LAHORE: The 22nd critical session of the ongoing session of Halqa Arbab-e-Zauq was held at Pak Tea House under the chairmanship of Najib Jamal. Joint Secretary Shahzad Framosh presented the proceedings of the previous historic session, which were approved.
As Ali Asghar Abbas could not arrive on time, Muhammad Abbas Mirza presented his Urdu abyat for critical discussion. After hearing the views of the participants, the chair observed that this was the poet’s first experience of writing in Urdu after composing 33,000 Punjabi baits. He said that some aspects of the work were striking and that the poet’s distinctive rhythm, thought, and effort to connect himself with the contemporary age brought a fresh dimension to his work.
Later, Jawaz Jafri read his essay, “The Interrelationship Between Poetry and Music.” The chair remarked that only a truly accomplished person could write such an essay, adding that Jafri possessed extensive knowledge of musical instruments. He praised his style as exceptionally beautiful and refined, saying that one felt compelled to applaud him repeatedly.
In keeping with the tradition of the Halqa, former Secretary Tainush Firdous and guest poet Mubarak Ahmad Mubarak, who had travelled from London, presented their poetry and received warm appreciation from the audience.
The gathering offered prayers for the forgiveness of renowned fiction writer Hasan Manzar, who recently passed away.
Former Joint Secretary of the Halqa and senior journalist Ali Asghar Abbas arrived late. A resolution condemning the theft of a mobile phone and cash from his residence was presented, while concern was also expressed over the traditional indifference of the police.
At the conclusion, Secretary Aftab Javed thanked the guests and participants and announced that the next session would be a Punjabi Story Forum, to be chaired by Parveen Malik.
Reported By: Shahzad Framosh I Lahore
