ISLAMABAD: Poet, writer, intellectual and academician, Shabnam Shakeel, died on Saturday in Karachi. Her funeral will be offered in H-11 graveyard on Sunday, in Islamabad.

Shabnam Shakeel started writing at an early age and published her first book “Tanqeedi Mazameen” in 1965.

Besides, she also published books “Shabzaad” (poetry collection) in 1987, “Izteraab” (poetry collection) in 1994, “Taqreeb Kuch Tau” in 2003. Another poetry collection “Musafat Raigan Thi” was published in 2008.

In 2005, she co-authored research work with Khalida Hussain and Dr Salim Akhtar, which was sponsored by the Ministry of Women Development.

Shabnam Shakeel won many awards including Pride of Performance.

She was married in 1967 to Syed Shakeel Ahmad, a civil servant. She leaves behind two sons, Waqar Hasnain Ahmad and Jehanzeb Ahmad and one daughter Malahat Awan.

Shabnam attended Kinnaird College, Lahore, and later completed her graduation from Islamia College, Lahore. She did her postgraduate from Oriental College, Lahore, and completed MA in Urdu Literature.

After completing her studies, she joined Queen’s Mary College, Lahore, as a teacher.

She spent 30 years in the education sector, teaching at Lahore College for women, Government Girls College, Quetta, and Federal Government College F-7/2 Islamabad.

She was the daughter of Syed Abid Ali Abid, a renowned poet, critic, and academician.

Poet Tariq Shahid, while talking to Dawn said Shabnam Shakeel was born on March 12, 1942, in Lahore.

Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has expressed grief and sorrow over her death.

In his message, the prime minister conveyed his heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the members of the bereaved family.—A Reporter