KARACHI: ‘Nehal-i-dard,’ Mukhtar Karimi’s second collection of verses after ‘Khayal ki dastak’ was launched on Sunday.

Dr Farman Fatehpuri, who presided over the launch, acclaimed Karimi as a modern poet, deriving strength from the classical models. In reply to those who complained that Karimi was not given due importance by critics and did not receive the popularity he deserved, Dr Farman said Karimi was different from other poets. His diction was uncommon — based on metaphors and symbols from Muslim mythology — making him a somewhat difficult poet like Ghalib. Dr Farman urged readers to read extensively and improve their knowledge to relish the poetry of Karimi. He congratulated the poet for bringing out a good poetry collection, a thin volume though it was.

Among others who read papers or spoke included Prof Saher Ansari, Dr Yunus Hasni, Prof Akbar Kamal, Iqbal Haider and Ms Zakia Sultana. Rukhsana Saba did the compering.

Saher Ansari praised Karimi as a poet who had combined his classical diction with modern form and themes, and blended his own distinct style. He had also delved into ‘dastaans’, interpreting their symbols and metaphors in modern terms — this being a “new modernity”, Saher Ansari said, and recalled N.M Rashid, Zia Jalundhery and Saqi in this regard.

Mukhtar Karimi, an equally accomplished poet of Ghazal and Nazm, recited some of his couplets, which were enjoyed by the audience.

Rafiq Ahmad Naqsh, whose publishing house Farhang had produced the book, thanked the guests. He has produced seven literary volumes till now, and was proud to announce it.—Hasan Abidi