Shafiq-ur-Rehman

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Shafiq-ur-Rehman (Urdu: شفیق الرحمن) (died March 2000), was a famous Pakistani humorist and a short-story writer of Urdu language. He is one of the most illustrious writers of sub-continent. Like P.G. Woodhouse, he has given enduring pleasure to his readers. He was a medical doctor by profession, and served in Pakistan Army.

Shafiq ur Rehman began writing humorous stories during his school days. His stories were published in a literary monthly magazine called Khayyam. Kirneyn, his first book was completed before he joined the medical college and was published in 1938 while he was still a medical student. His unforgettable characters include Razia, Shaitaan, Hukoomat Aapa, Maqsood Ghora, Buddy, Nannha and others.

His work added a new dimension to humor in Urdu literature. He created a world that was very real with all its joys, pains and anguish. It was an affirmation of life and of human values: empathy, compassion and respect. Even the seemingly frivolous and trivial situations had hidden meanings that probed deep into the human psyche. His language was simple, spontaneous and expressive.

After passing his MBBS in 1942, Dr Shafiq-ur-Rehman joined the Indian Army Medical Corps. He completed his post-graduation in tropical medicine and public health from Edinburgh, in 1952.