PESHAWAR: Noted poets stressed the need for promoting religious harmony at a poetry recitation session here on Wednesday.

Around 20 Hindko and Urdu poets from Lahore, Islamabad, Kohat, Nowshera and Peshawar participated in the event conducted under the auspices of National Commission for Inter-Religious Dialogue and Ecumenism at Saint Patrick Catholic Church.

Nazeer Qaiser from Lahore, who presided over the event, recited beautiful poems, advocating hospitality and natural beauty of Peshawar. He stressed the need for perpetuating such functions.

Father Suhail Patrick, the chief organizer of the event, in his remarks said that the message of the Christmas always meant to bring humanity closer for the cause of peace.

The poets read out poems, depicting mutual respect and harmony.

They highlighted their feelings laden with the spirit of national unity and respect. They said that the new year should bring more love, respect and mutual understanding.

Jamil Siraj moderated the session in a befitting manner. The hall echoed with accolades of praise as poets shared creative images blended in romance, love and tinge for peace.

The crux of the bilingual poetry session was to promote interfaith harmony, mutual respect and universal brotherhood towards building a peaceful society. The poets advocated national cohesion, peace narrative and spirit of humanism through their beautiful poetic pieces.

MNA Jamshed Thomas, who was chief guest on the occasion, said that minorities enjoyed full freedom and respect in the country. He added that poets and writers should promote the cause of national integration and unity through such events.

Prof Nasir Ali Syed said on the occasion that such events were reflective of pluralistic approach towards minorities and communities. He said that poets were the best promoters of humanistic causes and could best perpetuate it through their measured words.

“We must strive for national unity. Poets should advocate the cause of inter-religious dialogue as debate helps us to strengthen mutual understanding and because it takes ahead good feelings for one another. All forms of fine arts including poetic expressions further deepen these mutual ties and it should be continued in future as well,” he said.

Shahid Zaman, Syed Zubair Shah, Dr Shahida Sardar and Father Patrick were among the noted poets, who received a thunderous applause from the audience.

Published in Dawn, December 31st, 2020