Renowned poet, author Fahmida Riaz passes away

Pakistani poet, human-rights activist and feminist, Fahmida Riaz, has passed away at the age of 72.

Pakistan’s newspapers and websites on Wednesday reported Riaz’s passing away following a prolonged illness in the city of Lahore.

Riaz, a formidable figure of Pakistani literature, authored over a dozen books on poetry and fiction, and ran a publishing company.

She translated the writings of Albanian writer Ismail Kadare and the Sufi poetry of Rumi into Urdu. Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper called her a “pioneer in feminist literature”.

She was also forced to live in exile for over six years in India when former military dictator General Zia-ul-Haq ruled over Pakistan.

Riaz faced various challenges due to her political writings. “More than 10 cases were filed against her during Ziaul Haq’s dictatorship,” it was reported.

Fahmida Riaz breathed her last in Lahore . A huge loss in Urdu Shairi pic.twitter.com/NoPSORxEH1

— Tehmina Aslam Ranjha (@ta_ranjha1) November 21, 2018

Heartbreaking news about the death of Fahmida Riaz. What a transformative force she was, in her poetry and her life. One of the brightest of lights in the dark days of Zia-ul-Haq, and beyond. #fahmidariaz

— Kamila Shamsie (@kamilashamsie) November 21, 2018

Chief Minister Usman Buzdar offered condolences on the passing of renowned Urdu writer, poet and human rights activist Fahmida Riaz. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family. Fahmida sahiba was a unique character. Her literary services will always be remembered.

— Chief Minister Punjab (@CMOfficePunjab) November 22, 2018

Born into a literary family of Meerut (India) in July 1946, Fahmida Riaz, in addition to her literary pursuits, always played an active role in social and political activities.

She lived in self-exile for over six years in India when former military dictator Gen Zia-ul-Haq ruled over Pakistan.

She was appointed managing director of what was then the National Book Council of Pakistan during the first PPP government (1988-90). In Benazir Bhutto’s second tenure as prime minister, she became associated with the ministry of culture.

In 2009, she was appointed the chief editor of the Urdu Dictionary Board in Karachi.