PESHAWAR: Poets and writers gathered here to mark the first death anniversary of Pashto poet and broadcaster Laiqzada Laiq and paid glowing tributes to him for his immense contribution to Pashto literature.

They said that being author of around 39 books in Pashto and Urdu on a wide range of topics from fiction, poetry and drama to music, he impacted Pashto literary landscape and instilled a spirit of patriotism, humanism and peace among young literati.

A literary function was arranged under the auspices of Niaz Adabi Sangar (NAS) to commemorate first death anniversary of Laiqzada Laiq. Literati, scholars and office-bearers of PAS attended the event and shared their views on his life and contributions. Laiqzada Laiq was the founder president of PAS and served it till his death.

The event was divided into two segments, one each dedicated to debate and poetry recitation session.

First death anniversary of Laiqzada Laiq observed

Prof Aseer Mangal, chief of NAS, said that Laiqzada served the cause of Pashto literature in his different capacities through his administrative and creative strengths and left an indelible mark on young poets and writers. He said that Laiqzada was a wholesome package for enriching Pashto and enabling the voice of artists, poets and intellectuals through his magical and measured expressions.

Patron-in-chief of NAS Dr Kazim Niaz, who chaired the event, praised Laiqzada as voice of hearts. The duo sons of Laiqzada namely Waqar Laiq and Wajid Laiq stole the event through presenting their poetic tribute.

Amjad Ali Khadim, general secretary of PAS, pointed out that the late poet authored more than 500 plays for radio, about a dozen plays for PTV, Peshawar centre, 120 feature stories and 39 books in his lifetime on a wide range of issues.

He said that Laiqzada was recipient of Kamal-i-Fun award and Taghma-i-Imtiaz for his selfless contribution to Pashto literature and arts. He said that his poems and stories were reflective of his creative flight of imagination and vast vision. He added that the literary works of the late poet would always serve as beacon of light for budding literati.

Senior playwright Noorul Bashar Naveed on the occasion remarked that Laiqzada Laiq as radio broadcaster encouraged young artists and writers to advance the cause of Pashto.

Prof Gulzar Jalal Yousafzai stated that poets and writers like Laiqzada never got eclipsed and remained alive in the hearts of many.

Prof Hanif Khalil, Fareedun Khan and Dr Alam Yousafzai also spoke at the function.

Later poets paid poetic tributes to the late poet.

Published in Dawn, November 11th, 2024