ISLAMABAD, 25 AUG, (DNA) – Speakers at a function held here on Thursday at Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) paid glowing tributes to famous poet Ahmed Faraz on his 8th death anniversary.

While re-counting and re-calling his poetic contribution and revolutionary thoughts, they appreciated his qualities of head and heart.

They were of the view that Ahmed Faraz is living poet for all times to come, and most inspiring one for the young generation to understand and practice true realities of life. He was king of ‘Ghazal’ and emerged most dominating among his contemporaries because of his resistance poetry.

The speakers included Faraz’s sons senator Shibli Faraz, Sadi Faraz, renowned poets and writers Prof. Fateh Muhamma Malik, Prof. Ehan Akbar and Muhammad Hameed Shahid. The function was arranged by the University’s Urdu department.

In his opening remarks, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Shahid Siddiqui said, it is the unique honour of University to celebrate and remember the life of the great poets like Ahmed Faraz who achieved a big name because of their true love and attached with the people. He had the first introduction with Ahmed Faraz when he was a student of Sir Syed College Rawalpind and got impressed by his thought-provoking and innovative poetry.

He announced that AIOU will soon take steps for setting up ‘Fraz chair’, conducting research and preparing special documentary on his life and work. To this effect, a special book of students’ edition will also be published. University will regularly hold a seminar on Ahmed Faraz’s poetry on annual basis, he added.

Ahmed Faraz, he said was a man great character, who also personally participated in the struggle for improving socio-economic life of the people.

Senator Shibli Faraz talked about the life-style of his father, which motivated him to take part in the politics and do something good for the society, as well as strengthening the institutions, which are involved in promoting art and literature in the country.

Fraz, he said was a natural poet who addressed the ground realities of life and stood bravely against oppressive forces. Chairman, AIOU Urdu department Dr. Abdul Aziz Sahir also spoke on the occasion and paid rich tributes to Fraz.

Ahmed Faraz died from kidney failure on this day in 2008.

He was awarded Hilal-e-Imtiaz and other numerous national and international awards in recognition of his literary achievements. =DNA

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