Dr Shahida Shaheen is a Pakistani poet, author, and social activist whose work reflects a blend of professional commitment, literary engagement, and community service.
Originally from District Karak (Khattak Pathan), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, she is a practicing radiologist who, over nearly three decades, has served in healthcare while remaining actively involved in literature and social welfare. Her work is also referenced under the name Dr Shahida Sardar in earlier publications and appearances.
While continuing her work as a doctor, Dr. Shahida Shaheen gradually established a respected place in Pakistan’s literary community, writing in both Urdu and Pashto across poetry, fiction, short stories, travelogue, Na‘at, essays, research articles, literary criticism, and newspaper columns. Through these forms, she explores social issues, cultural traditions, spiritual values, and حب الوطنی, allowing her words to connect with diverse audiences with clarity, relevance, and meaningful depth, while her fluency in Urdu, Pashto, Hindko, Persian, and Punjabi strengthens her connection across cultural and linguistic boundaries.
صرف یہ سوچ کے آئینے کو پھر جوڑا ہے
وقت جتنا ہو محبت کیلئےتھورا ہے
Dr. Shahida Shaheen is the author of a total of ten books, with two more currently under preparation, including Hawa ki Sargoshi, Mehkati Dharti Sulaghti Saansen, Karb-e-Zeest, Deewar ke Us Paar, Charagh-e-Aghahi, Saughat, Satray Manbam, Tehqeeq o Tasurat, Aina Ishq, along with her broader body of literary publications completing ten books, while Australia ka Safarnama and Pashto Tehqeeq are currently in progress, and her seven collections have been awarded multiple times across different cities of Pakistan, reflecting her recognition within the literary landscape.
Honored with the Iftikhar-e-Adab and the Grand Award (2024) by the Global Writers Association Italy — positioning her literary work among globally acknowledged contributions.
Dr. Shahida Shaheen was honored with the Bint-e-Hawa Award by the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and has been nominated four times for the Presidential Award (Pride of Performance).
Her work has earned numerous awards, shields, and gold medals from organizations including Pakistan Women Writers Forum, Urdu International Australia, SAARC Sufi Festival India Jaipur, Pashto Academy University of Peshawar, Nazaria Pakistan Council Islamabad (Allama Iqbal Gold Medal), and Writers Guild Lahore.
Additional recognitions include the Baba Bulleh Shah Adabi Gold Medal, Zeb-un-Nisa Award India, Lifetime Achievement Award (2025) from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Peshawar, and the Fakhr-e-Urdu Adab Award by Mawara World Literary Forum America.
Founded SH Sewing Center and SH Beauty Parlor, providing skills training to deaf & dumb and underprivileged girls.
Basic education programs for street children in underserved communities.
Mosque construction, water pump installations, and school renovations.
Medical care for persons with disabilities and support for underprivileged marriages.
— Prof. Dr. Nazir Tabassum (Late)
Her writing style carries a distinct quality where literary expression is combined with meaningful information. Her ghazal reflects themes of human experience and introspection, while her Hamd and Naat carry devotion and spiritual depth — expressing a deep emotional and cultural connection rooted in love for the homeland.
Authored and published across Urdu and Pashto literary works and diverse themes.
Honoured by various literary, academic, and cultural organizations.
Actively contributing to Urdu and Pashto literature for over three decades.
Writes in Urdu & Pashto; fluent in speaking Urdu, Pashto, Hindko, Persian & Punjabi.
