Remembering revolutionary poet Faiz Ahmad Faiz

One of Pakistan’s finest literary minds and a revolutionary poet, Faiz Ahmed Faiz was born on February 13, 1911 in Sialkot. Even after thirty-five years of his death, Faiz is still as relevant as he was in his lifetime.

After completing his education, Faiz worked as a teacher, journalist and a politician as well.

He also served in British Army for a brief period of time and later resigned in 1947 to join Pakistan Times, a local newspaper of progressive narrative.

Faiz was also among the first ever official Pakistani delegation to visit Bangladesh. On conclusion of Bangladesh tour he wrote his famous Ghazal "Hum Kay Thehray Ajnabi".

His famous collections of work include Naqsh-e-faryadi, Dast-e-saba, Zindaan Naama, Hum Dekhain Gay, Sham-e-Sheher-e-Yaaran. His poetry has been translated into several languages including Russian and English.

The poet was awarded Pakistan`s highest civil award Nishan-e-Imtiaz in 1990 in recognition of his services in literature. He also won Lenin Peace Prize in 1962.

For raising his voice against social injustice, Faiz was restricted from expressing his views. He was also charged with complicity in a failed coup attempt known as the Rawalpindi Conspiracy Case and was sentenced to four years of jail in 1951.

Other than English, Urdu and Punjabi, Faiz was also well-versed in Persian and Arabic languages

He passed away on November 20, 1984 and left behind a legacy of great poetry, valiance and commitment to literature.