There was a time when writers and poets had popularity among people. Many Pakistani writers influenced and inspired various youngsters during that era. Ashfaq Ahmed was one of them and he has done some great writing during his era. He was a writer, playwright, and broadcaster from Pakistan.
He was a well-known Urdu writer of his generation, he has written several Urdu novels, short stories, and plays for television and radio in Pakistan.
His influence in Urdu writing and spreading the love for language undoubtedly touched every Pakistani. There’s no one out there who missed out on listening to his talks or reading his work.
Early Life:
Ashfaq Ahmed was born on August 22, 1925, in Muktsar, Punjab, British India (now Pakistan). He received his early education in his hometown and later earned a master’s degree in Urdu literature from Government College, Lahore.
He was proficient in languages, traveled a lot throughout his life, and can speak Punjabi, Urdu, English, Italian, and French.
His love for the language was hinted at in his writing and from the early stage his passion for writing developed.
Personal Life:
Ashfaq Ahmed was married to Bano Qudsia, who was also a well-known writer. They had a loving and supportive relationship and were considered one of the most celebrated literary couples in Pakistan. They had three children together and remained married until Ashfaq Ahmed died in 2004.
Career
As a young boy, he wrote several short stories and published them in Phool (Flower), a magazine for children. Ashfaq Ahmed had a deep passion for writing since his youth.
He started writing stories and articles while still in college and went on to become a prolific writer in Urdu literature, producing a wide range of work including novels, short stories, plays, and essays throughout his career.
He further joined Radio Pakistan as a scriptwriter, later he was also made the Editor of the popular Urdu weekly, Lail-o-Nahar [Day and Night].
In 1962, he started his Radio program, Talqeen Shah (The Preacher) which made him popular among the villagers, and even now some do listen to him.
Ashfaq Ahmed was also appointed as the director of the Markazi Urdu Board in 1966 and later renamed as Urdu Science Board. He held this particular position for 29 years.
During Zia-ul-Haq’s regime, he served as an adviser in the Education Ministry. For those who don’t know, Ahmed Sahab wrote over thirty books and his short stories like (afsana) and Gaddarya (The Shepherd) made him popular early in 1955.
His contribution in books are priceless, in past there is a short clip from Pakistani drama goes viral in social media which taught the quantum physics.
Legacy Of Ashfaq Ahmed:
Just like every other writer, Ashfaq Ahmed’s legacy remained till now. He devoted his life to Sufism in his last stages, he was closely associated with Qudrat Ullah Shahab and Mumtaz Mufti, Baba Mohammad Yahya Khan.
Three of them used to sit together with his fans in the PTV program Baithak (The Guest Room) and Zaviya (The Angle) where Ahmed Sahab used to give smooth and classic responses to his fan’s questions in his style.
On September 2004, due to pancreatic cancer, we all lost Ashfaq Ahmed and he was buried in Model Town, Lahore, Pakistan.
Awards & Achievements:
- Pride of Performance Award (1979)
- Sitara-i-Imtiaz Award by the President of Pakistan
Ashfaq Ahmed Books:
| Zaviya 1 | Zaviya 2 | Zaviya 3 |
| Aik Mohabbat Sau Afsanay | Mann Chalay Ka Sauda | Gadaria: Ujley Phool |
| Safar e Maina | Tahli Thalley | Mehman Bahaar |
| Vidaa e Jang | Changez Khan ke Sunehri Shaheen | Khattya Wattya |
| Tota Kahani Qumkaar | Garma Garm | Haft Zabani Lughaat |
| Doosron Se Nibah | Aik Hi Boli | Subhaney Fasaney |
| Band Gali | Mehman Saraey | Baba Sahiba |
| Safar Dar Safar | Ucche Burj Lahore De | Tilisam Hosh Afza |
| Aur Dramey | Nange Paun | Hasrat Tameer |
| Aik Muhabbat So Dramey | Hairat Kadah | Shaahla Kot |
| Khel Tamasha | Guldaan | Dheenga Mushti |
| Shora Shori | Dhandora | Arz e Musannif |
| Fankar | Mukhtalif Mashron Mein Aurat Ki Hasiyat | |
Radio plays
- Talqeen Shah (1962)
- Baithak (The Guest Room)
Television shows:
- Uchhay Burj Lahore De
- Tali Thallay
- Tota Kahani (the 1970s)
- Aik Mohabbat Sau Afsanay (1975–76)
- Aur Dramay
- Zavia
No doubt, till now there’s no one like Ashfaq Ahmed who deep down devoted his life to writing and Urdu literature. He was spiritual and modern both with his undivided thoughts.
