Amjad Islam Amjad was born on 4th August 1944 in Lahore. His ancestors belonged to Sialkot known for sports and diverse cultural activities. He did his matriculation at Muslim Model School. After graduation from Lahore’s Islamia College, Civil Lines he chose literature for his Master’s degree after getting a scholarship and enrolled in the Oriental College, Punjab University. Amjad became the Chief Editor of the university’s literary magazine, Mehwar, when he was doing his master’s. He topped the Punjab University exam and got a Gold medal. This distinction got him a teaching job at the MAO College, where he taught from 1970 to 1975.
AMJAD ISLAM AMJAD
Born on 04 Aug 1944
Died on 10 Feb 2023
Pakistani Poet and Philosopher
He also served as Deputy Director of the Punjab Arts Council for four years from 1975 till 1979 and then as Director General of Urdu Science Board in 1997. At the time of his retirement, he was working as the Director of the Punjab Textbook Board.
Exclusively, Amjad Islam added his memorable and substantive contribution by writing many columns, translations, criticisms, essays and playwrights for Pakistan Television and different forums. This was the golden era of PTV where insightful and massive writers like him were producing splendid art of Urdu literature. After a critical analysis, some of his well-known dramas are Waris, Dehleez, Samandar, Raat, Waqt, and Apney Log. His first book was published in 1974 since then he has published more than ten collections including Satvan Dar (1978), Fishar (1982), Baarish ki Aawaaz (1997), and Yahin Kahin (2006) and Nai Purane too. Estimated, he wrote more than 40 books on different genres of Urdu literature as a whole and won the hearts of his admirers.
He also excelled in the translation of foreign writers and poets. He also translated the poetries of the African poets in Urdu called Kale Logon ki Roshan Nazmein. As an ace critic, he also wrote dramas based on criticism.
He was an innovative and evocative author of more than 40 books in 50 years of a sprawling career. He has been honoured with many national and international awards. He was highly acknowledged and revered by contemporary Governments for his pivotal and inventive literary works throughout his illustrious career. Most significantly, he received the Pride of Performance in 1987 and Sitara-e-Imtiaz in 1998. He was also conferred the Allama Muhammad Iqbal Award for matchless contribution to Urdu literature.
Being an awakened and conscientious columnist and feature writer, he joined the Urdu newspaper Daily Express and wrote columns with the title of “Chasham-e-Tamasha” since June 2008. In December 2019, he also received the Necip Fazil International Culture and Art Award in Istanbul Turkey.
Apart from these awards, he was graced and elevated with dazzling awards including Graduate Awards (Best Writer) from 1975 To 2000, Writers Guild Award (Best Translation Work “Aks”) in 1976, National Hijra Iqbal Award (Best Book of Poetry “Fishaar”) in 1982, Best Playwright (PTV Awards) in 1980, 1984, 1998, 1999 & 2001), Special President Award (TV Serial “Waris”) in 1980, Best Film Writer (Nigar Award) in 1982 & 1987, Agfa Award in 1987, Bolan Award in 1987 & 1995, Karachi Arts Council Award (Best Book of Prose “Nai Purane”) in 1991, National Award, Best Book of Poetry (“Sahilon Ki Hawa”) in 2000, Best Nazam Nigar of the Year Award (“Biaaz”) in 2005 and Ahmed Nadeem Qasmi Award (Best Book of Poetry “Yaheen Kaheen”) in 2006.
On 10th February 2023 at Lahore, he passed away after cardiac arrest and headed towards a journey of eternity and divinity. No one can engulf the gap after his departure but he gifted his invaluable literary works for millions of admirers not only in Pakistan but throughout the subcontinent.
He left behind his wife, a son and two daughters to mourn his death. Later his burial took place at Miani Sahib Graveyard in Lahore.
