KARACHI, Sept 19: Friday evening at Karachi Gymkhana was brightened up by paying tribute to popular awami poet, late Habib Jalib.

Jurist and politician Aetzaz Ahsen, a long time friend of the poet and also a jail mate for some months, had come from Islamabad to chair the occasion and to speak about his person and poetry.

Mujahid Barelvi, Jalib's close associate in Karachi and on foreign visits, conducted the proceedings and presented his paper - a piece of Jalib's biography laced with his poetry. The paper carried some of his most inspiring verses like 'Dastoor' and 'Berg-i-Awaara'.

The poet remained alert at every turning point of the nation's history and would compose his verse appropriate to the occasion. The paper was well-written and its presentation was also lively.

Khalid Ahmad, a artiste read out a verse from one of his fine poetry collections - Sar-i-Maqtal, Harf-i-Haq and others, and fascinated the engrossed listeners. Popular Punjabi poet, Baba Najmi presented his verse titled 'New World Order'.

He lamented the silence of writers and poets against the rising tide of world capitalism and observed that had Jalib been alive today, he would have awakened the people on this issue.

Poet Fahmida Riaz briefly spoke about Jalib, as a courageous and bold person, a lovable soul, and with a lot of optimism and sense of humour. He encouraged us to ridicule and laugh at the usurpers and oppressors. She also read out a verse for Jalib.

Senator Aetzaz Ahsen had many things to tell about Habib Jalib. He found his poetry enriched with 'Taghazzul' (melodiousness) and very musical in setting of words. His sufferings were immense but he would never seek assistance from anyone.

He had great respect for women and an utmost contempt for the unholy alliance of mulla and the military. He chose to write verses against the rulers at the prime of their power, but refrained from doing so when they were out of power.

Aetzaz quoted some highly appealing verses from Jalib and narrated events like, once a mushaira held in Murree, where Jalib stole the show. He carried the audience with him from the closed-door hall to out in the street, and the crowd kept singing with him:

Aesay dastoor ko, subhe be noor ko,
maen nahi jaanta, maen naheen manta

Earlier, Shakeel Aslam of the gymkhana and Nasim Gandhi on behalf of its library and adbi committee welcomed and thanked the guests. The event was well-attended. Some pieces from the documentary on Jalib's life were also screened. Two noted writers from India, Anwer Moazzam and Jeelani Bano also graced the occasion.