KARACHI: Haroof Ki Saughat, the maiden poetry collection of a senior poet, Anwaar Azmi, was launched on Friday at the Arts Council. Presided over by Abdul Haseeb Khan, the launching was held under the aegis of ‘Kul Pakistan Halqai Adab’ and also the publisher of the Sukhanwar, a literary monthly.

Chairman Steel Mills, Col Mohammad Afzal, was the chief guest and vice-chancellor Sir Syed University was the main speaker.

Every one admired the poet for his commitment to the cultural values of the Muslims and its admirable expression in poetry. The other noted speaker was Jazib Qureshi. He praised Azmi as a gifted poet and quoted profusely from his poetry collection.

But Qureshi was an unhappy man, complaining of the “undue recognition of lesser people” and not being given his due share of recognition. Naushaba Siddiqui in her paper thoroughly reviewed the book and praised the poet. A paper was also read out by Hasan Abidi.

Senior poet Aejaz Rehmani, presented a ‘naat’ from Azmi’s poetry collection. Naeem Merathi also spoke on the occasion.—HA