HYDERABAD: A compilation of articles written on Radio Pakistan’s former programme director Inayat Baloch by artists, literary figures, sportsmen, cricket commentators and others was launched on Sunday night at a local hotel.

The articles compiled by Usman Mangi have been penned by cricketer Javed Miandad, commentator Iftikhar Ahmed, artist Abida Parveen and those who had been associated with Inayat Baloch in Radio Pakistan.

Baloch, also a poet, served as station director Radio Pakistan Hyderabad and promoted as its programme director at Islamabad, where he worked until his retirement.

Former Sindh University vice-chancellor Mazharul Haq Siddiqui chaired the launching ceremony and veteran nationalist leader Rasool Bukhsh Palijo was the chief guest.

Mr Palijo appreciated the fact that such gatherings provided opportunities to sit with good people.

He said that a culture in which young girls were married to elderly people to settle disputes was thrust on Sindh otherwise it had nothing to do with this land.

He said that this culture should be curbed.

Mazharul Haq Siddiqui said that women need to be given importance and empowered. This would strengthen Sindhi society, he added. He said that women had always been underestimated.

Inayat Baloch said that when his friends started writing on him, he came to know about his self for which he was highly indebted to them.

Inam Shaikh said that Inayat Baloch had discharged his responsibilities diligently. He has a strong personality, he added.

Niaz Panwhar said Inayat Baloch respected people and his poetry always influenced people.

Jami Chandio, Gul Mohammad Umrani, Mahmood Siddiqui, Hashim Leghari, Zulfiqar Halepoto, Niaz Panwhar, Taj Joyo, Dr Laiq Zardari, Inam Shaikh, Prof Qalandar Shah, Inayat Baloch, Naz Sahto and others spoke.

Published in Dawn, June 17th, 2014