Biography of Patras Bokhari – Urdu’s greatest humour writer

A heartfelt ode to the famous Urdu humourist, Patras Bokhari – a legend in Urdu literature whose works continue to be revered today.

Patras Bokhari

(1898-1958)

Born in Peshawar in 1898, Syed Ahmed Shah was commonly known as Patras Boukhari.

He had many nicknames – Prof. Ahmad Shah Bokhari, a.k.a. Patras Bokhari of the world of Urdu literature; Prof. Bokhari of the world of teaching and training; Bade Bokhari of the world of broadcasting; ambassador of diwan-e-safarat, and; Prof. AS Bokhari of United Nations.

After completing his education at Cambridge, he was the Professor of Literature at Government College, Lahore for many years. He was under-secretary of the United Nations and was often referred to as the Diplomat’s Diplomat. Famously remembered as an Urdu humourist, educator, essayist, broadcaster, and diplomat from Pakistan, he is best known for his humorous writings in Urdu literature.

His writings include, ‘Patras Ke Mazamin (1928)’, ‘Dehat mein Boy scout (Translation, 1934)’, ‘Talim khususan awail tifli mein (translation of Bertrand Russell’s work, 1935), ‘Nau’-e-Insan ki Kahani (translation, 1939)’, and many articles on drama and theater. He also penned the preface to many books, many miscellaneous articles in English and Urdu, translations of many English fictions and plays.

Patras Ke Mazameen (essays of Patras), his collection of essays work is said to be priceless asset in Urdu humour writings. It is undoubtedly one of the finest works in Urdu humour. Despite the fact that it was written in first half of twentieth century, it seems to be truly applicable even today.

You can watch his biography to know more about him.

About Author

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Namrata is a published author who enjoys writing stories and think pieces on travel, relationships, and gender. She is a UEA alumnus and has studied travel writing at the University of Sydney.

She is also an independent editor and a book reviewer. Her writings can be found on various sites and magazines like the Asian Review of Books, Contemporary South Asia Journal of King’s College-London, Mad in Asia, The Friday Times, Daily Star, The Scroll, Feminism in India, The Brown Orient Journal, Inkspire Journal, Moonlight Journal, The Same, Chronic Pain India and Cafe Dissensus.

Her short stories have been a part of various anthologies . She has also published two short story collections of her own along with two solo titles as well. She is currently working on her debut novel. She loves travelling the length and breadth of the world and enjoys capturing the magic of life in her words. She is always in pursuit of a new country and a new story.

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