Noted poet Laiqzada Laiq remembered on first death anniversary

PESHAWAR: The poets, writers and artistes on Sunday marked the first death anniversary of noted Pashto poet and radio broadcaster, Laiqzada Laiq.

A literary function was arranged in Hayatabad under the auspices of Niaz Adabi Sangar (NAS) to commemorate first death anniversary of Pashto poet and fictionist Laiqzada Laiq.Literati, scholars and office-bearers of PAS attended the event where they shared their views on the life and contributions of the late poet. Laiqzada Laiq was the founder president of PAS and served it in the best possible manner till his death.

The event was divided into two segments one each dedicated to debate and poetry recital session.Prof Aseer Mangal, chief of NAS, in his paper said that Laiqzada Laiq had served the cause of Pashto literature in his different capacities through his administrative and creative strengths and left an indelible mark on young poets and writers.

He said Laiqzada Laiq was a wholesome package for enriching Pashto and enabling the voice of artistes, poets and intellectuals through his magical and measured expressions.Patron in chief of NAS Dr Kazim Niaz chaired the event and praised Laiqzada as voice of hearts. The duo sons of the Laiqzada Laiq namely Waqar Laiq and Wajid Laiq stole the event through presenting their poetic tribute.

Amjad Ali Khadim, general secretary of PAS while presenting his paper pointed out that the late poet had authored over 500 plays for radio, about a dozen plays for PTV, Peshawar centre, 120 feature stories and 39 books in his life time on a wide range of issues.

Laiqzada Laiq was recipient of Kamal-e-Fun award and Taghma-i-Imtiaz for his selfless contributions in the Pashto field. “His poems and stories were reflective of his creative flight of imagination and vast vision, Khadim observed, adding that the literary work of late poet would always serve as beacon of light for the budding literati.

Senior playwright, Noorul Bashar Naveed on the occasion remarked Laiqzada Laiq as radio broadcaster had encouraged young artistes and writers with an objective to advance the cause of Pashto.

Prof Hanif Khalil, Fareedun Khan, Dr Alam Yousafzai, Prof Gulzar Jalal Yousafzai and also spoke at the function.Later poets paid poetic tributes to the late poet.Born on January 15, 1959, in the picturesque town of Madyan in Swat, Laiqzada Laiq grew up as one of the most influential poets, fiction and play writers of his time. His death on October 30, 2023, in Peshawar, last year marked the end of an era, but his literary legacy continues to reverberate deeply within the hearts of those who cherished his work.Laiqzada Laiq’s flight into the world of literature began in the serene valleys of Swat, a region known for its rich cultural heritage.