GAITHERSBURG, Md., Aug. 26, 2024 — The Arts Council of Pakistan (ACP) held a special event on Saturday to commemorate the death anniversary of renowned Urdu poet Ahmed Faraz. Faraz, who passed away on August 25, 2008, is celebrated for his simple yet deeply moving poetry.
The event was led by poet Zehra Nigah, who emphasized the importance of remembering literary figures who have left a significant legacy. “Ahmed Faraz gifted us with beautiful and captivating ghazals,” Nigah remarked. She noted that Faraz was fortunate to have achieved widespread recognition during his lifetime, a rare accomplishment for many poets.
Nigah described poets as historians who capture the essence of their times and reveal the sorrows of their eras. She expressed satisfaction that Faraz’s poetry continues to resonate with young audiences.
Nigah praised Faraz for his skillful use of language and his success in garnering affection through his poetry. She highlighted Faraz’s impact and the enduring appeal of his work.
Journalist Ghazi Salahuddin praised Faraz’s straightforward diction and its profound effect on readers. He lauded Faraz for his poetry of resistance, noting that it often faced opposition from powerful circles. Salahuddin commended Faraz for his bravery in confronting such challenges.
Dr. Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui thanked the ACP for organizing the tribute. He highlighted Faraz’s dual contributions to romantic and resistance poetry, praising his deep understanding of poetic language. Siddiqui noted that Faraz’s greatness lay in his ability to align his personal struggles with societal issues.
Journalist Mazhar Abbas reflected on Faraz’s emergence as a resistance poet alongside contemporaries like Faiz Ahmed Faiz and Habib Jalib. He noted that Faraz’s work also contained a strong romantic element.
Poet Ambreen Haseeb Ambar described Faraz as a person of high character with a refined nature. She acknowledged the rarity of poets achieving Faraz’s level of prominence in Urdu poetry during their lifetime. Ambar highlighted Faraz’s struggle against class differences and his vision of a hopeful and progressive future through his work.
The event celebrated Faraz’s enduring influence and the timeless relevance of his poetry.