Zubair Qureshi
Federal Minister for Education, National Heritage and Culture Shafaqat Mehmood Thursday said of all great aspects of Ahmad Faraz poetry, spirit of resistance makes him an immortal poet and generations of poets will continue to learn from his perennial message of revolt against oppression.
“There are many facets of Ahmad Faraz’s poetry, but it was the spirit of resistance against oppression and injustice which dominated his poetic work,” the minister was addressing an event marking 12th death anniversary (died: Aug 25, 2012) organized by the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA).
Fouzia Saeed, Director General of the PNCA also spoke on the occasion and talked about Ahmad Faraz as one of the great poets of Urdu romantic as well as resistance movement.
A musical tribute was also part of the programme and eminent singers and artists presented Ahmad Faraz by singing his ghazals and poems.
Shafqat Mahmood was of the view Ahmad Faraz never remained silent against oppression and tyranny, and instead created awareness among the people to rebel against the stale, stinking system.
The minister said the current government valued the artists, who were an asset of the society. He said the nation with the blessings of Allah Almighty and the wise steps taken by Prime Minister Imran Khan defeated the coronavirus, which were appreciated across the world.
PNCA Director General Fouzia Saeed said Faraz had always raised his voice against the elite culture and dictatorship. He gave the message of peace and love through his poetry, but he never bowed before any colonial power. She said said the PNCA was striving for the development and promotion of fine arts and she as head of the organization was trying to expand the scope of PNCA across the country.
A large number of poets, fans of Ahmad Faraz and general public attended the event and enjoyed themselves while listening to soul-stirring poems of Ahmad Faraz.
Famous singers Humaira Channa sang the famous Ghazals of Ahmed Faraz, including ‘Karo Gaye Yaad Hume’, ‘Silsilay Tor Gaya’, ‘Ranjjish Hi Sehi’, ‘Be Wafa Jaana’, and ‘Ab K0e Tajdeed Wafa’, while Owais Niazi sang ‘Dukh Fasana’.
