Qudrat Ullah Shahab facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Qudratullah Shahab
قدرت الله شہاب |
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|---|---|
| Born | 26 February 1917 Gilgit, British India (now in Pakistan) |
| Died | 24 July 1986 (aged 69) Islamabad, Pakistan |
| Resting place | H-8 Graveyard, Islamabad |
| Occupation | Writer Civil servant Diplomat |
| Nationality |  British Indian (1917–1947) Pakistani (1947–1986) |
| Notable works | Shahab Nama |
| Spouse | Iffat Shahab (died in Canterbury on 17 June 1974, aged: 42) |
| Children | Dr Saqib Shahab (son) |
| Parents | Abdullah Sahib (father) |
Qudrat Ullah Shahab (born February 26, 1917, died July 24, 1986) was a famous Pakistani writer, government official, and diplomat. He is known for his important role in Pakistan's early history.
Shahab worked as the top assistant (called the Principal Secretary) for three different leaders of Pakistan. These leaders were Governor General Malik Ghulam Muhammad, President Iskander Mirza, and President Ayub Khan. Later, he also served as Pakistan's Ambassador to the Netherlands. He also held important positions like Information Secretary and Education Secretary for the government.
Contents
Early Life and Learning
Qudrat Ullah Shahab was born in Gilgit on February 26, 1917. His father, Abdullah Sahib, came from a Punjabi family in a village called Chamkaur Sahib. His father was a student at Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College. He was guided by a famous person named Sir Syed Ahmed Khan. Abdullah Sahib later moved from Aligarh and settled in Gilgit.
Shahab first became well-known when he was only 16 years old. An essay he wrote won first prize in a global competition. This competition was organized by Reader's Digest in London. In 1941, he made history again. He was the first Muslim from Jammu and Kashmir to pass the tough exam for the Indian Civil Service. This was a very important government job.
During a big food shortage in Bengal in 1943, Shahab volunteered to help. He was working as a magistrate (a type of judge) at Nandigram. He shared government food supplies with the hungry local people. Some officials criticized him for this, but he helped many lives.
Career Highlights
Working for the Government
After Pakistan became independent in 1947, Shahab moved to Karachi. He started working as an Under-Secretary in the Ministry of Trade. This was a new and important role for the young country. He also became the first Secretary General for the government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. This position is now called Chief Secretary. He also served as a deputy commissioner in Jhang. Shahab was very supportive of writers and thinkers. He helped create many government plans to support them.
Becoming a Writer
Shahab wrote in both English and Urdu languages. His articles appeared in newspapers and magazines. He was involved with the Pakistan Writers' Guild, which started in Karachi in 1959.
One of his essays, Maaji, beautifully describes his mother's simple life. It also talks about the loving relationship his parents shared. The essay covers their journey, his father's work, family life, and loss.
He is most famous for his autobiography, Shahab Nama. An autobiography is a book someone writes about their own life.
Spiritual Journey
The last part of Shahab Nama revealed a special secret. Shahab wrote about a spiritual guide he called Ninety. This guide helped him on his spiritual path. After Shahab Nama was published (which happened after Shahab's death), his friend Mumtaz Mufti wrote his own autobiography, Alakh Nagri. In this book, Mufti openly talked about Shahab's spiritual side. Mufti wrote that since Shahab shared his own secrets, he felt free to share what he knew about Shahab's spiritual experiences.
Death and Lasting Impact
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Qudrat Ullah Shahab passed away on July 24, 1986. He is buried in the H-8 Graveyard in Islamabad, Pakistan.
His friend Mumtaz Mufti wrote two books about him: Alakh Nagri and Labbaik. Another famous Urdu writer, Bano Qudsia, wrote a book called Mard-e-Abresham about Shahab's personality. A collection of essays about Qudratullah Shahab has also been put together in a book called Zikr-e-Shahab.
To honor Qudratullah Shahab, Pakistan Post issued a special postage stamp on March 23, 2013. This stamp was part of their Men of Letters series.
Books by Qudrat Ullah Shahab
- Shahab Nama شہاب نامہ – This is his autobiography, published in 1986.
- Ya Khuda, یا خُدا – A novel he wrote.
- Mān̲ Jī, ماں جی – A collection of short stories.
- Surk̲h̲ Fītāh, سُرخ فِیتہ – Another collection of short stories.
- Nafsāne, نفسانے – More short stories.
- Shahāb Nagar, شہاب نگر – A collection of various literary writings.
- Pathans – An essay about the Pashtuns people.
