PESHAWAR: Literati and scholars gathered here on Saturday to mark the seventh death anniversary of noted Pashto research scholar and literary critic Prof Jahanzeb Niaz.

Organised under the auspices of Jahanzeb Niaz Adabi Sangar, a literary organisation, the event was held at Peshawar Press Club on Saturday. Delegates from Swabi, Mardan, Charsadda, Nowshera, Peshawar and Khyber participated in the event and shared their views regarding contributions of the late writer.

Shedding light on the life and contributions of Prof Niaz, the speakers said that the late writer was a multifaceted personality owing to his vast knowledge and literary acumen. They said that he was an author of several books and groomed a large number of budding poets and writers with a conscious effort to promote the cause of Pashto.

They said Prof Niaz was a teacher par excellence, an outstanding linguist and a committed Pashto language proponent and always advocated peace, mutual respect and harmony in his writings.

Delegates from parts of KP hail literary works of late writer

About his life and works, the speakers said that Prof Niaz was a humble soul with a vision of inclusivity of Bacha Khan and believed in pluralistic society. He wanted Pakhtuns to be forward looking, progressive and peaceful, they added.

The event was divided was into three sessions. They first session went to oath-taking ceremony in which a 10-member cabinet was appointed to review research work and look after the affairs of Jahanzeb Niaz Adabi Sangar.

In the second session, the speakers read out brief research papers to highlight major literary works of the late writer.

Chairing the function, Faizul Wahab said Prof Niaz had left his own impression on the young poets and writers as he used to express his thoughts in a unique style.

Prof Aseer Mangal said that every aspect of Prof Niaz’s life required research and deep digging as he was a writer of lofty thoughts.

Prof Yasin Iqbal, Prof Gulzar Jalal and Dr Jan Alam Yousafzai spoke at the event.

The third session of the event was devoted to a music concert in which noted folk singers, including Fazal Wahab Dard, Fayyaz Kheshgi, Shaukat, Shakirzeb and Wajid Layaq, sang numbers of Ghani Khan and Hamza Baba. In the end, Dr Kazim Niaz, son of the celebrated writer, thanked the participants.

Published in Dawn, October 23th, 2022