GILGIT, NOV 22 (DNA): Expressing condolence on the demise of legendary poetess Fahmida Riaz, Bilawal Bhutto said, “The leadership of Pakistan Peoples Party had a relation of love and respect with Fahmida Riaz.”

She was a flag-bearer of progressive approach and a custodian of women rights, chairman of PPP said while acknowledging Fahmida’s literary services to the nation.

Speaking of Fahmida’s courageous spirit that bravely went through all difficult times during the era of dictatorship, Bilawal prayed for her highest ranks in the other world.

Famed Urdu poet Fahmida Riaz passed away yesterday at the age of 73 in Lahore.

She was born on July 28, 1945, in Meerut. Her first poetry collection ‘Pathar ki Zuban’ (Language of Stone) was published in 1967.

Fahmida Riaz had fought a long struggle for the rights of women and democracy. She is author of Godaavari, Khatt-e Marmuz, and Khana e Aab O Gil, the first translation of the Masnavi of Jalaluddin Rumi from Persian into Urdu.=DNA

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