PESHAWAR: Speakers at a literary gathering here on Tuesday paid rich tributes to legendary Urdu poet Ahmed Faraz and highlighted his contributions to progressive poetry, human rights and political resistance.
Organised by the Department of Urdu, University of Peshawar (UoP), the one-day literary sitting (Aik Roza Adabi Nishast) was held to commemorate the 18th death anniversary of the iconic bard.
The event opened with Faraz’s famous couplet: “Badaala na mere baad bhi mauzoo-e-guftagu / Main jaa chuka hoon phir bhi teri mehfilon mein hoon.”
Presiding over the event, UoP Vice Chancellor Prof Johar Ali remarked that Ahmed Faraz was not merely a romantic poet, but a voice of conviction and moral courage. “Faraz sahib’s poetry continues to serve as a beacon of light for generations facing social and political injustices,” Dr Johar said. “His deep association with Peshawar and the Pakhtun soil remained a constant source of inspiration throughout his literary journey and his verses resonate just as strongly today as they did during his lifetime.”
UoP literary sitting commemorates legendary poet’s 18th death anniversary
Prof Sher Ali from Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), Islamabad, who attended as the guest of honor, spoke on Faraz’s political resistance and unyielding stance against dictatorship. “Ahmed Faraz never compromised on his principles, choosing exile and persecution over submission,” he noted. “He gave voice to the suppressed and elevated Urdu ghazal to new height of public expression.”
Saadi Faraz, chairman of the Ahmed Faraz Trust and son of the late poet joined the event alongside Mahboob Zafar, general secretary of the trust, as chief guests. Saadi Faraz expressed heartfelt gratitude to the University of Peshawar for preserving his father’s legacy. “Faraz belonged to the people and seeing young students recite his work with such passion proves that his message of love, peace and defiance remains immortal,” he stated.
Addressing the audience, scholar Dr Sadia Tahir Wafaqi from the Federal Urdu University, Islamabad, highlighted the technical and aesthetic mastery of Faraz’s poetic diction. “Faraz achieved a rare synthesis of simplicity and profundity,” she observed. “His ability to translate complex emotional and social realities into fluid and accessible verse is what made him a household name across the South Asian diaspora.”
Dr Ishaq Wardag of Science Superior College Peshawar emphasised Faraz’s influence on young scholars, noting that his literary legacy serves as an essential bridge between classical traditions and modern progressive thought.
Earlier, pro-vice chancellor prof Robina Shaheen and head of the Urdu Department prof Salman Ali welcomed the guests. The proceedings were conducted by prof Sohail Ahmad.
Published in Dawn, August 26th, 2026
