As we celebrate Allama Iqbal Day, let’s remember not only Iqbal’s dreams but also the voices of poets and writers from all over Pakistan. Each province brings a unique perspective, and these poets help us remember who we are, where we come from and the dreams we can share together. Their words remind us of the strength in our roots and the beauty in unity. Due to limited space, we are unable to include more voices — an omission that was difficult to accept. If space had allowed, there would be pages upon pages filled with ink, capturing the countless marvels that make up the heart and soul of our nation.

Words have the power to shape or shatter the world. Our history is filled with moments influenced by powerful ideas, dreams and verses that have inspired people to change, grow and stand up for causes, both individually and collectively.

Often, these words come from the hearts of poets, capturing emotions, dreams and visions that endure for generations. Many poets — regardless of their origin — spoke for the heroes of their countries, celebrating their courage and inspiring the younger generation to embody these virtues. Their verses became a silent force on the battlefield, stirring bravery that could win or lose wars.

Today marks the birth of a legacy, Allama Iqbal — a poet, philosopher and visionary leader who holds a special place in the hearts of Pakistanis and all over the Muslim world. On this Iqbal Day, let’s honour his contributions to Pakistan’s cultural and national identity and also explore some renowned and lesser-known poets and writers who have contributed immensely to both children’s and adult literature. Though the list is extensive, from classical poets to contemporary voices, we have narrowed it down to a very few, whose work has significantly strengthened the foundation of prose and poetry in regional languages. Without their contributions, our national literary heritage would be incomplete.

So let me take you on a thrilling journey across Pakistan. From the breathtaking mountains of Kashmir to the golden deserts of Balochistan, from the bustling bazaars of Sindh to the green fields of Punjab, these word wizards have painted our world with rhymes, dreams and stories that make us proud, curious and inspired.

Punjab, the land of rivers and poets

First we will start from the land of five rivers, Punjab, where Pakistan’s visionary, Allama Iqbal, emerged as a shining star. Acclaimed as the ‘Dreamer of Pakistan,’ Iqbal didn’t just write poems; he dreamt big for us all! He envisioned a strong, united Pakistan where people could live with pride and freedom.

His famous poem “Lab Pe Aati Hai Dua” is famous across generations in most school assemblies. I remember, reading it aloud every morning in the assembly, and the feeling that it aroused every morning among us children was something I cannot forget to this day. This prayer, is for every child to be brave, kind and wise, qualities we can all aspire to possess.

Iqbal’s poetry is known for its philosophical depth, exploration of identity and call for spiritual revival. His famous works, such as Bang-e-Dra(The Call of the Marching Bell) and Bal-e-Jibril(Gabriel’s Wing), are regarded as masterpieces across the world. His poems like Shikwa (The Complaint) and Jawab-e-Shikwa (The Answer) explore the complex relationship between humans and God.

Iqbal also gave the ‘Concept of Khudi’ (Selfhood); in which he emphasised the development of self-respect, self-awareness and the power of the individual through his concept of khudi.

You may have also read that he was the one with the ‘Vision of a separate Muslim state,’ hence the title given to him, the ‘Spiritual Father of Pakistan.’ Iqbal envisioned a separate nation for Muslims in the Indian subcontinent, an idea he formally proposed in his Allahabad Address in 1930. This vision eventually laid the foundation for the creation of Pakistan in 1947.

Iqbal’s poetry speaks directly to young people, urging them to become like ‘shaheens’ (falcons), fearless, resilient and ambitious.

From the same region, Punjab, comes another marvel of words, Sufi Ghulam Mustafa Tabassum. He is famous for various other works, but mainly memorable poems which include ‘Tot Batot’ in which the use of playful language and moral messages delights not just kids but adults alike.

Among many his, Taleem-e-Bachay, collection includes poems specifically designed to educate and entertain children; while his Suno Suno Aye Doston: a famous poem encourages children to listen, learn and be aware of their surroundings.

A writer, playwright and broadcaster, Ashfaq Ahmad is a man who needs no praise, yet stands tall among the greats of Urdu literature, poetry and prose hails from the same land. His contributions to Urdu literature include novels, short stories and plays for Pakistan Television and Radio Pakistan.

Ashfaq Ahmed began his literary career as a child, contributing stories to Phool, a popular magazine aimed at young readers. His early writings in this magazine helped establish his reputation as a storyteller. His works, aimed at younger audiences, reflect themes of morality, culture and human values, making them both entertaining and educational. Notably, he authored several children’s books, including Gaddarya (The Shepherd), which is well-regarded in children’s literature.

Kishwar Naheed is an outstanding poet and prolific writer, with 12 volumes of her poetry published in both Pakistan and India. Her Urdu poetry has also been published internationally. In addition to her poetry, she has written eight books for children and has received the prestigious UNESCO award for children’s literature.

From the enchanting land of Kashmir

We witness the gentle words of Ghulam Ahmad Mahjoor, known as the ‘Poet of the Valley,’ Mahjoor’s poems talked about the beauty of Kashmir’s mountains, rivers and fields. Though primarily known for his revolutionary and romantic poetry in Kashmiri, Mahjoor also contributed poems with themes of innocence and simplicity that appeal to younger audiences. His work indirectly provides moral lessons and cultural pride for children in Kashmir.

