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As dawn breaks and the world stirs to life, Farhat Ishtiaq is already immersed in her work, seated at her desk surrounded by notes in the tranquil stillness of the early morning.
According to a report by Dawn News, these quiet hours, undisturbed by the demands of the day, are when her creativity flows most freely. “These are my best hours,” she shares. “It’s when I connect most deeply with my characters and allow their stories to unfold. Every character has a backstory and flaws, and I need to understand why they are the way they are.”
Ishtiaq’s journey into writing began in a childhood filled with rich experiences and a love for literature. Spending her early years in Tokyo, where her father worked for PIA, she found inspiration in snowy nights, gazing at the stars and crafting stories. “Storytelling was always there,” she says, a talent she nurtured after returning to Pakistan, where she grew up in a home filled with books and a family that encouraged her passion for reading.
Beyond writing, Ishtiaq draws inspiration from diverse shows and films from around the globe. “I watch a lot of international content – Korean, Turkish, Egyptian – anything that resonates with human emotions, exploring relationships, struggles, and triumphs.” This exposure enriches her storytelling and fuels her ability to create narratives that resonate deeply with audiences.
Although she pursued a degree in civil engineering, her career trajectory changed during a break from her studies when she wrote a short story. Its publication marked the beginning of her writing journey, even as she balanced her job as a civil engineer. Seeing her work in print encouraged her to write regularly for digests, known for their wide and loyal readership. Her serialized stories quickly gained immense popularity and were later compiled into bestselling novels.
It was the unprecedented success of Humsafar that prompted Ishtiaq to leave her engineering career and dedicate herself to writing full-time. “I have a degree in civil engineering and had a stable job, but storytelling is my true calling,” she reflects. With a legacy of hit dramas like Humsafar, Udaari, and her recent blockbuster Kabhi Mein Kabhi Tum, Farhat Ishtiaq has solidified her place as one of Pakistan’s most beloved screenwriters.
