Farhat Abbas Shah

A brief introduction
Profile
The human history is full of persons who have achieved greatness and fame with their genius

and hard work. Every era in the human history has given birth to be great persons like Abdul
Salam, Sartre, Karl Marx, Shakespeare, Ghalib, Iqbal Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Imran Khan.
They are the men who distinguished themselves in their particular filed like science, politics,

philosophy, drama, poetry and singing. In today’s era when we look at the names who had

achieved a place and fame in life, Farhat Abbas Shah stands out among the men of excellence.
Farhat Abbas Shah was born on November 15, 1964 in the same district Jhang in Punjab,

Pakistan where Nobel Prize winner in physics Dr Abdus Salam was born. He received his

education at Jhang and after completing his master’s degree (MSc) IN Psychology, he came to
Lahore for further education. In Lahore he completed his master’s in Philosophy FROM THE

UNIVERSITY OF PUNJAB. Mr Shah was first recognized nationally as a martial artist. He

became the first young master in Burmese Martial Arts (Bando) after being trained by grand
master Ashraf Tai and other recognized masters of the Bando Arts. In the 1990 national Horse

and Cattle Show of Lahore, Mr Shah for the first time in the world broke 11 ice blocks. To date it

is a world record. At present, there are over 400,000 students who had learnt from Mr. Shah the
art of Bando and are now teaching it in different parts of the world. Mr. Shah also has a unique
distinction of introducing changes into the traditional martial arts of the sub-continent like Bana

and Gatka. He not only made these arts easy but also more effective. He turned these arts into
a sports and frames rule and regulations of these arts and arranged tournaments throughout
the country. Mr. Shah preached peace and love for human dignity to youngsters through the

newly changed martial arts by imparting the education of self control, tolerance and helping
each other. As a Poet Mr. Shah was sensitive and observant as a child and started using the
medium of Urdu language for expressing his feelings and passion. Even when he was just 13

years old, his poetry started publishing in the leading literary magazines of Pakistan. However,
his first collection of poetry “Shaam Key Baad” was published in June 1989 and it turned into
the most popular book of poetry in Urdu language. To date, Shaam Key Baad, a collection of

romantic and love poems, has the rare distinction of being published more than 100 editions in
just 20 years. According to different surveys, Farhat Abbas Shah is the most popular poet of

Urdu language in the last 20 years. So far, his 67 books have been published, out of which 46

are collections of poetry and three on criticism. Not only is he known as a poet of love and
romance, but in recent years his anti-war and pro peace poetry and activism as a social

mobilizer has caught attention. His love for human dignity and peace has been much

appreciated. Mr. Shah has expressed his feelings and emotions through ghazal and nazam.
And after much work in Urdu poetry, he has successful delimit the ghazal from its traditional

pattern and sequence. He has given a new trend to the modern poetry in Urdu language. Mr

Shah is the only poet in the world whose 46 collections of poetry had been published till the age
of 40 years. After him the only name that comes to mind with so many books of poetry is of

Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. A number of poets and critics have praised Mr Shah for his creative
ability and works. Noted critics like Dr Wazir Agha, Dr Ajaml Niazi, Dr Anees Nagi, Dr Khawaja
Zikraya have written critical appreciation on the amazing poetic sense and creative ability of Mr

Shah. Poets like Ahmed Nadeem Qasmi, Atta ulhaq Qasmi, Amjad Islam Amjad, Zafar Iqbal,
Adeem Hashmi, Arif Shafique, Ali Akber Mansoor Najma Mansoor, Baseer Raza have in their

critical essays innumerous seminars have recognized Mr Shah as one of the leading poets of
Urdu language. There have been five books on the poetry and personality of Mr Shah. The
books are –Baaghi Shair, Mahtama, Teray Dukh Ney Rasta Bana Diya, Poet and the Modern
Poetic Trends in the 21st century--. Mr Shah’s subjects in poetry are many but most distinctive

includes –God, Universe, Time, Human Beings, Human Relations, Love, Separation and Peace-
-. Mr Shah wrote poems against the US-Afghan war. He is the only poet in the world whose

collection of poems “Hum Akeley Hain Bohat” on Afghan war. He also wrote poems on the after-

math of 9/11. His poems engulfed the fear and terrorism after 9/11. The Punjabi poetry of Mr
Shah has also earned appreciation from the critics. His poetry had been translated into English

languages and Punjabi. One of book has been translated into Punjabi while four have been
translated into English language. The translations are are – Sarabi, Love, America My Friend,
After Evening, Critical work on Farhat Abbas Shah--. His Publications include – Shaam Key
Baad (three editions), Mujhey tum Yaad Atey Ho, Sehra Khareed laye Hain, Muhabat Ki Aakhari

