Poets/Writers From Punjab

One of the greatest Urdu poets, the national poet of Pakistan, who penned 'Saare jahaan se achha Hindostaan hamara' and 'Lab pe aati hai dua ban ke tamanna meri'.

One of the widely celebrated and popular Urdu poets, equally sung in romance and rebel, faced political repression against his revolutionary views.

Famous Pakistani ghazal singer belonging to the Patiala gharana. They have a unique style of blending Hindustani classical music with ghazals. Also sung for a number of Indian and Pakistani films.

Most prominent fiction writer, known for his stories woven around the experience of Partition and for his individual style of telling tales. The first Urdu writer to have been shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize.

The most prominent stylist of Urdu prose and author of "Aab-e-Hayaat." Himself a poet, he was a major force behind the movement for the new Nazm in Urdu.

One of the most read fiction and travelogue writers from Pakistan, known for his unique creativity and appeal.

World-renowned Urdu fiction writers, known for masterpieces like "Thanda Gosht," "Khol Do," "Toba Tek Singh," etc.

Prominent voice of the new Urdu ghazal and accomplished translator who rendered non-Urdu poetry into Urdu. Honoured with the Pride of Performance for his outstanding contributions to Urdu literature.

Most outstanding Pakistani, progressive poet. Also counted among leading fiction writers. Edited an important literary magazine, Funoon.

Known as Shaaʿir-e-Romaan (Poet of Romance), he is a prominent Urdu poet who also edited several literary magazines, including Intikhab, Bahaaristan, Khyaalistan, and Romaan.

Prominent Pakistani poet, fiction writer, and critic wrote two important novels, Zawaal and Deewaar ke Peechhe; also wrote a history of Pakistani literature.

Punjabi, Pothohari, and Urdu poet best known for his ghazal "Daagh e Dil Humko Yaad Anay Lagay".

One of the most popular poets in the fourth and fifth decades of the 20th century, contemporary of Faiz Ahmad Faiz.

Popular poet from Pakistan, known for his anti-establishment poetry, having a mass following.

The writer of Pakistan’s national anthem, he was a celebrated poet of the 20th century whose literary achievements earned him prestigious honours, including the Pride of Performance and the Hilal-e-Imtiaz.

Iqbal Bano was a much-admired ghazal singer from Pakistan. She learnt all forms of classical singing from Ustad Chaand Khan of the Delhi Gharana. The Pride of Performance Award was bestowed upon her.

One of the founding fathers of modern Urdu poetry.

Popular poet also known as the poet of the Ahl al-Bayt. His poetry about the Battle of Karbala is widely recited.

One of the most outstanding modern poets who wrote both in Urdu and Punjabi, also a film lyricist.

One of the founders of modern ghazal. Born at Ambala in India, he migrated to Pakistan and wrote extensively on the pain and sufferings of partition.

One of the most popular poets ever and a film lyricist. Famous for his ghazal 'Garmi-e-hasrat-e-nakaam se jal jate hain'.

Renowned modernist poet, composed nazms and songs, and was part of the poets of Halqa-e-Arbab-e-Zauq.

Amanat Ali Khan was a Pakistani classical and ghazal vocalist from the Patiala gharana and a recipient of Pakistan’s prestigious 'Pride of Performance' award.

One of the most prominent modern critics.

Known for his innovative approach, Zafar Iqbal has introduced a fresh diction to Urdu poetry through his distinctive experimentation. He has been honoured with the Pride of Performance and the Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Crescent of Excellence) for his outstanding contributions to literature.

Admired by his contemporaries, seniors, and critics alike, he was compared by some to English poets like Keats, while others drew parallels with Urdu poets such as Mustafa Zaidi and Shakeb Jalali.

Celebrated senior poet, and highly regarded by both readers and critics. He was honored with the Malik Museeb-ur-Rehman International Award in Qatar for his poetry collection Shajar Tasbih Karte Hain.

Prominent poet and journalist, also the editor of 'Zamindaar', an important newspaper of his times. Also authored 'Zikr-e-Iqbal' and 'Muslim Sahaafat Hindustan Mein'.

Painter, artist, and intellectual from Pakistan.

Widely reputed Pakistani poet, well known to serious poetry lovers.

Poet, writer, and playwright, who wrote the drama serial 'Aghosh'. Contributed stories to the comedy-drama series 'Guest House', and also composed songs for radio and television.

A Pakistani poet, known for his modern poetic tone and style.

Most prominent playwright and poet who strengthened the tradition of playwriting in the Urdu language.

Poet, lyricist, founding editor of literary magazine quarterly ''Svera''.

Well-known poet, also known for his poems written in the veneration of the Prophet; decorated with Tamgha-i-Imtiyaz from the Pakistan government.

A contemporary poet of prominence from Pakistan, known for his nazms.

A prominent new generation poet from Pakistan, editor of the literary quarterly 'Nazm-e-Nau'.

Pakistani singer-songwriter and actor.