Asghar Nadeem Syed


Asghar Nadeem Syed is a Pakistani playwright, TV drama serial writer and poet. He has written shows for the Pakistani state channel, PTV, as well as the privately owned Shalimar Television Network.

Early life and career

Syed was born on 14 January 1950 in the city of Multan, Pakistan. He received his master's degree in Urdu language from the University of Punjab, Lahore and completed his PhD at Bahauddin Zakariya University in Multan. He is married and has three children; a son and two daughters. His son is a British national who works for FTSE 100 businesses in the UK. Syed gets inspiration from his son to depict life in foreign lands. Syed is a family man with strong bonds with his son and daughters. Syed wrote the popular TV play Chand Grehan, an Urdu TV drama serial that was one of the highest rated dramas produced by STN, along with "Nijaat" and "Hawain," classic dramas from PTV. One of Syed's works, "Ghulam Gardish" was directed by Nusrat Thakur.
At one time, Asghar Nadeem Syed was a media consultant at the Pakistan Television Corporation.
His dramas depict the social injustices in the society. He has written plays depicting the feudal culture in rural Sindh, exploitation of women, the oligarchic structure in Pakistan comprising politicians, feudals, media moguls and the bureaucracy.
In January 2014, he was wounded by unknown assailants in a gun attack in Lahore while he was returning home from his job as head of the Department of Television, Film and Theatre at Beaconhouse National University in Lahore. The assailants shot at his car when he was near Shaukat Khanum Hospital.
Syed has a total of 36 years of teaching experience.

TV plays

Pyas Khuwahish Nijaat Alao Chand Grehan Maigh Malhar Hawain Ghulam Gardish Riyasat Khuda Zameen Se Gaya Nahin Bol Meri Machli Tum Ho Ke Chup Dil Tou Bhatkay Ga Jaan'nisar
  • ''Aik Bond Zindagi''

Literary activities

In 2013, he served on the Board of Governors of Pakistan Academy of Letters, an institution of Pakistani scholars and writers. In November 2020, he was appointed as one of the directors of Pakistan Television under the chairmanship of Mr. Naeem Bokhari.

Awards and recognition

Books

Poetry Collections

Tarz‑e‑Ehsas
A collection of Urdu poems exploring emotional landscapes and introspection, showcasing Syed’s lyrical voice in early poetic form.Aadhe Chaand Ki Raat
A volume of evocative ghazals and nazms capturing themes of longing, romance, and night‑time reflection.Adhuri Kulliyat
A curated compilation of selected poems from Syed’s earlier work, including unpublished and rare pieces.Jahanabad Ki Galiyan
Recent poems centered on urban life, nostalgia, and cultural change in old Lahore neighborhoods.

Short Fiction

Kahani Mujhe Mili
A collection of ten short stories reflecting social issues, human struggles, and reflective narratives.

Character Sketches

Phirta Hai Falak Barson
A series of vivid character sketches portraying personalities from various walks of life.

Literary Criticism

Syed Waqar Azeem: Shakhsiyat Aur Fun
A critical study on noted literary figure Syed Waqar Azeem, analyzing his life, works, and stylistic contributions.

Play & Script Anthologies

Dasht‑e‑Imkaan
A collection of dramatic writings and scripts, highlighting Syed’s contribution to Urdu drama.Tooti Hui Tanaab Udhar
A dramatic text or play centering on social and psychological tension, with symbolic undertones.

Other Works

Zameen‑Zaad Ka Ufaq
Likely a poetry or reflection-based work; exact category and publication date unspecified.