KARACHI: A collection of Urdu poems titled Gurezpa Mausamon Ki Khushbu (the fragrance of runaway seasons) by eminent columnist and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Senator Irfan Siddiqui was launched at the Arts Council of Pakistan on Thursday evening.

Poet and senior journalist Mahmood Shaam presided over the event, which was moderated by Ambreen Hasib Amber.

Speaking about the salient features of the book, Dr Rukhsana Saba said the collection has 35 nazms and 61 ghazals. There are two aspects of the poet’s work: the first carries the element of romance and the second is to do with thoughts on the unevenness that exists in society.

Poet Nasira Zuberi said the relation between human beings is the balm that humanity needs, and the poetry in the book speaks of that facet of life. Even when the poet was handcuffed [by the government], the pen in his hands was held aloft.

Poet and researcher Dr Aqeel Abbas Jafri said although the preface to the book highlights the nazms, it is Siddiqui’s ghazals that have touched him the most. In that connection he recited many a verse. One of them was:

Hazaar baatein hain dil mein jo us se kehni hain
Magar wo milney ke andaz mein miley to sahi

[There’s much to talk about with her
But she doesn’t meet me the way our bond merits]

Poet Dr Fatema Hassan pointed out the finer points of the poet’s nazms and especially mentioned one poem that sounds like a continuing ghazal.

Arts Council president Ahmed Shah said he didn’t know Siddiqui well enough and had only run into him on a few occasions. But after flipping through his book the poet has become his friend. He claimed that his poetry is ‘pure romance’ and he hasn’t let the young man in him fade away.

Writer Shakil Adilzada said no matter the sociopolitical circumstances, every year, books keep getting published; and most of them are collection of poems. However, only some of them are able to enrich the world of literature. Siddiqui’s book is one of those that have enriched the literary world.

The poet, Irfan Siddiqui, came to the podium and first told the audience that he has never taken part in a mushaira and then recited three of his nazms — Baazgasht, Pachhtavon ka mausam and Koi Madina bhi to ho. He also read a few ghazals. An example:

Kis se kehta main daastan apni
Dost jitney miley, miley terey

[Who should I have told my story?
Even my friends have sworn allegiance to you]

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Shaam said: “Those who reside in Islamabad are two steps ahead of Pindi as they know when the final battle will take place. We should thank residents of Islamabad for giving us the opportunity to take part in matters that relate to them as they come to the former capital [Karachi] of the country for it.

“Otherwise, when we go to Islamabad, we feel like Mir Taqi Mir who had said upon reaching Lucknow from Delhi, ‘Kya bood o baash poochho ho Purab ke sakino.’ Islamabad often becomes strange to its own people because doors are banged open in the middle of the night, individuals are handcuffed and pushed into vehicles. The night of July 26, 2019 must have been cruel and brutal for columnist Irfan Siddiqui, but it bestowed him with an immortal poem [Shaam sahib read the poem referred to].

“Just like love and fragrance can’t be hidden, poetry cannot remain concealed. Every Pakistani experiences martial law in his or her youth, and old people also witness it in their twilight days. Siddiqui hid his poetic talent for a long time. But poetry is a gift of nature and power of expression. American President John F Kennedy delivering a speech in honour of poet Robert Frost had remarked, ‘When power leads man towards arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations. When power narrows the areas of man’s concern, poetry reminds him of the richness and diversity of his existence...’”

Shaam sahib added Siddiqui’s book made him relay Kennedy’s words to the audience. Usually ghazals are preferred to nazms by poets but with Siddiqui it’s the other round because he himself believes in nazm o zabt (discipline).

Published in Dawn, December 31st, 2022