Muhammad Iqbal Sokri

Muhammad Iqbal Sokri (1938–2024) was a prominent Pakistani Saraiki poet and writer whose work played an important role in the development of modern Saraiki literature. He was born on April 5, 1938, in the village of Sokar in Taunsa, Dera Ghazi Khan. His pen name, Iqbal Sokri, was derived from the name of his birthplace.

A teacher by profession, Iqbal Sokri began writing poetry in his early twenties. He started composing poetry in 1958 and later became particularly associated with Saraiki ghazal. His work extended across several poetic forms, including ghazal, dohra, nazm and kafi.

Sokri became especially known for his contribution to the development of the Saraiki ghazal. When he began writing ghazals in Saraiki during the 1960s, the form faced opposition from some literary circles that questioned whether ghazal could be successfully written in Saraiki. Sokri continued to develop the form and argued that Saraiki was a complete language capable of expressing every literary genre.

His poetry was rooted in the cultural landscape and everyday experiences of the Saraiki region. He explored themes of love, hardship, society, identity and the changing world around him. His writing also incorporated contemporary vocabulary, reflecting his view that a poet should communicate with the people of his own time.

His first poetry collection, Hanjuan Dey Haar, was published in 1973. Over the course of his career, he produced numerous collections, including Dukh Di Janj, Kalay Roh Chitti Baraf, Waraqa Waraqa Zakhmi, Liro Liro Pichanwan, Athwan Asmaan, Beyant and Zameen Jagdi Aey. His collected poetic works were later published as Saajhi Surt Sambhaal.

Sokri also contributed to literary journalism. He wrote a column titled “Zer Zabar” for the local weekly Bilal, founded by journalist and academic Mehmood Khan Buzdar, also known as Bilal Sahib.

His literary contribution received national recognition. His collection Waraqa Waraqa Zakhmi received the Presidential Award in 1995. He was also awarded the Pride of Performance by the Government of Pakistan for his contribution to literature.

Iqbal Sokri's poetry remains significant in the history of modern Saraiki literature, particularly because of his contribution to the Saraiki ghazal. His work helped establish the ghazal as an important form within Saraiki poetry and influenced later generations of poets.

Muhammad Iqbal Sokri died in November 2024 at the age of 86 following cardiac arrest. His funeral prayers were offered in his native area, where he was laid to rest. Pakistan Academy of Letters and literary figures expressed condolences on his death and recognised his contribution to Saraiki language and literature.

Through his poetry collections, literary writing and decades of commitment to Saraiki, Iqbal Sokri remains an important figure in the literary heritage of the Saraiki region.