RAWALPINDI: The writings of Josh Malihabadi played a significant part during the independence movement which is why he will always be remembered.

This was highlighted by prominent writers and poets on Tuesday as they paid tribute to the services of the poet during the Josh National Literary Seminar, held at Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC). The seminar was organised to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Josh Malihabadi in collaboration with the Josh Literary Foundation.

The literary reference was presided over by renowned poet Iftikhar Arif while Member National Assembly Naurin Farooq Ibrahim Khan was the chief guest.

Speaking on the occasion, renowned poet Iftikhar Arif said that the poetry of Josh is our literary heritage. MNA Naureen said that Josh’s prose and poetry has no match and carries a place of its own in Urdu literature.

Josh Literary Foundation Chairman Dr Ghazanfar Mehdi said that Josh is the identity of Pakistani literature at the international level, adding his writings need to be collected.

Farukh Jamal, grandson of Josh Malihabadi thanked the participants and shed light on Josh’s private life.

Prof Dr Ehsan Akbar, Dr Ravish Nadeem and Dr Fatima Hassan also addressed participants of the seminar. The event was attended by a large number of people from the literary circles.

Published in Dawn, February 23rd, 2022