Lahore: It has been 20 years since the eminent fiction writer, philosopher, scholar, and educator Ashfaq Ahmad passed away, leaving behind countless admirers.
When discussing Urdu literature, the name Ashfaq Ahmad invariably comes to the forefront. His captivating discourse held audiences in rapt attention.
Ashfaq Ahmad was born on August 22, 1925, in Uttar Pradesh, India. After the partition, he migrated to Lahore, where he completed his Master’s in Urdu literature from Government College Lahore.
He furthered his education at universities in Italy, France, and New York.
Ashfaq Ahmad gained extraordinary fame with his short story “Gaddiara” and wrote numerous TV dramas including “Ek Mohabbat Sau Afsanay,” “Manchalay Ka Sauda,” “Tota Kahani,” “Achay Burj Lahore De,” and “Zawiya.
In 1965, he began the feature program “Talqeen Shah” on Radio Pakistan, which remained immensely popular among the public for three decades.
Ashfaq Ahmad, renowned for his Sufi and wise persona, gained widespread popularity through his wisdom and tales. In recognition of his literary contributions, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Excellence and the Sitara-i-Imtiaz.
Even two decades after his passing, the nation has yet to find a storyteller who can spread pearls of wisdom and knowledge as Ashfaq Ahmad did with his tales.
Ashfaq Ahmad passed away on September 7, 2004, but the light of the literary lamp he ignited continues to shine brightly.