Baqi Siddiqui

Baqi Siddiqui was born on December 20, 1905, in the village of Sahna near Gujar Khan, in what is now Pakistan. His full name was Muhammad Baqi, but he became known by his pen name, Baqi Siddiqui. He grew up in a family that valued learning and culture, which nurtured his early love for poetry. From a young age, he displayed a deep sensitivity to human emotion and social life, qualities that later became central to his poetic expression.

He began writing poetry while still a student and gradually became part of the literary scene in northern India before the partition. After 1947, he migrated to Pakistan, where he continued his work as a poet and writer. Baqi Siddiqui was fluent in Urdu and Punjabi and wrote in both languages, giving his poetry a unique regional depth and flavor. His words carried the rhythm of the soil, often expressing the struggles, joys, and aspirations of common people.

Baqi Siddiqui’s poetry blended classical sensibility with the language of ordinary life. He wrote both ghazals and nazms, and his themes ranged from love and beauty to social awareness and patriotism. His verses had a lyrical flow, enriched by simplicity and emotional sincerity. He was known for his strong imagery and the warmth of his expression, which made his poetry both accessible and memorable.

Apart from poetry, Baqi Siddiqui also worked in radio and literature promotion. He joined Radio Pakistan and played an important role in shaping literary and cultural programs. His association with the broadcasting world helped introduce his poetry to a wider audience and gave him a platform to support other emerging writers and artists.

Among his well-known poetry collections are Jaam-e-Hayat, Ghazal Nagar, and Patthar ki Deewar. His poems often reflect an honest view of life, portraying both its tenderness and its hardships. He had a strong belief that poetry should speak to the heart and mind alike, carrying a message that connects with human truth.

Baqi Siddiqui passed away in 1972 in Rawalpindi. His name remains respected among Urdu and Punjabi literary circles. He is remembered as a poet who combined simplicity with depth, giving voice to the spirit of his land and the emotions of its people. His poetry continues to be read and admired for its purity, warmth, and enduring human appeal.