Daily Times

Poet, human-rights activist and feminist, Fahmida Riaz, passed away at the age of 72 on Wednesday in Lahore, following a prolonged illness. Riaz, a formidable figure of Pakistani literature, authored over a dozen books on poetry and fiction, and ran a publishing company. She translated the writings of Albanian writer Ismail Kadare and the Sufi poetry of Rumi into Urdu. When ‘Badan Dareeda’, her second collection of verse, appeared, she was accused of using erotic and sensual expressions in her poetry. She was also forced to live in exile for over six years in India during the regime of General Zia-ul-Haq. Riaz faced various challenges due to her political writings. She was one of the few voices that challenged the overbearing patriarchal system that still exists in the country and was hailed as a pioneer in feminist literature. Following her death, tributes from renowned authors, activists and public figures poured in on social media. Noted Pakistani author Ayesha Siddiqa, said: “Sad to lose another very lovely Khala the dynamic @fahmidaRiaz she was brave, daring and a great person – rest in peace Khala you will be missed in a land where people can no longer disagree and still live”.

Famous author Kamila Shamsie tweeted: “Heartbreaking news about the death of Fahmida Riaz. What a transformative force she was, in her poetry and her life. One of the brightest of lights in the dark days of Zia-ul-Haq, and beyond. #fahmidariaz.”

Author Bina Shah said, “So saddened to hear of the death of one of Pakistan’s foremost poets and feminists, Fahmida Riaz, who taught us all so much about resistance and dignity. So grateful for your kindness and strength. May Allah bless her soul.”

Noted Activist Roshaneh Zafar? tweeted, “Another luminous light has gone out of our world. She fought an endless battle for women’s rights through the power of her pen. Fahmida Riaz – your loss will be felt by us all. RIP”. Women Democratic Front, a Pakistan-based leftist feminist political collective of women that stands against patriarchy,capitalism, imperialism, & colonialism paid the tribute to Riaz in the following words, “WDF vows to continue the legacy of Fahmida Riaz for upholding the democratic values of social justice & equality for a socialist Pakistan.We pledge to fight against the same forces of dictatorship, fanaticism,patriarchy & capitalism which #FahmidaRiaz fought ag. her entire life.”

Vijoo Krishnan an Indian politician and leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the All India Kisan Sabha, tweeted, “Renowned Pakistani Poet Fahmida Riaz passes away in Lahore. She had fled General Zia-ul Haq’s tyranny, sought refuge & spent 7 years in exile in India. Her warning to Indians on religious fundamentalists remains and will keep ringing forever.”

Riaz was born into a literary family of Meerut, India in July 1946. She was appointed managing director of what was then the National Book Council of Pakistan during the first Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) government (1988-90). In Benazir Bhutto’s second tenure as prime minister, she became associated with the Ministry of Culture.

Following is a famous couplet of Riaz critiquing patriarchy, “Yeh chaar-divaariyaN, ye chaddar, gali saRi laash ko mubarak / Khuli fazaaoN mein badban khol kar barhega mera safeena.” Translation: The confines of four walls, this chaddar, keep for your decaying corpse. My boat will go forth with flapping sails in open air.”

Published in Daily Times, November 23^rd 2018.