LAHORE: The Punjab Institute of Language, Art and Culture (Pilac) will bring out a collection of Punjabi poetry of Munir Niazi.

Pilac Director General Dr Sughra Sadaf announced this at a ceremony at the institute held in memory of the celebrated poet. The late poet’s wife, Begum Naheed Munir Niazi was the chief guest.

Ms Sadaf said late Niazi’s Punjabi poetry had neither been given the kind of importance it deserved, nor sung by different singers. She said Pilac was committed to gather Niazi Sahib’s Punjabi poetry and publish a collection.

She said soon the institute would also hold a music evening where famous singers would sing the poet’s Punjabi poetry.

A half an hour duration documentary on life and work of the poet was also screened. It also comprised video clips of the poet reciting his poetry which were gathered from different sources.

The production team also talked about Munir Niazi’s Urdu and Punjabi poetry. The voice-over was done by Dr Sadaf and Khaqan Haider.

Popular film songs written by Munir Niazi were also screened which were thoroughly enjoyed by the audience. The songs included Jis Nay Meray Dil Ko Darad Diya, Jaa Apni Hasrton Pay Aansoo Baha Kay So ja and Zinda Rahain To kiya Hai Jo Mar Jaien Hum to Kya.

Published in Dawn, December 29th, 2017