Faiz Ahmed Faiz was a pioneering modern Urdu poet celebrated for his masterful fusion of traditional forms with contemporary themes. His poetry, informed by his political and social convictions, expands conventional thematic expectations to address pressing issues. While employing a fairly strict diction, his style maintains a casual, conversational tone, creating a tension between the elite and the common. Faiz's command of traditional Urdu forms, such as the ghazal, and his remarkable ability to weave political and social commentary into his lyrical output have cemented his significance in South Asian literature.
Considered the leading poet on the South Asian subcontinent, Faiz Ahmed Faiz (1911-1984), winner of the 1962 Lenin Peace Prize, was an outspoken opponent of the Pakistani government. This volume offers a selection of Faiz's poetry.