September 17, 2008	Wednesday	Ramazan 16, 1429

ISLAMABAD, Sept 16: Speakers at a conference held in connection with the death anniversary of Hazrat Sachal Sir Mast here on Tuesday stressed the need for chalking out a compressive plan for promotion of Saraiki language. The conference was organised by the World Saraiki Congress (WSC).

Chairman WSC Dr Ghazanfar Mehdi said the Saraiki was one of the most popular languages of the country and that there was a need for concrete steps for its promotion. Paying glowing tributes to the saint and poet Sachal Sir Mast, Dr Mehdi said he preached tolerance and patience throughout his life.

He said the poet played an important role in the promotion of different regional languages, including Sindhi, Saraiki, Persian, Arabic, Hindi and Punjabi.

Speaking on the occasion, Pir Mukaramul Haq said that poetry of Sachal Sir Mast was superb with Sindhi taste.

He said Allma Iqbal also took inspiration from the poetry of Sachal Sir Mast.Fayyaz Baqir, Iqbal Jatoi, Dr Ahsan Wahga, Dr Hashim Bukhari and Tanveer Chandiyo read the papers on the life and the poetry of Hazrat Sachal Sir Mast and highlighted his services for the promotion of regional languages.—APP