Habib Jalib’s poem Dastoor (meaning "Constitution" or "System") is one of his most famous

and politically charged works. It is a powerful critique of authoritarian rule, injustice, and the
illusion of democracy in Pakistan. The poem, written in the backdrop of military and
dictatorial regimes, reflects Jalib’s unwavering commitment to the rights of the common
people and his defiance against oppressive systems.

Themes of the Poem

1. Rejection of Oppressive Systems

a. The central theme of Dastoor is the poet’s outright rejection of a system that
claims to be just but is actually built on oppression. The famous lines:

b. "Ye daagh daagh ujaala, ye shab-gazeeda sahar"

c. express the poet’s disappointment with a so-called "new dawn" that remains
tainted by darkness and injustice.

2. Disillusionment with False Promises

a. Jalib critiques the ruling class for maintaining a constitution (dastoor) that
serves only the elite while keeping the common people deprived. He exposes
the hypocrisy of leaders who claim to bring change but only reinforce the
same exploitative system.
3. Call for Revolution and Change
a. The poem serves as a rallying cry against dictatorships and undemocratic
practices. By rejecting the existing dastoor, Jalib encourages the masses to
challenge unjust authority and fight for true freedom and equality.
4. Democratic and Socialist Ideals
a. Influenced by socialist and progressive ideals, Jalib’s poetry often champions
the cause of workers, peasants, and the marginalized. Dastoor is a poetic
demand for an equitable society where power belongs to the people, not a
privileged few.
Context of the Poem

Habib Jalib wrote Dastoor in response to General Ayub Khan’s rule in Pakistan (1958–1969).
Ayub Khan imposed a constitution in 1962 that consolidated his power and restricted
democratic freedoms. Jalib, known for his outspoken resistance against authoritarian
regimes, openly opposed this constitution, calling it a sham.

The poem was recited at public gatherings and became an anthem for political resistance in
Pakistan. Over time, it remained relevant under later dictatorships, including Zia-ul-Haq's
military regime, and is still quoted in contemporary political protests.

Impact and Legacy

• Dastoor became an iconic resistance poem in Pakistan’s political history, recited at

protests and movements advocating democracy and civil rights.
• It solidified Jalib’s status as the "poet of the people," as he consistently sided with
the oppressed against those in power.
• The poem remains relevant today, often quoted by activists, journalists, and
politicians opposing undemocratic practices.

Conclusion

Dastoor is more than just a poem; it is a manifesto of defiance, a rejection of exploitative

political systems, and a call for justice. Habib Jalib’s fearless words continue to inspire
those fighting against oppression, making Dastoor a timeless piece of revolutionary
literature.

Analysis of Zulmat Ko Zia by Habib Jalib

Zulmat Ko Zia (Darkness as Light) is one of Habib Jalib’s most iconic and politically charged
poems. Like much of his work, this poem is a scathing critique of authoritarian rule,
oppression, and the hypocrisy of those in power. Jalib, known as the "poet of the people,"
wrote this poem to protest against the oppressive policies of rulers who justified
dictatorship and injustice in the name of progress.
Themes of the Poem

1. Exposing Hypocrisy in Governance

a. The title itself is deeply ironic: "Zulmat ko zia" (darkness as light). Jalib
criticizes the ruling elite who claim to bring prosperity while actually spreading
misery.
b. The rulers portray their actions as beneficial, but in reality, they deepen
inequality and repression.
2. Resistance Against Dictatorship
a. Jalib’s poetry is a powerful voice against authoritarian regimes, particularly
General Ayub Khan’s and later General Zia-ul-Haq’s rules.
b. The poem rejects the narratives that justify dictatorial rule and calls out the
façade of democracy under oppressive regimes.
3. Disillusionment with the Political System
a. The poet highlights how rulers manipulate truth and deceive the public.
b. The people are told they are free, but in reality, their rights and freedoms are
crushed.
4. Call for the People to Wake Up
a. Jalib’s poetry often serves as a wake-up call for the masses to recognize their
exploitation and resist unjust rule.
b. He believes that awareness and collective action can dismantle oppression.

Context of the Poem

• Zulmat Ko Zia was written during a time when Pakistan was under military
dictatorship, and the government controlled the press and political freedoms.
• It is a direct rejection of the false narratives spread by the state, where lies were
presented as truth and injustice was justified.
• The poem’s message is universal and timeless, resonating with any society where
authoritarianism prevails under the guise of democracy.
Famous Verses from the Poem

One of the most famous couplets from Zulmat Ko Zia is:

"Zulmat ko zia, sard ko hararat,

Banday ko khuda kya likhna"

(They call darkness light, coldness warmth,

Shall we now call a mere man god?)

