LAHORE: The weekly meeting of Halqa Arbab-e-Zauq was held at the historic Pak Tea House under the chairmanship of noted writer and poet Iqtidar Javed.
Joint Secretary Shehzad Faramosh read the minutes of the previous special Punjabi session in Punjabi, marking the first time in the history of the literary organization that the proceedings had been presented in the Punjabi language.
Muhammad Abbas Mirza presented his Punjabi baits for critical review. In his presidential remarks, Iqtidar Javed said that Sultan Bahoo composed baits in four lines, while Idrees Babar expanded the form into ten-line compositions called Ashra.
He also remarked that Aftab Javed does not write prose poetry but literature rooted in wisdom and thought. Appreciating the experimental approach of Abbas Mirza and other contemporary writers, he said such literary experimentation should be encouraged.
Saima Aftab then presented a ghazal. The chair described her as a successful poet with a distinctive poetic voice, adding that her poetry remains closely connected with society.
Hammad Niazi recited his poem titled “Will You Buy My Poems?” (Meri Nazmein Khareedoge). Iqtidar Javed praised him as an accomplished modern poet, saying his style is uniquely his own and free from the influence of others.
The participants also offered prayers for the forgiveness of the late Shehnaz Muzammil. The chair concluded the session by reciting some of his own poetry.
Secretary Aftab Javed thanked the chair, guests, and participants, and announced that the next session would focus on new female voices in poetry under the chairmanship of Hamida Shaheen. The event will pay tribute to Ada Jafri, Parveen Shakir, Nasreen Anjum Bhatti, and Samina Raja.
Reported By: Shahzad Framosh I Lahore
