Rauf Parekh

Rauf Parekh is a distinguished lexicographer, linguist, and literary scholar, widely recognized for his contributions to Urdu language and literature. Born in Karachi in 1958, he earned his MA and PhD in Urdu from the University of Karachi and went on to shape the field of Urdu lexicography through his pioneering work. As Chief Editor of the Urdu Dictionary Board from 2003 to 2007, he oversaw the publication of volumes 19, 20, and 21 of the monumental Urdu Lughat. In 2020, he was appointed Director General of the National Language Promotion Department, Islamabad, further cementing his role as a leading advocate for Urdu. Parekh has authored more than 50 books spanning lexicography, literary criticism, humor, and linguistics, and has contributed to major works such as the Oxford Urdu–English Dictionary. His writings, which appear regularly in DAWN and other publications, reflect his deep engagement with language, culture, and society. For his outstanding services to literature and language, he was honored with the Presidential Pride of Performance award in 2018. A passionate scholar and cultural commentator, Rauf Parekh continues to influence contemporary discourse on Urdu literature and language, making him an essential voice in Pakistan’s literary landscape.