Rifat Abbas

Rifat Abbas is a prominent contemporary Saraiki poet, novelist, critic and translator from Multan. Born on 7 July 1957, he has spent decades contributing to Saraiki literature and is recognised for his distinctive use of language, poetic form and themes rooted in the cultural and social life of the Saraiki region.

Abbas began publishing poetry in 1984. Over the course of his literary career, he has produced numerous poetry collections as well as fiction and other literary works. The Islamia University and LUMS have described him as an important contemporary voice in Saraiki literature, with his creative and intellectual expression closely connected to his mother tongue, Saraiki.

His poetry collections include Purchian Utay Phul, Jhomri Jhum Turray, Bhondi Bhoain Tay, Sangat Ved, Ishq Allah Saiyan Jagia, Probharay Hik Shaher Wichoon, Mukh Aadam Da, Ma Boli Da Bagh and Ee Narangi Andar. His literary work also includes the Saraiki novel Loonr Da Jeevan Ghar and the book Maqami Aadmi Ka Moqaf, which presents his reflections on local identity, culture and society.

Rifat Abbas is also known for his interest in translation and literary exchange. He has translated works from other Pakistani languages into Saraiki, including Sindhi poetry. In 2023, he translated Sindhi poet Khalil Kumbhar's collection into Saraiki, demonstrating his continuing contribution to literary dialogue between the languages of Pakistan.

His poetry has been recognised for its innovative ideas and creative use of poetic form. The Poetry Translation Centre notes his popularity among Saraiki speakers and has published English translations of some of his poems, helping introduce his work to readers beyond the Saraiki-speaking community.

Abbas has received major literary recognition for his contribution to Saraiki poetry. He received the Khwaja Ghulam Farid Award for Saraiki poetry for his collection Ishq Allah Saeen Jagiya, and the Pakistan Academy of Letters records his works among its recognised Saraiki literary award recipients. He has also received the President's Pride of Performance Award for his literary contribution.

Alongside his literary career, Rifat Abbas worked in education and retired as an Assistant Professor from the Urdu Department of Government Vilayat Hussain Islamia College, Multan, in 2018. His experience as an educator has accompanied a literary career spanning several decades.

Rifat Abbas's writing frequently explores questions of identity, language, culture, society and the experiences of ordinary people. His work places the Saraiki language and the Saraiki Waseb at the centre of his literary imagination, while also engaging with broader questions of human experience and social change.

Through poetry, fiction, criticism and translation, Rifat Abbas has contributed significantly to the development of modern Saraiki literature. His work continues to connect the region's literary traditions with contemporary readers and with wider conversations about Pakistan's diverse languages and cultures.