ISLAMABAD, Dec 26: Writers, poets, intellectuals and artists of the federal capital were deeply shocked and grieved over the death of poet Munir Niazi who passed away in Lahore on Tuesday.

Speaking to Dawn critic and columnist Mushir Anwar said in the death of Munir Niazi “we have lost the most unique and comprehensive poet of the country”. Ashfaq Salim Mirza described Munir Nizai as a genuine poet who blended existential angst with social experience.

“We are becoming poorer by the day”, remarked eminent painter Ghulam Rasul while expressing his grief over the death of the poet and the passing away of epoch-making short-story writer and novelist Shaukat Siddiqui. There are few who can keep the tradition of art and literature alive in our society, the artist said.

Kishwar Naheed was speechless when her views were sought on the poet’s death. It is hard to bear this great loss, she said.

Pakistan of Academy of Letters Chairman Iftikhar Arif, Aftab Iqbal Shamim, Shabnum Shakeel and others also expressed their shock and grief over the demise of Munir Nizai.

Poet and political analyst Harris Khalique, recalling his meetings with Munir Nizai, said his passing away was a national tragedy.

Quoting one of the famous verse of the poet, Subhe kazib ki hawa mein dard kitna tha Munir, rail ki siti bajee aur dil lahoo sey bhar gaya, Harris said Munir was like an impressionist painter and undoubtedly one of the most prominent Urdu poets.—F.Ali