PESHAWAR: Poets and writers paid glowing tributes here to Iqbal Momand, a police officer and noted Pashto poet, on his first death anniversary.

A large number of literati, fans and local elders attended the event. They paid tributes to the martyred police-cum-poet for his matchless services to the force and his contribution to Pashto literature.

The event was arranged under the auspices of ‘Ya Qurban Pakhto Adabi Jirga Sherikaira’ (YQPAJS) wherein local poets and writers praised the self-less services of the slain police officer and poet for his people and the country at large.

Murad Ali presented a brief introduction of the martyred police officer. He said that Iqbal Momand was born in 1978. Hailing from Khadokhel Adezai, he graduated from the historic Islamia College Peshawar and joined police department. He was associated with radio Pakistan Peshawar and several literary organisations.

First death anniversary of martyred police officer observed in Peshawar

Pashto poet Fazal Momand, who chaired the event, said that DSP Iqbal Momand was an honest and brave police officer. He said that the slain police officer always advocated peace, humanism and patriotism in his poetry and earned widespread fame during his lifetime.

He said that Iqbal Momand never surrendered to militant’s narrative and embraced martyrdom last year in a terror attack on his convoy in Lakki Marwat district. Besides an honest police officer, he was a poet par excellence, advocating the message of peace and universal humanism that earned him respect and appreciation, he added.

Javed Shah Darman, in his brief speech, pointed out that KP police’s sacrifices should be upheld and visionary poet-cum-officer deserved kudos. He said that Iqbal Momand set an example that would be hard to follow.

“Iqbal Momand’s poetry left an indelible mark on modern Pashto literature due to his eloquent expressions. He was loud and clear and never minced words when it came to counter narrative of terrorists,” he said.

Aamir Khan Beqarar, another poet, said that poets and intellectuals were considered passive but Iqbal Momand proved that myth wrong and misplaced as he laid down his life for the sake of his people and land. “His poems and ghazals would serve as a candle light for the budding bards. He is a trend setter though,” he commented.

Qurani Khawani was also held on the occasion in which local poets, elders and fans took part.

Later, a group of poets led by Zahideen Afridi laid a wreath on the grave of the martyred police officer and poet.

Published in Dawn, April 3rd, 2024