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. 

Paigham Aafaqi; a Renowned Urdu Poet, Novelist and Short Story Writer

Paigham Aafaqi

Paig̲h̲ām Āfāqī ('آفاقى، پيغام or پيغام آفاقى), also written Paigham Afaqi pr Paigham Afaqui ' is the literary name of Akhtar Ali Farooquee , an Indian writer, known particular for his Urdu novels and short stories.

Paigham Afaqui was born in 1956 in Chanp village of Siwan district in Bihar in a farmer’s family. He did his schooling from his home town and did his B.A. Hons (English Literature) and M.A. History from the Aligarh Muslim University. He appeared in IAS examination in 1976 and worked in various important capacities in the Delhi Police and also as Principal of the Police Training College.

While in school some of his poems were published in newspapers and periodicals. While in university his short stories and poems were published in Aahang, tehrik, Aajkal and other literary magazines. He was also Secretary, Literary Society of Aligarh Muslim University in 1975-76 and played significant role in boosting fiction writing among students. A remarkable number of writers like Ghazanfer, Syed Mohd Ashraf, Tariq Chhatari, Ibne Kanwal, Ghyasur Rehman and poets like Farhat Ehsas, Obeid siddiqui, Mehtab Naqvi belong to this period. Most of them were either directly or indirectly influenced by senior writers Qazi Abdus Sattar and Shahryar. Paigham Afaqui has been a student of renowned historian Irfan Habib.

Paigham Aafaqi

Paigham Afaqui's name as a writer came in eminence after publication of his novel Makaan in 1989 which was widely reviewed in Urdu and English. His two other books: 'Mafia', a collection of short stories and 'Darinda': a collection of poems were also acclaimed.

A single novel MAKAAN made Paigham Afaqui the most celebrated fiction writer in India. 'Cop's novel makes waves' - reported The Hindustan Times. No Urdu novel ever created such a tremor in literary & intellectual circles alike. This novel re-generated fiction writing not only in Urdu but in English as well - no novelist, including the... much acclaimed English writers like Vikram Seth and Arundhati Roy or the Gyan Peeth Winner Quratul Ain Haider ever commanded such wide respect in media and intelligentsia and was ever given such a coverage by national press surpassing all differences and doubts. There was not a single national newspapers which remained behind in celebrating the emergence of a literary genius. Even much before the novel was translated in English & Hindi it was already a highly respected novel. MAKAAN made Paigham Afaqui to Delhi what Albert Camus had been to France and Kafka had been to Germany. This novel finished the era of 'jadidiat' in Urdu fiction and turned Urdu novel into a tool of creative thinking rather than flat narrative of the earlier era. thus raising the level of Urdu fiction to unprecedented height of originality and creative excellence.

Paigham Aafaqi

For a job he appeared in the Union Public Service Commission and qualified for all the services but being underage he was offered police service. He was posted in Andaman & Nicobar Islands where he remained at various places for four years. Since 1984 he is in Delhi Police where he has served in the fields of district police administration, airport security, public safety, police training, anti-corruption and crime investigation.

While in the university he published short stories in literary magazines like Aahang, Aajkal, Tehrik. In the university he was Secretary of University Literary Club, AMU, Aligarh. In 1989 he published his first major novel Makan. In 1990 he founded Indian Academy of Fiction. In 1994 he was involved in the making of a TV serial in which he familiarized himself in film making and made many other TV programs. He gives talks on film making to the students of Mass Media in Jawaharlal Nehru University. In 1996 he developed software for writing scripts and founded Screenplay House.

Paigham Aafaqi

In 1994-95 he was Secretary, Crescent Education Society that runs a number of schools in Delhi. In 1997 he was Vice-President of AMU Old Boy’s Association, Delhi. During this period he also wrote a variety of philosophical books and articles of literary and social nature. He has been reading short stories on All Indian Radio and participating in its discussion. He has been usually appearing in literary programs of Bazm and Kahkashan on National Tele-vision.

His novel Makan is considered a beacon in the present scenario of Urdu fiction. Besides Makan, his major achievement is a literary movement for revival of contemporariness and nativity In Urdu novel and fiction. He is on the panel of directors of IGNOU for making programs for Mass Education.

He is considered one of the most eminent writers and poets in modern Urdu and has contributed it as a trendsetter.

