Ahmed Faraz and Parveen Shakir remembered

Islamabad

The government intends to end the extremist negative thinking and promote book culture and literature. These views were expressed by Minister of State for Communication Abdul Hakeem Baloch as the chief guest in a programme in memory of Ahmed Faraz and Parveen Shakir arranged by Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) here on Tuesday.

Atta-ul-Haq Qasmi and Senator Shibli Faraz were the guests of honour. Dr Muhammad Qasim Bughio presented the introductory address. Papers were presented by Muhammad Hameed Shahid, Dr. Najeeba Arif and Wafa Chishti on young poets, Parveen Shakir and Ahmad Faraz respectively. In a 'New Generation ‘Mushaira,’ young poets below the age of 40 recited their poetry in the ceremony. Mahboob Zafar was the convener of the ‘Mushaira’. The presidium of ‘Mushaira’ included Tauseef Tabassum, Sarwat Mohyuddin and Jalil Aali. This ‘Mushaira’ was dedicated to the great poets Ahmad Faraz and Parveen Shakir. 

Abdul Hakeem Baloch, State Minister for Communications, said it is necessary for a nation to encourage its youth if it wants to progress. These young poets are poets like Ahmad Faraz, Munir Niazi, Faiz and Sheikh Ayyaz of tomorrow.

He added that these are the poets who change the thinking patters of a nation. We should remove the misunderstandings regarding the poets if we want to establish a liberal society. We need to improve the image of the poets. He said that we were facing the threat of extremism only due to our negligence in promoting literature and art in the society. The fine arts and literature reflect the true spirit of the society and also enhance the soft emotions among people.

Dr. Muhammad Qasim Bughio, chairman, PAL said that PAL was not only encouraging the senior and junior writers but also was launching projects to promote their writings. It is the young generation of the writers whom the Academy will focus in the coming days.

In his paper Muhammad Hameed Shahid said that younger generation of writers is focusing on the pressing issues of today. This generation is facing many difficulties in their expression.

Wafa Chishty said that Ahmad Faraz is the poet of revolution. He always raised his voice to support truth.

Dr. Najeeba Arif said that Parveen Shakir is the poet of love. He observed the realities of life closely and described them in her poetry with the flavour of romance with life.