Shoaib Hashmi obtained a Master of Arts degree from Government College Lahore and Economics degree from London School of Economics (LSE). He had also obtained a theatre degree from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, London.
He was a teacher at the Government College for many years and wrote and acted in several plays for the PTV in the 70s. His well-known plays include Akkar Bakkar, Sach Gupp and Taal Matol. He also wrote a column in a private newspaper named Taal Matol in 1990. He was awarded with the Good Performance and Medal of Distinction by the Government of Pakistan in 1995.
He is survived by his wife Salima Hashmi (daughter of Faiz Ahmed Faiz) and their two children, Adeel Hashmi and Mira Hashmi.