Ahmed Faraz – Contemporary Pakistan Poet

Ahmed Faraz is famous Pakistani contemporary poet, whose talent is frequently compared to that of the great Faiz Ahmed Faiz, who won the Soviet Lenin Peace Prize. He is known for his specific style of writing, which very accessible and understandable for the majority. He spent three years in exile from his country, visiting Canada, Britain and Europe, where he wrote many of his better pieces. He went abroad due to unfavorable political regime, the leaders of which were not quite satisfied with his way of expressing his political views through his poems. Once he even got arrested for reciting such a piece.

A number of Indian and Pakistani singers spread his rhymes. The main subject of his writings is centered on love and revolution, romance and feverish protest against militarism.

Faraz's extraordinary poetry skills and significant contribution to Urdu literature brought him the prestigious award Hilal-e-Imtiaz in 2004, however only a couple of years later he returned it, for he was very disappointed with the present government. His latest works he explained to be created only due to a certain inner urge of his. He further got involved in public protests against the government, joining the restless lawyers. A particular excerpt of a poem of his goes as follows:

"Dreams do not die.
But dreams are light, voice, wind,
Which cannot be stopped by mountains black,
Which do not perish in the hells of cruelty…"

Mohastra is one of his most famous poems, which delves into the military aspect of life.

Ahmed Faraz obtained two master degrees in Urdu and Persian and is curious to learn that his father also wrote poetry. His first job was as a script writer for a radio broadcasting program. However at a later stage, when his ability to write was revered by many, his works were translated in many languages. Faraz was awarded on a number of occasions, one of them being for his third poetry collection - an Adamjee Award was presented to him.

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About the Author

Adrian Fisher is a London-based freelance journalist with a mission to make you a better and happier human being. Drawing attention to the peculiarities of life in the modern age is all part of the package. Check out his other articles for everything you need to know about VoIP calls and telecoms.