Hassan Nisar

A journalist, columnist and an analyst, Hassan Nisar was born on July 5, 1951 in Faisalabad to a literary background family. He has five siblings (one brother and four sisters). His grandparents migrated to Pakistan during partition of India. A crossroad in Amritsar is still associated with his paternal grandfather (Farid Chowk). His grandfather was an intellectual and was fluent in English and Farsi.

Hassan Nisar’s father settled in Faisalabad after partition while his paternal grandfather settled in Mian Cahnnu. He was sent to Mian Channu to live and study under his grandfather’s guardianship, he stayed for two years but had to move back to Faisalabad due to poor schooling conditions. He completed his Matriculation and FA from Faisalabad and then moved to Punjab University Lahore to pursue his higher studies. He studied Journalism and Economics at Punjab University Lahore.

Hassan Nisar’s father wanted him to become CSP officer after completing his studies but Hassan himself wanted to become a movie writer. However, he started his professional career as a journalist in 1972 when he was offered a job. His first salary was 350 rupess a month. He started off working with Dhanak Magazine and lived in a room of Dhanak’s office. He also composed poetry, movie songs and edited the monthly magazine Zanjeer.

His commentaries in print and electronic media are focused on contemporary Pakistan and the political history of Islam.

He has been affiliated with GEO TV and Jang Group and is best known for his column ‘Choraha’ which he writes for Jang Group. He used to run his own talk show ‘Choraha’ on GEO TV. He also appeared on talk show Meray Mutabiq on GEO News for some time. His commentaries in print and electronic media are focused on contemporary Pakistan and the political history of Islam.

Hassan Nisar left Jang Group and GEO TV in August 2012 due to some differences with the management and joined ‘Dunya News’. Where he introduced his programme with the new title ‘Meri Dunya’. He worked for Dunya News for 8 months and moved back to Jang Group in April 2013 after his differences were resolved with the Jang Group’s management.

He is famous for his straight forwardness and firm stances. He boldly addresses issues which are plaguing Pakistan and Islam. He has a huge fan following because of his revolutionary thoughts for bringing change in governance. He is often criticized by conservative elements of country due to his controversial talks on Islamic history.

Hassan Nisar’s father wanted him to become CSP officer after completing his studies but Hassan himself wanted to become a movie writer. However, he started his professional career as a journalist in 1971 when Sarwar Sukhera offered him a job. His first salary was 350 rupess a month. He started off working with Dhanak Magazine and lived in a room of Dhanak office. Later on he worked for Magazine Zanjeer.

He also started running a ‘Dahi Ballay and ‘Tikka Kabab’ business in model town. His business was successful from which he earned handsome amount each month. In addition to journalism, Hassan wrote poetry, movie songs and worked as editor. A movie produces bought his songs but used his own name as poet. This made Hassan sad and disappointed. Hassan also worked for newspapers Masawat, Khabrain and Sadaqat.

Hassan Nisar used to be a strong supporter of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. He was imprisoned by Gen. Zia ul Haq’s regime for publishing material against the dictator. Like many other journalists, Hassan Nisar also faced many difficulties during Gen. Zia’s rule. At one point he had to leave the country to work in Saudi Arabia for some time. Currently, Hassan Nisar is a supporter of Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) led by Imran Khan. Even though he is not a member of PTI, yet he has defended the party on many forums.

Hassan Nisar married to script writer and poet Saeeda Hashmi but unfortunately, their marriage was not a success and they divorced. He then married to his 2nd and current wife Shazia. They have a daughter Mohammadah and two sons Hasham and Hatam. Hassan Nisar’s three sons from his first marriage stayed with him for some time but later moved back to their mother.