PESHAWAR: The Urdu literary body Halqa Arbab-i-Zauq, Peshawar chapter, resumed its weekly critical evaluation session here on Tuesday after three-month break due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Around 30 Urdu poets, writers and young scholars hailing from private and public sector colleges and universities attended the event held at Urdu Science Board Library, Khyber Bazaar.

The participants first of all prayed for the departed souls of poets and writers who had died during the long break and expressed sympathy with the bereaved families.

Senior members of the executive council of the Halqa Arbab-i- Zauq (HAZ) including Prof Nasir Ali Syed, Aziz Ejaz, Iqbal Sikandar, Amjad Behzad, Dr Irfanullah, Dr Sagheer Aslam, and Dr Noor Hakim Jilani and Rashid Hussain joint secretary of HAZ were also among the attendees.

Opening the first session of Halqa, HAZ secretary Prof Syed Shakil Nayab said that literati had not stopped their pursuits during the Covid lockdown and continued their creative efforts through the social media. However, he added, physical presence had its own effect and, therefore, his colleagues decided to resume weekly sessions.

Prof Nasir Ali Syed on the occasion said that Halqa Arbab-i- Zauq helped its members to continue their literary activities including writing poetry, fiction, criticism and research and many kept in touch through the social media and even brought out publications despite hard times.

It was followed by a formal literary session under the chair of Iqbal Sikandar where Qismatullah Khattak presented his short story for critical evaluation and open debate. The participants critically analysed the story from different artistic and literary angles and termed it a good attempt.

Meanwhile, Abasin Arts Council, Peshawar chapter conducted a triangular poetry recitation session on Tuesday evening at its Hall in which noted Urdu, Pashto and Hindko poets participated. Poets presented their pieces filled with feelings and emotions reflective of the current sociopolitical situation along with romantic blends.

Published in Dawn, June 30th, 2021