PESHAWAR: Speakers at a literary function here on Saturday termed late Ghulam Mohammad Qasir a shining star of high literary acumen among modern Urdu poets and writers due to his refined way of expression.

The sons of the late Urdu poet organised the launching ceremony of his complete works titled ‘Ek Shair Abhi Tak Rehta Hain’ at Khana-i- Farhang Iran, Peshawar. Poets, writers and fans of the late poet attended the event.

Syed Mohammad Abbas Famuri, director general of Khana-i- Farhang Iran, Peshawar chaired the event while Prof Nazeer Tabbasum was chief guest on the occasion.

The speakers analysed life and works of the late poet and showered accolades of praise on him for his vision and creative art. They said that being a prolific writer, he had contributed to popular literary Urdu journals, newspapers, radio and television to educate people on different social, literary and political issues.

“Qasir remained on the list of contributors to the Textbook Board of NWFP for 7th, 11th and 12th grades in the subject of Urdu in early 1990s. Since 1968, he had been a regular contributor to all the leading literary journals in the field of poetry, essays and literary criticism,” said the speakers.

Prof Zubair Shah in his paper said that complete works of Qasir included Darya-i-Gumaan, Aathwaan Aasman Bhi Neela Hai, Tasalsul and some unpublished poetry. He said that Ek shair Abhi Tak Rehta Hai spread over 500 pages and was first published in 2009 and probably was out of stock in the market.

Imad Qasir, elder son of the late poet, said that his legendary father crafted best images in contemporary Urdu literature as he lived far ahead of his age. He said that Qasir influenced young poets and writers through his writings and art of crafting unique similes and metaphors. “He was master of playing on words and phrases peculiar to him and his grand style,” he added.

Ghulam Mohammad Qasir was born in Pharpur, Dera Ismail Khan on September 4, 1944. He joined education department as lecturer of Urdu and served different colleges across the province. He was considered to be one of the finest modern poets of Urdu ghazal. Ahmad Nadeem Qasmi introduced him in his famous Urdu literary journal ‘Fanoon’ back in year 1977.

Qasir came up with maiden collection of poetry titled ‘Tasalsul’ in the same year and received great appreciation from readers across the country.

He had been awarded with the President’s Pride of Performance Award posthumously by the government in 2006-07, for his valuable contributions in the field of Urdu literature. He died on February 20, 1999 and was buried in Peshawar.

Prof Suhail Ahmad, Shauq Jafari, Adnan Qasir and Prof Nazeer Tabbasum also spoke on the occasion.

Published in Dawn, March 10th, 2019