ISLAMABAD: Widely known Pakistani poet Ahmad Faraz was remembered on his 90th birth anniversary on January 12.
Syed Ahmed Shah, better known as Ahmed Faraz, is considered one of Pakistan’s greatest contemporary poets. From 1950 to 2008, Faraz received accolades and praise locally and internationally.
Faraz wrote extensively on romantic themes but he also used poetry as an instrument for political resistance. He raised his voice against the military dictatorship of Zia-ul-Haq and was arrested for it.
Moreover, Faraz went into self-imposed exile for six years and wrote Muhasira, a satirical piece on the dictator’s rule.
He was awarded with various awards, including the Adam Jee Literary Award, Sitara-e-Imtiaz and Hilal-e-Imtiaz by the government of Pakistan in recognition of his literary contributions to the Urdu language.
His famous works include Tanha Tanha, Dard-e-Ashub, Nayaft, Shab Khoon, Meray Khwab Reza Reza and Janan Janan.
Twelve years ago on August 25, 2008, Ahmed Faraz passed away due to kidney failure. He might be physically absent today but his poetry, his words and verses will remain alive forever.
His son Shibli Faraz, a sitting senator for the ruling party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting laid floral wreath and offered fateha at his grave today.
Speaking on the occasion, the minister said Ahmed Faraz was an asset of Pakistan and he represented the underprivileged segment of the society.
