Poet, journalist Abeda Iqbal’s 14th death anniversary on Monday

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Apr, 2026) The 14th death anniversary of author, activist and journalist Abeda Iqbal will be marked on Monday, April 20, with literary and social circles reflecting on her contributions to journalism, poetry, and socially engaged writing.

Abeda Iqbal breathed her last on April 20, 2012, and her untimely death cut short her career, which was at its high point.

She was widely known for her activism expressed through poetry and a simple, reader-friendly diction that made her work accessible to a broad audience.

She emerged as a strong voice against injustice and violence against women, using her writings to highlight social realities and amplify marginalized perspectives.

Abeda Iqbal established herself as a prominent columnist and gained recognition through her poetic work Aasman, along with her widely read columns Aaina and Chehre, which were published simultaneously in different national dailies. Her journalistic contributions also appeared in several newspapers across Pakistan, where she consistently addressed social and political themes.

Her literary repertoire further included translations of works by Saadat Hasan Manto and Kahlil Gibran. Her feature series Dateline Dhaka, documenting the events surrounding the 1971 fall of Dhaka, was published in leading newspapers and drew attention from academics, scholars, and writers for its historical depth and narrative value.

As part of the observance, a 20-day commemorative diary series has been circulating since April 1, featuring daily reflections, selected writings, and commentary on her life and work. The initiative has been shared across social media platforms, with contributors revisiting her columns, poetry, and journalistic features, and reflecting on her relevance in contemporary discourse.

Abeda Iqbal’s writings contributed to shaping public discourse by combining literary expression with journalistic observation. Her work continues to be referenced in literary and academic contexts, reflecting her enduring presence in discussions on media, literature, and social thought.