Karwan-e-Khial | Prose Collection | Dr. Razia Ismail MBE

Karwan-e-Khayaal by Dr. Razia Ismail is a captivating Urdu eBook that brings together short stories, flash fiction, pop tales, humor, and satire. Rich in imagination and insight, the collection reflects on human emotions, social realities, and the delicate balance between laughter and reflection. With her signature grace and intellectual depth, Dr. Ismail transforms ordinary moments into timeless pieces of art — making Karwan-e-Khayaal a landmark in modern Urdu prose.

Dr. Razia Ismail MBE— A Voice of Compassion, Creativity, and Conviction

Dr. Razia Ismail—known in literary circles by her pen name, though her full name is Razia Khalida Sultana—is a distinguished Pakistani-born poet, fiction writer, researcher, and social activist whose work bridges continents, languages, and human emotions. Born on 9th June (15th Ramadan) in Bharoki Cheema, Pakistan, she has lived a life that harmoniously unites intellect, artistry, and service.

Her journey began with words—her first poetic expression emerged in 1971, when she wrote a ghazal for an inter-collegiate competition at Central Government Girls College, Islamabad. The opening line, “Aa gaye phir meri zanjeer hilanay walay,” hinted at a poetic voice of reflection and resilience that would later blossom into an accomplished literary career. Two years later, she won a short story competition at Government Girls College, Gujrat, proving that her creative promise transcended genres.

Education and Professional Excellence

Dr. Ismail’s academic journey is as inspiring as her literary one. She completed her B.A. (Hons.) from the University of the Punjab, M.A. English from Karachi University, and obtained prestigious diplomas in Public Administration (Oxford University), Montessori Teaching (London), and Social Work (Birmingham). Later, she earned an M.A. in Social Work from Warwick University and a Doctorate from the University of London, where her dissertation titled “The Effects of Domestic Violence on Children” earned her distinction and scholarships at every stage.

Her professional engagements reflect a deep sense of service and leadership. She has worked in the British Civil Service, BCCI Bank, Evening Mail Newspaper, and various Education and Social Welfare Departments. As a Community and Voluntary Service Advisor, she has touched countless lives through social empowerment and advocacy.

Literary and Creative Contributions

Dr. Razia Ismail’s creative expression flows through both poetry and prose. Her poetry, rich with empathy and introspection, traverses themes of identity, womanhood, love, and human dignity. Her notable poetic collections include:

Gulabon Ko Tum Apne Paas Rakho (2000)

Sub Aankhen Meri Aankhen Hain (2001)

Main Aurat Hoon (2000) – a bilingual collection of prose poems with English translations

People Ki Chhaon Mein (2001)

Hawa Ke Sang Sang (2011)

Khushboo, Gulab, Kaante (2012 – a collected edition of her poetry)

Titliyan Udaas Hain – forthcoming collection combining poetry and painting

Her prose works display versatility and humor, ranging from satire (Chand Mein Churailen), to short stories (Kaghazi Hai Pairahan – in progress), and travel writing (Hum Rooh-e-Safar Hain – under research). She also authored Kahani Bol Parti Hai, a compilation of popular short stories that capture contemporary sensibilities.

Scholarship, Service, and Literary Leadership

Beyond her individual creations, Dr. Ismail has contributed immensely to the promotion of women’s voices in literature. She founded the Pakistani Women’s Literary and Cultural Organization “Aaghee” in 1997, serving as its Lifetime President. Through Aaghee, she launched several pioneering projects, such as the National Women Directory (1999), Write Track (2000), and Poetry Time (2000)—platforms that nurtured emerging Asian women writers in both Urdu and English.

Her association with institutions like Radio XL, Radio Shine, Women Aid, Black Women Forum, Small Heath Community Forum, Iqbal Academy, and the National Academy of British Writers reflects her tireless dedication to social and cultural enrichment. In recognition of her outstanding community service, she was awarded the Millennium Commission’s Lifetime Fellowship in the United Kingdom.

Personality, Vision, and Inspirations

Dr. Ismail’s personality embodies intellectual grace and emotional depth. A lover of reading, nature, cinema, and humanitarian work, she finds inspiration in global icons such as Helen Keller, Nelson Mandela, Princess Diana, Malcolm X, Abdul Sattar Edhi, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, and Imran Khan. Her writing—whether lyrical, satirical, or reflective—reveals an unflinching belief in empathy, justice, and the beauty of expression.

A Life in Harmony with Words and Humanity

Through decades of creativity, scholarship, and service, Dr. Razia Ismail has emerged as a luminous symbol of Pakistani women’s intellectual and artistic identity in the diaspora. Her pen bridges the East and West, blending the elegance of Urdu with the universality of human experience.

In her world, poetry is not just rhythm—it is resistance; prose is not merely narration—it is nurturing; and every written word becomes a prayer for beauty, truth, and compassion.