PESHAWAR: Literati, folk artists and rights activists gathered here on Friday to mark 8th death anniversary of progressive Pashto poet Dr Abdul Khaliq Ziar and billed him a strong voice against injustice and violence and oppression in the society.An event titled ‘Da Ziar Yaad’ was arranged under the banner of Salgai Welfare Foundation (SWF), a not-for-profit body, with Amin Kundi, advocate and rights activist, in the chair while noted folk artist Dr Rashid Khan graced the occasion as the guest of honour. The event was divided into three sessions including discussion, poetry recitation and musical concert.

Noted poets, writers, folk artists and rights activists attended the event and shared their deep insight on the life and contributions of Dr Ziar for his people and land.

Mr Ziar was not only a medic but also a strong advocate for peace, cultural diversity and freedom of expression adding he had inspired a host of young poets and writers to spread the message of a real human society.

Dr Ziar’s poetic thoughts transformed literary and Pashtun cultural landscape in the region sending out a message to the elite class to own poor masses and recognise services of writers, social reformers and rights activists for their people and the country at large.

Opening the event, Amin Kundi remarked poets like Dr Ziar were born once in decades, especially when it came to use one’s talent for the rights of poor and downtrodden masses arguing the late bard upheld high moral standards both in serving people as a medic and enlightening readers as a progressive thinker and writer.

Dr Rashid Ahmad Khan, chief of Artists Welfare Society (AWS) stated literary and social services were resonated with needs and demands of the masses where he beautifully highlighted and served through his inspirational thoughts and deeds.

His poetry had the spirit to motivate even the dead souls to serve suffering humanity irrespective of cast and creed, adding, Dr Ziar’s poems reflected societal struggle, hopes and aspirations with a creative strength, he added.

Yasir Shah, chairman of SWF, pointed out the late’s poet selfless contributions that impacted Pashtun community and helped youth to get engaged in social service for building a peace-loving and pluralistic society. He said the relevance of Dr Ziar’s poems and thoughts would serve as perpetual fountain of inspiration for youth at large.

Rights activists Nabeel Khan and Hilal Yousafzai on the occasion said the feel, diction and spirit of Dr Ziar’s imaginative flight was matchless, substantive and purposeful that remained genuine both in thoughts and deeds.

In the poetry recitation session, poets paid tribute to the late Pashto poet and humanist and received great applause from the audience.

It was followed by a musical concert in which Dr Rashid Ahmad Khan, Faiz Jan Sakhi, Rahat Afghan, Tufail Ahmad and noted musician, Rahman Gul Marwat sang popular poems and ghazals of Dr Ziar.

Published in Dawn, December 28th, 2024