Waheed-uz-Zaman Tariq
Dr. Maqsood Jafri is a distinguished poet, writer and thinker whose literary achievements extend across seven languages, including English, Urdu, Persian, Arabic, Punjabi and Kashmiri. His command of English, Urdu and Persian is especially remarkable, enabling him to bridge diverse literary traditions while presenting a universal human vision. Among his notable English collections are Love and Liberty, Songs of Sanity, Visions and Vistas and Songs of Humanity. With 36 published books in poetry and prose, Dr. Jafri has established himself as a prolific literary figure. His poetry explores themes of love, liberty, peace, justice, nature and human dignity, combining lyrical beauty with intellectual depth.
Immortal Poems is more than a collection of verse; it reflects the observations of a sensitive poet deeply concerned with humanity. His poetry transcends national boundaries, speaking to readers through timeless questions about freedom, justice, compassion and the human condition. His verse is not merely an artistic expression but a moral reflection on life and society.
The central ideas of love and liberty form the heart of his poetic philosophy. For Dr. Jafri, love extends beyond personal emotion to embrace humanity, cultural harmony and peace, while liberty signifies not only political freedom but also freedom of thought, dignity and liberation from fear. These ideals give his poetry a universal appeal. One of the most captivating aspects of his work is his portrayal of Kashmir. He celebrates its breathtaking landscape with deep affection, portraying its springs, rivers, mountains and flowers through vivid imagery. At the same time, he recognizes the sorrow associated with the region, blending natural beauty with poignant human emotion. His lines,
“The springs gush forth with water fresh and cold, The pebbles seem more precious than sterling pounds and gold,” beautifully express his emotional attachment to his homeland. Another memorable poem pays tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, portraying him as a visionary leader whose courage and determination inspired a nation. The poem captures both the grandeur of his leadership and the historic struggle that led to Pakistan’s creation.Dr. Jafri also writes movingly about war and peace. His anti-war poems lament the suffering of innocent people and urge humanity to choose compassion over violence. Rather than glorifying conflict, he celebrates peace, justice and coexistence, reminding readers of poetry’s enduring moral purpose.
A remarkable feature of Dr. Jafri’s literary career is his multilingual creativity. Each language enriches his poetic voice with its own rhythm and cultural heritage. Persian connects him with the classical masters, Urdu reflects the literary traditions of the subcontinent, while Punjabi and Kashmiri bring the fragrance of the soil. English enables him to present these experiences to a wider international readership.
The greatest strength of Immortal Poems lies in its emotional and thematic range. Dr. Jafri moves effortlessly from nature to history, from patriotism to universal humanity and from personal reflection to global concerns. His poetry celebrates beauty while confronting suffering, ultimately affirming hope, justice and compassion.
Immortal Poems is a valuable contribution to English-language poetry. It presents Dr. Maqsood Jafri as a poet, whose work combines artistic elegance with moral conviction, inviting readers to rediscover humanity through the enduring power of poetry.
—The writer is (Retd) Brigadier.
