Ahmad Faraz was one of the most celebrated progressive Urdu poets of the 20th century, known for his romantic and revolutionary poetry. His work often criticized political oppression and social injustice, leading to his arrest and subsequent self-imposed exile during the Zia-ul-Haq regime. He served as the founding Director General of the Pakistan National Book Foundation and later as the Chairman of the Pakistan Academy of Letters. His poetic style is characterized by its accessibility and emotional depth, blending classical ghazal forms with modern themes.