These lines sarcastically expose how the rulers manipulate reality, twisting words and
meanings to justify their actions. Jalib refuses to accept such distortions and instead speaks
the truth fearlessly.

Legacy and Impact

• Zulmat Ko Zia remains relevant in Pakistan’s political discourse and is often quoted
in protests, speeches, and political movements.
• It has been recited by politicians, activists, and ordinary citizens fighting for justice
and democracy.
• The poem continues to inspire resistance against tyranny, proving that Habib Jalib’s
words are timeless.

Conclusion

Zulmat Ko Zia is not just poetry—it is a revolutionary statement. Habib Jalib fearlessly
confronted oppression, using his words as a weapon against tyranny. His message remains
alive today, reminding us that truth and justice can never be silenced, no matter how
powerful the oppressors may be.

Analysis of Dawn of Freedom (Subh-e-Azadi) by Faiz Ahmed Faiz

Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s poem Subh-e-Azadi (Dawn of Freedom) is a powerful and melancholic
reflection on the partition of India in 1947. Written in August 1947, the poem captures the
disillusionment of a revolution betrayed—where the promised dawn of freedom is tainted
by bloodshed, division, and unfulfilled dreams. Unlike the celebratory nationalism of the
time, Faiz's poem expresses sorrow over the human cost of independence.

Themes of the Poem

1. Disillusionment with Freedom

a. The poem challenges the idea that independence brought true freedom.
Instead of a bright dawn, Faiz describes it as a "daagh daagh ujaala" (stained
light), suggesting that the new day is already wounded.
b. While the subcontinent was freed from colonial rule, it was immediately
plunged into violence, displacement, and suffering.
2. The Betrayal of Ideals
a. Faiz, a progressive and leftist poet, believed in a just, equal society. But the
partition, instead of creating harmony, led to communal riots, migrations, and
loss of lives.
b. The poet expresses deep disappointment that the promises of freedom—
justice, equality, and peace—remained unfulfilled.
3. The Struggle Continues
a. The poem does not end in absolute despair. Faiz suggests that independence
was only a step, not the destination:

"Chale chalo ke woh manzil abhi nahi aayi"

(Keep moving, for the destination has not yet arrived.)

b. True freedom, according to Faiz, was still a distant dream—one that required
continued struggle.
4. Partition as a Tragic Event
a. While many saw 1947 as a moment of national pride, Faiz viewed it as a
moment of sorrow. The mass migration, communal killings, and forced
displacements shaped his vision of independence as a painful process rather
than a triumphant event.
Context of the Poem

• Subh-e-Azadi was written in the immediate aftermath of India’s independence and

partition.
• The subcontinent had just been divided into India and Pakistan, leading to the largest
mass migration in human history and widespread communal violence.
• Faiz, who had dreamed of a socialist, inclusive future, saw the bloodshed and
suffering as a betrayal of the true spirit of independence.

Famous Lines from the Poem

One of the most famous lines from the poem is:

"Ye daagh daagh ujaala, ye shab-gazeeda sahar,

Woh intezaar tha jiska, ye woh sahar to nahi."

(This stained light, this night-bitten dawn,

This is not the dawn we had waited for.)

These lines express the poet’s heartbreak, showing that the independence they had long
struggled for did not bring the justice and peace they had hoped for.

Impact and Legacy

• Subh-e-Azadi remains one of the most important poems in South Asian literature,
symbolizing the complexity of independence and partition.
• It is frequently recited in political and literary gatherings to remind people that true
freedom is not just about breaking colonial chains—it is about achieving justice,
equality, and dignity for all.
• The poem continues to resonate in contemporary South Asian politics, where issues
of inequality, oppression, and unfulfilled promises still persist.
Conclusion

Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s Subh-e-Azadi is not a conventional independence poem. Instead of

celebrating, he mourns. Instead of declaring victory, he questions whether true freedom has
been achieved. Yet, the poem also carries a message of perseverance—urging people to
continue the struggle for a just and fair society.

It is a timeless work that reminds us that real freedom is not given; it must be earned through
continuous struggle.

Analysis of Bol by Faiz Ahmed Faiz

Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s poem Bol (Speak) is one of his most powerful calls to resistance and
freedom of expression. Written during a time of political oppression, it urges individuals to
break their silence, speak up against injustice, and reclaim their agency. The poem is short,
direct, and deeply inspiring, embodying Faiz’s revolutionary spirit.

