Nasir Abbas Nayyar

Nasir Abbas Nayyar, a scholar, author, and short story writer, has made significant contributions to Urdu literature. He formerly served as the Director General of the Urdu Science Board in Lahore and is currently a Professor of Urdu at the University of the Punjab, Lahore. He also holds the honorary editorship of LUMS’ research journal, ‘Bunyaad’. Dr Nayyar’s impact on Urdu literature is profound. His book ‘Mabad Nauabadiyat: Urdu kay Tanzur men’ (OUP, 2013) played a pivotal role in introducing postcolonial studies to Urdu literature. His work ‘Urdu Adab ki Tashkeel e Jadid’ (OUP, 2016) not only won the Best Urdu Book Prize at KLF 2017 but also received the prestigious Baba-e-Urdu Maulvi Abdul Haq Award 2016 for Urdu prose from the Pakistan Academy of Letters. Furthermore, his book ‘Us Ko Ik Shakhs Samjhna to Munasib hi Nahi’ (OUP, 2017) was honoured with the UBL Literary Prize 2019 in the non-fiction category, solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in Urdu literature. Dr Nayyar’s book ‘Nazm Kaisay Parhain’ is groundbreaking in its exploration of this genre in Urdu literature. With his fourth collection of short stories, ‘Aik Zamana Khatam Howa Hae,’ and his insightful work in ‘Jadeediat aur Nauabadiyat’ (OUP, 2021), Dr Nayyar has delved into the complex relationship between modernity and colonialism. His recent publication, ‘Naiy Naqqad kah Naam Khatoot,’ continues to showcase his literary prowess. In addition to his books, Dr Nayyar regularly contributes thought-provoking articles on literary issues to renowned publications such as The News and Dawn. His influence on Urdu literature is both extensive and enduring.