Ibn-e-Insha, renowned poet, lyricist, artist, columnist and travelogue writer, was remembered on his 40th death anniversary.
Ibn-e-Insha was born in Phillaur tehsil of Jalandhar District, Punjab, on June 15, 1927. His father hailed from Rajasthan. He did BA from Punjab University in 1946 and MA from the University of Karachi in 1953. Ibn-e-Insha was an eminent Pakistani leftist Urdu poet and columnist.
Along with his poetry, Insha was regarded as one of the best humorists in Urdu literature. He was also well-known for his ghazal composed and sung by Patiala singer Ustad Amanat Ali Khan: Insha ji Utho ab; kooch Karo; Is sheher mein ji ko lagana kya.
Other than that, he published several books in different genres, including Chand Nagar, Dil-e-Wehshi, Billo Ka Basta (Rhymes for Children); travelogue: Awara Gard Ki Diary, Dunya Gol Hey, Ibn Battuta Kay Taqub mien, Chaltay Ho To Cheen Ko Chaliye, Nagri Nagri Phira Musafar and humor: Aap se kya Parda, Khumar e Gandum, Urdu Ki Aakhri Kitaab and collection of letters, Khat Insha Jee Kay.
Ibn-e-Insha was associated with various government services including Radio Pakistan, Ministry of Culture and National Book Centre of Pakistan. He also served in the United Nations (UN) for some time and this enabled him to visit a lot of places, giving his inspiration and stories for his subsequent travelogues.
Insha was mentored by notable persons including Habibullah Ghazanfer Amrohvi, Dr Ghulam Mustafa Khan and Dr Abdul Qayyum.
He died on January 11, 1978, in London.