Paleeta by Paigham Aafaqi

He has been prominently profiled and interviewed by |English national dailies and journals like Hindustan Times, Times of India, Pioneer, National Herald, Patriot, Tribune, Mid-Day and Link and numerous Hindi and Urdu dailies and journals. He has delivered talks in JNU on Film making as regular panelist, and makes regular appearance on TV channels: DD-1, DD-2, E-TV, Jain TV, City-TV etc.

Paigham Aafaqi has worked on varioue designations; such as:

• Secretary, University Literary Club, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 1975-76

• Chairman;Fiction Academy, Delhi, involved in the study of quality and utility of film,TV and written fiction and its impact on society.

He has won various awards such as:

• Firoz Gandhi Memorial Award

• Urdu Academy, UP First Award for Book

• Urdu Academy, Govt. of Delhi : Award For Contribution to Fiction

• Millennium Award for Fiction : Jamia Urdu, Aligarh

He has written the following books;

• Novel MAKAAN

• Novel PALEETA

• Short Stories MAFIA

• Poetry DARINDA

Satyapal Anand; a Renowned Urdu Poet, Novelist and Short Story writer

Satyapal Anand

Satyapal Anand (Urdu: ستیا پال آنند) born on April 24, 1931, is a poet, critic and writer from India. He has written several fictional and poetry books in four languages: English, Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi. He has also received awards for his literary work.

Anand was born April 24, 1931 in Kot Sarang, Chakwal district, now in Pakistan. He finished his primary education there and attended secondary school in Rawalpindi in 1947. After the partition of India, his family moved to Ludhiana in East Punjab, where he received his college education, earning a Masters in English from the Punjab University in Chandigarh with academic distinction. Later, he earned his first doctoral degree in English Literature with a thesis titled "Changing concept of the nature of reality and literary techniques of expression." He earned his second doctoral degree in Philosophy from the Trinity University, Texas.

Satyapal Anand in a Ceremony

Anand married Promila Anand in November 1957 and the couple had two sons (Pramod and Sachin) and a daughter (Daisy).

Anand has spent most of his life in teaching graduate and post-graduate students in universities around the globe. Starting with the Punjab University in Chandigarh in 1961, he has held teaching positions at other universities, including the University of District of Columbia (UDC) in Washington, DC. He has also been a visiting professor at South Eastern University in Washington, D.C., University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada, and Open University in England. From 1992-95 he was on special assignment as a Professor of Education in the Department of Technical Education, Saudi Arabia. He has availed many invitations in his professorship life,having nickname "Air Port Professor" by his pupils and friends. He visited several countries including U.K, Germany, Turkey, Denmark, Norway and North America.

Thus Spake the Fish, Poem by Satyapal

Anand's writing career started in the early 50s when in a span of just two years he published a poetry collection, a collection of stories, and novels, all in Urdu. He had his brush with authorities when the Government of Punjab, India banned his Hindi novel "Chowk Ghanta Ghar" in 1957 and ordered his arrest. His first book of short stories was published in 1953, when he was a 22 year young student. He has been highly praised by the Urdu writers and poets for his best literary work in Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi and English. He mostly writes poems rather than ghazals. His poems are based on history, mythology or mixed culture of the West and the East. 

Anand's English poem "Thus Spake The Fish" has qualified for the award in an international competion by UN sponsored committee for "Earth Preservation Day Celebration."

Sunset Strands by SatyaPal

Satyapal Anand was awarded with many prestigious awards like;

• Nehru Fellowship Award for his book Promises to Keep; Ahmad Adaya

• Urdu Markaz Award, Los Angeles

• Shiromani Sahityakar Award by the Government of Punjab, India

He has written more than a dozen books. A list of is aothored books is given below

Short stories:

• Jeeney Key Liye

• Apney Markaz Ki Taraf

• Dil Ki Basti

• Apni Apni Zanjeer

• Patthar Ki Saleeb

Novels:

• Aahat

• Chowk Ghanta Ghar

• Ishq Maut Aur Zindagi

• Shehr Ka Ek Din

A Vagrant Mirror by Satyapal

Urdu poetry:

