RAWALPINDI: The 87th birth anniversary of renowned poet Ahmed Faraz was celebrated at the Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC), where poets and writers gathered to pay tribute to his contribution to Urdu literature.

The event was organised by the Zawiya literary society and the RAC, and was attended largely by poets from the twin cities and university and college students.

Haleem Qureshi presided over the ceremony, while Faraz’ son Saadi Faraz was invited as chief guest and Akhtar Usman and Hameed Shahid were the guests of honour. Zawiya Chairman Mehboob Zafar moderated the event.

Syed Ahmed Shah, better known as Ahmed Faraz, is considered one of Pakistan’s greatest contemporary poets. From 1950 to 2008, Faraz received accolades and praise locally and internationally.

Mehboob Zafar, Manzar Naqvi, Arshad Miraj, Imran Aami, Habib Ch, Dr Farhat Abbas, Akhtar Raza Saleemi, Hassan Abbas Raza, Qayyum Tahir, Jahangir Imran, Riffat Bano and others paid tribute to Faraz at the event.

Speakers said Faraz’ romantic and revolutionary poetry was unique, and his work took Urdu poetry to new heights.

Published in Dawn, January 13th, 2018