Shaukat Siddiqui

Shaukat Siddiqui is a renowned Pakistani novelist and short story writer who produced significant works in the Urdu language. He is best recognized for his influential novels Khuda Ki Basti and Jangloos.

Early life and education

Siddiqui was born on 20 March 1923 in Lucknow, British India, within a family known for its literary background. He completed his early schooling in his hometown before pursuing higher studies at Lucknow University. After earning a B.A. in 1944, he obtained an M.A. in Political Science at the age of 23. Following the partition of India, he migrated to Pakistan in 1950.

He initially resided in Lahore but eventually moved to Karachi for permanent settlement. Although his early years in Pakistan involved political opposition and financial difficulties, he successfully overcame these obstacles. He later accompanied Zulfikar Ali Bhutto on various foreign tours.

Career

Siddiqui began his literary journey with the short story "Kaun Kisi Ka," which appeared in the Lahore-based Weekly Khayyam. His first collection of short stories, Teesra Admi, was published in 1952 and achieved great success. He continued to publish various collections, including Andhere Dur Andhere in 1955 and Raaton Ka Shehar in 1956. His final collection, Keemya Gar, was released in 1984.

His most famous work is the novel Khuda Ki Basti, which has seen 50 editions and translations into 26 languages. David Mathews of London University provided the English translation for this masterpiece. Other notable novels include Kamin Gah (1956), Char Deewari (1990), and the three-volume Jangloos. The first volume of Jangloos bears a dateline of September 1978 in Karachi.

Reports suggest a connection between his writing and television history. Amjad Islam Amjad wrote the screenplay for the drama serial "Waris," which aired in 13 episodes starting in December 1979. While the plot and characters of Waris appear identical to those in Jangloos, Amjad Islam Amjad never acknowledged adapting the novel.

Siddiqui also maintained a long career in journalism. He worked at the news desks for the Karachi newspapers Times, Pakistan Standard, and the Morning News. He eventually served as the editor for Daily Anjaam, Weekly Al-Fatah, and the Daily Musawat. He ended his professional involvement in journalism in 1984.

As a writer, he utilized the technique of socialist realism to depict the lives of the poor in Karachi. He avoided portraying characters trapped in apathy—instead, he encouraged them to assert themselves and change their destinies. He remained an active member of the Progressive Writers Association and the Pakistan Writers' Guild.

Personal life

Siddiqui lived much of his adult life in Karachi. He passed away from cardiac arrest in Karachi on 18 December 2006 at the age of 83. He is survived by his wife, two sons, and three daughters.

Awards and recognition

The writer received the Adamjee Literary Award in 1960 for his work. In 2003, the Government of Pakistan and the Pakistan Academy of Letters presented him with the 'Kamal-i-Fun' Lifetime Achievement Award. His recorded honors also include the Pride of Performance and the Sitara-i-Imtiaz.