The birth anniversary of renowned writer, broadcaster, and intellectual Ashfaq Ahmed was celebrated on Monday.
He was regarded by many as the best Urdu Afsana (short story) writer after Saadat Hasan Manto, Ismat Chughtai and Krishan Chander, following the publication of his famous short story ‘Gaddarya’ in 1955. In 1962, Ashfaq started his popular radio program ‘Talqeen Shah’ which made him popular among the people in towns and villages.
He was appointed director of the Markazi Urdu Board in 1966, which was later renamed as Urdu Science Board, a post he held for 29 years. His popular TV plays include Aik Muhabbat Sau Afsanay, Uchhay Burj Lahore Dey, Tota Kahani, Lekin, Hairat Kadah and Mun Chalay Ka Sauda.
He authored more than 20 books in Urdu. His works included novels, short stories and plays for television and radio as well. He was awarded President’s Pride of Performance and Sitara-i-Imtiaz for services in the field of literature and broadcasting.
Ashfaq was born on August 22, 1925 in Garhmukteshwar village, Ghaziabad, British India and died on September 7, 2004 at the age of 79.
