Ahmed Nadeem Qasimi (1916-2006) was a renowned Pakistani Urdu-language writer and poet. He is best known for his short stories and plays. Qasimi’s works often focused on the human condition, societal issues, and the complexities of human relationships. His writing is characterised by its depth and the exploration of emotions.
Some of his notable works include “Sannata,” “Gandasa,” and “Neela Pathar.” His contributions to Urdu literature have earned him a significant place in the literary world, and he is considered one of the prominent Urdu writers of the 20th century.
Early Life and Education
Qasmi was born on November 20, 1916, into an Awan family in the village of Anga in Khushab District, British India. Around the time he penned his first poem, in 1931, he completed high school in Campbellpur (now known as Attock city in Pakistan). He studied at Attock Government College. Later, he studied at Sadiq Egerton College in Bahawalpur. In 1935, he received his degree from the University of Punjab in Lahore. He joined the Progressive Writers Movement as a secretary and became an active member. Between the 1950s and the 1970s, he was frequently detained.
Literary Career
Qasmi edited several prominent literary journals, including Phool, Tehzeeb-e-Niswan, Adab-i-Lateef, Savera, Naqoosh, and his own journal Funoon. Additionally, he served as editor of the Urdu newspaper Imroze. For many years, Qasimi wrote weekly columns for publications including Rawan Dawan and Daily Jang. His poetry has included both traditional ghazals and innovative nazams. Ahmad Nadeem Qasmi was also dedicated to mentoring and grooming others.
In 1948, he was appointed secretary-general of the Anjuman-e-Taraqqi Pasand Musannifeen (Progressive Writers Movement) for Punjab. In 1949, he was selected to be secretary-general of the Pakistan Organisation. With the help of authors and poets including Khadija Mastoor, Hajra Masroor, Ahmed Faraz, Amjad Islam Amjad, Ata ul Haq Qasmi, and Munnu Bhai, Qasmi founded his own literary journal Fanoon in 1962. Qasmi was Parveen Shakir’s mentor. He was appointed secretary-general of Majlis-Taraqqi-Adab, a literary organisation founded by the West Pakistani government in 1958, in 1974.
Death
He died on July 10, 2006, of asthma complications at the Punjab Institute of Cardiology in Lahore.
Awards and Recognition
- Pride of Performance Award in 1968 by the President of Pakistan.
- Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Star of Excellence) Award in 1980 by the President of Pakistan.
- Lifetime Achievement Award by the Pakistan Academy of Letters.
- Islamabad’s 7th Avenue is named after Ahmed Nadeem Qasmi.