night in cave Hira)

• Guzara Naheen Hota (گزارا نھی ھوتا) (Hard to get by)

• Gypsi (جپسی)

• Hazaron Hain Shikway (ھزاروں ھیں شکوے) (Have thousands of complaints)

• Hazaron Raastay (ھزاروں راستے) (Thousands of paths)

• Hunza Dastaan (ھنزھ داستان) (Hunza Tale)

• Kaalaash (کالاش)

• Khana Badosh (خانھ بدوش) (Gypsi)

• Moorat (مورت) (Idol)

• Mun Wal Kabbey Shariff (منھ ول کعبے شریف دے) (Face towards Qibla)

• Nanga Parbat (نانگاپربت) (named after the mountain)

• Nepal Nagri (نیپال نگری) (Land of Nepal)

• Niklay Teri Talash Main (نکلے تیری تلاش میں) (Out in your search)

• Pakhairoo (پکھیرو) (Birds)

• Parinday (پرندے) (Birds)

• Parwaz (پرواز) (Flight)

• Payar Ka Pehla Shehr (پیار کا پھلا شھر) (Love's first city)

• Putli Peking Ki (پتلی پیکنگ کی) (Monument from Peking)

• Qilaa Jangi (قلعھ جنگی) (Fortified war)

• Qurbat-e-Merg Main Mohabbat (قربت مرگ میں محبت) (Love in the vicinity of death)

• Raakh (راکھ) (Ash)

• Safar Shumal Kay (سفر شمال کے) (Travels of the north)

• Shamshaal Baimesaal (شمشھال بیمثال) (Extraordinary Shamshaal)

• Shehpar (شھپر) (Wings)

• Shuter Murgh Riasat (شتر مرغ ریاست) (Ostrich State)

• Snow Lake (سنو لیک)

• Sunehri Ullo Ka Shaher (سنھری الو کا شھر) (The city of golden owl)

• Yaak Saraey (یاک سرایے) (Yaak Inn)

He is also the author of many famous drama serials for PTV.

• Aik Haqeeqat Aik Afsana (One Reality, One Fiction)

• Hazaron Raastey (Thousands of Paths)

• Parinda (Bird)

• Shehpar

• Sooraj Ke Sath Sath (Along with Sun)

• Kelash (Name of a tribe)

Qamar Ali Abbasi, The Famous Urdu Travelogue Writer

Qamar Ali Abbasi

Qumar Ali Abbasi is a Pakistani journalist, broadcaster and writer. He was born In Amroha, India. At the age of nine he moved to Pakistan along with his parents. He got his early education in Murree Hills then he moved to Hyderabad, Sindh. He completed his higher education at the University of Sindh, receiving his B.A (Hons), M.A (Economics) and M.A (Urdu) from that institution. He currently resides with his wife in New York.

He joined the National College Karachi as Lecturer of Economics. He passed C.P.S.C and joined Radio Pakistan Lahore as Assistant director in 1966. He served Radio Pakistan for 32 years as a station director in Kuzdar, deputy controller and chief editor Ahang Pakistan Calling, controller, station director Radio Pakistan Karachi.

Travelogue of Turkey

After leaving Radio Pakistan he joined Jang publication as an editor of Info Line. In 1999, he moved to the United States and joined the weekly publication Awam as a chef editor.

He is currently working as a journalist.

He has written 18 children's books and 28 travelogues.

He received the prestigious All Pakistan Newspaper award for the best column in 1991 from Prime Minister of Pakistan.

He received pride of the Tamaga-i-Imtiaz in 2000 from the President of Pakistan.

He has received many awards from different association and countries for his contributions to the Urdu literature.

Travelogue of Bangla Desh

He has written many books for children and his travelogues have got a huge fame. His popular travelogues are mentioned below:

• Sehra Mai Sham (Travelogue of Maraco)

• Turkey Mai Abbasi (Travelogue of Turkey)

• Mauritius Mai Dhanak (Travelogue of Mauritius)

• Qartaba Qartaba (Travelogue of Spain)

• Dilli Door Hai (Travelogue of India)

• Shonar Bangla (Travelogue of Bangla Desh)

Naseem Hijazi; the Finest Urdu Historical Novelist

Naseem Hijazi

Sharīf Husain (Urdu: شریف حسین), more commonly by his pseudonym Nasīm Hijāzī (Urdu: نسیم حجازی, commonly transliterated as Naseem Hijazi, or Nasim Hijazi) (c. 1914- March 1996) was an Urdu writer who is well-known for his novels dealing with Islamic history. He was born at Wazirabad in Pre-Partition India in an Arain family and migrated to Pakistan after independence from the British Rule and subsequent partition of India in 1947. He lived most of his life in Pakistan and died in March 1996.