Adjuri Nazam, Uddas Uddas, Din Nikata Nahin, Mujh Sey Naraz Na Ho, Barishon Key Mausam,
Adhey Gham Aur Adhi Khushian, Mera shaam Salona Shah Piya, Uddasi Thehar Jatti Hai, Hum

Jaisey Awara Dil, Ishq Nirala Mazhab Hai, Jam Gaya Sabar Meri Aankhon Mein, Teray Kuch

Khawab, Maut Zada, Muhabat Gum Shuda Meri, Aa Lagar Jungle Dard Deewar Sey, Aankhon
Key Par Chand, Sarabi, Mohabat Zaat Hoti Hai, Khaton Mein Dafnaya Hua Janoon, Aa Kisi

Roz, Kisi Dukh Pae Ikthey Roan, Tum Uddas Mat Hona, Razg, Ikisween Sadi Ki Pehli Nazam,

Ik Bar Kaho Tum Merey Ho, Dil Dey Haath Mahar, Ishq Banaya Pir, Aj Di Lok Dastan, Alwida
Pakistan, Khayal So Rahey Ho To, Roz Hon Gi Mulakatein, Sawal dard Ka Hai, Yeh Ajeeb Meri

Muhabtein, Dukh Boltey Hain, Abhi Khuwab Hai, Mun Panchi Beychain, Kahan Ho Tum,

Muhabat Chup Nahin Rehti, Milo Hum Sey, Chand Per Zor Nahin, Udas Shamein Ujjar Rastey,
Judai Rasta Rok Key Khari Hai, Mut Bolo Piya Key lehjey Mein, Ai Ishq Humein Azad Karo,

Ankhein Ghazal Hain Aap Ki, Kabhi Milney Chaley Aao, Mera Intizar Qadeem Hai, Saath Dena
Hai To Dey, Yaad Aoon Agar Udasi Mein, Hum Akeley Hain Bohat, Merey Wiran Kamrey Mein,
Aur Tum Aaao, Who Kehti Hai, Do Bol Muhabat Key, Hijar Ibaadat Bun Jaye, Muhbat

Khubsoorat Hai, Awara Mizaj, Tum Samajh Nahin Saktey, Tajdar e Haram, Muntikhib Nazmein,
Muntikhab Afssaney, Ghazliat e Saghir, Asri Adab Ki Matwazi Tareekh (first edition),

Takhleeqiat Pasand Tehreek, Ni Maey Aaqsi Tur Challey, Sarad Sa Haath Milaney Wala--. As
Journalist and Editor Mr Shah started his journalistic career as feature and column writer in the
leading Urdu language dailies of Pakistan. Later on he started publishing his own monthly
magazines Shaam Key Baad and Political Scene. The first one was a literary magazine while

the other is a socio political magazine. Political Scene has become one of the bold political
magazines. Political Scene had been carrying features and news stories on some of the most

influential personalities in the country and had published news stories against anti social

environment and extremism. Mr. Shah wrote columns and features against terrorism and
fundamentalism and for the promotion of arts and culture in the country. Mr. Shah also entered

into the electronic media and won laurels. In a satellite television channel UNI Plus, he
conducted very bold interviews and talk shows that were new to the television audience at the
beginning of private TV channels in Pakistan. Political Scene was once again the name of the
talk show and it was featuring staightforward and hard interviews with almost all the top

leadership of the country including –Benzir Bhjutto, Nawaz Sjarif, Imran Khan, Prof tahir ul
Qadri, Farooq Leghari, Nawabzada Nassarullah. He also served as a general manager of UNI

