Shafiq-ur-Rahman

Shafiq-ur-Rahman (9 November 1920 – 19 March 2000) was a Pakistani humorist and short-story writer of Urdu language.

A medical doctor by profession, Rahman served in Pakistan Army and received the Hilal-e-Imtiaz for his military and civilian services. He created a world that was very real with all its joys, pains and anguish. It was an affirmation of life and of human values: empathy, compassion and respect. Even the seemingly frivolous and trivial situations had hidden meanings that probed deep into the human psyche. His language was simple, spontaneous and expressive. His unforgettable characters include Razia, Shaitaan, Hukoomat Aapa, Maqsood Ghora, Buddy, Judge Sahab, Nannha and many other girls including Sarwat, Kishwer, Sa'da, Azra Aapa, Nasreen, Akhtar, Ainak etc.

Awards and recognition He was awarded the Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Crescent of Excellence) Award by the President of Pakistan for his military and civilian services after his death on 23 March 2001.

Rahman has highly been praised by Urdu writers, like:

Here is an approximate translation of the poem: 1945 Himaqatain 1947 Mazeed Himaqatain 1948 Pachtaway (Regrets) 1948 Turup Chaal 1948 Dajla (a travelogue) 1980 Insaani Tamasha (an Urdu translation of The Human Comedy) Dareechay 1989 Jaini Muskurahatein (smiles)