PESHAWAR: The Abasin Arts Council held a condolence reference here on Monday to pay tributes to the writers and artist, who died during 2018 and in the first week of January this year.

Paying tributes to late writers including Sajjad Babar, Younas Qiasi, Prof Iqbal Nasim Khattak and noted artist Masoodur Rehman, the speakers said that the deceased would always be remembered for their selfless contributions.

Dr Mohammad Awais Qarni in his paper said that Sajjad Babar was a perfect metaphor of refined expression as he had a way to express eloquently what he had deemed to say.

“Sajjad Babar’s style was matchless because of extensive study and unique diction. Urdu literary circles would always draw inspiration from his creative thoughts. He was a poet par excellence and a polite human being,” he said.

Mushtaq Shabab, honourary secretary of AAC, said that the trio of Sajjad Babar, Younas Qiasi and Prof Iqbal Nasim Khattak loved their homeland and people as their Urdu, Pashto and Hindko writings showed it.

Prof Nasir Ali Syed said that description of the literary services of the late writers and the artist required seminars. He added that young researchers should come forward to conduct substantive research work on those mentors of the nation.

Noted Urdu poet Aziz Ejaz said that Masoodur Rehman really left a vacuum as he was a versatile actor and was acclaimed by his diehard fans.

He said that poets, writers and artists had humble lives but contributed immensely to the society.

Mr Ejaz said that genuine artists worked for the society and never cared for monetary gains or short-lived fame.

He said that the late artist was committed to his job and would try his best to become the very character he was supposed to play.

Ateequr Rahman and Qudsia Qudsi paid poetic tributes to the late writers and artist in Urdu and Persian.

Dr Syed Amjad Hussain, Prof Sher Zaman Seemab, Bushra Farrukh and Dr Shahida Sardar also spoke on the occasion.

Published in Dawn, January 16th, 2019