Pakistani humorist Shafiq-ur-Rahman (9 November 1920 - 19 March 2000) was an Urdu short story writer. His illustrious career as a writer was unparalleled in the Urdu-speaking world. It has been a pleasure to read his works for a long time, as it has been to read those of Mark Twain and Stephen Leacock. A doctor by profession, he served in the Pakistani military. As a result of his military and civilian service, he was also awarded Hilal-e-Imtiaz. Urdu writers and critics have greatly admired him.
EARLY LIFE
Rahman was born in Kalanaur, a small town close to Rohtak. He completed the rest of his education in Bahawalpur. He graduated from King Edward Medical College, Lahore, in 1942, and from Edinburgh, he earned a postgraduate degree in tropical medicine and public health in 1952. As a student, Rahman wrote humorous stories. Some of these stories were published in Khayyam, a literary magazine. While still a medical student, he completed and published his first book Kirneyn before joining the medical college. Among his most memorable characters were Razia, Shaitaan, Hukoomat Aapa, Maqsood Ghora, Buddy, Judge Sahab, Nannha, Azra Aapa, Nasreen, Akhtar, Ainak, and many more. Rahman had three sons, Attique, Kahlique, and Ameen. Rahman died in Rawalpindi on 19 March 2000.
CAREER
During the Second World War, Rahman served with the Indian Army Medical Corps. As soon as Pakistan gained its independence in 1947, he joined the Pakistan Army and rose to the rank of general. From 1980 to 1985, he was also the chairman of the Academy of Letters of Pakistan. Under his leadership, the Academy of Letters became a prominent literary institution in Pakistan. He wrote until his death in March 2000. In Urdu literature, Rahman gave humor a new dimension. With all its joys, pains, and anguish, he created a world that was very real. Empathy, compassion, and respect were all affirmations of life and values. All situations, no matter how seemingly insignificant, contained hidden meanings that probed deep into the human psyche. He used simple, spontaneous, and expressive language.
After his death on 23 March 2001, he was awarded the Hilal-e-Imtiaz for his military and civilian services.
Literary Works
- Kirnein
- Shagofey
- Lehrein
- Madd-o-jazar
- Parwaaz
- Himaqatain
- Mazeed Himaqatain
- Dajla
- Insaani Tamasha
- Dareechay
- Pachtaway
- Turup Chaal
- Jaini
- Muskurahatein