ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) on Thursday held its 33rd Meet a Writer over a Cup of Tea event with popular humorous poet and National Book Foundation (NBF) Managing Director Dr Inamul Haq Javed.

Dr Javed discussed his literary trajectory and recited some of his poetry. He shared the background to some of his most celebrated works.

He said he wrote his first poem in 1978, which is still close to his heart. The poem is titled Nahi Halaat Bahir Hain Bayan Se.

He then recited poems on the request of the audience and which touched on a variety of issues such as relationships, love, injustice and many others.

Dr Javed said he was born in Faisalabad and grew up in Quetta. He completed his higher education from the University of Punjab and started working as research officer in 1982 at PAL.

“I thank Allah for the many blessings in my life as I got a chance to work with many known personalities. After writing three books of serious poetry, I moved to humorous poetry as many of my friends were doing,” he said.

He said he wrote a poem in Punjabi for a mushaira which he said received a good response from the audience.

“I then decided to focus more on humorous poetry,” he said.

In response to a question, he said humorous poetry has high scope and that he has visited many countries to recite humorous poetry at mushairas.

“Humorous poetry is how I make a living. I tell you we are highly paid and attend events on our own demands and conditions,” he said.

Renowned poet and writer Anwar Masood read on essay on Dr Javed and said he admired him for his efforts at NBF and for promoting reading culture.

“He is a perfectionist and has command over serious and humorous poetry in Punjabi and Urdu,” he said.

Renowned writer Fateh Mohammad Malik said Dr Javed knows the art of communication which makes his works very reader friendly.

Writer Iftikhar Arif said he has worked with Dr Javed and found him very punctual, disciplined and hardworking.

“He loves his job which contributes to his success,” he said.

He added that he is personally not fond of humorous poetry as it revolves around women and wives.

Replying to Mr Arif, Dr Javed said he considers humorous poetry local poetry which can communicate serious issues in a lighter way but agreed that topics such as gender should be treated with sensitivity.

Published in Dawn, August 31st, 2018