PESHAWAR: Speakers at a literary function praised the contribution of trilingual writer Dr Ejaz Hasan Khattak and termed him a source of inspiration for the budding literati.

They said that such writers were few who could express themselves in more than one language. They added that Dr Ejaz Hasan Khattak was a gem of a person, who was well versed in Pashto, Urdu and English and produced creative thoughts for the public.

Mohammad Ali Khattak while opening the event said the function was arranged to recognise the literary services of Dr Ejaz Hasan. A large number of poets, writers and scholars attended the event, arranged by Peshawar chapter of Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL).

Prof Abaseen Yousafzai chaired the event. He said that Dr Ejaz Hasan’s poetry was drenched in deep love for the holy prophet and therefore, had a special regard among the literary circles.

Noted writers including Dr Dost Mohammad, Prof Abdul Sattar Lawaghari, and Qari Abdur Rauf also attended the event.

Prof Nasir Ali Syed said that Dr Ejaz Hasan’s exclusive praise poems in respect of the holy prophet showed his deep religious attachment. He added that such efforts made him distinguished from his contemporary poets.

Retired Brigadier Ahmad Mashwani threw light on the life and contributions of Dr Ejaz Hasan and billed him unique in his expressions. He said that such poets and writers possessed universal humanistic perspectives and deserved best regards.

Prof Qudratullah Khattak, who moderated the event, said that young bards should get inspiration from such poets.

Khan Badshah Nusrat, resident director of PAL, thanked all the participants and asked people to give due respect to literary figures.

Later, Dr Ejaz Hasan Khattak dwelt upon his literary career and said that his propensity towards composing religious hymns was genuine.

Bushra Farrukh, Samina Qadir, Abad Khan Khattak, Arif Sangeen and Mushtaq Bezaar paid their poetic tributes to the guest writer.

Published in Dawn, January 29th, 2023