17th Death Anniversary of Dr Waheed Qureshi Observed Today

Born on February 14, 1925, in Mianwali, then part of British India, Dr Qureshi received his early education in Lahore. He passed his matriculation examination from Islamia High School, Bhati Gate, in 1940 before completing his FA and BA at Government College, Lahore.

He subsequently earned master’s degrees in History and Persian from Oriental College, Lahore. In 1950, he completed his PhD at the University of the Punjab with a dissertation titled Insha Literature in Persia: A Critical Study, under the supervision of Professor Abbas Shustari and Dr Syed Abdullah. He later earned a D.Litt. degree for his research on Mir Hasan and his poetry.

Academic and Literary Contributions

Dr Waheed Qureshi served as a teacher at Government College, Gujranwala, Islamia College, Lahore, and Oriental College, Lahore, where he also held the position of principal. He remained associated with Government College, Lahore, during the later years of his career.

Beyond teaching, he held important positions at several literary and research institutions, including Iqbal Academy Pakistan, Bazm-e-Iqbal, the West Pakistan Urdu Academy and the National Language Authority.

His extensive research on Allama Iqbal examined nationalism, philosophy, history and the poet’s intellectual legacy, making a significant contribution to Iqbal studies.

Among his notable publications are Iqbal and the Theory of Nationalism, Asasiyat-e-Iqbal, Muntakhab Maqalat: Iqbal Review, Allama Iqbal: Date of Birth — A Study and Manshurat-e-Iqbal. His poetry collection, Naqd-e-Jaan, also highlighted his creative abilities.

Dr Rafiuddin Hashmi later compiled Qureshi’s unpublished critical essays, reviews, introductions and other writings on Iqbal in a collection titled Iqbal ka Tasawwur-e-Riyasat aur Doosray Mazameen, preserving valuable aspects of his intellectual legacy.

Awards and Enduring Legacy

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to scholarship and literature, the Government of Pakistan conferred the Pride of Performance award on Dr Waheed Qureshi in 1993. His book Asasiyat-e-Iqbal also earned him the Presidential Iqbal Award.

Dr Qureshi passed away in Lahore on October 17, 2009, at the age of 84. He was laid to rest in a cemetery in Samanabad.

His scholarly work continues to hold an important place in Pakistan’s literary and intellectual heritage, particularly in Urdu literary criticism, Persian literature and Iqbal studies. His research and writings remain a valuable resource for students, scholars and readers interested in the region’s literary traditions.