Nadeem Aslam is a Pakistani-British novelist whose work is known for its lyrical prose and intense exploration of political and religious conflict. 'The Blind Man's Garden' (2013) is a powerful narrative about family and war. Aslam has won several international awards, and his work is celebrated for providing a nuanced and deeply human perspective on the geopolitical struggles in the region.

Munir Niazi was a legendary poet who wrote with equal brilliance in Urdu and Punjabi. His poetry is known for its evocative imagery, dream-like atmosphere, and themes of loneliness and the unknown. He was a master of the short poem and the ghazal, and his unique style influenced a whole generation of poets in Pakistan. He remains a cult figure in Urdu literature.

Rashid Ahmed Arshad was a prominent painter and educator who pioneered the fusion of Western abstract art with traditional Islamic calligraphy. His 'Action Calligraphy' style was highly influential in the 1970s. He also contributed to the academic development of art in Pakistan through his leadership at the NCA, helping to shape the contemporary artistic discourse in the country.

Intizar Hussain was a legendary short story writer and novelist. His novel 'Basti' is world-renowned for its use of myth, history, and nostalgia to depict the identity crisis of Pakistani society following the 1971 war. He was the first Pakistani to be shortlisted for the Man Booker International Prize, and his work is celebrated for its deep rootedness in Indo-Islamic culture.

Ada Jafri was a pioneer for women in Urdu literature. At a time when very few women were active in poetry, she broke the glass ceiling with her refined ghazals and nazms. Her work adhered to classical traditions while gently introducing female sensibilities. She received the Pride of Performance and is respected as a matriarch of the modern Urdu poetic tradition.

Mir Gul Khan Nasir was a leading Balochi poet, historian, and politician. He was a central figure in the Balochi national movement and spent years in prison for his beliefs. His poetry reflected the struggle and identity of the Baloch people. He served as the Education Minister of Balochistan in the 1970s and remains a heroic figure in the province's literary and political history.

Mustansar Hussain Tarar is Pakistan's most prolific travel writer and a household name. His book 'Niklay Teri Talash Mein' (1970) documented his journey across Europe and became a cultural phenomenon. Tarar popularized the genre of travelogues (Safar-nama) in Urdu, later focusing heavily on the northern areas of Pakistan, and is also an accomplished novelist and television host.

Zubeida Agha was the first modern artist of Pakistan. At a time when traditional realism and miniature art were dominant, she introduced abstract painting to the country. Her 1949 exhibition in Karachi was a turning point, shocking many but eventually paving the way for modernism. Her work used color and form to express internal thoughts and philosophical concepts rather than literal representation.

Mumtaz Mufti was a celebrated writer and a close associate of Qudrat Ullah Shahab and Ashfaq Ahmed. His novel 'Alipur Ka Eli' is a monumental work that explores his early life, his psychological development, and his eventual spiritual awakening. Mufti’s writing often blended psychology with Sufism, making him a unique voice in modern Urdu prose.

Atta Shad was a monumental figure in Balochi literature. He is credited with modernizing Balochi poetry by introducing new forms and metaphors. His work bridged the gap between traditional Balochi ballads and modern Urdu ghazal. He was a versatile scholar who also wrote in Urdu, contributing significantly to the cultural integration of Balochistan with the national literary scene.