Written by: Muhammad Suhayb
Posted on: April 09, 2025 | 
| 中文
Ahsan Danish, Maulana Maudoodi and Agha Shorish Kashmiri
A road in his birthplace bears his name, his books stand as a testament to his literary legacy, and to this day, whenever someone speaks with unfiltered boldness and fearless conviction, they are often said to embody the spirit of Shorish.
As a student of history, my understanding of Agha Shorish Kashmiri’s "adventures" was initially limited. I knew him as a daring journalist and a sharp satirist active during the Pakistan Movement, but my perception of him changed when I explored Shorish Kashmiri: A Study, An Analysis, An Observation. This book provided a more nuanced and insightful perspective, offering a deeper look into his life and ideology.
Journalist Anwar Arif from Chattan interviewed Shorish in 1968 after much persuasion. Through countless meetings and lengthy discussions, he managed to extract details that might have otherwise remained buried within Shorish’s open-hearted yet enigmatic personality.
Cover of Chatan
Originally published by Maktabah-yi Mahaul in Karachi around 1968, the book's first edition sold out within days. However, it remained out of print until 1973, when a second edition was released, which also quickly went out of stock. For years, the book faded from public access until its recent revival by the Qalam Foundation. Now, a third edition has made its way to readers. This is the third book in a series, following Maut Se Wapsi (Return from Death) and Fan-e-Khitabat (The Art of Oratory).
The book opens with a 1936 poem by Maulana Zafar Ali Khan, the "Father of Urdu Journalism," written in honor of Shorish’s first imprisonment. It also features another poem by the renowned scholar and poet Raees Amrohvi, followed by a detailed introduction. The core of the book is a 54-page interview with Shorish, which offers profound insights into his personality, experiences, and worldview.
(L to R) Agha Shorish Kashmiri, Master Taj ud Din Ansari and Sheikh Hassam ud Din
Born Abdul Karim in Lahore on August 14, 1917, Shorish adopted his pen name to reflect his fiery and outspoken nature. As aptly described in the introduction, he arrived amid World War I but matured in an era that cultivated formidable intellectuals: sharp, fearless and unyielding.
During a time when Hasrat Mohani, Jigar Muradabadi and Akhtar Sheerani shaped Urdu ghazal; Allama Iqbal, Ahsan Danish and Josh Malihabadi redefined poetry; orators like Syed Ataullah Shah Bukhari and Ahmed Saeed Dehalvi captivated crowds; religious scholars like Hussain Ahmed Madni, Anwar Shah Kashmiri, and Kifayatullah held immense influence over the people, and political giants such as Gandhi, Abul Kalam Azad, Jinnah and Subhas Chandra Bose reshaped history. Shorish had the rare privilege of meeting them all, each leaving an imprint on his evolving persona.
Shorish was known for his fiery speeches
Shorish's mastery of satire allowed him to expose societal flaws while keeping his work engaging and thought-provoking. He edited several notable newspapers and magazines, most famously Chattan, which became known for its sharp, critical, yet humorous take on Pakistan’s socio-political landscape. Among his protégés was the maverick filmmaker Riaz Shahid, who worked with Chattan in the 1950s. Shahid went on to create films on Palestine, Kashmir and the lost history of Muslim rule in Spain, his depth and maturity unmistakably shaped by Shorish’s influence.
Despite facing censorship and restrictions, Shorish remained undeterred. His satirical commentary reflected a deep understanding of history and political dynamics. Raised in a middle-class family, he completed his education only up to matriculation but found his way into the real world by reading the newspaper Zamindar. Those were the days when Shaheed Ganj Movement was at its peak. Soon he became actively involved in the movement and came into close contact with Maulana Zafar Ali Khan, founder of Majlisi-e-Ahrar, a political and religious movement active during the British Raj and the early years of Pakistan.
Shorish Kashmiri in a Mushaira (poetic symposium)
Initially, Abdul Karim wrote under the pen name 'Ulfat,' but his restless nature earned him the title 'Shorish', bestowed upon him by none other than Maulana Zafar Ali Khan. The name became a reflection of his fearless personality.
As the Pakistan Movement gained momentum, Shorish emerged as a key figure in Majlis-e-Ahrar, even serving as editor of its daily newspaper, Azad. Although he was not directly involved in the Pakistan Movement, his life was dedicated to Pakistan’s survival and stability. His relentless activism frequently led to imprisonment, making long-term political affiliations impractical, as he spent more than half of his professional life in and out of jail.
By the mid-1950s, he aligned himself with Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy’s Awami League and remained associated with it. In one anecdote, Shorish recalled how Suhrawardy struggled to control an unruly crowd, but when he took the stage, his powerful speech silenced the gathering instantly. Suhrawardy remained grateful to him for the rest of his life.
A road in Mall Road, Lahore, is named after Shroish
The book concludes with a comprehensive portrait of Shorish Kashmiri: an intellectual force who defied authority, a journalist who wielded words like a sword, and an orator who could ignite hearts with his fiery speeches. His legacy lives on not just in his writings but in the fearless spirit he instilled in generations of thinkers and activists. Shorish remains an enduring symbol of resistance and truth. His journey, marked by imprisonment, defiance and an unshakable commitment to his beliefs, cements his place in history as a man who never bowed to power, making his life an inspiring lesson in courage and conviction.
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