KARACHI: “Badal, Geet, Hawa our Mein,” The first collection of verses by poet Zakia Ghazal was launched on Saturday, venue being the Karachi Club.

Interior minister Moinuddin Haider was the chief guest, while elderly poet Raghib Moradabadi presided over the proceedings.

Moinuddin Haider, a popular figure at book launchings, in his light discourse admired the popular poet for her verses reflecting the message of love, humility, social consciousness and the pride of being a caring mother and a housewife.

He quoted verses from the book, “concerning his ministry”, regarding the need of peace, tolerance and freedom from fear. He also praised her melody in rendering the verses so effectively and prayed for her greater success in future.

Among the speakers was Amjad Islam Amjad who had arrived from Lahore to congratulate Zakia his “younger sister on the publication. He read out his brief essay already included in the book. He praised Zakia Ghazal for her melodious delivery of poetry and as a “well mannered caring lady, faithful to her family and elders.”

Hemayat Ali Shaer, Peerzada Qasim, Rasool Ahmad Kaleemi and Ms Khushbakht Shujaat were among the other speakers.

“A self-confident and also a self-made woman who, despite her feminism, has great respect for social norms and traditions. And in this respect Zakia is closer to Ada Jafery Shaer,” said Shaer.

Peerzada Qasim was quite sure of Zakia’s fame in the future with the hope that it would come out of her sound poetry and not just melody. Raghib Moradabadi delivered his adulatory verses written for the occasion.

Zakia Ghazel in her voice chalked with emotion thanked the guests and the sponsors of the ceremony for their material and moral support.

Abdul Hafeez Memon, convener of the literary committee at the Karachi Club, did the comparing.—Hasan Abidi