Poet Ahmad Faraz always raised voice for oppressed Kashmiris, Palestinians: Shibli

Islamabad: Information Minister Shibli Faraz has said his father and renowned Urdu poet Ahmad Faraz always raised voice against the excesses and oppression perpetrated in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K), the Palestine or any other part of the world.

He was talking to the media persons at H-8/1 graveyard on the occasion of death anniversary of Ahmad Faraz.

Shibli said that the love and affection that his father Ahmed Faraz received from the people of Pakistan was unprecedented. He said that the constituency of the late legendary poet was humanity, love and peace and he raised his voice against oppression in all parts of the world be it Kashmir, Palestinian or any African country. He had universal approach but focus of his thoughts was Pakistan.

The minister said that poetry of great poets had many layers of meanings and we should try to understand the hidden message of those writers. He has always taken guidance from the poetry of his father, he added. He said that he was thankful to the people of Pakistan who also gave him love and affection due to his father Ahmed Faraz.

While paying tribute to Ahmed Faraz, Chairman of the Pakistan Academy of Letters Dr. Yousuf Khushk said that late Ahmed Faraz was ambassador of entire Pakistan’s literary circle. He said Ahmed Faraz was founder of the Pakistan Academy of Letter.

Earlier, the minister laid wreath at the grave of late poet Ahmed Faraz and offered Fateha.

Later speaking at a ceremony at Academy of Letters to pay homage to late Ahmed Faraz, he said that on the occasion of the birth and death anniversaries of literary figures, their contribution should be discussed and highlighted. He said that writings of poets and other literary figures are a reflection of the times in which they live.

Their writings not only highlight the problems and issues of their times but also provide solution to them, Shibli said. He said that unfortunately the society had been degenerated and ethics and values had lost their importance and wealth had become the criterion of respect.

He said he had emotional attachment with Academy of Letters because its founder was his father and expressed the hope that it would expand its canvass. He said that Ahmed Faraz was a unique literary personality who had a strong bond with the common man and whose message was love and sincerity.