Progressive poet and writer Saeeda Gazdar passes away

Prominent progressive poet and writer Saeeda Gazdar has passed away, leaving behind a lasting legacy in Pakistan’s literary and progressive circles.

Saeeda’s family originally hailed from Allahabad, India, before they moved to Pakistan after the partition. She later married renowned filmmaker Mushtaq Gazdar, with whom she shared a commitment to social change and progressive ideals.

The couple was known for their strong partnership in advancing leftist and people-orientated values, comparable to the famous pairs Sajjad Zaheer and Razia Sajjad Zaheer, Shaukat Kaifi and Kaifi Azmi, and Mazhar Ali Khan and Tahira Mazhar Ali.

Together, they dedicated themselves to fostering progressive thought and advocating for a society centred around the welfare of the common people.

Saeeda Gazdar was celebrated for her fearless writing style. Her notable works include the short story collection Aag Gulistan Na Bani and her poetry anthology Zanjeer-e-Roz-o-Shab, which earned praise in critical literary circles. She also wrote poetry for children, which was widely appreciated.

Saeeda’s brother, Dr Mohammad Sarwar, was an active leader in the student movement, while she herself worked closely with celebrated writer Sibte Hasan in editing Pakistani literature.

Her husband, Mushtaq Gazdar, was a pioneering documentary filmmaker in Pakistan. With her passing, the progressive movement in Pakistan has lost one of its dynamic voices.