As a novel writer, Naseem Hijazi is regarded as one of the finest writers of Urdu language especially in the later 20th Century. Among his popular contemporaries were Ibn-e-Safi, Saadat Hasan Manto, and Shafiq-ur-Rehman, all having their particular line of literature.

Naseem Hijazi is known for his potent and romantic description of history. There are only two writers prior to Hijazi who wrote history novels in Urdu: Abdul Haleem Sharar and Sadiq Sardhunwi, but Hijazi's writing is most credible in terms of historic description and accuracy. He exercised extra care to back his study of history by thorough research and to cite his sources whenever possible. Hijazi creates his powerful expression by blending this study of history with fairytale romanticism. The story usually revolves around characters who were related to, and shown present at the actual historical event that he wishes to focus on.

Title cover of Aakhri Chitan

Naseem Hijazi's bases most of his work in Islamic history. In dealing with this history, he shows both the rise and fall of the Islamic Empire. His novels Muhammad Bin Qasim, Aakhri Ma'raka, Qaisar-o Kisra and Qafla-i Hijaz describe the era of Islam's rise to political, militaristic, economic, and educational power. While Yusuf Bin Tashfain, Shaheen, Kaleesa aur Aag, and Andheri Raat ke Musafir describe the period of Spanish Reconquista. In one of these novels (Kaleesa Aur Aag) he has painfully, yet truthfully, depicted the infamous Inquisition that began by targeting Jews and ended with the conversion or expulsion of the Moriscos or Muslims.

In Akhri Chataan, he describes the Central Asian conquests of Genghis Khan and his destruction of the Khwarizm Sultanate. The novel shows the brutal conquests of the Mongols, the military geniuses of Genghis Khan, the undying will power of Sultan Jalal ud-Din Khwarizm Shah, and the unworthy condition of the Abbassid Caliphate of Baghdad.

Introduction of Naseem Hijazi

He wrote two sequential novels on British conquest of India, and described the shortcomings of Indian nations after the collapse of Mughal Empire. The story, Mu'azzam Ali, starts a little before the Battle of Plassey. The lead character, Muazzam Ali joins the fight against the British with the army of Siraj ud-Daula. The story goes around as the character moves from one place in India to another in search of the lost glory and freedom. He takes part in the third battle of Panipat and finally settles in Srirangapattana that was growing in power under the towering personality of Haider Ali. The book ends almost around the death of Haider Ali. The second book, Aur Talwar Toot Gayee (And the Sword is Broken) is more about Haider's son Sultan Tipu where the same character is finding his dreams being fulfilled in Tipu's valiant endeavors against the British East India Company. The book culminates in the sad and untimely martyrdom of Sultan Tipu.

Title cover of Khak Aur Khoon

He also wrote a novel on the Independence of Pakistan named Khaak aur Khoon. Many believed that the novel was his own story.

This writer seems to have been inspired a lot by Allama Muhammad Iqbal's poetry. He tries, not very unlike Iqbal, to remind his readers of the lost glory of the Muslims and in a way inspire them to work with commitment to achieve lost glory in all walks of life. He portrays Islamic tolerance, the will to fight for the protection of the weak, and the love for arts and knowledge. His readers believe that he has best illustrated Allama Muhammad Iqbal's Islamic philosophical ideal of "khudi" in Urdu prose, where in a way he has justifiably imparted the message that is presented in Iqbal's "The Reconstruction of Religious Thought in Islam".

Naseem Hijazi has immensely influenced his readers both in and out of Pakistan. He has been one of the key sources of Islamic ideologies in Pakistan and helped build valour during the Soviet-Afghan War. Many Pakistani educated youngsters throughout 1950s till today are believed to have been emotionally and ideologically inspired by his writings. He enjoys a very large reader base even after his death.

Tilte cover of Daastan-e-Mujahid

Three of Naseem Hijazi's novels have been dramatized. Akhri Chataan and Shaheen were dramatized in 1980s and were televised on Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV) as independent drama serials. Akhri Chataan is considered to be the greatest historic attempt ever made by PTV. The theme songs composed for the serial and the character play of Sultan Jalal ud-Din by Salim Nasir earned high acclaim.

The Novel Khaak aur Khoon was dramatized into a movie with the same name and is one of few block buster movies that Lollywood or Lahore film industry has ever produced.

