Lahore (Web Desk): The 22nd death anniversary of renowned Urdu writer, playwright and broadcaster Ashfaq Ahmad is being observed today (Monday), with admirers remembering his lasting contribution to literature, radio and television.
Ashfaq Ahmad was born on August 22, 1925, in Ferozpur, British India.
Over the course of his distinguished career, he produced a vast body of literary and television work and also became widely recognised for hosting Radio Pakistan’s popular programme “Talqeen Shah”.
Among his notable television dramas were “Munchaley ka Soda”, “Aik Mohobaat Sao Afsaney”, “Tota Kahani”, “Hairat Kada” and “Afsaney”, which earned him a special place among Urdu drama writers.
to literature, radio and television.
Ashfaq Ahmad also penned several celebrated books, including “Zavia”, “Aik Mohabbat Sau Afsanay”, “Gadariya” and “Tota Kahani”. These works are regarded as significant contributions to Urdu prose and continue to hold an important place in the country’s literary heritage.
Ahmad’s influence extended strongly to television, where he wrote scripts for a number of productions that gained considerable popularity among viewers.
His well-known television works also included “Uchhay Burj Lahore De”, “Tali Thallay” and “Tota Kahani”. In the 1960s, he also ventured into filmmaking and directed a feature film titled “Dhop aur Saya”.
Ashfaq Ahmad was married to Banu Qudsia, herself a celebrated writer and prominent figure in Pakistan’s literary circles. Their association became one of the notable literary partnerships in the country.
In recognition of his services to literature and broadcasting, Ashfaq Ahmad was honoured with the Presidential Pride of Performance award (Sadarti Aizaz Barai-Husn-Karkardagi) as well as the Sitar-e-Imtiaz.
The legendary writer passed away in Lahore on September 7, 2004, at the age of 79, leaving behind a rich literary legacy that continues to influence generations of readers and audiences.