Ishrat Afreen is a prominent Pakistani-American Urdu poet, feminist writer and educator known for her socially conscious and progressive poetry. Born in Karachi in 1956, she began writing poetry at an early age and was first published in the Daily Jang at the age of 14. She later became associated with Urdu literary magazines and worked as an assistant editor for Awaaz, edited by poet Fahmida Riaz. Her poetry explores women’s identity, freedom, social inequality, love and the experiences of women in a patriarchal society. Her work has been translated into several languages, including English, Japanese, Hindi and Sanskrit. She has also taught Urdu and continues to participate in literary events, workshops and mushairas internationally.
Notable Works:
Kunj Peeleh Poolon Ka (1985)
Dhoop Apne Hisse Ki (2005)
We Sinful Women — featured poet
Beyond Belief: Contemporary Feminist Urdu Poetry — featured poet
Ishrat Afreen Ki Shayari
