August 20, 2008	Wednesday	Sha’aban 17, 1429

KARACHI, Aug 19: Tribute was paid to Baba-i-Urdu Maulvi Abdul Haq at a programme organised by the literary committee of the Arts Council in collaboration with its youth committee and the Bazm-i-Imroz here on Tuesday.

Speakers at the event, presided over by Jamiluddin Aali, highlighted various achievements of Baba-i-Urdu.

Speaking about Bazm-i-Imroz, moderator of the programme Naushaba Siddiqui said that Maulvi Abdul Haq founded the Bazm-i-Imroz on Aug 16, 1959 the sole aim of which was to encourage the youth to develop a flair for Urdu.

Praising Baba-i-Urdu for his efforts for the cause of Urdu, Sohail Ahmed said that Maulvi Abdul Haq was so determined that he even left his job to promote Urdu. Irfan Abidi paid tribute to the legend by reciting a poem.

“Imroz was one of the three Urdu dailies of its time and had four special pages for literature and moreover a few pages for children as well,” recalled Badduruduja Khan.

Other speakers who highlighted the various aspects of Baba-i-Urdu Maulvi Abdul Haq’s life, his achievements and their personal experiences with the legend included Professor Sahar Ansari, Jamiluddin Aali and Haroon Rashid.

They all praised his determination for the cause of Urdu and his contributions made in the fields of education and literature.