Agha Saleem

Agha Saleem was a Pakistani novelist, poet, playwright and journalist. He contributed extensively to regional films and travel literature throughout his life.

Early life and education

Agha Khalid Saleem was born on 7 April 1935 in Shikarpur, Sindh. He belonged to a Pakhtun family. After completing his primary schooling in his hometown, he moved to Hyderabad in 1948. He attended Government College Kali Mori, which is now known as Government College University Hyderabad. He graduated from this institution in 1958.

Career

Saleem began his professional literary career between 1957 and 1958. His debut short story, titled Ahh Ae Zalim Samaj, appeared in 1958 following his college graduation. He worked as a playwright for Radio Pakistan after he finished his formal education. His first radio plays included Wapsi and Dodo Chanesar.

The author published his first novel, Ondhahi Dharti Roshan Hath'a, in 1972. This work depicted the Indus Valley civilisation of Mohenjo-daro. The narrative covers historical events from that era until the creation of Pakistan and India. His other prominent novels include Hamma Oast and Roshan Hath.

Politics influenced his writing style significantly. He drew inspiration from the movement against the One Unit geopolitical programme. He used his writing to support pro-democracy movements and mass mobilisation efforts. In 1978, he faced arrest and prosecution under martial law for disrespecting the founder of the country. The case was eventually dismissed because the politician Qazi Muhammad Akbar helped him secure his release from prison.

Saleem also excelled as a poet and translator. He published a poetic series titled Pann Chhan Aeen Chand in 1986. As a translator, he converted Sindhi books into English and Urdu. One notable achievement includes his translation of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai's book, Risalo.

His dramatic works expanded to include titles such as Roop Bahroop and Gul Chhino Girnar Jo. He also wrote Gulan Jahera Ghava. In the field of journalism, he served as an editor for two local newspapers, Jaago and Daily Sach.

Personal life

Agha Saleem had three children. He was the father of two sons, Agha Jamshed Khan and Agha Khudadad Khan. He also had a daughter named Agha Gul Zareen Khan.

He suffered from heart complications toward the end of his life. While receiving medical treatment at a hospital, he died of a heart stroke on 12 April 2016 in Karachi, Pakistan.

Awards and recognition

Agha Saleem received the Pride of Performance award. He was also honored with the Sitara-i-Imtiaz.