Jangloos Novel by Shaukat Siddiqui
Jangloos (published in 1987) follows the thrilling journey of two prisoners, Lali and Raheem Dad, who escape from jail and navigate through the rugged landscape of central Punjab, Pakistan. As they try to stay off the police’s radar, they’re swept into encounters with feudal lords, criminals, and corruption at every turn.
Themes & Style
- A vivid portrayal of social injustices – The novel unpacks the harsh realities of feudalism, class divide, and the suffering of the poor and marginalized.
- Rich in local color – Siddiqui brings Punjab to life—its culture, language, customs, and daily struggles—painting a detailed, authentic picture.
- Crime and survival – Every step of Lali and Raheem Dad’s journey confronts them—and readers—with violence, power games, and the desperate fight to survive in a harsh world.
Format & Adaptation
- The story is an epic, spanning three volumes.
- PTV adapted the first volume into a TV series in 1989, directed by Kazim Pasha. The drama was well-received but ultimately left unfinished.
What Readers Say
Many readers describe Jangloos as a classic Urdu epic about two escapees navigating Punjab’s criminal underworld:
“It follows the life of two convicts after they escape from the prison. There’s plenty of tense nail-biting moments.” “A 3-volume epic about two escaped convicts who, at every step, find villainy, corruption, crime, and violence. Also a commentary on the history of the subcontinent.”
In Simple Words
Jangloos is a gritty, powerful story of escape and survival that unfolds across three volumes. Through Lali and Raheem Dad’s dangerous journey, it reflects on the brutal social and economic struggles of rural Punjab—exploring feudalism, crime, and corruption. The language is straightforward, the setting real, and the emotions raw.
If you like stories rooted in real social issues and human struggle, this one’s a compelling pick.