Faraz’s support for Islamic socialism always put him at odds with Pakistan’s ruling classes.
MELBOURNE: Pakistan’s legendary poet Ahmad Faraz, whose real name was Syed Ahmad Shah, was born on January 12, 1931. He set new standards in Urdu poetry and was probably the last among a great progressive line of Urdu writers. He spoke the language of the common man and highlighted the issues affecting the daily lives of commoners. His was a style that used easier and more meaningful language. Faraz was a poet of many moods: for instance, he appears as an idealist when he praises dreams and stresses the significance of being someone who had ambitions and aspirations that went beyond the ordinary. In this, he also emphasised the importance of one needing to struggle to achieve his or her dreams.
Faraz’s support for Islamic socialism always put him at odds with Pakistan’s ruling classes. He protested vociferously against the denial of rights to the poor and criticised those who exploited the weak and infirm. He was forced to go into exile during the tyrannical rule of former despot General Ziaul Haq. His famous poem “Muhasara” is evidence of how he abhorred illegitimate rulers of Pakistan and how he believed in the supremacy of democratic rule. Faraz travelled across the world and his admirers live in all corners of the world. He was awarded the Hilal-e-Pakistan.
With his demise five years ago today, a great era in which many giants of progressive literature lived, came to an end. Ahmad Faraz will be missed for all times to come.
Malik Atif Mahmood Majoka
Published in The Express Tribune, August 25th, 2013.
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