PESHAWAR: Speakers at a reference paid glowing tributes to Younas Qiasi and billed him a literary giant, who contributed to many forms of art and culture.

They said that Mr Qiasi was a poet, playwright, columnist and script writer par excellence. He enjoyed a respectable position among literary, intellectual and cultural circles, they added.

The reference was organized by the cultural committee of Peshawar Press Club here on Tuesday to honour the literary, social and cultural services of the late writer. A large number of poets, writers, artists and fans of the late writer attended the event.

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Recipient of many awards including President’s Pride of Performance, Younas Qiasi had contributed poetic pieces, articles and columns to Urdu and Pashto newspapers.

He had to his credit hundreds of Urdu, Pashto and Hindko plays on variety of social issues. He had severed as an active member of Khyber Union of Journalists.

The speakers said that the late writer had mastery over three languages -- Pashto, Hindko, and Urdu. They said that he had written purposefully to highlight issues of people. They said that a hall in the city should be named after Younas Qiasi as a token of tribute to his services.

“The city government should nominate Younas Qiasi for Fakhr-i-Peshawar award to pay a befitting tribute to him,” said the speakers.

Shakil Waheedullah Khan, general secretary of Heritage Council Peshawar, who was chief guest on the occasion, said that Mr Qiasi would always pinpoint shortcomings of the government policies regarding the historic Peshawar city and would come up with a solution too.

Senior writer Aziz Ejaz said that Younas Qiasi was a gem of men, who contributed to literature, culture, journalism, film and drama and had command on almost every subject.

“His TV plays, film scripts and songs are reflective of his lofty imagination, vast study and deep insight. His every Urdu column after a thorough surgical operation of any issue under his eye would come to end with a special Urdu catchy phrase,” he said.

Ihtisham Toru, chairman of the cultural committee said that the late writer was a source of inspiration for cub reporters as he used to take care of minute detail and clarity in his columns.

He said that his writings had depth and knowledge for readers.

Jahangir Adil, a senior TV artist, said that Younas Qiasi had written numerous scripts for PTV, radio, stage, movies and every single word and phrase would convey a complete message as he was master of three languages. He said that his hit songs remained the sole strength of Pashto movies.

Raheel Qiasi, son of Younas Qiasi, Ejaz Ali Khan, chief of Hamza Foundation, Fida Khattak, chief of Khyber Union of Journalists, and other senior journalists including Shamim Shahid, Abdul Ghafar Baig, Amjad Ali Khadim and Syed Bukhar Shah also addressed the reference.

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2019