PESHAWAR: Poets and writers at a literary reference here on Saturday showered praise on noted Urdu poet Ahmad Faraz on his 11th death anniversary and termed him a strong voice for social justice, peace and the downtrodden segments of the society.

A large number of literati, bibliophiles and fans of Ahmad Faraz attended the event.

Sharing views at the reference to mark the death anniversary of the renowned poet Syed Ahmad Shah aka Ahmad Faraz (1931-2008), the speakers paid tributes to him for his immense literary services and raising voice for rights of the poor masses against military dictators.

They said that Faraz had a deep insight and wanted his society to dispense justice and exercise patience and mutual respect and adopt human dignity to earn a high status in the comity of nations.

“Progressivism, romanticism and resistance were the hallmarks of Faraz’s poetry, but researchers are yet to discover many hidden aspects of his thoughts,” said the speakers.

The Abasin Arts Council, Peshawar chapter, and Peshawar Rotary Club jointly conducted the event at a hall of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture Directorate here on Saturday. Mohammad Osama, a young student from Dera Ismail Khan, won appreciation for rendering a poem of the late poet.

Prof Owais Qarni while reading out paper on the life and contributions of Ahmad Faraz said that being one of the finest Urdu poets of the 20th century, the late bard stood like a rock against all kinds of oppression and advocated pluralism, humanism and peace in his works.

He said that Faraz spoke in metaphors and similes that pierced through the hearts of the readers and registered a wholesome impact. He said that his poetry influenced every segment of the society and crafted images that would continue casting its shadows as long as Urdu remained alive on earth.

Senior writer Prof Nazeer Tabbasum in his paper argued that Faraz believed in universal values and complete social justice and always stood firmly to safeguard rights of the marginalised and oppressed class of the society.

“Ahmad Faraz fused his romanticism with resistance and mesmerised everyone around him,” he stated.

Barrister Abdur Rauf Ruhaila, chief of Abasin Arts Council, said that Faraz became a metaphor of substance in Urdu poetry and young bards would always get inspiration from his works.

Mushtaq Shabab, honourary secretary of the council, said that Faraz never budged an inch from his principled stance and won over hearts of millions across the globe through his measured poetry. He said that Faraz’s way of expression was sublime that would readily cast an impact on the audience.

Retired Major Mohammad Aamir, Prof Mohammad Iqbal, Aziz Ejaz and Prof Nasir Ali Syed also addressed the event.

Published in Dawn, September 1st, 2019