• Dast e Barg

• Waqt La Waqt

• Aaney Wali Sahar Band Khirki Hai

• Lahu Bolta Hai

• Mustaqbil aa Mujh Se Mil

• Aakhri Chattan Tak

• Mujhay Kar Vida

• Mere Andar Ek Samandar

• Meri Muntakhab Nazmen

• Byaz e Umr

Books in Hindi:

• Yug Ki Awaz

• Painter Bawrie

• Azadi Ki Pukar, Bhoori

• Dil Ki Basti

• Chowk Ghanta Ghar

• Geet Aur Ghazles

• Ghazlon Ka Guldasta

The Dream Weaver by Satyapal

In Punjabi:

• Saver Dopeher Shaam

• Makhu Mittha

• Ghazal Ghazal Darya

• Ghazal Ghazal Sagar

• Ghazal Ghazal Leher

• Rajneetak Chetana Ate Sutantarta Sangraam

In English:

• The Dream Weaver

• A Vagrant Mirror

• One Hundred Buddhas

• If Winter Comes

• Sunset Strands

• Some shallow, some deep

• Life's a tale

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

Mansha Yad Passes Away; a Great Loss For Urdu Adab

Late Mansha Yad

ISLAMABAD: Mansha Yad, a well-known novel and drama writer died of heart attack here on Saturday at the age of 76, Geo News reported.

Mansha suffered a heart attack this evening and breathed his last while he was being taken to a hospital.

Born on September 5, 1937 in a village near Hafizabad, Mansha Yad whose real name was Muhammad Mansha, came out with his first novel in 1955 while his first collection of novels was published in 1975.

The writer was conferred the coveted President's Pride of Performance Award in 2004 in recognition of his services rendered in the field of art and literature. Mansha Yad also won a number of other awards.

The funeral prayer of the deceased will be offered upon return of his son from abroad.

Mansha during the course of his career authored many unforgettable plays out of which Bandhan, Junoon and Rahain earned a country-wide acclamation.

He has been survived by a widow, three sons and a daughter.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilanion expressed grief and sorrow over the death of the prominent literary figure.

Mansha Yad Passes Away

The President in his condolence message conveyed his heartfelt condolences and sincere sympathies to the members of the bereaved family and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul.

The Prime Minister in his message sent his condolences to the members of the members of Mansha Yad and prayed for Eisal-e-Sawab of the departed soul.

Acknowledging the invaluable contribution of late Mansha Yadin the field of literature, the President said he would be long remembered for his writings.

Mansha Yad's publications:

Band Muthi Mein Jugnu (Glow Worm In The Fist)1975

Mas Aur Mitti (Flesh and Clay)-1980

Khala Andar Khala (Space Within Space)-1983

Waqat Samundar (Time The Ocean)-1986

Wagda Pani (Running Water)-Punjabi-1987 (Awarded)

Darakhat Aadmi (Tree The Man)-1990

Door Ki Awaz (A Distant Voice)-1994

Tamasha (The Show)-1998

Khawb Saraiy (The Lodge of Dreams).2005

Awards:

Waris Shah Adabi Award of Pakistan Academy of Letters for Punjabi Short Stories (Wagda Pani)-1987.

Waris Shah Adabi Award of Pakistan Academy of Letters on Punjabi Novel “Tanwan Tanwan Tara”-1997.

Masood Khaddar Posh Awards on Punjabi Novel (Lahore-1997).

Naqoosh Adabi award on Short Story “Taj Mahal Ki Sair (Replica)”-1989.

Award of Mian Mohammed Bakhash Academy for Literary services.& Potohar Millennium Award 2000 for Drama writing by Umang Theatre Pakistan.

Presidential Award Pride of Performance for Fiction writing 2005.

Muslim Saleem; a Talented Urdu Poet and Short Story Writer

Muslim Saleem

Muslim Saleem (Urdu: مسلم سلیم ) is an Urdu poet and journalist. Muslim Saleem was born in 1950 at Shahabad, Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh India, brought up in Aligarh, and educated at Aligarh Muslim University. He is the son of the well-known Urdu poet Saleem Wahid Saleem. He has lived in Bhopal, India since 1979. 

He began his career as a journalist on the Urdu-language newspaper Aftab-e-Jadeed. He has also worked in Hindi-language and English-language journalism, most recently as the chief copy editor of the Hindustan Times in Bhopal. 

He is the author of Aamad Aamad, a compilation of his poetry.

