Ahmad Faraz, whose real name was Syed Ahmad Shah, was one of the most celebrated modern Urdu poets. Known for his romantic, lyrical and resistance poetry, he gave the traditional ghazal a distinctive contemporary voice. He studied Urdu and Persian literature and began his career as a scriptwriter and producer with Radio Pakistan before becoming a lecturer at Peshawar University. He later held several important positions in Pakistan’s literary and cultural institutions, including the Pakistan Academy of Letters and National Book Foundation. His outspoken criticism of military rule also led to his arrest and years of self-exile. His poetry continues to be widely read and admired across South Asia.
Notable Works:
Tanha Tanha
Dard-e-Aashob
Janan Janan
Shab Khoon
Mere Khwab Reza Reza
Nayaft
Pas-e-Andaz Mausam
Khwab-e-Gul Pareshan Hai
