Quick Facts

• Born: February 13, 1911; Sialkot, British India
• Died: November 20, 1984; Lahore, Pakistan
• Pen Name: Faiz
• Full Name: Faiz Ahmad Faiz
• Notable Awards: Lenin Peace Prize (1962), Nishan-e-Imtiaz (posthumously)
• Profession: Poet, Journalist, Editor, Teacher
• Languages Known: Urdu, Punjabi, Persian, English
• Spouse: Alys Faiz (British-born Pakistani activist)
• Children: Two daughters – Salima and Muneeza

Faiz Ahmad Faiz is often remembered as the voice of resistance in Urdu poetry. Born in Sialkot in 1911, the same city that gave birth to Allama Iqbal, Faiz grew up in an intellectually rich environment. His father was a respected lawyer and scholar who kept the house full of books, poetry, and conversations that shaped young Faiz’s worldview.

He studied English and Arabic literature at Government College, Lahore, and then pursued a Master’s in philosophy. He taught for a while, then served in the British Indian Army during World War II, where he rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. But poetry kept calling.

After Partition, Faiz became the editor of The Pakistan Times and later one of the most influential literary figures in the country. His verses carried the heartbeat of the oppressed, the poor, and those longing for justice. Poems like "Hum Dekhenge", "Mujh Se Pehli Si Mohabbat", and "Bol" became anthems for protest movements, not only in Pakistan but across the world.

In 1951, Faiz was arrested in the Rawalpindi Conspiracy Case, accused of plotting a coup against the government. He spent four years in prison, where he wrote some of his most powerful poetry. Even behind bars, his words remained gentle, filled with hope, and grounded in humanity.

Faiz was married to Alys George, a British-born woman who stood beside him through thick and thin. She converted to Islam and took the name Alys Faiz. Together, they raised two daughters. Alys was his anchor and often helped him type and edit his work. Their partnership was built on shared ideals of justice and equality.

Though he was awarded the Lenin Peace Prize by the Soviet Union, Faiz always said he belonged to no nation or party, he belonged to the people. His poetry continues to echo in protests, classrooms, and hearts even today.

Faiz wasn’t just a poet. He was a gentle revolutionary. One who believed that even in darkness, poetry could light the way.