KARACHI, Jan 19: Speakers at a meeting organised by the Karachi Press Club (KPC) at its premises to pay tribute to late Anwer Pirzado — poet, journalist and researcher — on Friday, remembered his contribution to Sindhi literature and as a strong nationalist.

With his demise, Sindh has not only lost a son but a true patriot, a passionate humanist having a deep and unconditional love for his land, people as well as nature.

Poet, playwright and researcher Shamsheerul Hyderi, said Pirzado in the sixty years of his existence had achieved what cannot be done collectively in a century.

“One should not see how long is a tale but what matters is how interesting it is. Anwer passed an eventful life in which he contributed to so many different literary avenues,” he said.

He explained that as he was closely associated with him for decades, he had the chance of appreciating Pirzado’s prowess, especially when they accomplished the huge task of publishing the ‘Sindh Update’ together, which is a comprehensive gazetteer of Sindh. “We completed and gave it to the government two years ago but it is yet to be published,” he said.

KPC president Sabihuddin Ghausi said he had the feeling that Sindh was a huge enigma and surprise for late Pirzado and he would often think about his land with great awe. “He had true love and affection for his land and people and this compelled him to explore Sindh throughout his life,” said Mr Ghausi.

Journalist and playwright Sadiq Jafri wrote an article highlighting his close association with Pirzado saying he believed when he would visit Moenjodaro, close to Pirzado’s ancestral village, he would see him smoking and strolling around the ruins.

Sohail Sangi said Pirzado had contributed hugely to Sindhi literature, politics, journalism and archaeology. He said Pirzado was a committed leftist who never deviated from his commitment, yet his inner self was enriched by Sufism which was Sindh’s natural gift for all its inhabitants.

Journalist Nargis Khanum shared her memories as a co-worker of Anwer Pirzado in The Star. Journalists Iqbal Dal, Jabbar Khattak and Hamsafar Gadahi also spoke while late Pirzado’s son Zaid said his father was caring and loving with all his children.