Ibrahim Jalees

Ibrahim Jalees is a Pakistani journalist, writer, and humorist who achieved fame through his distinct literary style. He authored various works including the novel Chor Bazar and several short story collections such as Chalees Karor Bhikari.

Early life and education

Born Ibrahim Hussain on 22 August 1924, he grew up in Bangalore within British India. His father, Ahmed Hussain, was a self-made man who raised the family in the Hyderabad State. After completing his BA degree from Aligarh University in 1940, he continued his studies in India. The family eventually migrated to Pakistan following the partition of British India.

He moved to Lahore in 1948 because the fall of Hyderabad Deccan to India prompted his relocation. This period of transition marked a significant shift in his life and residence. He later traveled to China for six weeks in 1951. Following this trip, he wrote the travelogue titled Nai Deewar-I-Cheen.

Career

Jalees began his professional journey working at the civil supply department in British India. He eventually resigned from this position to pursue broadcasting and writing for various local magazines. His first major literary success occurred in 1941 when the magazine Saqi published his short story titled Rishta. He also spent time in Mumbai to seek opportunities within the film industry while staying with the poet Sahir Ludhyanvi.

In 1946, he participated in the All India Meeting of the Progressive Writers' Association. Because of his Hyderabad Deccan roots, he actively opposed the military annexation of that region by the Indian Union. He later joined the children's magazine Saathi in Lahore to develop his writing. His career progressed when he became a sub-editor at Daily Imroze, where he worked alongside colleagues Ahmed Nadeem Qasmi and Ibn-e-Insha.

Political involvement led to him being jailed for his publication, Public Safety Razor. He moved to Karachi in 1955 and joined the Daily Jang newspaper. His humor columns, titled Waghaira Waghaira, gained immense popularity during this time. In 1976, he took on the role of editor at Musawat, which serves as the daily newspaper for the Pakistan Peoples Party.

He later served as the editor for the daily newspaper Anjaam. Jalees also launched a weekly magazine called Awami Adalat, though it eventually closed due to a lack of funds. His written legacy includes diverse titles such as Zard Chehre, Tikona Des, and Ulti Qabr.

Personal life

He had three brothers named Mehboob Hussain Jigar, Mujtaba Hussain, and Yusuf Husain. Both Mehboob and Mujtaba remained in India to work as humorists and journalists. His youngest brother, Yusuf Husain, worked for Caltex at the Karachi Airport until his death in January 2016. Ibrahim Jalees passed away on 26 October 1977.

Awards and recognition

He received the Nigar Award in 1962 for his work on the film Aanchal. The Government of Pakistan later honored his literary contributions with a posthumous award. This Pride of Performance Award, or Tamgha-e-Husn-e-Karkrdagi, was announced in 1989 and conferred on 23 March 1990.