In this paper, three trends in modern criticism of Urdu have been identified. The first trend appears to have emerged from a pessimistic view of life. It looks at life as a meaningless activity and therefore any social or cultural process or development is regarded useless. It has given expression to a sense of futility and aimlessness in life.  The second trend is shaped up by a realization that due importance must be given to technical developments without undermining sociological and cultural development in human civilization. The third trend emerges from an effort to create a balance between individual freedom and society at large. Although all three trends contribute to the tradition of literary criticism, the healthiest trend is the third one that will save our society from a possible defeat in an onslaught of Westernization.