Several of his couplets are well known in the Urdu language. He won the Yaad-e-Basit Tarhi Mushaira, a poetry competition, in 1982. His ghazals and short stories have been published in Urdu-language publications Shair, Ahang, Asri, Adab, Agai, Naya Daur, Sada-e-Urdu, Nadeem and other periodicals and magazines.

Muslim Saleem is currently compiling a massive database of poets and writers of the Urdu language, both historic and currently active. His work in service of the Urdu language was recognized in a special 2011 edition of the periodical Abadi Kiran, devoted to his work.

Muhammad Aasim Butt; a Renowned Urdu Novelist and Short Story Writer

Muhammad Asim Butt (Urdu: محمد عاصم بٹ) is an Urdu novelist, short story writer, translator, researcher, editor, critic and journalist.

He has published one novel and two collections of short stories along with a number of books translated from English into Urdu and vice versa.

Butt also writes in English and has published Qissah Chahaar Darvaish (retelling of a classical tale of four saints in English).

Muhammad Asim Butt obtained a master's degree in philosophy from Government College University, Lahore, Pakistan. 

He started his career as a journalist but soon shifted to the development sector as human rights activist.

Most recently, he is working with Pakistan Academy of Letters, Govt. of Pakistan as Editor of quarterly Adabiyaat, a reputed literary magazine. He lives in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Muhammad Aasim Butt's work can be categorized into various genres of Urdu literature. Following is the detail of his work.

Fiction

• Ishtihaar Aadami (short stories) 1998

• Daira (novel),2001

• Dastak (short stories), 2010

• Kabhi Na Khatm Hoanay Wali Kahaani (novel)

Translations

English to Urdu

• So Azeem Aadami (by Michael Hart), 1992

• Muhabbat Key Khatoot (by Khalil Gibran), 1993.

• Kafka Kahanian (by Franz Kafka), 1994.

• Mukhtasar Tareekh-e-Alam (by H G Wells), 1995.

• Marco Polo Ka Safarnama (by Marco Polo), 1999.

• Muhammad (by Karen Armstrong), 2002.

• Toahamat ki Dunya (by Carl Sagan), 2003.

• Jarey Key Phool (Japanese stories) 2003.

• Sarif Nama (introduction of consumer rights) 2004.

Urdu to English

• Tale of Four Saints (Retelling of Persian classic tale ‘Qissah Chahaar Darvaish’ into English)

Research/Criticism

• Doosra Aadami (interviews)1993

• Pakistan Sal Ba Sal, 1999

• Abdullah Hussein: Shakhsiat Aur Fun, 2009

• Democracy, 2010

• Insaani Haqooq aur Urdu Sahaafat, 2005

Butt's literature has been the subject of Master's level research in the Urdu language department of the National University of Modern Languages (NUML), Islamabad in 2008 and M.Phil's level research at Punjab University, Lahore in 2011 and International Islamic University, Islamabad in 2011.

Jazib Qureshi; a Prominent Urdu Poet

Jazib Qureshi (Urdu: جاذب قریشی) (born August 3, 1940) is a prominent Urdu poet from Pakistan.

Jazib Qureshi's family originated from Lucknow in India. He was born in Calcutta where his father Mohammad Afzal Sheikh worked in the government printing press. 

At birth Jazib Qureshi was named Mohammad Sabir. His mother, Mahmoodah Khanum, came from a family of soldiers who served the Mughals. Jazib Qureshi’s father died of throat cancer when Qureshi was five years old. After his father’s death, Jazib Qureshi’s household consisting of his mother, her three sons (including Jazib Qureshi) and his three cousins, Mohammad Ahmad (from a deceased maternal aunt), and Tahira and Ayesha (from another deceases maternal aunt), faced tremendous financial hardship.

Jazib Qureshi and his younger brother Mohammad Shakir were taken out of school when Qureshi was still in class II and made to work at a foundry. In Lucknow, Jazib Qureshi used to go to mushairas with his poet cousin Shamim Lukhnawi. It was there that Jazib Qureshi showed an inclination towards writing Urdu poetry. 

The family moved to Lahore in 1950, where Jazib Qureshi started studying privately when his financial conditions improved. During that time Qureshi wrote poetry and short stories, and attended meetings of 'Halq Arbab e Zaug'; those programs were frequented by Manto, A Hameed, Mukhtar Siddiqui and Ibadat Barelvi. Meanwhile Jazib Qureshi's family moved away from Lahore while he remained in there, living with his uncle.

