Renowned Urdu author Bano Qudsia passes away

Renowned Urdu novelist and short story writer Bano Qudsia passed away on 4 February 2017 in Lahore, Pakistan. She was 88.

Qudsia was the widow of admirable Urdu novelist Ashfaq Ahmed.

About Bano Qudsia

• Born on 28 November 1928 in Firozpur, India, Bano Qudsia was a Pakistani novelist, playwright and spiritualist.

• She migrated to Lahore with her family after partition.

• She graduated from the Kinnaird College in Lahore.

• Later, she joined Lahore’s Government College University to do her Master’s in Urdu Literature.

• She penned several Urdu novels, dramas and short stories.

• She is best known for her novel Raja Gidh (The King Buzzard), which is considered a modern Urdu classic.

• The author also wrote for television and stage in both Urdu and Punjabi languages.

• Her play Aadhi Baat has been called a classic.

• Her other prominent writings are Aatish-i-zer-i-paa, Amer Bail, Asay Pasay, Aik Din, Seharay and Khaleej, Chahar Chaman, Chhotaa Sheher Baray Log, Hasil Ghaat, Hawa Kay Naam, Tamasil and Footpath ki Ghaas.

• Her latest novel Haasil Ghath was published in 2005.

• She was awarded the Sitara-i-Imtiaz by the Government of Pakistan in 2003.