‘Poetry needed today more than ever’

City’s young poets get chance for exposure.

ISLAMABAD:

The importance of poetry and literature has increased in present era; it was never needed as badly in the past as is required today, said Agha Nasir, one of the country’s broadcast media pioneers.

He was talking to the young poets of Islamabad, who presented their poetry in a programme organised by the Islamabad Culture Forum (ICF). “I saw institutions being built in my youth, but I am saddened today when I look at the destruction of those institutions,” said Nasir.

Recalling the glimpse of his past, Nasir said that friends used to gather at each other’s residence to read poetry, but with the passage of time, poetry has been replaced by placards.

For the encouragement of young poets in Islamabad, Nasir said such programmes should continue in future and promised to attend them as often as possible.

Famous poet Haleem Qureshi, who was also the chief guest, made a speech focussing on the fact that “poetry fosters life”.

Appreciating the efforts of ICF, Qureshi expressed hope that the forum will organise more such programmes in future to promote new talent, which rarely get any exposure these days.

ICF Convener Ashfaq Saleem Mirza gave some background on the ICF, narrating how it started its 18 year journey in 1994. It was shut down for two years but was restarted a few months back “with renewed vigour”. “Our aim is to introduce new talent in every field, including poetry, music, and painting,” said Mirza.

Young poets of Islamabad including Mazhar Masud, Fakhira Noreen, Rashida Mahin Malik, Shahnaz Faryad Malik, Chaudhry Ishaq, Nawab Kaifi, Dr Ibrar Umar, Ali Akbar Natiq, and Dr Arshad Ali Mujahid, along with Haleem Qureshi read their poetry.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 17^th, 2012.