For some time Jazib Qureshi served as the secretary of 'Mukhliseen e Adab', a literary group initiated by Farogh Lakhnavi. Meetings of that group were regularly held behind the Anarkali Bazaar.

In 1962 Jazib Qureshi moved to Karachi where he got married a year later. In Karachi he worked with a number of literary magazines: "Naqsh" by Shams Zuberi, "Nigarish" by Nasir Mahmood, "Saat Rung" by Athar Siddiqui, and "NamakDan" by Tufail Ahmad Jamali. Qureshi started teaching in a primary school in 1964. He remained associated with a literary group called "Arbab e Qalam" till he joined the University of Karachi in 1967 to work on his Master's degree.

After completing his education from the University of Karachi, Qureshi decided to make a commercial film. It took him six years to complete "Pathar kay Sanam", a movie that flopped and left Qureshi in a bad financial state. He returned to writing poetry and teaching. For a short while he worked as the editor of "KaInat", a literary magazine founded by famous Pakistani artist Azar Zubi. 

Qureshi also wrote columns for the weekly "Nusrat." These days Jazib Qureshi spends most of his time writing poetry and critique. He regularly attends mushiras (poetry sessions) in Pakistan and overseas.

He has authored many books which earned him a great fame in Urdu reading circles and a wide readership across the borders. Some of his books are mentioned below;

• Takhleeqi Awaz تخلیقی آواز

• Ankh aur Charagh آنکھ اور چراغ

• Shairee aur Tehzeeb شاعری اور تہذیب

• Doosray Kinaray Tuk دوسرے کنارے تک

• Meri TehreeraiN میری تحریریں

• Mein nay Yeh Jana میں نے یہ جانا

• Pehchan پہچان

• Neend ka Reshum نیند کا ریشم

• Sheeshay ka Darakht شیشے کا درخت

• Ashoab e JaN آشوب جاں

• Ujlee AwazaiN اجلی آوازیں

• Shakasta Uks شکستہ عکس

• Shanasaii شناسائی

• Jhernay جھرنے

• AqeedataiN عقیدتیں

• Mujhay Yad Haiمجھے یاد ہے

• Naat kay Jadeed Rung نعت کے جدید رنگ

• Meri Shairee Meri Musavari میری شاعری، میری مصوری

Sajjad Zaheer; a Renowned Urdu Writer, Novelist and Short Story Writer

Sajjad Zaheer

Syed Sajjad Zaheer ( November 5, 1905 – September 13, 1973) was a renowned Urdu writer, Marxist thinker and revolutionary.

SYED SAJJAD ZAHEER famously known as Bannay Mian was born in Lukhnow, the former state of Oudh on November 5, 1905. 

He was one of the four sons of Sir Syed Wazir Hasan, former Chief Justice of the Oudh Chief Court. Following into his father's footsteps he studied law at Oxford and became a barrister. 

His brother Syed Ali Zaheer is India's Ambassador to Iran.

Sajjad and Faiz

He was one of the founding members of the Communist Party of India and later in 1948, the Communist Party of Pakistan, along with Faiz Ahmad Faiz. Both were later jailed in Rawalpindi Conspiracy Case along with Mohammad Husain Ata, Zafarullah Poshni and others. Major General Akbar Khan was allegedly the main conspirator. He was extradited to India in 1954 and revived his activities in that country through Progressive Writers' Association, Indian People's Theatre Association (IPTA) and Afro-Asian Writers' Association. Sajjad Zaheer was also a founder and leading figure of the three associations. 

2005 was observed as his birth centenary year.

A collection of short stories, Angaray, which had stories by Sajjad Zaheer, Ahmed Ali, Rashid Khan and Mahmud-uz-Zafar was published in 1932 and was immediately banned in India by the British Government in 1933, "for hurting the religious susceptibilities of a section of the community." This gave rise to the All-India Progressive Writers' Movement & Association of which both Sajjad Zaheer and Ahmed Ali were co-founders. The first official conference of the Association was held in Lucknow in 1936 which was presided over by Munshi Premchand.

