Ehsas Ki Khushboo | The Fragrance of Sentiments | Dr Razia Ismail MBE

3 min read

Dr. Razia Ismail (MBE)

Dr. Razia Ismail (MBE) is a distinguished prose and poetry writer, an educationist, and an acclaimed social and community worker, based in the UK for many decades.

Dr. Razia Ismail (MBE), known in the literary world by her pen name though her full name is Razia Khalida Sultana, is a distinguished Pakistani poet, fiction writer, researcher, and social activist whose work creates a graceful bridge between continents, languages, and the shared sensibilities of human experience. Born on June 9 (15th Ramadan) in Bharoki Cheema, Pakistan, she is a remarkable figure whose life blends intellect, artistic finesse, and humanitarian dedication.

Her literary journey began with words. In 1971, she wrote a ghazal for the inter-collegiate competition at Central Government Girls College, Islamabad. Its opening verse was:

“Aa gaye phir meri zanjeer hilane walay.”
(“They have returned once again to shake the chains that bind me.”)

This was the first expression of a voice imbued with observation, resilience, and inner depth—qualities that later shaped a distinct and powerful literary identity. Two years later, she proved her artistic versatility by winning a short-story writing competition at Government Girls College, Gujrat.

Dr. Ismail’s academic career is as impressive as her creative life. She earned her B.A. (Honours) from Punjab University, an M.A. (English) from Karachi University, and a Diploma in Public Administration from Oxford University. She further completed diplomas in Montessori Teaching (London) and Social Work (Birmingham). She later obtained an M.A. in Social Work from Warwick University and a Doctorate from the University of London.

Her doctoral thesis, “The Effects of Domestic Violence on Children,” was awarded distinctions and multiple scholarships at every academic stage.

In her professional life, she served in the British Civil Service, BCCI Bank, Evening Mail newspaper, and several educational and social sector institutions. As a Community Voluntary Service Advisor, she left a lasting and positive impact on countless lives.

Dr. Razia Ismail’s creative soul flows effortlessly through both poetry and prose. Her poetry radiates compassion, self-awareness, and the delicate emotional contours of the feminine experience. Her prose, too, explores fresh stylistic territory and beautifully captures contemporary sensibilities. Beyond her own works, she tirelessly championed women’s literary voices. In 1997, she founded Aaghee, a prominent literary and cultural organisation of Pakistani women writers, and was elected President for life.

Dr. Ismail is a beautiful harmony of intellectual dignity and heartfelt gentleness. She adores reading, nature, film, and community service. Her inspirations include Helen Keller, Nelson Mandela, Princess Diana, Malcolm X, Abdul Sattar Edhi, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, and Imran Khan.

Whether she writes fiction, satire, or reflective essays, her style embodies a deep faith in humanity, justice, and the transformative beauty of expression.

Through her long journey of creation, research, and service, Dr. Razia Ismail has emerged as a luminous figure in the scholarly and literary identity of Pakistani women. Her pen draws the East and the West into a shared frame, harmonizing the subtlety of Urdu with the universality of human experience.

In her world, poetry is not mere music—it is resistance.
Prose is not just narration—it is nourishment.
And every written word becomes a prayer for beauty, truth, and compassion.