Najm Us Saqib
Najm us Saqib (Urdu: نجم الثاقب ; born 1960) is a Pakistani poet, writer and a career diplomat, who is currently posted in Brazil as the Ambassador of Pakistan (1[1]). Najm us Saqib has written poetry and literature in Urdu, English and Spanish languages (,3[2] ),. His poetry is widely followed on social media and remains a subject of interest and fascination by readers around the world (5,). In addition to be an author and diplomat, he has been a popular TV Anchor person in “PTV Morning Show”, “News Morning” and “News Night” Transmissions and on popular Radio Shows such as “Book Shelf” and "Bolti Tehrirain (بولتی تحریریں)” ). He has received many awards for his literary contributions including the “Excellence in Literature" Award from Bolan Academy (Pakistan) in 2012.
Early life[edit]
Najm us Saqib was born in Sialkot (Punjab, Pakistan) on 22 September 1960. He graduated from Murray College Sialkot where his Grandfather Jamshed Ali Rathore (PhD) and Uncle Tajamul Ali Rathore had previously been Professors of Persian and English Literature. His father, a Masters in mathematics, served as a Deputy Settlement Commissioner in Sialkot until his death in 1967 From a young age, Najm us Saqib was introduced to the poetry of Muhammad Iqbal,Ghalib and Keats as well as to the writings of Shakespeare which helped in developing his interest in poetry and literature. He graduated in Political Science and Economics in 1980 from Murray College Sialkot with distinction. In 1983, he graduated in Law from Quetta (Baluchistan Region). He joined the Foreign Service of Pakistan in 1985 as a career diplomat
Diplomatic career[edit]
Najm us Saqib served as a Third Secretary (Dhaka-1989-1992), Second Secretary (Madrid-1994-1997), First Secretary (Baku- 1997-1999). From 1999-2002, he was in Nairobi as a Counsellor and Deputy Permanent Representative of Pakistan to HABITAT and UNEP. He served at Headquarters as Director in-charge of South Asian Affairs from 2002-2004. He was posted to Pakistan High Commission in Ottawa in July 2004 where he stayed as Minister till November 2007. He was appointed as the first resident Ambassador of Pakistan to Cuba in 2007 where he served his country till 2010. His next ambassadorial posting was to South Africa where he remained Pakistan’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland from Jan 2014-May 2017. Najm us Saqib is currently serving as the Ambassador of Pakistan to Brazil, Colombia, Suriname, Guyana, Venezuela and Bolivia (1[1]).
During his long diplomatic career spanning over 30 years, Najm us Saqib has contributed towards countless initiatives designed to promote a deeper understanding of Pakistani culture to the world and in projection of positive image of Pakistan as a progressive democratic country (1[1]). He has also helped in strengthening Pakistan’s bilateral relations with several countries including Spain, Canada, Azerbaijan, Kenya, Cuba, South Africa and Brazil etc.[2].
Poetry publications[edit]
His first poetry book “Raitlay Khawboon Ki Rut” (ریتلے خوابّوں کی رُت ) was published in 1992 from Sang-e-Meel Publications (Lahore, Pakistan). The next two books, “Dard Kay Jazeeray Tak” (درد کے جزیرے تک) and “Hazaar Khawb Hain” ( ہزار خواب ہیں) were published in 2000 & 2004 again from Lahore by Sang-e-Meel Publications . Compilation of Najm us Saqib’s Spanish poetry “Tal-vez-la-vida” was published from Madrid, Spain in 2010 by Huergay Fierro Editors. (8[3]) First and Second Editions of his Urdu novel “Yehan say Agay” ( یہاں سے آگے) were published in 2011 & 2013 respectively by Sang-e-Meel (11 The English translation of this Novel entitled “Baoo” was published from Cape Town, South Africa in 2017 by Quick Fox Publications (12[4]).
Style of poetry[edit]
Najm Us Saqib employed mainly two forms of poetry, Ghazal (غزل) and Nazm (نظم) in his work. Main focus of his poetry and prose remains on the human beings searching for answers. The recurring themes in his poetry are nature, loneliness, a trance like state of mind searching a world that exists somewhere in between the reality and dreams. Powerful imagery created by combination of poetic expressions and a broad range of poetic techniques such as personification, mesmerizing similes and compelling metaphors is reflective of a personal quest to isolate dreams within a dream.
His poetry has been well received by well recognised Urdu poets in Pakistan. A selection of their comments is listed here: The realism in Najm us Saqib’s poetry emanates from a world of fantasies. It symbolises and signifies “Dream” in all forms and contexts. (extracted and translated from Dr Salim Akhter) Najm us Saqib’s poetry pursuits the veracity of mysteries separating a dream from reality (extracted and translated from Munir Niazi) After reading “Raitlay Khawboon Ki Rut” (ریتلے خوابّوں کی رُت) my personal impression is that Najm us Saqib’s poetry will enrich and glorify Urdu language (extracted and translated from Ata ul Haq Qasmi)
Novel[edit]
The first edition of “Yehan Say Aagay” was launched in Pakistan in May 2011 and received admiration from literary circle in Pakistan due to its captivating story line and unique style of writing Legendary Urdu novelist Intizar Hussain commented that “Yehan Say Aagay” is a complete novel in the sense that it not only tries to resolve the mysteries of the PRESENT but also spells out the contours of FUTURE as well. It is certainly a valuable addition to Urdu literature. The author has advocated the qualities of goodness against evil through the leading character of his novel quite convincingly with the power of his pen, flight of his ideas and depth of his insight towards human behaviour."
"An important addition in Urdu literature" - Daily "The News" – Pakistan
“Ordinary incidences have been narrated in an extraordinary manner. This is what happens when a poet writes a novel" - Daily "Jang" – Pakistan. “A poet and a writer of calibre" - Daily "Pakistan Observer"
BAOO (English version of “Yehan Say Aagay)
Baoo, an English translation of the popular Urdu Novel was launched in Pretoria, South Africa in 2017. It received acknowledgement and admiration from readers around the world. It was also recognised as the very first Novel launched by a Pakistani diplomat in the African continent (12[4]).
In “Baoo” all characters are fictional yet seem real. The suspense as to what will happen next is certain to captivate the reader’s undivided attention. One of the real delights of the novel is that it is a cross-generational read and will appeal to all generations
"Weaving a fine blend of the vocabulary from both modern and classical style in bold and powerful words, Saqib takes a quantum leap towards developing a unique syntax reflecting modern complexities in a multidimensional nature"
Awards[edit]
Najm us Saqib was awarded “Excellence in Literature" Award from Bolan Academy in 2012.
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1. http://www.mofa.gov.pk/brazil/ Retrieved on 1/03/18
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 3. http://www.mofa.gov.pk/brazil/documents/Ambassador-Interview.pdf (Retrieved on 12/02/18)
- ↑ 8. http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/Tal-vez-la-vida-Najm-Us-Saqib/9788483748794 Retrieved on 3/02/18
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 12. http://www.thediplomaticsociety.co.za/home/16-home/2079-najm-us-saqibs-novel-baoo-launched-in-south-africa
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