Lahore also holds a historic position in the world of literature. For centuries, this city has remained a center of poetry, short stories, drama, and other literary forms. During the Mughal era, its poetic gatherings contributed significantly to the growth of Urdu and Persian literature, while in the modern literary movements of the Subcontinent, writers and poets from Lahore played a vital role. The city’s literary atmosphere, libraries, and intellectual circles nurtured creative thought and provided guidance to new generations of writers. Even today, Lahore is known not only for its historical buildings and landmarks but also as a vibrant center for the development and preservation of Urdu literature.

In the history of Urdu literature, there are only a few personalities whose creative stature is not confined to a single genre or field. Dr. Anwar Sajjad is counted among such multifaceted figures. He was simultaneously a short story writer, dramatist, actor, director, painter, voice-over artist, and by profession, a medical doctor. His creative works present a unique blend of literature, fine arts, and social consciousness, which distinguishes him from other writers of his era.

Dr. Anwar Sajjad was born on May 27, 1935, in Lahore. He obtained his MBBS degree from King Edward Medical College, Lahore, and later completed a diploma in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene from the University of Liverpool. Although medicine was his profession, his intellectual and creative commitment remained closely tied to literature and the arts from the very beginning. His medical background enabled him to closely understand not only the human body but also human psychology, pain, fear, and existential dilemmas, which later became central references in his writings.

Dr. Anwar Sajjad began writing at a young age in the 1950s, a period when Urdu literature was transitioning from progressivism to modernism. He not only recognized this intellectual shift but also gave it a new stylistic expression through his writings. He was neither a purely progressive writer nor a strict advocate of abstract modernism; instead, he placed human existence, inner conflict, and social oppression at the center of his creative vision.

The true creative expression of Dr. Anwar Sajjad emerged in the short story. His stories break traditional norms and offer readers not merely a narrative but an intellectual experience. His writings reflect existential anguish, crises of identity, social inequality, and a subtle yet profound critique of power structures.

A brief overview of his books is presented below. His fictional works clearly represent modern symbolic and analytical trends in Urdu fiction. For him, symbolism is not merely a technical device but a deep intellectual and creative necessity. Rather than providing ready-made conclusions, Dr. Anwar Sajjad leaves readers with questions that open paths for reflection, contemplation, and self-examination.

1. Khushiyon Ka Bagh (The Garden of Joys, 1981)
This novel is considered the pinnacle of Anwar Sajjad’s creative achievement. It symbolically presents human existence, the search for happiness, and the contradictions of life. Its abstract style compels the reader to think deeply.

2. Neeli Notebook (The Blue Notebook, 1982)
This book is a blend of diary-like writings and symbolic short stories. Anwar Sajjad connects personal experiences with philosophical questions, making the reader feel like a companion on the author’s mental journey.

3. Rag-e-Sang (Vein of Stone, 1992)
A collection of short stories depicting the complexity of human relationships and social oppression through symbolism. The language is rich in poetic quality and imagery, making it one of the finest examples of his modern fictional style.

4. Nigar Khana (Gallery, 1994)
This book explores the relationship between fine arts and life. As both a painter and a writer, Anwar Sajjad weaves his dual identity into the text, with a strong visual and pictorial impact.

5. Janam Roop (Forms of Birth, 1985)
A symbolic novel that explores questions of identity and existence. Its characters wander in search of their true selves, guiding readers toward existential philosophy.

6. Isti‘aray (Metaphors, 1970)
An early work consisting of symbolic short stories that laid the foundation for Anwar Sajjad’s stylistic development.

7. Choraha (Crossroads, 1982)
A short story collection focusing on life’s different paths and the conflict of choice, marked by extensive use of abstraction and symbolism.

8. Raat Ke Musafir (Travelers of the Night, 1986; reprinted 2011)
Stories centered on loneliness, journeys, and existential questions, taking readers on an inner and spiritual voyage.

