KARACHI: Mr Ahmad Saghir Siddiqui, a senior writer and poet was the chief guest at the Irteqa Adbi Forum on Sunday. He had come with his poetry collection Lamhon ki Zanjeer, which was discussed among the audience.

Mr Muslim Shamim, himself a poet and a critic, was in the chair, who advised Mr Siddiqui to concentrate on the art of literary criticism alongwith poetry.

Mr Siddiqui, who has to his credit three story collections and a couple of poetry collections, also writes literary columns for dailies and periodicals. He is known for being a bit harsh in his criticism. Mr Shamim admired his poetry and felt that he was not acknowledged the way he should have been. This feeling, he said, had in return created a sense of bitterness in his prose, and should necessarily be avoided in the interest of healthy creative exercise.

Mr Safder Siddiq Razi found in Mr Saghir’s poetry a similarity with another famous ghazal poet Zafer Iqbal. He said that one could find the contrast and contradiction running together in the couplets of both poets. However, he liked the verses much better as compared to the ghazels in the collection, which was though enriched with different poetic forms such as Doha, Maheya, Haiku, and etc.

Mr Shamshad Ahmad admired Mr Siddiqui’s poetry for its distinct taste and a sense of freshness. He also felt that Mr Siddiqui deserved a better understanding.

Mr Salim Zahid Siddiqui agreeing with Mr Safder’s remarks and felt that the poetry in Lamhon ki Zanjeer was different from the most contemporary writers.

Among others, who spoke on Mr Saghir’s poetry included Mr Wahid Bashir, Mr Zaki Usmani and Mr Tamheedul Islam.

The meeting started with an introductory note read by Mr Jamal Naqvi about the chief guest, Ahmad Saghir Siddiqui, and his poetry collection. Quoting passages from Mr Saghir’s own introductory note in the book, Mr Naqvi felt that the poet had enriched poetry with his images and discerning use of vocabulary. He said that Mr Saghir’s command over the art was praise worthy.

Mr Shafiq Ahmad Shafeeq had also the same feeling, as expressed by earlier speakers that Mr Saghir’s poetry carried an element of surprise.

After the introductory note read by Mr Naqvi, Mr Ahmad Saghir Siddiqui, the chief guest, recited some of his ghazals and poems to the benefit of all those, who had not gone through his books.—Hasan Abidi