Bano Qudsia, novelist and playwright, passes away at 88

LAHORE: Urdu’s renowned novelist and playwright Bano Qudsia passed away in Lahore on Saturday at the age of 88 years, ARY News reported.

Bano Qudsia, who married short story writer Ashfaq Ahmed, was best known for her novel Raja Gidh and had written for television and stage in both the Urdu and Punjabi languages. Her play ‘Adhi Baat’ was termed a “a classic”.

Born on November 28, 1928, Qudsia moved with her family to Lahore during the Partition of India. She did her Masters from University of Punjab in 1950.

Books written by Bano Qudsia include Aatish Zeir Pa, Adhi Baat, Aik Din, Amr Bail, Assey Passey, Bazgasht, Chahar Chaman, Dast Basta,Dosra Darwaza, Dusra Qadam, Foot Path Ki Ghaas, Haasil Ghaat, Hawwa Key Naam and Kuch Aur Nahi.

Qudsia was recognized as a trendsetter in the realm of television plays. Some of her plays gained immense popularity in Pakistan and across the border because of their vitality, warmth and courage.

Some of her best plays include Tamasil, Hawa key Naam, Seharay and Khaleej. The plight of women and other socio-economic issues have often been the subject of her television serials that have inspired families wherever they have been aired.

The Graduate Award for Best Playwright was conferred on Bano in 1986, followed by the same award for three consecutive years from 1988 to 1990. In 1986, she was also given the Taj Award for Best Playwright.

Condolences pour in 

President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif have expressed deep grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Bano Qudsia.

In his condolence message, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that Bano Qudsia was an asset of Pakistan, who had innumerable services in the field of Urdu literature. He said her demise has left a huge space in the literary field and her writings would be remembered for generations to come.

Nawaz Sharif prayed for blessing of the departed soul and grant of patience to the bereaved family.

Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb has also expressed deep grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Bano Qudsia.

In her condolence message, she said that Bano Qudsia was a renowned writer and vacuum which has been created after her death, cannot be filled.

Adviser to Prime Minister on National History and Literary Heritage Irfan Siddiqui and PTV Chairman Atta-ul Haq Qasmi have also expressed grief over the demise of Bano Qudsia.

Saddened by the passing of a literary legend: Mohtarma Bano Qudsia.

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) February 4, 2017

Banu Qudsia. Second pearl lost after her spouse, Ashfaq Ahmad. Both will be remembered always.

— Babar Awan (@BabarAwanPK) February 4, 2017

I express my profound grief and sorrow on the death of renowned writer Bano Qudsia.

— Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri (@TahirulQadri) February 4, 2017