Dr. Anwar Sajjad was also a prominent dramatist in modern Urdu literature and Pakistani television. His plays were symbolic, abstract, and rooted in existential inquiry. In 1964, he wrote the first commissioned drama to be telecast on television in the Subcontinent. Lahore’s long-standing tradition of theater and drama, along with institutions such as Alhamra Arts Council and literary circles, provided artists like Anwar Sajjad with platforms to refine and present their symbolic and existential ideas. Within this tradition, notable plays such as Rasta (The Path), Pathar (Stone), and Choraha emerged, intellectually engaging audiences and strengthening Lahore’s dramatic heritage.

Notable Television Dramas

First Telecast Drama (1964)
The first commissioned drama broadcast on television in the Subcontinent, written by Anwar Sajjad, marking the foundation of his symbolic and modern style.

Choraha
A drama based on life’s choices and existential conflict, portraying characters standing at crossroads, struggling to decide.

Khushiyon Ka Bagh
A dramatization of his famous novel, symbolically depicting human existence and the pursuit of happiness.

Neeli Notebook
A drama based on diary-like writings, presenting philosophical questions and personal experiences in dramatic form.

Rag-e-Sang
A symbolic dramatization of social oppression and the complexity of human relationships.

Raat Ke Musafir
A drama centered on loneliness and existential journeys, portraying characters engaged in inner and spiritual exploration.

Rather than telling straightforward stories, Dr. Anwar Sajjad’s dramas employ symbolic and abstract techniques, using visual imagery and metaphor to provoke thought. His characters, often influenced by existential philosophy, appear in search of identity and purpose, lending depth and intellectual tension to his work. Beyond writing, he was also a painter, novelist, dancer, and theater artist, and these diverse creative abilities are clearly reflected in his dramas.

Dr. Anwar Sajjad did not confine himself to writing alone. He acted in several PTV dramas and was nominated for a PTV Award for his performance in Saba Aur Samandar. He was also deeply involved in painting, dance, and voice work. These multifaceted creative pursuits demonstrate that he viewed art as a holistic experience rather than something divided into separate categories.

He remained an active member of Lahore’s literary and cultural circles and served as President of the Pakistan Arts Council, Lahore, playing a significant role in promoting fine arts at the national level. Later, he was associated with the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA), where he contributed through teaching and creative work.

Dr. Anwar Sajjad’s literary work is recognized as a unique and powerful voice in Urdu fiction. He transformed the short story from mere storytelling into a medium for expressing human consciousness, social complexities, and inner conflict. Themes of loneliness, meaninglessness, and identity recur throughout his writings.

Critics believe that Anwar Sajjad used symbolism not for abstract complexity but for intellectual depth. His stories do not impose meanings on the reader; instead, they invite readers to participate in the text. As a result, his work affects each reader differently, depending on their intellectual level and experience. Some critics note that his serious and contemplative style may not immediately appeal to the general reader, but for those deeply engaged with serious literature, his work leaves a lasting impact. Overall, Dr. Anwar Sajjad’s literary legacy strengthens and expands the modern tradition of Urdu fiction.

In recognition of his literary and cultural contributions, the Government of Pakistan awarded him the Pride of Performance in 1989. While this honor represented official acknowledgment of his work, his true significance lies in his intellectual influence and creative legacy.

Dr. Anwar Sajjad passed away on June 6, 2019, in Lahore. Despite his death, his intellectual and creative legacy remains vibrantly alive in Urdu literature. He was not merely a short story writer or dramatist but a comprehensive creative force who brought together literature, painting, dance, and theater to create a distinctive aesthetic and intellectual dimension. His writings stand as a milestone in understanding modern Urdu fiction and continue to open countless avenues of research for new scholars.

With Dr. Anwar Sajjad’s passing, Urdu literature suffered a profound loss. The voice of modernism, symbolic expression, and existential thought that shaped Urdu literature for decades fell silent. His stories and dramas offered readers not just narratives but intellectual and aesthetic experiences. His absence has created a void in Urdu literature that cannot easily be filled. Even today, new generations of writers and researchers view his works as sources of guidance and intellectual awakening, though the loss of his personality and creative energy remains an irreparable blow to Urdu literature.