SHOAIB NASIR
In Urdu: شعیب ناصر
Real Name: Shoaib Zakaria Khan
Poetry Name ( تخلص): ناصرؔ
Birthday Month: November 1959
Author of Books: “ZARTAJ GUL زرتاج گل ” A Novel, Story of Afghan Girl, “HAMALAYA KE DAMAN MEN ہمالیہ کے دامن میں” Nepal Travelog, “SAFAR E KHUSH GUZRE سفر خوش گزرے” India Travelog
President International Council of Arts – Canada
DETAIL INTRODUCTION
Shoaib Nasir is a novelist, poet, TV anchor and committed social worker who currently resides in Canada. Before moving abroad, he lived in Karachi, Pakistan’s economic hub, specifically in his Birthplace Shah Faisal Colony. His social services in the community remain unforgettable; he was always at the forefront of helping people resolve their problems and has long been regarded as a beloved and dependable figure.
Shoaib Nasir was also associated as a Secreary General with the Majlis-e-Samaji Karkunan Pakistan, a national level NGO dedicated to human rights and social welfare, with which he began working in 1980. Under this organization, numerous social and community oriented initiatives were carried out in the fields of health, education, culture, literature, and other humanitarian areas. The Majlis was led by Dr. Saeed Warsi, who served as its National President and under whose leadership the institution made remarkable contributions to society. Dr. Warsi’s passing in 2018 was a source of deep sorrow for Shoaib Nasir, who continues to pay heartfelt tribute to him for his invaluable services and unwavering commitment to the betterment of the community.
Shoaib Nasir had the privilege of being mentored by the distinguished literary figure Dr. Saeed Warsi, whose guidance played a central role in shaping his poetic and literary expression. He began writing poetry in 1982, adopting the pen name “Nasir,” while his full name is Shoaib Zakaria Khan. He belonged to a family well-known for its refined nature and dedication to social welfare. His father Mohammed Zakaria Khan was also a deeply compassionate and service oriented individual, and people from Shah Faisal Colony as well as many other areas of Karachi benefitted from the family’s generosity and social contributions. His Grand Father (Dada) Muhammad Ayoub Khan was the Leftenant in British Army and awarded Khatab of Khan Bahadur. Nasir’s Grand Father (Nana) Nawab Jalilul Qadar was also a multilingual poet like arabic, persian and Urdu, also his Uncle (Mamoo) Khalid Hameedi was a wellnown (Progressive) poet. This tradition of openness and friendship continued with Shoaib Nasir throughout his life; whether in Pakistan or Canada, he has always kept a vibrant circle of friends around him.
In 1996, he wrote an outstanding novel titled “Zartaj Gul زرتاج گل” which earned him wide recognition. The novel tells the story of an Afghan girl, capturing the turbulent conditions in Afghanistan following the Russian Revolution. Its compelling narrative and refined literary style made it a notable contribution to contemporary Urdu literature. The first edition consisted of 1,000 copies, and due to high reader demand, it was reprinted in 2023 with another 1,000 copies.
After settling in Canada, Shoaib Nasir continued his literary and social journey by founding the International Council of Arts Canada, of which he is the first President. Under this organization, he also established a YouTube channel, ICATV Canada, which features poetry recitals, literary discussions, the program “Aap Ki Awaaz” musical segments, and several special events in honor of notable literary, social, and governmental personalities in Canada. These programs have been greatly appreciated in literary and community circles.
Shoaib Nasir has also contributed significantly to travel literature. His first travelogue, “Himalaya Ke Daman Mein,” was published in 2023 with 1,000 copies. It received widespread acclaim for its engaging and heartfelt narrative. The book chronicles his journey to Nepal for his son Zafar Zakaria Khan’ wedding a unique event where the groom’s family traveled from Canada while the bride’s family came from Indian Punjab, and the wedding ceremonies were held in Nepal. Shoaib Nasir described this cross-cultural and cross-border celebration with great charm and vivid detail. His second travelogue, “Safar Khush Guzray,” published in 2024 with another 1,000 copies, documents his travels in India and once again earned him warm appreciation from readers.
His literary inclination is also reflected in his family background. His mother was an insightful and knowledgeable woman, deeply rooted in literature and heritage. She authored a book titled “Yaadon Ke Jugnu,” which records their family history, lineage, and important events. Another manuscript of hers, a collection of children’s stories, remained unpublished due to her passing but is currently in the process of publication. Her works testify to her perceptive mind and her keen observation of social and cultural nuances.
Shoaib Nasir has been an active member of the Arts Council of Pakistan since 2004, contributing significantly to the promotion of art and literature within the institution. Over the years, Shoaib Nasir has served the Arts Council with great dedication, including as Vice Chairman of the Special Events Committee under the patronage of the current President, Mohammad Ahmed Shah (Hilal-e-Imtiaz, Sitara-e-Imtiaz). He also held the position of Vice Chairman in several other committees, where he actively worked to advance art, culture, and literature. His long-standing association with the Arts Council allowed him to engage closely with prominent literary, academic, political, and social personalities, which further enriched his intellectual and creative growth. His strong relationship with the members of the Council and his consistent service have made him a respected and valued figure within the institution.
In Canada, Shoaib Nasir now serves as the President of International Council of Arts – Canada and CEO of ICATV Canada, continuing to promote arts, literature, and cultural harmony. Prior to moving abroad, he also earned distinction in the business world in Karachi, where he managed a travel agency named “Sabā Al-Khair Travels (Pvt.) Ltd.” and a real-estate firm “Al-Zakaria Associates.”
Click on any button for more info….