PESHAWAR: Speakers at a function here on Wednesday termed Ghulam Mohammad Qasir a forerunner and one of the finest modern poets in the Urdu literature.

They said that Qasir (1944-99) had amalgamated traditionalism with modernism in a unique manner and never got himself affiliated with any particular school of thought.

The event was organised by Urdu department, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University for Women in collaboration with Iranian Culture Centre, Peshawar.

A large number of writers, researchers, teachers and students attended the event. Syed Ali Yousafi, director general of Iranian Culture Centre, and family members of Ghulam Mohammad Qasir were also present on the occasion.

The function was aimed at commemorating of belated 18th death anniversary and 72th birth celebration of the noted Urdu poet.

The speakers said that Ghulam Mohammad Qasir was one of them whose poetry was reflective of his lofty thoughts and sublime imaginative flight.

Ghulam Mohammad Qasir was born in Dera Ismail Khan on September 4, 1944 and had done master in Urdu literature as private candidate. He was recipient of several literary awards including prestigious one-President’s Pride of Performance posthumously.

He had authored five poetry collections and also wrote memorable Urdu plays for PTV. He had represented Pakistan in numerous literary seminars and conferences in the USA and other countries.

Addressing as chief guest at the event, senior Urdu writer Kishwar Naheed pointed out that Ghulam Mohammad Qasir despite being born in remote area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had enriched Urdu literature with his beautiful romantic couplets along with a refined vision on their society replete with countless issues.

She said that research scholars should dig out hidden aspects of Qasir’s life and poetic art. “Late Qasir was a strong voice in Urdu poetry. He had registered his huge impact on his contemporaries and also set new dimensions in expression. Scholars should focus on retrieving prominent aspects of the late poet. He was master crafting in both poetry and prose,” Ms Naheed observed.

Manzar Naqvi, another guest writer, said that Qasir used to keep low profile despite being towering personality. He said that Qasir influenced a host of writers because of simple and powerful expression. He said that he knew how to versify issues of the people in his particular diction.

Jalil Aali in his remarks said that Qasir used simple language to explain difficult situation. Mastery over his expression earned him a widespread popularity in Urdu literary circles, he added.

He said that the late poet was well aware of problems around him and would always try to carefully portray real face of the society he was living in.

Prof Sohail said that he had done his MPhil thesis on the life and literary contributions of Qasir. He said that it was he, who had motivated him to jump into the thorny world of literature. “Qasir was my teacher, who inspired me and scores of others to write in Urdu. He was indeed a master crafter,” he added.

Prof Basmina Siraj, head of Urdu department, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University for Women, said that Qasir had created rare literary images in Urdu literature. She said that young would learn a lot from his skill and art if exposed to his treasure trove. She said that poets like him should be given serious thought because such literati played a pivotal role in shaping the ideals of people.

Prof Nazeer Tabassum, Prof Hussain Mahmood, Imad Qasir (poet’s son), Aziz Ejaz and Prof Ghayoor Hussain also spoke on the occasion.

Published in Dawn, September 29th, 2016