Poets/Writers From Lahore

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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

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

Pakistani singer-songwriter and actor.

Highly accomplished Urdu poet, screenwriter, playwright, and lyricist. A recipient of the Necip Fazil International Culture and Art Award, among many others, he has made significant contributions across genres. Some of his acclaimed dramas include Waris, Din, Fisher, and several more.

Pakistani poet, translator of select Persian poetry of Iqbal.

Prominent Urdu and Punjabi poet and author remained associated with major Urdu journals Adab-e-Lateef and Auraaq.

Notable Pakistani playwright known for penning a popular drama, 'Chaand Garhan,' for television.

A poet who wrote about social disparities and poverty.

A poet and journalist, famous especially for his humorous columns.

Intellectual, columnist, defense analyst, and writer.

Distinguished poet, journalist, and TV presenter. He is a poet with a personal voice, and has been credited with revolutionising the classical forms of Urdu poetry with modernist tools.

Fariha Parvez is a leading female singer of Pakistan. She began her career as an actor and anchor, but later turned a full-time vocalist.

A renowned Urdu writer, known for his humor and prose.