March 09, 2008	Sunday	Safar 30, 1429

KOHAT, March 8: Renowned poet Ahmed Faraz mesmerised the audience by reciting his popular poems at a function held here on Friday night to bid farewell to NWFP IGP Sharif Virk.

The function was attended by students of the Kohat University of Science and Technology, office-bearers of the Kohat Arts Council, poets and writers such as Shujaat Ali Rahi, Ahmed Paracha and Shahid Iqbal, and Kohat DIGP Zulfiqar Ahmed Cheema, who had organised the event. |

Ahmed Faraz recited poems penned on different topics from the early days of Faiz Ahmed Faiz, his famous poem Hisar written during the dictatorial rule of Gen Ziaul Haq and his recent views on the political gimmicks taking place in Islamabad.

He was introduced by the stage secretary as the poet of Urdu-speaking people of all ages living all over the world, who had never bowed his head before tyrants.

Mr Faraz also recited some poems on the request of the audience such as “Suna Hay Log Usay Ankh Bhar Ke Daikhtay Hain”. About the rule of tyrants and his exile, he recited “Mera Qalam To Amanat Hey Mere Logon Ki, Mera Qalam Adalat Mere Zamir Ki Hay”.

He also recited his two new unpublished poems written after the Lal Masjid incident – “Sheharnama” and “Aay Ishqe Junon Pesha”.The DIGP also recited a few funny couplets on police.

A large number of people surrounded Ahmed Faraz after the function and got his autographs and had photographs with him.