Chairperson PAL expresses grief over passing of Professor Dr Nawazish Ali

Chairperson of the Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) Professor Dr. Najeeba Arif, has expressed deep sorrow and grief over the passing of eminent critic, researcher, teacher, and intellectual, Professor Dr. Nawazish Ali

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th May, 2026) Chairperson of the Pakistan academy of Letters (PAL) Professor Dr. Najeeba Arif, has expressed deep sorrow and grief over the passing of eminent critic, researcher, teacher, and intellectual, Professor Dr. Nawazish Ali.

In her condolence message, she described Prof. Nawazish Ali as a reputable name in urdu criticism and research, who rendered invaluable services to literature and academia over several decades. She said he was a compassionate teacher, a distinctive critic and a profound scholar whose contributions would be remembered for a long time.

Highlighting his scholarly work, she noted that his widely acclaimed research on Firaq Gorakhpuri, “Firaq Gorakhpuri: Shakhsiat Aur Funn,” earned him a unique place in literary circles and became a hallmark of his academic identity. She added that his work “Firaq Gorakhpuri: Kitabiyat” also remains a significant contribution to Urdu literary research.

Prof. Nawazish Ali’s notable publications include “Chand Hum Asr Shu‘ara” (Some Contemporary Poets) and “Majid Amjad: A Research and Critical Study,” both regarded as important works in Urdu criticism.

In “Chand Hum Asr Shu‘ara,” he presented insightful essays on prominent poets and writers of his time, including Majid Amjad and N. M. Rashid. His writings were marked by critical depth, stylistic elegance and intellectual richness.

He also served as editor of the literary journal “Ibarat.” Along with co-editors Yousuf Hasan and Ahmed Javed, he brought out the substantial and widely appreciated special issue “Fifty Years of Urdu Literature,” which is considered an important reference in the literary history of Urdu.

In recognition of his academic and literary contributions, several research studies have been conducted on his life and works in universities across the country.

Prof. Najeeba Arif prayed for the forgiveness of the departed soul and extended her condolences to the bereaved family, wishing them patience and strength in this difficult time.