Asghar Nadeem Syed (اصغر ندیم سید) (born 14 January 1950) is a Pakistani playwright, TV drama serial writer and poet.Literary gathering: Conference on China-Pakistan literature from 28th The Express Tribune (newspaper), Published 27 July 2015. Retrieved 7 October 2023 He has written dramas 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 Syed Adeel Hassan 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.Playwright Asghar Nadeem Syed survives gun attack in Lahore The Express Tribune (newspaper), Published 21 January 2014. Retrieved 26 February 2018Playwright Asghar Nadeem Syed injured in Lahore firing Dawn (newspaper), Published 21 January 2014. Retrieved 26 February 2018
Syed has a total of 36 years of teaching experience.
TV plays Pyas (1989) (PTV) Khuwahish (1993) (aired on PTV) Nijaat (1993) (aired on PTV) Alao (1994) (aired on PTV) Chand Grehan (1995) (aired on Shalimar Television Network) Maigh Malhar (1995) (NTM) Hawain (1997) (PTV) Ghulam Gardish (1998) (PTV) Riyasat (2005) (aired on Geo TV) Khuda Zameen Se Gaya Nahin (2009) (aired on PTV) Bol Meri Machli (aired on Geo TV from 2009-2010) Tum Ho Ke Chup (2011) (aired on Geo TV) Dil Tou Bhatkay Ga (2012) (aired on Geo TV) Jaan'nisar (2016–17) (aired on A-Plus Entertainment) Aik Bond Zindagi (2018) (aired on A-Plus Entertainment)
Literary activities In 2013, he served on the Board of Governors of Pakistan Academy of Letters, an institution of Pakistani scholars and writers.Asghar Nadeem Syed on Associated Press of Pakistan website Retrieved 7 October 2023 In November 2020, he was appointed as one of the directors of Pakistan Television under the chairmanship of Mr. Naeem Bokhari.
Awards and recognition He won Best Writer Nigar Award for drama Pyas in 1989. He won Best Writer Award at 9th PTV Awards in 1998 Pride of Performance Award by the President of Pakistan in 2006 Pakistan Television Corporation Award for Best Writer
Lux Style Awards Ceremony Category Project Result 9th Lux Style Awards9th Lux Style AwardsBest Television Writer Khuda Zameen Se Gaya Nahi10th Lux Style Awards10th Lux Style AwardsBol Meri Machli
Books
Poetry Collections
Tarz‑e‑Ehsas (طرزِ احساس; *Style of Feeling*) (1988)
A collection of Urdu poems exploring emotional landscapes and introspection, showcasing Syed’s lyrical voice in early poetic form.Tarz‑e‑Ehsas – Rekhta
Aadhe Chaand Ki Raat (آدھے چاند کی رات; *Mid‑Moon Night*) (1993)
A volume of evocative ghazals and nazms capturing themes of longing, romance, and night‑time reflection.Aadhe Chaand Ki Raat – Rekhta
Adhuri Kulliyat (ادھوری کلیات; *Incomplete Collected Works*) (2014)
A curated compilation of selected poems from Syed’s earlier work, including unpublished and rare pieces.Adhuri Kulliyat – Book Corner, 2014
Jahanabad Ki Galiyan (جہاں آباد کی گلیاں; *Streets of Jahanabad*) (2023)
Recent poems centered on urban life, nostalgia, and cultural change in old Lahore neighborhoods.
Short Fiction
Kahani Mujhe Mili (کہانی مجھے ملی; *I Found a Story*) (2017)
A collection of ten short stories reflecting social issues, human struggles, and reflective narratives.Kahani Mujhe Mili – Rekhta
Character Sketches
Phirta Hai Falak Barson (پھرتا ہے فلک برسوں; *The Sky Wanders for Years*) (2022)
A series of vivid character sketches (khaakay) portraying personalities from various walks of life.Phirta Hai Falak Barson – Sang‑e‑Meel Publications, 2022
Literary Criticism
Syed Waqar Azeem: Shakhsiyat Aur Fun (سید وقار عظیم: شخصیت اور فن; *Syed Waqar Azeem: Personality and Art*) (2017)
A critical study on noted literary figure Syed Waqar Azeem, analyzing his life, works, and stylistic contributions.Syed Waqar Azeem: Shakhsiyat Aur Fun – Rekhta
Play & Script Anthologies
Dasht‑e‑Imkaan (دشتِ امکان; *Desert of Possibilities*)
A collection of dramatic writings and scripts, highlighting Syed’s contribution to Urdu drama.Dasht‑e‑Imkaan – Sang‑e‑Meel Publications
Tooti Hui Tanaab Udhar (ٹوٹی ہوئی تناب ادھر; *The Rope is Broken Over There*) (2019)
A dramatic text or play centering on social and psychological tension, with symbolic undertones.Tooti Hui Tanaab Udhar – Amazon, 2019
Other Works
Zameen‑Zaad Ka Ufaq (زمین زاد کا اُفق; *Horizon Born of the Earth*)
Likely a poetry or reflection-based work; exact category and publication date unspecified.Zameen Zaad ka Ufaq – Booksvilla
References
External links