The Forgotten English Poets of Pakistan | Ahmad Umar Ayaz

» During Pakistan’s first four decades, a remarkable generation of poets emerged, gaining international recognition for their exceptional English-language poetry. Notable figures like Taufiq Rafat, Daud Kamal, Maki Kureishi, Kaleem Omar, Alamgir Hashmi and Zulfiqar Ghose demonstrated a mastery of poetic expression rivaling their Urdu counterparts. Among them, Rafat and Kamal stood out for their extraordinary craftsmanship. However, their legacy seems to have faded with time. Regrettably, the new millennium’s generation remains largely unfamiliar with these literary giants. This session aims to revive their memory, focusing particularly on Rafat and Kamal, and exploring their lives and works.

● About the Speaker:

» Ahmad Umar Ayaz is a playwright and short story writer based in Islamabad. He is the founder of Qissa Khwani Theatrics, and his original plays have been performed all over the country to much critical acclaim. He is currently serving as a lecturer in literature at Air University, Islamabad.