LAHORE: A new collection of Harris Khalique’s poems, titled Hairan Sar-i-Bazaar, was launched at the Research and Publication Centre in Gulberg on Saturday.

Veteran journalist Arif Waqar read out an essay on Harris Khalique, remembering the days when they first met at the BBC Urdu office in London where the poet came to work as a part-time translator. Harris had taken the job to bear the expenses of his education. Waqar observed the expertise of Harris in three languages, narrating a funny incident in the office. He said the trilingual aspects of Harris could be observed in this new book.

Mr Waqar explained that being adept at three languages, ie Urdu, Punjabi or English, did not mean “translation from either one of them into another language but a successful introduction to linguistic and civilisational tradition in another civilisational milieu, which is possible if you have been exposed to both traditions and have had a lived experience”. He pointed out the exposure of Harris to European life during his stay in London, followed by his experiences in the US and then in Karachi and the rest of the country wherever he went as a part of his job.

Punjabi poet and scholar Mushtaq Soofi expressed happiness that the poet had included some Punjabi poems in the book. “Wherever one lives, one can’t remain detached from it (the society and culture); however, some don’t develop a connection with the land where they live like (the late) Intizar Hussain.”

Mr Soofi said one characteristic of Urdu poetry was abstraction and even a poetaster would use abstraction a lot whether its nazm or ghazal form to get applause.

“Harris gets away from abstraction in this book by connecting more with the people whether in Lahore, Karachi, northern parts of the country or Balochistan”.

He gave examples of the poets in the history of Urdu literature who successfully evaded abstraction, including Miraji, Majid Amjad and even Mir.

Mr Soofi pointed out that Khalique needed to go beyond the behr (metre of pattern) of Urdu poetic tradition, which many, including N.M. Rashed, could not break away from.

Playwright Bee Gul termed the current book of Harris Khalique the best among all his works published so far.

“No artist can be apolitical. Harris’s poems are a beautiful commentary on the sociopolitical conditions of the country. His poems make one think and reflect on society.”

Journalist Rashed Rahman, Maryam, who designed the cover of the book, and Fahad, the moderator, also spoke.

Published in Dawn, January 23rd, 2022