
Iftikhar Arif
Iftikhar Arif is a distinguished Urdu poet, scholar, and literary figure who has made significant contributions to the literary landscape of Pakistan. Throughout his career, Arif has held several prestigious positions, including Chairman of the Pakistan Academy of Letters, the National Language Authority, and the National Book Foundation. He also served as President of the ECO Cultural Institute in Tehran, Iran, and led the National Language Promotion Department within the National History and Literary Heritage Division in Islamabad. Additionally, he was Director General of the Pakistani Scholars and Writers Foundation and worked as a senior producer and script editor at the Pakistan Television Corporation. His appearances on various literary programmes, including those on Pakistan Television, BBC Television, and BBC Radio, have further established his presence in cultural discourse.
Arif’s literary works include notable titles such as Mehr-e-Do-Neem, The Twelfth Man, and Harf-e-Baryab. His latest poetry collection, Baagh-i-Gul-i-Surkh, reflects his ongoing engagement with Urdu literature. His poetry is widely published and has been translated into several languages, reflecting his influence beyond Urdu-speaking audiences. His literary achievements have been recognised with numerous awards, including the Nishan-e-Imtiaz in 2023, the Hilal-e-Imtiaz in 2005, and the Sitara-e-Imtiaz in 1999, along with the Pride of Performance Award in 1990.
In addition to his literary accomplishments, Iftikhar Arif is actively involved in academic and cultural organisations. He has been a member of the Executive Committee of Allama Iqbal Open University, served as President of the Third World Writers Association (UK), and was a member of the Afro-Asian Writers’ Union. His extensive career and dedication to the arts have made him a prominent figure in both national and international literary circles.