Fahmida Riaz

Biography

Fahmida Riaz was one of the most powerful and courageous voices in modern Urdu literature, admired not only as a poet but also as a social critic and activist. She was born in Meerut in 1946, but her family migrated to Pakistan after Partition. She grew up in Hyderabad (Sindh), where she was exposed to multiple languages and cultures, an influence that later enriched her writing.

From a young age, Fahmida developed a passion for literature and began writing poetry that was strikingly bold for its time. Her first collection, Pátthar Ki Zubán (The Language of Stone), was published when she was still very young, but it was her later works, including Badan Dareeda and Dhoop, that established her reputation as a poet unafraid of taboos. Her verses spoke openly about love, desire, the female body, and women’s struggles in a patriarchal society.

Her feminist stance drew criticism from conservative quarters, but she remained undeterred. She was often compared to Parveen Shakir, though the two had distinct voices: Shakir was lyrical and romantic, while Fahmida was direct, provocative, and deeply political. She also translated works of classical Persian poets like Rumi, making them accessible to Urdu readers.

Fahmida Riaz was closely associated with the Progressive Writers’ Movement. During General Zia-ul-Haq’s military regime, her outspoken poetry and activism put her at risk, and she eventually went into exile in India. She lived there for several years before returning to Pakistan, where she continued her literary and political work.

Her personal life reflected the same strength as her writings. She faced social and political pressures but remained committed to her ideals of justice, equality, and free expression. In addition to poetry, she wrote fiction and essays, addressing issues of identity, politics, and human rights.

She passed away in Lahore in 2018 at the age of 72. Her death was mourned across South Asia, where she had admirers on both sides of the border.

Fahmida Riaz is remembered as a fearless poet who broke boundaries in Urdu literature. Through her words, she gave voice to women’s experiences, challenged oppression, and stood as a symbol of resistance. Her legacy continues to inspire new generations of poets, activists, and readers who see in her work both beauty and courage.