LAHORE: The Pakistan Academy of Letters will celebrate centenary celebrations of eminent poet Ahmad Nadeem Qasmi in all provinces.

The decision was taken at a meeting held at the Alhamra Art Center, The Mall on Tuesday.

The meeting was chaired by LAC Board of Governors chairman Attaul Haq Qasmi. Amjad Islam Amjad, Qasim Bhagio, Asghar Nadeem Syed, Ahmad Nadeem Qasmi’s daughter Dr Naheed Qasmi and LAC Executive Director Atta Muhammad Khan were also present.

Amjad Islam Amjad opened the meeting by saying that the Pakistan Academy of Letters should celebrate Ahmad Nadeem Qasmi’s centennial celebrations starting on Nov 20. He said in all provinces the zonal offices of the Academy should make arrangements to celebrate celebrations for a whole year -- Nov 20, 2015 to Nov 20, 2016.

The Academy of Letters chairman agreed to the proposal and said an announcement in this regard would be made on Wednesday (today). It was also agreed at the meeting that literary committees should be formed in the provinces to make arrangements for year-long celebrations.

Asghar Nadeem Syed proposed that Indian lyricist Gulzar should be invited to Lahore in November to preside over the session in connection with Qasmi’s celebrations. He said Gulzar was also looking after Qasmi’s centennial celebrations in India as he had been requested by his Pakistani friends that besides rest of the world, Qasmi’s centennial celebrations should be held there.

Attaul Haq Qasmi said the council would also hold a portrait competition to pay a tribute to Ahmad Nadeem Qasmi.

Published in Dawn, July 8th, 2015

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