PESHAWAR: Speakers at a function eulogised contributions of renowned poet Hafeez Jalandhari and billed him the most inspiring literary giant of his time.

The function was arranged by the regional office of Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL). Writers and poets attended the event in a large number.

Prof Noorul Amin Yousafzai, who chaired the event, said that Hafeez Jalandhari’s literary and national services would remain a beacon of light for the upcoming literati. He added that besides being architect of the national anthem, he was a great aesthetician and lyricist.

He said that he motivated a host of bards to compose national poems and songs.

PAL arranges function to pay tribute to writer of national anthem

Syed Shahzad Bacha presented a brief introduction of the legendary writer. He said that Hafeez was born in Jalandhar, Punjab, British India on January 14, 1900 in Chohan Family. His father Shamsud Din was a Hafiz-i-Quran. He received education early from a mosque school and later joined a local school. He could get formal education till until the seventh grade.

Hafeez Jalandhri migrated to Lahore after independence. He enjoyed an illustrious literary career as he had a natural penchant for crafting word images. He used to edit noted literary magazines including Naunehal, Hazaar Dastan, Makhzan and Tahzeeb-i- Niswan. His maiden poetry collection titled ‘Naghma-i-Zar was published in 1935.

Prof Mailk Arshad Hussain said that Hafeez was blessed with a lyrical soul drenched in national spirit and created everlasting national songs that still motivated people. He said he participated in the Pakistan Movement and used his poems to inspire people.

In early 1948, he joined the forces for the freedom of Kashmir and got wounded. He composed the Kashmiri anthem, ‘Watan Hamara Azad Kashmir’. Also, he composed numerous patriotic songs during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965.

He composed Shahnama-i-Islam on the pattern of Shahnama-i-Firdausi and scaled heights of excellence and garnered widespread fame. The national anthem would always keep him alive in the hearts of people.

Khanbadshah Nusrat, resident director of PAL Peshawar chapter, on the occasion said that efforts were being made within limited resources to highlight contributions of national poets and writers for enlightening the young generation.

Pashto poets including Dr Roshan Kalim, Atlas Gul, Shahida Sardar and Mohammad Ali Khattak presented poetic tribute to Hafeez Jalandhari.

Published in Dawn, January 19th, 2023