Identity: Renowned sketch writer, researcher, critic, poet and writer of children’s literature

Aslam Farrukhi was born on 23 October 1923 in Lucknow into a distinguished literary and scholarly family. His ancestors had migrated from Farrukhabad to Lucknow, from which the family adopted the surname “Farrukhi.” The literary atmosphere at home developed in him a deep interest in language and literature from an early age. After the Partition of India, he migrated with his family to Karachi in September 1947.

He received his higher education from Federal Urdu College (now Federal Urdu University) and the University of Karachi. His doctoral thesis focused on the life and literary contributions of the nineteenth-century Urdu writer Muhammad Husain Azad, for which he received the Adamjee Literary Award in 1965.

Dr. Aslam Farrukhi began his professional career as a scriptwriter at Radio Pakistan, where he wrote radio plays, features, and talks. Later, he joined the field of teaching and served as an Urdu professor at Sindh Muslim College, Central Government College, and the University of Karachi. At the University of Karachi, he also held important positions including Chairman of the Department of Urdu, Director of Publications and Translation, and Registrar. Although he initially wrote poetry, he eventually established his primary identity as a sketch writer, researcher, and critic.

Dr. Aslam Farrukhi earned a distinguished place in Urdu sketch writing. In collections such as Saat Aasman, Laal Sabz Kabootaron Ki Chhatri, Guldasta-e-Ahbab, and Aangan Mein Sitare, he portrayed classical and modern literary personalities with remarkable vividness and charm. His sketches are marked by literary elegance, cultural consciousness, and psychological insight.

In the field of research and criticism, his most significant work was on Muhammad Husain Azad. His book Muhammad Husain Azad: Hayat o Tasanif is regarded as an important reference in Urdu scholarship. He also edited and researched works such as Nairang-e-Khayal, Qasas-e-Hind, and Urdu Ki Pehli Kitab.

Dr. Aslam Farrukhi had deep devotion to Sufi literature and saints. He wrote several books on Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, including Nizam Rang, Dabistan-e-Nizam, Sahib Ji Sultan Ji, and Farmaya Sultan Ji Ne. His writings reflect Sufi thought, morality, humanism, and spiritual values.

He also rendered valuable services to children’s literature. Through books such as Qulfi Wali Cycle and Bachon Ke Sultan Ji, he produced engaging and educational literature for children.

In recognition of his literary contributions, the Government of Pakistan awarded him the Pride of Performance in 2009.

Death: Aslam Farrukhi passed away on 15 June 2016 in Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Karachi.