Saeed Ahmad Akhtar

Saeed Ahmad Akhtar, was born on March 3, 1933 in Pishin, Pakistan. He did his masters in English Literature from Peshawar University in 1958 and then masters in Urdu Literature from the same University in 1965. After working as a teacher, lecturer and professor of English in the provincial Education Department since 1954, he joined the West Pakistan civil service in 1968 as Assistant Political Officer. Serving in many Districts of N.W.F.P. as Assistant Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner and Additional Commissioner for 22 years, he retired in 1990.

Saeed Ahmad Akhtar is a well-known Urdu poet, playwright and educationist. He came up with his 1st Urdu poetry collection “Diyaar e Shab” in 1976. It was the best selling book of the year and got many awards including the "Abbasin Arts Council Award" for the best book of the year. He has published 8 Urdu poetry collections and one English poetry collection so far. All his books sold out like hot cakes. He has also written many plays and documentaries for Pakistan television and Radio Pakistan.

He belongs to Kulachi (Khyber Pukhtunkhwa and is permanently settled in Dera Ismail Khan, NWFP. Poetry, music and educational social work have been the passion of his life. He has been a member of senate, syndicate and selection board of the Gomal University for years. "Love for all and hatred for none" have been the moving forces of his life.

Mr. Saeed Ahmad Akhtar has participated in various symposia in Pakistan and abroad.

Literary contributions

• Diyaar e Shab (anthology of Urdu poetry) 1976
• Sath e Aab (anthology of Urdu poetry) 1978
• Chandni ke Saaye (anthology of Urdu poetry) 1981
• Khwabgeenay (anthology of Urdu poetry) 1983
• Le Gai Pawan Uraa (anthology of Urdu poetry) 1987
• Pata Toota Daal Se (collection of the 1st five books) 1987^[1]
• Pooja ke phool (anthology of Urdu poetry) 2000
• Varshanjali (anthology of Urdu poetry) 2002
• Songs from the desert (anthology of English poetry) 2003
• Abb ke bichray kab milay (antholory of Urdu poetry )2007
• Door paray hain jaa (antholory of Urdu poetry ) 2009
• Ghonghat ka patt khol ri(antholory of Urdu poetry ) 2010
• Baichay to bik jaoun(antholory of Urdu poetry ) 2011
• Flowers from the temple (anthology of English poetry) being printed 2012

Tributes

• All writings of Mr. Saeed Ahmad Akhtar enjoyed huge popularity especially among young people and have been selling like hot cakes.
• Thousands of Mr. Saeed’s students have greatly appreciated him and are working on several high posts throughout the country.
• Mr. Saeed Ahmad Akhtar's works have been approved for M.Phil from Urdu Department, University of Peshawar.
• He has participated in all important national & religious functions and occasions on Radio Pakistan and Pakistan Television PTV Peshawar.
• Many of his lyrics were composed and sung by famous singers.
• Mr. Saeed Ahmad Akhtar has written many plays and documentaries for Radio and Television. Radio play "Sikandar e Azam" has been the most famous of them.
• Mr. Saeed Ahmad Akhtar has participated in many International Literary Symposia, Conferences and mushairas where he was highly appreciated.

See also

• List of Urdu Poets
• Urdu poetry

References