About Shahid Jaki

Shahid Jaki (1942–2003) was a Pakistani poet, writer, and journalist. He was known for his lyrical poetry, his social commentary, and his wit.

Jaki was born in Sialkot, Pakistan, to a literary family. His father, Sheikh Ghulam Mustafa Jaki, was a scholar and a poet. His mother, Zubaida Jaki, was a homemaker. Jaki studied at the Government College University in Lahore, and after graduating, he worked as a journalist and editor for several magazines and newspapers. He began writing poetry in the early 1960s, and his first collection of poems, Shab-e-Gham (Night of Sorrow), was published in 1967.

Jaki's poetry is known for its lyrical beauty, its use of simple language, and its focus on themes of love, loss, and the human condition. He was a master of both the Urdu ghazal and the nazm, and his poems often use nature imagery to express his emotions. He was also a prolific writer of short stories and essays.

Jaki's poetry has been translated into several languages, and he is considered one of the most important Urdu poets of the 20th century. He was awarded the Pride of Performance Award by the Government of Pakistan in 1989.

Some of his most famous works include:

• Ghazals: "Dilruba", "Ab Teri Yaad Se Wahshat Nahin Hoti Mujhko", "Bas Ruh Sach Hai Baqi Kahani Fareb Hai"
• Nazms: "Mehmool Bar Mubalga Aarai Hi Na Ho", "Mujhko Yun Bhi Malal Hai Uska", "Yeh Jo Izhar Karna Hota Hai"
• Short stories: "Yaad-e-Aastan", "Kaghazi Phool", "Chhaya Aur Phool"

Jaki died in Lahore, Pakistan, in 2003. He was 61 years old.