KARACHI: Zard Mausam Ki Hava, a collection of verses by Shaheen Bader, was launched by Fiction Group at the Arts Council of Pakistan with Dr Jameel Jalebi in the chair.

Dr Jalebi admired the senior poet for his individuality and taste, which he said, was not confined only to love poetry; attached with the realities of life, his poetry is a portrayal of life, he remarked.

He is creative in the choice of words and the images he creates are like a whiff of

fresh air which enriches the soul with optimism, Dr Jalebi added. S. H Hashmi, who was the chief guest, said Shaheen Bader’s poetry is filled with emotions and deep human feelings.

Referring to the socio-political climate in the country, Hashmi advised the writers and the poets to give more attention to national issues, like Maulana Hali and Iqbal did during their span of time. Poetry on national themes is the need of the hour, he said.

Two papers were read out on the occasion — one by Nasim Anjum and the other by Dr Mohammad Raza Kazmi. Bader’s ghazal poetry reflects the locale of our villages and at the same time that of the city with its hustle and bustle and also the sufferings of its throbbing dwellers, Nasim Anjum said.

According to critic Mohammad Raza Kazmi, Bader’s poetry is a poetry of space age. It is not the poetry filled with pangs of love; it reflects the tyranny suffered by the humans, coming from the unforeseen forces of nature, he said. Sohail Ghazipuri, Raes Baghi and Yawer Aman paid complements in their verses. Ali Haider Malik compered and introduced the poet and his heart-warming poetry.—HA