LAHORE, Feb 9: A book of Punjabi Sufi poetry titled ‘Murshad Dey Hath Dor’ by Shehbaz Danish was launched at the Punjab Institute of Language Art and Culture here on Thursday. The function was presided over by Dr Ajmal Niazi.

PILAC director Dr Sughra Sadaf said Danish had emerged as a new and a different voice in the prevailing scenario of Sufi poetry.

She said the poet belonged to Narowal, and it had been the tradition of the PILAC to introduce new poets and writers from its platform.

Rukhsana Noor, the guest of honour writer and poetess, lauded the poet saying that after a long time she had come across a Sufi poet whose poetry seemed to be woven into deep spiritual experiences.

She said the metaphors and symbolism used by the poet indicated his deep association with Sufis and saints.

Dr Ajmal Niazi said that Shehbaz Danish had created a distinctive place among the contemporary Sufi poets of Punjab.

He said the way he had described his feelings and emotions through his poetry could be safely described as an excellent effort in Sufi Punjabi poetry.

Shehbaz Danish said he was overjoyed because the PILAC had provided him an opportunity to share his feelings with the audience from its platform. He praised director Dr Sadaf for her efforts to introduce new poets from small towns to mainstream poets and people of big cities. He also recited some of his verses.

Folk singer Iqbal Bahoo also sang some of the poetry of Shahbaz Danish.