ANP leader Mian Iftikhar Hussain addressing a seminar in Peshawar on Thursday. — Dawn

PESHAWAR: Speakers at a seminar called upon Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to recognise the literary services of the late nationalist Pashto poet Andesh Shamsul Qamar.

The seminar was organised by Pohantoon Adabi Stori (PAS) at the auditorium of Pashtun Cultural Museum (PCM), University of Peshawar here on Thursday.

Speaking as a chief guest, ANP leader Mian Iftikhar Hussain said that Andesh was the voice of downtrodden segment of the society. He always advocated peace, social justice, unity of Pakhtuns and cultural identity in his inspiring poetry, he added.

“I join my voice with Pakhtun literati and call upon provincial government to duly recognise selfless literary services of late Andesh Shamsul Qamar, who truly versified pains and sufferings of his people,” said Mr Hussain. He added that his party had great regard for poetry, art and music.

Poets and writers from Malakand, Dir, Swat, Swabi, Mardan, Nowshera, Charasadda, Bannu and Khyber Agency attended the seminar.

The speakers highlighted various aspects of the late nationalist poet, who introduced new literary trends and terminologies in Pashto literature. They said that Andesh changed the direction of traditional Pashto ghazal and enriched it with a new progressive vision.

Prof Abaseen Yousafzai , chief of Pohantoon Adabi Stori, in his remarks pointed out that Andesh Baba was a true spirit of the time who impacted almost three generations of poets. He said that the late poet was a staunch follower of Bacha Khan as he had never comprised on his political stance and non-violence philosophy of Khudai Khidmatgaar Tehreek.

Young poet Ayaz Abshaar told the participants that Andesh Baba always encouraged young poets and writers and inspired them to highlight public issues with special emphasis on linguistic and cultural identity.

Senior poet Dr Israr said that Andesh had a sublime vision to reform his people through his lofty poetic thoughts. He said that Andesh was a multifaceted poet and was conscious of Pakhtun cultural identity.

Dr Rajwali Shah Khattak, Dr Sher Zaman Seemab, Prof Farmanuddin Bakhshali, Samina Qadir, Said Wali Khial, Saadullah Jan Barq , Dr Nasarullah Wazir, Dr Abdul Waheed Khan, and Prof Aseer Mangal also addressed the seminar.

Published in Dawn, June 5th, 2015

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