DefinePK

Abstract

Fahmida Riaz, a renowned figure in Urdu literature, is celebrated for her fearless and progressive feminist stance, which powerfully resonates in both her poetry and fiction. Her only short story collection, Khatt-e-Marmooz 2002, comprises ten stories that reflect her rejection of conventional themes in favor of bold, socially conscious narratives. Through intellectually and emotionally autonomous female characters, Riaz challenges patriarchal norms, critiques systemic gender oppression, and explores complex issues such as identity, sexuality, and freedom. Influenced by the Progressive Writers’ Movement and inspired by literary icons like Saadat Hasan Manto and Krishan Chander, Riaz employs symbolic imagery and charged dialogues to fuse the personal with the political. Khatt-e-Marmooz serves as a significant feminist intervention in South Asian literature, highlighting Riaz’s enduring impact on contemporary gender discourse through fiction.
Keywords: Urdu literature, feminist, short stories, Khatt-e-Marmooz