Ashfaq Ahmed was a prominent Pakistani writer, poet, playwright, and broadcaster. He was born on August 22, 1925, in Muktsar, India, and passed away on September 7, 2004, in Islamabad, Pakistan. Throughout his life, Ashfaq Ahmed made significant contributions to the literary and cultural landscape of Pakistan.
Ashfaq Ahmed began his career as a writer after completing his Master’s degree in Urdu literature from the Government College, Lahore. He worked as a translator and editor at the Urdu Dictionary Board in Karachi before moving to Lahore to join Radio Pakistan as a scriptwriter and broadcaster. He became a popular radio personality in Pakistan, hosting a number of programs on Radio Pakistan, including the popular radio show “Talqeen Shah.”
As a writer, Ashfaq Ahmed penned several books, plays, and essays. His most famous book is “Zavia,” a collection of essays that discuss spirituality and philosophy. The book has been translated into several languages and is widely read in Pakistan and other countries. His other notable works include “Baba Sahiba,” “Aik Mohabbat Sau Afsanay,” “Safar Dar Safar,” and “Tota Kahani.”
Ashfaq Ahmed was also an accomplished playwright, having written several plays for radio and television. His most famous play is “Aik Muhabbat So Afsane,” which was adapted for television and aired in the 1990s.
In recognition of his contributions to Pakistani literature and culture, Ashfaq Ahmed was awarded several notable awards, including the Sitara-e-Imtiaz and Hilal-e-Imtiaz by the Government of Pakistan. He was also awarded the Pride of Performance award in 1993 for his services to literature.
Ashfaq Ahmed was married to Bano Qudsia, also a prominent Pakistani writer. Together, they had three children, two sons, and a daughter. His wife passed away in 2017, and Ashfaq Ahmed’s legacy continues to inspire and influence generations of Pakistani writers and intellectuals.