Renowned playwright Hameed Kashmiri remembered on death anniversary

Karachi (Web Desk): The 23rd death anniversary of eminent playwright, novelist and short story writer Hameed Kashmiri is being observed today, with admirers and the literary community paying tribute to his remarkable contributions to the country's literature and television drama.

Born as Abdul Hameed on June 1, 1929, in Murree, Hameed Kashmiri established himself as one of Pakistan's most accomplished creative writers. During his prolific career, he produced a vast collection of literary works, including numerous short stories, more than 15 novels and over 50 individual stage and television plays.

Following the establishment of Pakistan Television (PTV) in Karachi, Kashmiri became one of the broadcaster's prominent writers. Over the years, he wrote 33 television serials, 68 dramas and 20 long-format plays, leaving an enduring mark on Pakistan's television industry.

His celebrated works include Emergency Ward, Rozan-i-Zindan, Shikast-i-Aarzo, Aitaraf, Kashkol, Laghzish and Haft Asman. He also penned the script for the widely acclaimed Zia Mohyeddin Show.

Kashmiri's literary achievements were equally noteworthy. His first anthology of short stories, Deewarain, was published in 1965, while his second collection, Sarhadain, appeared in 1993. He also authored 15 novels, among them Adhoray Khawab, Kashkol, Rungul and Pehla Adami.

In addition to television and fiction, he made significant contributions to radio drama. His radio serial Emergency Ward consisted of 16 episodes and earned widespread appreciation. He also wrote for the stage, with Khoon Aur Pani among his notable theatrical works, and later expanded his creative portfolio by writing telefilms.

Apart from his work in drama and fiction, Kashmiri enjoyed a successful career as a columnist. As per media reports, his articles were published in Masawat for seven years, Anjam for three years, Nusrat for one year, Hurriyat for four years and Nigar for six years.

His creative pursuits also extended to Pakistan's film industry, where he produced several documentary films.

In recognition of his literary excellence, Kashmiri received an award at the Munich Drama Festival in 1973 for his play Pat Jhar Key Bad.

Throughout his career, he was also honoured by the Pakistan Writers Guild, Nigar and various human rights organisations for his outstanding services to literature and the arts.

Hameed Kashmiri passed away in Karachi on this day in 2003, leaving behind a rich literary and dramatic legacy that continues to influence generations of writers, dramatists and readers.