Naji Munawar, a prominent poet and scholar of the Kashmiri language and literature. He has dedicated a significant portion of his literary career to producing children’s literature, creating numerous books aimed at educating and entertaining young readers.

His book Shuren Hund Naji (among many others) includes 54 poems and 99 riddles, which introduce children to various themes relevant to their culture.

From the peaks of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Moving to the land of majestic mountains and beautiful valleys, we encounter the undeniable legacy of Khushhal Khan Khatak, also known as Khushal Baba, a prominent 17th-century Pashtun poet, chief and warrior.

Often regarded as the father of Pashto literature, Khushhal Khan’s literary output is vast. While his works primarily address themes of love, patriotism, philosophy and social issues, there is no specific focus on children’s literature. Nevertheless, his legacy has inspired countless prose and poetry writers, contributing to the flourishing of Pashto literary tradition.

Other notable names from the same region include, Qalandar Momand, known for his poetry reflecting the Pashtun values of hospitality and bravery. And Amir Hamza Khan Shinwari, commonly known as Hamza Baba, considered a bridge between classic Pashto literature and modern forms. He founded the Khyber School in Pashto literature.

Zaitoon Bano, a renowned Pashto and Urdu writer, is best known for her short stories and her contributions to Pashto literature. She has written extensively in both languages and has authored numerous books. While much of her writing addresses the social and cultural issues of the Pashtun community, there is no direct evidence suggesting that she has specifically focused on children’s literature.

Another influential figure in the literary scene is Kalsoomzeb, she particularly wrote for women of her region. She has made notable contributions to literature in both Pashto and Urdu, publishing a collection of children’s stories in Pashto, a translation of Urdu novels into Pashto, and a collection of Urdu short stories.

From the land of rugged mountains, Balochistan

The land of rugged mountains, vast deserts and rich traditions also gave us valuable gems of literature, one of them is Atta Shad. Though Atta Shad is renowned for his contributions to Urdu and Balochi literature, his work often includes themes of innocence, wonder and exploration.

His poetry brings the spirit of Balochistan’s landscape and cultural identity. While Atta Shad’s primary focus was serious themes, there is no specific information indicating that he wrote explicitly for children.

Mubarak Qazi was a celebrated Balochi poet known for his contributions to modern Balochi literature. He wrote extensively on themes of love, resistance and the struggles of the Baloch people. While his primary works focus on adult themes, he has also contributed to children’s literature, making his poetry accessible to younger audiences through simple language and relatable themes.

From the same region comes Syed Zahoor Shah Hashmi, a poet, writer, academic and philosopher. Celebrated as a pioneering figure in Balochi literature, he wrote in Balochi, Urdu, Persian and Arabic. Hashmi’s most notable work is Sayad Gunj, the first-ever Balochi language dictionary.

He also authored novels, short stories and books on Balochi language and literature. In recognition of his literary contributions, he was awarded the Pride of Performance by the Government of Pakistan.

Sindh, where the mystical meets tradition

Finally, we move the vibrant province of Sindh, where poets like Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, known as the “Saint of Sindh,” is revered for his mystical poetry, spiritual themes and the human connection with nature, while celebrating Sindhi folklore and Sufi ideals.

Shaikh Ayaz, a modernist, renowned for his lyrical and heartfelt style, depicted Sindh’s landscapes and values, advocating peace, unity and humanity.

Mirza Qaleech Beg, often referred to as the ‘Shakespeare of Sindh,’ made substantial contributions across various genres, including poetry, novels, short stories and children’s literature.

Then there is Ayaz Gul a contemporary Sindhi poet known for his impactful work in children’s literature. He has written extensively for young audiences, crafting poems, stories and rhymes that are both educational and entertaining.

Muhammad Siddique Musafir, a distinguished Sindhi poet and writer, celebrated for his contributions to Sindhi literature, particularly in children’s poetry.

Among many prominent female names, Fehmida Riaz is best known for her powerful voice on social and political issues. In addition to her activism, she also wrote poetry for children, aiming to make her works both meaningful and relatable for young readers. She blended moral lessons with entertainment, helping children understand cultural and social themes in simple language.

Riaz’s efforts also focused on making classical literature more accessible to younger audiences. For example, she contributed to Oxford University Press’s Literary Heritage Series for Young Readers, where she translated selections from Rumi’s Masnavi. Her translations were tailored to introduce young readers to Sufi wisdom and poetry in a simplified and engaging way.

And you know what? Choosing just a few names from a long list of notable writers and poets was no easy task. If I had the freedom to dedicate the entire magazine to our regional poets and writers, I would gladly fill every page. But with limited space, we focused on just a few.

Each province has its own story to tell, and these poets and writers help us remember who we are, where we come from and our very roots. This is my small effort to spotlight the poets and writers of Pakistan, who stand unparalleled around the world.

So, as we celebrate Allama Iqbal Day, let’s remember not only Iqbal’s visionary dreams, but also the voices of poets from every corner of Pakistan. Each one has a story to tell, ready to take us on a magical journey through the country we proudly call home.

Published in Dawn, Young World, November 9th, 2024