The Life and Works of Ata-ul-Haq Qasmi

January 09, 2019

The Life and Works of Ata-ul-Haq Qasmi – A Brief Introduction

Ata-ul-Haq Qasmi’s career as a writer, poet and public intellectual spans over a period of 50 years. He has been Pakistan’s most celebrated Urdu columnist for decades. His columns, published under the title Rozan-i-Deewar se, have become an enduring feature of a daily routine for millions of readers around the world. In addition, Qasmi has written several TV plays and published a collection of poetry as well. This shows the diversity of Qasmi’s talents as a humorist, columnist, travelogue writer, poet, and a dramatist par excellence. In addition, he has served as a professor of Urdu literature at M.A.O. College Lahore and F.C. College Lahore. From 1997 to 1999, Qasmi served as an Ambassador of Pakistan to Norway and later to Thailand. From 2008 to 2016, he served as the chairman of Lahore Arts Council and was credited by leading intellectuals and writers for the revival of cultural and literary activities in the city of Lahore using the platform of Alhamra. From 2014 to 2016, he served as the chairman of Pakistan Television Corporation.

In his writings, Qasmi developed a distinct style of his own. His columns are light witted critiques on everyday life, social evils, economic injustices, and political chaos.

Doodh Peeta Bacha aur Bhoola Dangar

As a travelogue writer, he introduced a new genre of writing in Urdu literature whereby the combined personal observations with his trademark wit and frank exposition of the places explored by him. His TV plays reverberate with the sights and sounds of the culture of Lahore and its masses. Ata-ul-Haq Qasmi the poet has become synonymous with a genre of poetry which raises a melodious voice of protest against injustice without losing romantic essence or aesthetic appeal.

Qasmi’s credentials as a creative artist have been recognized by his peers as well. This is testified by the fact that he has been a recipient of numerous literary awards and prizes, including the prestigious lifetime achievement Kamal-i-Fan award, APNS award for best columnist, Adamjee award, United Bank award for the best humorous book among many others.

Qasmi is not just a creative artist but also a public intellectual. Despite the fact that he was a government servant, Qasmi braved adversity and restrictions, especially during the dictatorial regimes. At the time of military coup of October 12th, 1999, Qasmi was serving as Pakistan’s ambassador to Thailand. Certain overtures were made to him by the military junta which had assumed the power to continue with his position but. Qasmi left his lucrative position and took a principled stand of coming back to Pakistan and resist the military regime with the power of his pen. In the early weeks and months of press censorship and restrictions, it was Qasmi’s column which gave hope to the people.

In recognition of his services to literature, the government of Pakistan has awarded him with some of the highest civilian honors, including Pride of Performance, Sitara-i-Imtiaz, and Hilal-i-Imtiaz.

Ata ul Haq Qasmi Poetry