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)