A book on Sajjad

His wife Razia Sajjad Zaheer, was an Urdu short story writer and novelist and they had four daughters. The eldest daughter, Najma Zaheer is a Prof. Emiretus of Biochemistry at JNU and is an expert in Diabetes. Second daughter, Naseem Bhatia, is an academic. Third daughter, Nadira Zaheer is probably the leading theatre artist in India and married to the Bollywood star-turned politician Raj Babbar. Arya Babbar and Juhi Babbar are his two grandchildren from Nadira Zaheer. The youngest daughter, Noor Zaheer is a trained Kathak dancer and author of the best seller - My God is a Woman.

Sajjad Zaheer died on 13 September, 1973, at the age of 68, while attending a conference of Afro Asian writers at Alma Ata, Kazakhistan (then one of the republics of USSR).

Novel by Sajjad

He contributed four books for Urdu literature which are;

• London Ki Ek Raat- a novel.

• Roshnai, a collection of essays on progressive writing and the progressive writers movement.

• Zikre Hafiz, his research based book on Persian poet Hafez.

• Pigalhta Nilam, his last book,a collection of his poetry.

Besides these foure books he translated four books into Urdu which are;

• Othello

• Candide

• Gora (Rabindranath Tagore)

• The Prophet (Khalil Gibran)

Dr. Rasheed Amjad; a Prominent Urdu Fiction Writer

Dr. Rasheed Amjad

Rasheed Amjad (Urdu: ڈاکٹر رشید امجد) is a prominent Urdu fiction writer, critic and scholar. He was born on March 5, 1940 in Srinagar, Indian state of Kashmir but migrated to Pakistan during partition and now lives in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. He is currently heading the Department of Urdu at National University of Modern Languages, Islamabad.

Rasheed Amjad started writing short stories after 1960 and shortly came into main stream. Initially he portrayed real life in his works then got cognize as a symbolic writer. Beside teaching, research and criticism he continued writing short stories. He has received many awards from Pakistan and India. He is also editor of literary Urdu research magazines Daryaft and Takhilqui adab.

Awards and recognition:

• Pride of Performance, 2006, Govt. of Pakistan

• Star Laureate, 2006, South Asia Publications

• Best Teacher Award, 2005, Higher Education Commission, Govt. of Pakistan

• Mian Muhammad Buksh Award, 2004, Mian Muhammad Bukhsh Academy, Pakistan

• Award of Excellence, 2002, Writers & Educationists Club, Pakistan

• Nuqoosh Award, 1994-5, Idara Nuqoosh

• Best Teacher Award, 1982, F.G. Educational Institution, Directorate, GHQ, Govt. of Pakistan

• Role of Honour for old students, Gordon College, Rawalpindi

• Life Member, Pakistan Academy of Letters

Acknowledgements:

Following theses have been written to acknowledge the work of Dr. Rasheed Amjad.

• Rasheed Amjad Behasiat Afsana Nigar, M.A. Urdu Thesis, Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan, 1982

• Rasheed Amjad Kay Afsanon Ka Tekniki Mutala, M.A. Urdu Thesis, Bahauddin Zakariya University, 1988

• Rasheed Amjad Kay Afsanon Main Murshid Ka Kirdar, M.A. Urdu Thesis, Punjab University, Lahore, 2006

• Rasheed Amjad Kay Afsanoan Main Mabadattabiati Anasir, M.A. Thesis, G.C. University, Faisalabad, 2006

• Rasheed Amjad Kay Afsanon Ka Fanni o Fikri Mutala, M.Phil Thesis, AIOU, Islamabad, 2003

• Rasheed Amjad Ki Adbi Khidmaat, Ph.D Thesis, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India, 2009

• Rasheed Amjad ki ghair afsanwi nasar, M.Phil Thesis, G.C. University, Faisalabad, 2009

• Rasheed Amjad kay afsanun mai begangiat, M.A. Thesis G.C. University, Faisalabad, 2009

• Sepehar ki khizan ka jaiza, M.A. Thesis , University of Peshawar, Peshawar, 2009

• Tmanna baitab ka tehqiqi wa tanqidi jaiza, M.A. Thesis Islamia University, Bahawalpur. 2008

• Urdu ki teen aab betioun ka tehqiqi wa tanqidi mutal, M.Phil Thesis, Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan, 2005

Books:

