Mujahid Barelvi’s book was launched at the Karachi Arts Council, on Thursday, where many eminent guests were present. The book talks about Jalib from close friend Barelvi’s point of view of the fiery poet, while giving a personal insight on his poetry. The event was the fourth and last session of the International Urdu Conference. On the occasion, veteran journalist and Imroze former editor Masood Ashar said Barelvi was one of the lucky few to have met with eminent anthropologist and historian Syed Sibte Hasan and have had the privilege of working with him.
Hasan was a true intellectual, Ashar said, and young people who had not read his writings should go through them. About Jalib, Ashar said he became popular when he wrote his famous poem ‘Dastoor’, challenging the military dictator General Ayub Khan. He added that journalists were supposed to be tolerant and good listeners, and unlike the anchor persons seen today: he had never seen Barelvi shouting at his guests or imposing himself.
Senior journalist and Editor Ashraf Shad said Barelvi’s book had already become a bestseller before coming to the market. Shad said that Mujahid’s writings on Habib Jalib were the truth, not fiction. He said many poets had influenced the masses but none could be compared to Jalib. Meanwhile, Sindh governor’s spokesman Rauf Siddiqui said Governor Dr Ishrat-ul-Ebad could not attend the ceremony due to prior engagements, but he asked to Siddiqui represent him and congratulate Barelvi.
“The Sindh government has purchased 200 copies of Barelvi’s book and distributed them amongst those who don’t read,” he said. Prominent poet, Iftikhar Arif, who was also the chief guest on the occasion, narrated anecdotes about the close relationship between Jalib and Barelvi.
