Tributes were paid to versatile Urdu poet of Pakistan Syed Ahmed Shah known as his penname “Ahmed Faraz” in a programme organised by the Sindh culture and tourism department at a local hotel the other day.
The chief guest was Minister for Culture and Tourism Department Sharmila Farooqi. Other personalities also attended the event including Commissioner Karachi Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqui, Sarmad Faraz, son of Ahmed Faraz, brother of Ahmed Faraz Barrister Masood Kausar, Managing Director (MD) Sindh Culture and Tourism Department Nazir Ahmed Soomro, friend of Ahmed Faraz, Hameed Akhund, Dr Asif Farooqi and Prof Sehar Ansari.
Sharmila lauded contribution of Ahmed Faraz to Urdu literature. She also lauded his ‘revolutionary poems’ written in his self-exile in the UK, Canada and Europe.
She said the Sindh culture and tourism department was paying tributes to legend poets, writers, intellectuals and singers. They started with Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Sheikh Ayaz, Tajul Bewas, Ustad Bukhari and now they were paying tribute to Ahmed Faraz.
Sarmad Faraz said Ahmed Faraz was not only a great poet but also a good father, brother and friend. Hameed Akhund said Ahmed Faraz had a nice and frank nature. He said he wrote his best poetry in the regime of martial law. A documentary was also presented at the occasion by the Sindh culture and tourism department. However, famed singers sung the poetry and poems of Ahmed Faraz which were enjoyed by audience.