A) Short stories

• Tamanna Betaab, Harf Academy, Rawalpindi, 2001–2003

• Kaghaz Ki Faseel, Dastawez Matbooat, Lahore, 1993

• Bezaar Adam Kay Baitay, Dastawez Publishers, Rawalpindi, 1974

• Rait Per Grift, Nadeem Publications, Rawalpindi, 1978

• Sehpehr Ki Khizan, Dastawez Publishers, Rawalpindi, 1980

• Pat Jhar Main Khudkalami, Asbaat Publications, Rawalpindi, 1984

• Bhagay Hay Biaban Mujhsay, Maqbool Academy, Lahore, 1988

• Dasht-e-Nazar Say Aagay, Maqbool Academy, Lahore, 1991

• Aks-e-Bay Khayal, Dastawez Matbooat, Lahore, 1993

• Dasht-e-Khwab, Maqbool Academy, Lahore, 1993

• Gumshuda Awaz Ki Dastak, Feroze Sons, Lahore, 1996

• Sat Rangay Prinday Kay Taaqub Main, Harf Academy, Rawalpindi, 2002

• Aik Aam Admi Ka Khwab, Harf Academy, Rawalpindi, 2006

• Aam Admi Kay Khwab, Poorab Academy, Islamabad, 2007

B) Research, Criticism and Editing

• Naya Adab, Tameer-e-Millat Publishers, Mandi Bahauddin, 1969

• Rawayyay Aur Shanakhtain, Maqbool Academy, Lahore, 1988

• Yaft-o-Daryaft, Maqbool Academy, Lahore, 1989

• Shairi Ki Siyasi-o-Fikri Riwayat, Dastawez Matbooat, Lahore, 1993

• Meerajee – Shakhsiat Aur Fan, Maghrabi Pakistan Academy, 1995

• Pakistani Adab Kay Memar (Meerajee), Pakistan Academy of Letters, Islamabad, 2006

• Pakistani Adab (6 Volume), F.G. Sir Syed College, Rawalpindi, 1980–1984

• Iqbal Fikr-o-Fan, Nadeem Publications, Rawalpindi, 1984

• Taleem Ki Nazriati Asas, Nadeem Publications, Rawalpindi, 1984

• Mirza Adeeb – Shakhsiat-o-Fan, Maqbool Academy, Lahore, 1991

• Pakistani Adab (Prose) 1990, Pakistan Academy of Letters, Islamabad, 1991

• Pakistani Adab (Prose & Fiction) 1991, Pakistan Academy of Letters, Islamabad, 1992

• Pakistani Adab (Prose & Fiction) 1994, Pakistan Academy of Letters, Islamabad, 1995

• Muzahmati Adab Urdu (1977–1985), Pakistan Academy of Letters, Islamabad

• Muzahmati Adab Urdu (1998–2008), Pakistan Academy of Letters, Islamabad, 2009

• Pakistani Adab (Afsana), (1947–2008), Pakistan Academy of Letters, Islamabad, 2009

• Pakistani Adab (Poetry), (1947–2008), Pakistan Academy of Letters, Islamabad, 2009

• Pakistani Adab (Rawaye aur Rujhanat) Poorab Academy, Islamabad, 2009

Journals edited

• Dastawez, Dastawez Publications, Rawalpindi

• Iqra, Federal Govt. Educational Directorate, GHQ, Rawalpindi

• Daryaft, National University of Modern Languages, Islamabad

• Takhliqi Adab, National University of Modern Languages, Islamabad

Naiyer Masud; a Famous Urdu Short Story Writer

Naiyer Masud

Naiyer Masud is one of the foremost short story writers in Urdu. He was born in Lucknow in 1936 and has spent nearly all his life there, working until his retirement as a Professor of Persian in Lucknow University. He is the author of many scholarly books and translations (notably of Kafka), but is best regarded for his short stories, translated into English by M.U. Memon in the volumes The Snake Catcher and Essence of Camphor. 

For the short story collection Taoos Chaman Ki Myna, he was awarded the 2001 Urdu prize of the Sahitya Akademi and the Saraswati Samman in 2007, and also received the honor of being the subject of the 1997 entire issue of the Annual of Urdu Studies. He is the son of Syed Hasan Masud Rizvi Adeeb, also a Lucknow University Professor of Persian and a famed scholar of dastaan, and the brother of the noted satirist Azhar Masud.

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