Plus for two years and during that period he produced over 500 talk shows, road shows,

magazine shows, dramas, poetry sittings and music programs. Thereafter, he joined FM 103
Mast a private Radio Channel as director news and current affairs. The FM 103 Radio channel

had started in collaboration with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).Mr. Shah got radio

journalism training from BBC experts and had an orientation exposure one week visit at BBC
head quarters London. He not only fulfilled his responsibilities as director news at FM Mast

radio Pakistan but also conducted one of the most popular talk show “Waryam Show” in the

history of radio in Pakistan. Besides, he did investigative news reports as “Report 103”, which is
said to be one of best news reports in radio journalism. On his news report on the corruption

and inhuman attitude of doctors and para medical staff in the Punjab Institute of Cardiology and
the mis use of powers by I B and the former provincial govt of Punjab govt, Mr Shah was
arrested illegally without registering a case by the Punjab police during the Musharraf

government. When his arrest was agitated by the journalist unions and media watch dogs all
over the world, a case was registered against him under Maintenance of Public Ordinance-16.

The next day he was released on bail but the police forcible closed down FM 103. The radio
channel was reopened after 18 days following negotiations with the government. On this issue
the Human Rights Commission of UNO sought explanation from Pakistan ministry of law and
justice and journalist organizations protested over the incident. At present Mr Shah is working

as editor of Political Scene and Shaam Key Baad and managing director of an advertising
company Media Services Pakistan. As classical singer, vocalist and Music director. Mr Shah

learned the art of singing classical music from reknowned classical singers Ustad Badar ul

Zaman and Ustad Qamar ul Zaman. He had been performing in the Radio Pakistan’s
programme on classical singing Ahange Khusravi, and besides had been performing at Alhamra

Arts Council, Punjab Arts Council and Pakistan Arts Council programmes. Mr Shah has
introduced a new form of classical singing by singing his own poems without Tabla (drum) on a
classical instrument. He has named his style of classical singing as Sukhan Sarai. His
performances had been much appreciated in his concerts at Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dubai, Thai

Land, England, India and Australia. Mr Shah won the National Award in a Ghazal Singing
Festival 2005 organised by Pakistan National Council of the Arts. In the young age of 40, Farhat

Abbas Shah has made name in the fields of martial arts, literature, journalism, broadcasting and

music. A few people could have been so versatile and multi-dimensional at such a young age.
He had reached the top whatever field had chosen to work in. Since 2007 he is working with

Microfinance sector as a grassroots expert, researcher and business development manager.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION

1986 M.Sc (psychology) the university of Punjab

2009 Professional Diploma (Marketing & SalesManagement) Pakistan Institute of
Management
2008 certificate (MARKETING MICRO FINANCE WORK I L O + LUMS)
2009 Studying in MBA (Marketing) of common wealth from
AIOU (First semester)

OTHER CERTIFICATES

 STRATEGIC VISION From Time Lenders

 MICROSOFT OFFICE & POWER POINT ( PAKISTAN INSTITUTE OF
MANAGEMENT)
 SOCIAL MARKETING from Action Aid
 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AAA Pharma Pakistan
 DELINQUENCY & PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT( SHORE BANK
INTERNATIONAL )
 FINANCIAL ANALYSIS FOR BRANCH PROFITABILITY
 ( SHORE BANK)
 TIME MANAGEMENT ( TIME LENDER )
 MAKING MICRO FINANCE WORK (LUMS)

 CREDIT OPERATIONS & MANAGEMENT( PPAF)

 MANAGEMENT BY OBJECTIVES (PAKISTAN INSTITUTE OF
MANAGEMENT)
 MANAGING RESEARCH PROJECTS; THE EFFECTIVE WAY (UNIVERITY
OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES & INSTITUTE OF RESEACH
PROMOTION)
 ENGLISH LANGUAGE SPOKEN (THE BRITISH COUNCIL )
 Business English (Pakistan Institute of management)
  SOCIAL MARKETING & RADIO COMMUNICATION ( BBC London
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

 20 years experience of communication, marketing and advertisement as GM,

Director advertising, Director Marketing, etc. (TV, Radio, News papers and also
with deferent Media companies)
 Five year experience of development sector as A GRASS ROOTS EXPERT (Action
Aid)
 3 years experience of microfinance (Asasah)
 Recently working on Market( of microfinance) TREND Analysis and need
assessment for demand driven products

He also writes articles in different national and international news papers and magazines about
micro and macro economics as well. Mr. Shah had always raised his voice for the poor and the
oppressed and for human rights, peace and tolerance in the world on national as well as
international forums. Ends/--

Mobile: 03214468216
E-Mail address:farhatabbasshah@gmail.com
farhat@farzfoundation.org