Shakir Shuja Abadi
Shakir Shuja Abadi is a prominent Saraiki-language poet in Shujabad, a small city near Multan, Pakistan.
Career
His first proper Mushaira was held in 1986, and then he was a leading Seraiki language poet at another 'mushaira' in 1991.In 2016, at a book launching ceremony in Lodhran, Punjab, the President of Urdu Department at Allama Iqbal Open University of Islamabad was quoted as saying:
"Shakir Shuja Abadi is a renowned name in Saraiki poetry who holds true heart and feelings. Such poets always hold higher place in the society as their poetry depicts true aspects of personal and social life."
In 2017, he received his second presidential award. He reportedly said to reporters at that event:
"People of different religions and castes love me because of my poetry, regardless of the fact whether I profess the same faith or not. I am the voice of all broken souls and express their feelings through my poetry."
Selected poetry
Tu Mehnat Kar, Tay Mehnat Da Silla Jaane Khuda JaaneTu Dewa Baal Kay Rakh Shakir, Hawa Jaane Khuda Jaane
Awards and recognition
- Honorary PhD degree from the Islamia University of Bahawalpur, November 2023
- Sitara-i-Imtiaz Award by the President of Pakistan in 2023
- Pride of Performance Award by the Government of Pakistan in 2017