Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, organized an event to pay tribute to the renowned writer and poetess Fahmida Riaz at the Haseena Moin Hall. The event was presided over by the famous poetess Zehra Nigah. President Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi Muhammad Ahmed Shah, Noorul Huda Shah, Dr. Jaffer Ahmed, Afzal Ahmed Syed, Fazil Jamili, and others shared their insights. In her presidential address, the renowned poetess and writer Zehra Nigah said that we should remember Fahmida Riaz with joy and pride. Fahmida possessed a unique blend of qualities. In literature, whether poetry or prose, none of us had a mind as clear as hers. Fahmida was as innocent as a bird in making serious life decisions. I cherish every poet’s first collection as dearly as a firstborn child.
The first poem or ghazal in that collection often indicates the poet’s future direction. Her pen had the power to draw roses from stone. Her poetry, like her life, is marked by highs and lows, as well as challenges. Her book’s entire beauty and melody are hidden in the short-metered poems, whose youthful and tender words captivate you so much that you don’t want to let go.
Among her five books, this one has warmed hearts. “Choti Si Ladki, Chote Chote Dukh… Chote Chote Sukh” is such a true reflection of poetry that we are rarely blessed with. In this poem, Fahmida portrays a transparent mirror of a woman’s nature. In a video message, the acclaimed poetess Kishwar Naheed spoke about Fahmida Riaz, acknowledging her as a younger but greater poet. She recounted Fahmida’s journey from London, where she worked for the BBC.
