Parveen Shakir, a renowned female poet, set new standards in Urdu poetry by highlighting the “female experience.” Born on November 24, 1952, in Karachi, she earned three Master’s degrees in English Literature, Linguistics, and Bank Management, along with a Ph.D. in Bank Administration.
Known as the ‘Commuter of Fragrance,’ she employed ghazal and free verses in her poetry, blending classical traditions with modern sensitivity.
Parveen Shakir was a trailblazer, being the first female poet to realistically express the emotions and feelings of a young girl. Her spontaneous expression captivated the youth, especially girls.
Her poetry delved into feminism, romanticism, and social issues, marking her as the first woman poet to use the term ‘larki’ in Urdu poetry dominated by men.
Tragically, on December 26, 1994, Parveen Shakir’s life was cut short when her car collided with a bus while she was on her way to work in Islamabad.
Her untimely death left poetry enthusiasts in sorrow. To honor her memory, the road where the accident occurred is named Parveen Shakir Road. Her legacy endures as a pioneer in Urdu poetry, capturing the essence of the female experience.