Parveen Shakir was one of the first poets in Urdu literature to write openly and intimately from a woman’s point of view. Her poetry felt personal, fresh, and deeply emotional. She brought a gentle strength to Urdu verse that hadn’t been seen before.

Born in Karachi in 1952, Parveen was drawn to literature from a young age. She earned advanced degrees in English literature and linguistics and even completed a doctorate. She began writing under the pen name "Beena", and by her early twenties, she was already being recognized for her unique voice.

Her first poetry collection, Khushbu, took the literary world by surprise. It was lyrical and romantic, yet full of self-reflection and quiet rebellion. Her use of everyday language made the poems feel relatable. More importantly, she introduced the female voice into ghazals and nazms in a way that was bold but never loud. It felt natural, because it was honest.

Throughout her life, Parveen balanced her literary journey with a professional career. She worked as a school teacher before joining Pakistan’s civil service, eventually serving as Secretary at the Central Board of Revenue. She remained a respected voice in both literary and bureaucratic circles.

Her personal life had its own struggles. She went through a difficult marriage and divorce and raised her only son, Murad Ali, on her own. Despite this, she continued to write and publish collections like Sad-barg, Khud Kalami, and Inkar. Each book showed growth in her themes, moving from youthful love to deeper questions of identity, solitude, and resilience.

Parveen passed away in a tragic car accident in 1994, at just 42 years old. The loss was deeply felt across Pakistan and the Urdu-speaking world. Even today, her words are quoted by young lovers, students, and artists searching for truth in delicate emotions.

Parveen Shakir’s poetry lives on as a symbol of strength wrapped in softness. She gave countless women the courage to speak through verses.