Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, organized an event to pay tribute to the renowned writer and poetess Fahmida Riaz at the Haseena Moin Hall.
The event was presided over by the famous poetess Zehra Nigah. President Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi Muhammad Ahmed Shah, Noorul Huda Shah, Dr Jaffer Ahmed, Afzal Ahmed Syed, Fazil Jamili, and others shared their insights.
Zehra Nigah said Fahmida's pen had the power to draw roses from stone. Her poetry, like her life, is marked by highs and lows, as well as challenges. Her book's entire beauty and melody are hidden in the short-metered poems, whose youthful and tender words captivate you so much that you don't want to let go. Among her five books, this one has warmed hearts. "Choti Si Ladki, Chote Chote Dukh... Chote Chote Sukh" is such a true reflection of poetry that we are rarely blessed with. In this poem, Fahmida portrays a transparent mirror of a woman's nature. In a video message, the acclaimed poetess Kishwar Naheed recounted Fahmida's journey from London, where she worked for the BBC, to Karachi, where she continued to write and teach. Naheed mentioned Fahmida's writings on the conditions of Biharis in Bengal and on the socio-political scenarios in India and Karachi.
Noor-ul-Huda Shah, addressing the gathering, lauded Fahmida Riaz's connection to Sindh, absorbing its essence and reflecting it in her works.
Dr. Jaffer Ahmed described Fahmida as a bold poetess who surpassed all boundaries, continuing the legacy of breaking societal norms started by predecessors like Dr. Rasheed Jahan, Qurat-ul-Ain Haider, Ismat Chughtai, and Kishwar Naheed.
He elaborated on Fahmida's youthful poetry in "Pathar Ki Zaban," celebrating the themes of desire and intimacy. He also presented a detailed paper titled "Fahmida Riaz: The Liberating Voice of Urdu Literature" to the audience.
Fazil Jamili characterized Fahmida Riaz as a multi-faceted personality, commending her contributions to literature and her unwavering stance for justice.
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