QUETTA: Balochi literature was incomplete without the contributions of Mubarak Qazi’s poetry, which carried a profound message for the Baloch nation and their motherland, National Party (NP) President Dr Abdul Malik Baloch said on Saturday.

He was speaking at the condolence reference organised to pay homage to Mr Qazi, a legendary progressive and rebellious poet of Balochistan. The event was jointly organised by the Balochi Labzanki Diwan and Literary Committee of the Quetta Press Club.

Mr Qazi passed away last month in Turbat after a prolonged illness. He was 68.

Prominent writers, poets and journalists, including Dr Salim Kurd, Afzal Murad, Agha Gul, Karachi Press Club President Saeed Sarbazi, Mumtaz Yusuf, Rahim Mehar, A.R. Dad, Yar Jan Badini and Quetta Press Club President Abdul Khaliq also spoke at length on various aspects of Mr Qazi’s life, poetry and his struggle.

“Mubarak Qazi faced hardships and difficult situations during both periods of martial law. He was the only poet who demonstrated his poetry in practical life,” said Dr Baloch, who served as the 21st chief minister of Balochistan.

He highlighted the importance of reading, researching and understanding Mr Qazi’s writings to grasp the depth of his poetry. “Undoubtedly, his works have a profound impact on Balochi literature and culture,” Dr Baloch said.

He regretted that the state was not taking practical measures to promote local languages, and therefore “it is our duty to promote our language and literary figures”.

Other speakers also paid rich tributes to Mubarak Qazi. They emphasised that although Mr Qazi was physically separated from people, his continuous remembrance was evidence that society still held great respect and love for its writers and poets.

A resolution was also adopted on behalf of Labzanki Diwan, demanding that Pasni Degree College be named after Mubarak Qazi, who belonged to the coastal town.

Published in Dawn, October 8th, 2023