A poetess whose verses continue to bloom
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Today, as we commemorate the birth of renowned Urdu poet Parveen Shakir, born on November 24, 1952, the nation remembers her outstanding contribution to empowering women through literature, poetry and words.
Known for his delicate yet powerful expressions of love, loss, and social issues, Shakir’s poetry continues to resonate with generations of readers.
One of his most popular works, “Khusbu”, published in 1976, brought him instant fame. His poems have a unique blend of tenderness and boldness, providing a fresh voice to Pakistan’s poetic scene.
Born in Karachi, Shakir was a poet, teacher, civil servant and linguist. She broke barriers in the male-dominated literary world, becoming one of the first women to achieve such prominence in Urdu poetry.
Along with her literary achievements, Parveen Shakir also served as a bureaucrat, rising to prominence as a customs officer in Pakistan’s civil services, where she broke stereotypes about women in governance.
Her poetry often deals with themes of love, feminine identity and the emotional upheavals of life. His work combined traditional ghazals with contemporary insights, and his use of metaphors, including khusbu (fragrance), created a sensory experience for his readers.
Parveen Shakir’s legacy is one of revolutionizing Urdu poetry, creating a space for women to openly express their feelings, thoughts and struggles. Although he passed away in 2004, his words are an important part of our literary heritage.
As we remember his life and work today, we continue to be inspired by his courage to write, his deep understanding of the human condition and his ability to bring the beauty of everyday life into verse.
