The 94th birth anniversary of renowned poet Ahmad Faraz was observed on Sunday (today).
Born on January 12, 1931, in Kohat as Syed Ahmad Shah, he started writing poetry with the name of Ahmad Shah Kohati but later adopted the name Ahmad Faraz with the advice of the legendary Faiz Ahmed Faiz.
He completed his master’s degrees in Urdu and Persian at the University of Peshawar and began his literary career with the publication of his first poetry collection, Tanha Tanha, while still a student.
Faraz’s poetry is renowned for its emotional depth and lyrical beauty, often exploring themes of love, loss, and social justice. His works include notable collections such as Pas Andaaz Mausam, Khuwab Gul Pareshaan Hai, and Janan, reflecting his evolution from romanticism to a more progressive stance influenced by the Progressive Writers’ Movement.
Throughout his life, Faraz faced political oppression, including imprisonment for his critical verses against the military regime of Zia-ul-Haq, which led to a six-year self-imposed exile during the 1980s. Despite these challenges, he remained a pivotal figure in Urdu literature until his passing on August 25, 2008.
His legacy continues to resonate with readers across generations, making him a beloved icon in the literary world
Ahmed Faraz is ranked among the greatest Urdu poets of the current era because of his elegant yet simple poetry.
He was conferred numerous awards, including the Adam Jee Literary Award, Sitara-e-Imtiaz, and Hilal-e-Imtiaz, by the government of Pakistan in recognition of his literary contributions to the Urdu language.
Ahmad Faraz passed away on August 25, 2008, and was buried in Islamabad.