Title cover of Gum Shuda Qafilay

It is argued that many of his novels, if provided with the production facilities of Hollywood, will produce movies equal in grandeur to Ben-Hur, Braveheart and The Patriot. But due to the lack of required attention, a great work of literary art is untouched by the filming icons.

Novels/books by Naseem Hijazi

• Khaak aur Khoon (Dirt and Blood)
• Yousuf bin Tashfin
• Akhari Chattan (Volume-1) Online (The Last Rock)
• Akhari Chattan (Volume-2) Online (The Last Rock)
• Aakhari Marka (The Last Battle) (fiction)

• Andheri Raat Ke Musafir (Travelers of the Dark Night)

• Aur Talwar Toot Gai (Volume-1) (And the Sword was Broken)

• Aur Talwar Toot Gai (Volume-2) (And the Sword was Broken)
• Daastaan-e-Mujahid (Tale of the Fighter)
• Gumshuda Qaafley (The Lost Caravans)
• Insaan Aur Devta (The Human and the Deity
• Kaleesa Aur Aag (Church and Fire)
• Muhammad Bin Qasim
• Pakistan Se Diyare Haram Tak (travelogue)
• Pardesi Darakht (The Alien Tree) (fiction)
• Pouras Ke Hathi (Poras's Elephants) (comedy)
• Qafla-e-Hijaz (The Caravan of Hijaz)
• Qaisar-o-Kisra (Caesar and Kisra)
• Saqafat Ki Talaash (In Search of Culture) (comedy)
• Shaheen(Volume-1) (The Eagle)
• Shaheen(Volume-2) (The Eagle)
• So Saal Baad (After 100 Years) (comedy)
• Sufaid Jazeera (The White Island) (comedy)

Mumtaz Mufti; A big name of Urdu literature!

Mumtaz Mufti

Mumtaz Mufti SI (Urdu: ممتاز مفتی) (September 11, 1905 – October 27, 1995), was a distinguished writer from Pakistan.

Mumtaz Mufti was born in Batala, Punjab, (now in India). He was a son of Mufti Muhammad Hussain and his first wife Sughra Khannum. He became a civil servant under British rule and started career as a school teacher. Soon after partition, he migrated to Pakistan with his family.

Mumtaz Mufti started writing Urdu short stories while working as a school teacher before partition. In the beginning of his literary career, he was considered a non-conformist writer having liberal views, who appeared influenced by Freud. His transformation from Liberalism to Sufism was due to his inspiration from Qudrat Ullah Shahab. All the same, he did manage to retain his individual accent and wrote on subjects which were frowned upon by the conservative elements in society.

The title cover of Ali Pur Ka Aelee

The two phases of his life are witnessed by his autobiographies, Ali Pur Ka Aeeli and Alakh Nagri. According to forewords mentioned in his later autobiography, Ali Pur Ka Aeeli is an account of a lover who challenged the social taboos of his times, and Alakh Nagri is an account of an acolyte who greatly influenced by the mysticism of Qudrat Ullah Shahab. Beside these two books he has authored many other books. Some of them are mentioned here:

• An Kahi
• Chup
• Guria Ghar
• Ismaraeen
• Kahi Na Jai
• Labbaik
• Muftianey
• Nizam e Saqa
• Roughani Putlay
• Talash

Urdu Poets ( Ibn-e- Insha)

Ibn-e-Insha (Punjabi, Urdu: ابن انشاء) (b. 15 June, 1927 d. 11 January, 1978) was an eminent Pakistani Leftist Urdu poet, humorist, Travelogue writer and Columnist. Along with his poetry, he was regarded one of the best humorists of Urdu. His poetry has a distinctive diction laced with language reminiscent of Amir Khusro in its use of words and construction that is usually heard in the more earthy dialects of the Hindi-Urdu complex of languages, and his forms and poetic style is an influence on generations of young poets.
He was born on June 15, 1927 as Sher Muhammad Khan (شیر محمد خان) in Phillaur tehsil of Jalandhar District, Punjab, India. His father hailed from Rajasthan. He did B.A. from Punjab University in 1946 and M.A. from University of Karachi in 1953. He was associated with various governmental services including Radio Pakistan, Ministry of Culture and National Book Centre of Pakistan. He also served UN for some time and this enabled him to visit a lot of places and was the reason of his subsequent travelogues. Some of the places that he visited includes Japan, Philippines, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Afganistan, Iran, Turkey, France, UK and US. Insha got the mentors like, Habibullah Ghazanfer Amrohvi, Dr. Ghulam Mustafa Khan and Dr. Abdul Qayyum. Insha spent much of his time in Karachi. He died of Hodgkin's Lymphoma on January 11, 1978 in London and was buried in Karachi.