ISLAMABAD, July 10: The work of eminent poet Ahmad Nadeem Qasmi will always keep him alive in the hearts of people. The commitment and respect that he showed for Islam and Pakistan is rare among the present day writers, especially the progressive ones.

These views were expressed by participants of a seminar held at Pakistan Academy of Letters on the occasion of sixth death anniversary of poet, short storywriter, intellectual and editor Ahmad Nadeem Qasmi here on Tuesday.

Prof. Fateh Mohammad Malik, Yusuf Hassan and Dr. Naheed Qasmi –daughter of Mr Qasmi – were among the guests of honour to discuss different aspects of the poet’s life.

Prof. Malik said that the life of Mr Qasmi was an example of struggle for the promotion of literature. He said that though mullahs were not in his favour, Mr Qasmi was not a socialist and he worked for the country despite being jailed many a time.

Dr Naheed said that her father’s writings were not only a source of conveying a message of humanity and friendship to people, but also a strong expression of emotions of nationalism. She said that good heartiness and truthfulness were the dominant characteristics of Mr Qasmi’s work.

“He was the one whose song was played by Radio Pakistan at the start of its broadcast on August 14, 1947. Mr Qasmi was proud of his country and he always spoke in favour of people due to which he was sent to jail first in 1951 and then so many times,” she said.

Jalil Aali said that Mr Qasmi’s writings reflected many dimensions of cultural and intellectual traditions, not found in any other writer’s work. He raised voice for the working class and encouraged and introduced so many writers through his magazine, Mr Aali added.

Prof Hassan commented that Mr Qasmi was famous throughout Asia as a writer promoting progressive tradition in Punjab. He produced great literature which will keep his name alive for a long time.