PESHAWAR: The Peshawar University Teachers Association (Puta) organised a poetry session to honour the enduring literary legacy of late poet, writer and scholar Prof Nazeer Tabassum (1950-2025). The gathering brought together some of the region’s distinguished literary voices.

Presided over by poet and writer Mushtaq Shabab, the mushaira featured internationally acclaimed poet and litterateur Prof Nasir Ali Syed as the chief guest.

Noted poet Aziz Ejaz attended the session as the guest of honour, while Bushra Farrukh, the head of the Karawan-i-Hawwa literary circle, made a special appearance.

“Tonight we do not merely remember Nazeer Tabassum; we keep his flame alive through the living word,” declared Mushtaq Shabab. “His poetry taught us that the human heart remains the purest archive of truth.”

Prof Nasir Ali Syed, reflecting on the late poet’s influence, observed: “Nazeer Tabassum’s verse carried the quiet dignity of the mountains and the restless questioning of the times. In gatherings such as this, his spirit finds new tongues.”

Aziz Ejaz added that “a true poet never leaves; he simply changes his address to the hearts of those who continue to read and recite.”

Bushra Farrukh said the evening reminded her that “literature is the most generous inheritance one generation can leave another.”

Among the poets who recited their works were Amjid Bezar, Prof Izharullah Izhar, Prof Sohail Ahmad, Wajahat Nazeer, Dr Zaigham Hassan, Prof Khalid Latif, Dr Ishaq Wardaq, Rabab Mahi, Prof Farhana Qazi, Dr Wali Mohammad and several younger voices, including Usama, Haseeb, Kaleem and Hassan.

Students and faculty members from different disciplines also presented original compositions, lending the programme a refreshing intergenerational texture.

Published in Dawn, October 24th, 2026