Today, as we commemorate the birth of the iconic Urdu poetess Parveen Shakir, born on November 24, 1952, the nation remembers her remarkable contributions to literature, poetry, and the empowerment of women through words.
Known for her delicate yet powerful expressions of love, loss, and societal issues, Shakir’s poetry continues to resonate with generations of readers.
One of her most celebrated works, “Khushbu”, published in 1976, brought her instant fame. Her verses have a unique blend of tenderness and boldness, offering a fresh voice to the poetic landscape of Pakistan.
Born in Karachi, Shakir was a poet, teacher, civil servant, and linguist. She broke barriers in a male-dominated literary world, becoming one of the first women to make such a significant mark in Urdu poetry.
Alongside her literary accomplishments, Parveen Shakir also served as a bureaucrat, achieving prominence as a customs officer in Pakistan’s civil services, where she broke stereotypes about women in governance.
Her poetry often dealt with themes of love, feminine identity, and the emotional turbulence of life. Her work combined traditional ghazals with contemporary insights, and her use of metaphors, including fragrances (Khushboo), created a sensory experience for her readers.
Parveen Shakir’s legacy is one of revolutionizing Urdu poetry, creating a space for women to express their emotions, thoughts, and struggles openly. She may have passed away in 2004, but her words remain a vital part of our literary heritage.