Themes of the Poem

1. Freedom of Speech and Resistance

a. The central message of Bol is a passionate plea for people to speak out, no
matter how oppressive the circumstances.
b. The repeated command "Bol" (Speak!) emphasizes the urgency of resisting
silence and oppression.
2. Empowerment Through Language
a. Faiz highlights the power of words, urging people to use their voices as tools
for change.
b. Even in the face of tyranny, the ability to speak remains a form of defiance.
3. Hope and Determination
a. Despite the oppression surrounding them, individuals still possess their lips,
their tongues, and their ability to express truth.
b. The poem encourages people to recognize their strength and not surrender to
fear.
Context of the Poem

• Faiz wrote Bol during a period of political suppression in Pakistan, likely under the
rule of military dictators or authoritarian regimes.
• As a progressive poet and a supporter of workers' rights, Faiz often wrote against
censorship, state control, and the exploitation of the poor.
• The poem serves as a universal call for freedom, inspiring activists, revolutionaries,
and oppressed people worldwide.

Famous Lines from the Poem

"Bol, ke lab azaad hain tere

Bol, zubaan ab tak teri hai"

(Speak, for your lips are still free

Speak, for your tongue is still yours.)

These lines remind the reader that no matter how powerful the oppressors are, individuals
still have their voices, and they must use them before it is too late.

Impact and Legacy

• Bol has been widely used in political protests, human rights movements, and
struggles for democracy.
• It continues to resonate with journalists, activists, and artists fighting against
censorship and authoritarian rule.
• The poem’s simplicity and directness make it one of Faiz’s most enduring works,
transcending time and geography.
Conclusion

Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s Bol is a timeless anthem of resistance. It is a reminder that silence
strengthens oppression, while speech can spark change. Through its urgent, commanding
tone, the poem empowers individuals to fight for truth, justice, and freedom—no matter the
consequences.

Analysis of Mujh Se Pehli Si Mohabbat by Faiz Ahmed Faiz

Mujh Se Pehli Si Mohabbat (Do Not Ask for That Love Again) is one of Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s most
famous and emotionally charged poems. It is a deeply personal yet politically significant
work that explores themes of love, loss, and the transformation of personal emotions into
social consciousness.

Originally written as a romantic poem, it soon takes a dramatic shift, where the poet rejects
the idea of love as an escape from the world’s suffering. Instead, he embraces the pain and
struggles of the oppressed, choosing to devote himself to a greater cause.

Themes of the Poem

1. Disillusionment with Romantic Love

a. In the opening lines, the poet reminisces about the intoxicating beauty of his
beloved and the overwhelming emotions of love.
b. However, as the poem progresses, he realizes that love alone cannot shield
him from the harsh realities of the world.
2. Realization of Social Injustice
a. The turning point in the poem occurs when the poet shifts from personal
emotions to a broader awareness of suffering:

"Laut jati hai udhar ko bhi nazar kya kijye"

(But my eyes turn elsewhere, what can I do?)

b. He begins to see the pain of humanity—poverty, suffering, and oppression—

which makes his earlier romantic concerns seem insignificant.
3. Commitment to the Struggles of the People
a. Faiz ultimately rejects his earlier obsession with love and pledges himself to
the fight against injustice.
b. He recognizes that the world is filled with "sorrow beyond love"—disease,
hunger, and suffering—which demands his attention and action.
4. Revolutionary Spirit and Social Awakening
a. This poem marks Faiz’s transition from a romantic poet to a revolutionary
voice.
b. He urges readers to see beyond their personal emotions and recognize the
struggles of the marginalized.

Context of the Poem

• Mujh Se Pehli Si Mohabbat was written in the backdrop of British colonial rule,
partition, and the suffering of the working class.
• Faiz was deeply influenced by socialist and progressive ideals, which shaped his
poetry into a tool for social change.
• The poem reflects his belief that love and art should not be isolated from political and
social realities.

Famous Lines from the Poem

"Aur bhi dukh hain zamane mein mohabbat ke siwa,

Raahatein aur bhi hain wasl ki raahat ke siwa."

(There are other sorrows in the world besides love,

There are other comforts besides the comfort of union.)

These lines are some of the most quoted verses in Urdu poetry, symbolizing the poet’s shift
from personal love to a broader social consciousness.

Impact and Legacy

• Mujh Se Pehli Si Mohabbat remains one of the most celebrated Urdu poems, recited
in literary gatherings and revolutionary movements.
• It has been performed by legendary singers like Noor Jehan, further popularizing its
message.
• The poem continues to inspire those who believe that art and literature should
address social issues rather than just personal emotions.

