1958
Research
Research on Hazrat Sultan Bahu (RA) begins
While studying at F.C. College, Lahore, he begins sustained work on the life and writings of Hazrat Sultan Bahu (RA), as recalled in his own account.
Scholarly journey
A lifetime of research on Hazrat Sultan Bahu (RA)
Follow the development of Prof. Dr. Sultan Altaf Ali's research on Hazrat Sultan Bahu (RA), from its beginnings in 1958 to the translations, studies and publications that followed.
Education, teaching and wider literary work are included here alongside the central research. The milestones draw on his professional résumé and Qaisar Bhatti's biographical study.
1950s
1960s
1961
Education
B.A. (Honours), Persian and Arts
The professional résumé records the degree at the University of the Punjab, Lahore.
1963
Education
LL.B.
Receives a law degree from the University of the Punjab, Lahore.
1964
Education
M.A. Political Science
Receives a master’s degree in Political Science from the University of the Punjab, Lahore.
1966
Education
M.A. Persian
Receives a master’s degree in Persian from the University of the Punjab, Lahore.
1968
Academic career
Teaching service in Balochistan begins
Joins the education service, beginning a career that includes teaching, college leadership and textbook work.
1970s
1971
Books
A study of Pakistan–Iran cultural relations
Pak–Iran Cultural Relations Since 2500 Years, in Persian, is published by Islamia Press, Quetta.
1975
Translations
Abyat-e-Bahu: translation and commentary
The first edition of his Urdu translation and commentary of the abyat of Hazrat Sultan Bahu (RA) is published.
View related book1975
Awards
Pakistan Writers Guild Award
Receives the Pakistan Writers Guild Award during the early years of his publishing career.
1975
International visits
Modern Persian training in Tehran
Attends a four-month programme in modern Persian, from September 1975 to January 1976.
1977
Conferences
Presenting research on Hazrat Sultan Bahu (RA)
Presents “Hazrat Sultan Bahu: His Thoughts and Works” at Bazm-e-Bahu, Lahore.
1977
International visits
Research visit to Afghanistan
Undertakes a research visit associated with the University Grants Commission to collect material relevant to his doctoral studies.
1980s
1987
Education
Doctorate on Hazrat Sultan Bahu (RA)
The University of the Punjab awards him a Ph.D. in Persian Literature following research on the life, Persian works and thought of Hazrat Sultan Bahu (RA).
1990s
1991
Translations
Divan-e-Bahu in Urdu translation
His Urdu translation of the Persian poetry of Hazrat Sultan Bahu (RA) is published.
View related book1991
Awards
Bahar-e-Azadi Gold Medal
The professional résumé records the Bahar-e-Azadi Gold Medal among his literary and academic honours.
1993
Books
Doctoral research published in Persian
The résumé records publication of the thesis on Hazrat Sultan Bahu (RA) by Markaz-e-Tahqiqat-e-Farsi Iran–Pakistan, Islamabad.
1995
Books
Hussain bin Mansoor Hallaj published
A study of Hallaj appears as part of his wider research in Sufi thought and history.
View related book2000s
2000
Academic career
Retirement after thirty-two years
Retires from the Education Service of Balochistan on 29 February 2000. Research and publishing continue beyond his teaching service.
2000
Conferences
Research on Hazrat Sultan Bahu (RA) in Tehran
Presents a paper on the purity and rareness of the thought of Hazrat Sultan Bahu (RA) at Shaheed Beheshti University, Tehran.
2002
Awards
Presidential Izaz-e-Fazeelat
Receives the Presidential Izaz-e-Fazeelat, recorded among his academic and literary honours.
2005
Academic career
Director of Bahu Publications
The résumé records his directorship from 2005, supporting the publication of research, translations and commentaries.
2005
International visits
The Persian of Hazrat Sultan Bahu (RA)
Presents a paper on the Persian of Hazrat Sultan Bahu (RA) in the age of Alamgir at Aligarh Muslim University.
2009
Translations
Tareekh Nama Herat: a later edition
A later edition of his Urdu translation of Saif Harvi’s Persian history of Herat is published. The résumé records an earlier edition in 1988.
View related book2010s
2011
Research
Bahu Shanasi, Vol. I
The first volume brings together research concerned with Hazrat Sultan Bahu (RA).
View related book2012
Books
Barkat-e-Seerat-un-Nabi
A four-part work addressing Seerat, Rumi, Iqbal and Pakistan is published.
View related book2013
Translations
Sultan-ul-Wahm in Urdu
His Urdu translation of the Persian treatise by Hazrat Sultan Bahu (RA) is published.
View related book2015
Awards
Recognition for educational service
The résumé records a service recognition dated 18 September 2015. His retirement from the education service had taken place in 2000.
2016
Books
Tafheem-e-Khudi
A study of Iqbal’s philosophy of Khudi, with attention to Asrar-e-Khudi and Rumuz-e-Bekhudi, is published.
View related book2020s
2021
Awards
Provincial Excellence Award
The professional résumé records this recognition on 23 March 2021.