Professor Afaqi taught Urdu literature at Islamia Government College, Karachi, where he spent many years as an educator. His teaching career enabled him to introduce generations of students to the richness of Urdu language and literature. His standing as an educationist and literary personality has continued after retirement, with his participation in seminars, mushairas, literary gatherings and academic events.
Literary Career
Khayal Afaqi has produced a substantial body of literary work covering poetry, novels, research and historical and intellectual subjects. His poetry collection Rood-i-Khayal is among the works associated with his literary career. His other books include Zinda Rahein, Laayamot, Rasool-e-Azam, Nishan-e-Iqbal, Urta Rahe Aanchal, Zartash and Ae Jazbe-e-Dil Gar Tu Chahe.
His two-volume work Rasool-e-Azam, published under the name Professor Muhammad Khayal Afaqi, is also part of his extensive literary output.
His contribution is not limited to poetry. Academic researchers have examined his novels from literary and artistic perspectives. A research paper published in the Al-Aijaz Research Journal of Islamic Studies & Humanities describes his novel writing as notable for its characterization, dialogue, realistic settings and portrayal of everyday human behaviour.
Poetry and Iqbal Studies
Professor Khayal Afaqi has also been recognized for his intellectual engagement with Allama Muhammad Iqbal. A research paper published in the PAYAM: Research Journal of Iqbal Studies examined the influence of Iqbal's thought on selected contemporary Pakistani poets and included Khayal Afaqi among the poets studied.
His association with Iqbal-related literary activities is also reflected in his participation as a speaker at the 4th Annual Iqbal Day Seminar in Karachi in 2012.
Presence in Karachi's Literary Life
Khayal Afaqi has remained an active presence in Karachi's literary environment. He has participated in major mushairas and literary references alongside prominent Urdu poets and writers. Dawn has reported his participation in international and commemorative mushairas, including a gathering held in memory of renowned Urdu short-story writer Saadat Hasan Manto.
He has also participated in academic, cultural and intellectual gatherings in Karachi. In 2019, he was among the distinguished guests and speakers at the launch of the Quranic Encyclopedia in the city. More recently, Nazeer Hussain University recorded his role in an Iqbal Day literary programme, reflecting his continuing engagement with educational and literary activities.
A Senior Literary Figure
Professor Khayal Afaqi represents a generation of Pakistani literary figures who combined teaching with creative writing and intellectual activity. His career as an Urdu professor, poet, novelist and researcher has given him a distinctive place in Karachi's literary landscape.
His work has attracted scholarly attention, while his continued participation in literary and academic forums has kept him connected with readers, writers, students and cultural institutions. For Karachi's Urdu literary community, Professor Khayal Afaqi remains an important senior voice whose contributions span poetry, fiction, research and literary discourse.