Conclusion

Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s Mujh Se Pehli Si Mohabbat is not just a love poem—it is a declaration of
awakening. While it begins with the intensity of romance, it ends with a call to justice, urging
people to look beyond their personal happiness and fight for the greater good. It is a timeless
masterpiece that speaks to both the heart and the conscience.

Analysis of Eid by Alamgir Hashmi

Alamgir Hashmi’s poem Eid is a reflective and nuanced exploration of the festival of Eid,
capturing both its cultural significance and deeper emotional undertones. Hashmi, a
renowned Pakistani-English poet, often writes about themes of identity, displacement, and
personal reflection, and Eid is no exception.

Themes of the Poem

1. Contrasts Between Tradition and Personal Experience

a. Eid is usually a time of joy, family gatherings, and festivity, but Hashmi’s poem
presents a more introspective take on the occasion.
b. Instead of focusing on external celebrations, the poem delves into personal
emotions, memories, and perhaps a sense of longing or loss.
2. Nostalgia and Memory
a. Like much of Hashmi’s poetry, Eid carries a sense of nostalgia.
b. The poet may be reflecting on past Eids, childhood experiences, or the way
the meaning of the festival changes over time.
3. Displacement and Isolation
a. Hashmi, as a poet who often explores themes of migration, might be
addressing the experience of celebrating Eid away from home or in a different
cultural setting.
b. There is a possible undertone of loneliness, where the warmth of Eid is
contrasted with a feeling of being detached from the communal spirit.
4. The Passage of Time
a. The poem might explore how Eid, which once symbolized pure joy in
childhood, takes on new meanings with age.
b. Eid becomes not just a celebration, but a moment of reflection on
relationships, losses, and personal growth.

Context of the Poem

• Alamgir Hashmi is known for his ability to blend the personal with the universal,
making his poems relevant to readers across cultures.
• Unlike traditional Urdu poetry that celebrates Eid in an overtly festive way, Hashmi’s
approach is more modern and introspective, aligning with themes of global identity
and personal reflection.

Impact and Interpretation

• Eid is a poem that speaks differently to each reader—some may see it as a

melancholic reflection, while others may find in it a quiet appreciation of the
holiday’s deeper meaning.
• It resonates with those who have experienced Eid away from home or feel a sense of
change in how they relate to the festival over time.

Conclusion

Alamgir Hashmi’s Eid is not just about celebration—it is about the layers of emotion that
come with it. It captures the festival’s beauty, but also its complexities, making the poem a
thoughtful meditation on tradition, memory, and change.

Alamgir Hashmi, a contemporary Pakistani-English poet, often explores themes of identity,

history, and personal reflection in his poetry. While he has written on various aspects of
Pakistan’s cultural and historical experience, there is no widely known or explicitly titled
poem by him called Pakistan Movement. However, if he has addressed the Pakistan
Movement in his works, it would likely be in his characteristic reflective and nuanced style.

Possible Themes of Hashmi’s Poetry on the Pakistan Movement

1. Historical Reflection and National Identity

a. Hashmi, like many Pakistani poets, may explore the aspirations, struggles,
and sacrifices of the Pakistan Movement.
b. His poetry often intertwines personal and historical narratives, so he might
reflect on how the movement shaped generations beyond 1947.
2. Displacement and Migration
a. Many of Hashmi’s poems deal with themes of migration and exile, which are
closely linked to the Pakistan Movement.
b. He may examine the human cost of partition, the loss of home, and the
emotional complexity of creating a new nation.
3. Modern Relevance of the Movement
a. Rather than just celebrating independence, Hashmi’s poetic approach might
question whether the ideals of the Pakistan Movement—justice, equality, and
democracy—have been realized.
b. His poetry often carries a critical undertone, so he might analyze how history
has shaped contemporary Pakistan.
4. A Personal and Introspective Approach
a. Unlike traditional patriotic poetry that glorifies the movement, Hashmi’s work
would likely be more introspective, examining the movement’s legacy through
the lens of personal experience and memory.

Conclusion

While there is no specific poem by Alamgir Hashmi titled Pakistan Movement, his body of
work likely touches on its themes in a reflective and modern way. His poetry moves beyond
conventional nationalism to question, analyze, and reinterpret historical events in a deeply
personal and philosophical manner. If you’re looking for poetry that explicitly celebrates the
Pakistan Movement, poets like Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Hafeez Jalandhari, and Allama Iqbal are
more direct sources. However, if you want a more modern, nuanced take, Hashmi’s poetry
would provide a unique perspective.