MULTAN: Famous Seraiki poet Rifat Abbas has turned down the Pride of Punjab Award carrying a Rs300,000 prize, conferred on him by the Punjab government, citing moral and ideological reasons.

The Punjab Institute of Language, Art and Culture, working under the patronage of the Punjab Information and Culture Department for the promotion of Punjabi language, art and culture, had announced the award for the Multan-based Seraiki poet Rifat Abbas in poetry category in connection with International Mother Language Day of 2017.

“I’ve no moral ground to accept the award; I refuse it due to three main reasons: being a poet, being a Seraiki nationalist and being a neighbor of small nations struggling against the suppression of Punjab,” said Mr Abbas.

Explaining the reasons, he said that being a poet he had not rendered any service for the promotion of Punjabi language but his all services were for the promotion of Seraiki language.

“Similarly, being a Seraiki nationalist I’m part of the struggle for a separate federating unit as we (Seraikis) are a separate nation and have separate language and culture. Being a neighbour to other oppressed nations like Sindhi, Baloch and Pashtoon, that are under the suppression of Punjab, and by accepting this award I will lose grounds to support these nations,” he said.

In the past, Seraiki intellectual Mehboob Tabish has also refused to accept an award by the World Punjabi Congress on his book on the life of Holy Prophet ‘Aiboon Khali’.

Published in Dawn, February 22nd, 2017

Opinion

Editorial

Dangerous law
Updated 17 May, 2024

Dangerous law

It must remember that the same law can be weaponised against it one day, just as Peca was when the PTI took power.
Uncalled for pressure
17 May, 2024

Uncalled for pressure

THE recent press conferences by Senators Faisal Vawda and Talal Chaudhry, where they demanded evidence from judges...
KP tussle
17 May, 2024

KP tussle

THE growing war of words between KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Governor Faisal Karim Kundi is affecting...
Dubai properties
Updated 16 May, 2024

Dubai properties

It is hoped that any investigation that is conducted will be fair and that no wrongdoing will be excused.
In good faith
16 May, 2024

In good faith

THE ‘P’ in PTI might as well stand for perplexing. After a constant yo-yoing around holding talks, the PTI has...
CTDs’ shortcomings
16 May, 2024

CTDs’ shortcomings

WHILE threats from terrorist groups need to be countered on the battlefield through military means, long-term ...