Jashn-eAzadi Mushaira in connection with the Independence Day celebrations was organized by Punjab Arts Council in collaboration with Bazm-e-Ahbab-e-Qalam here on Wednesday. Distinguished writer, poet, researcher and critic Professor Dr. Abdul Aziz Sahir presided over the event while the guest of honor was Professor Shakir Kundan. The special guest was Professor Obaid Bazgh Amar. The event was moderated by Muhammad Akbar Niazi. The ceremony began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, a privilege performed by Abdul Waheed Chishti, followed by a Naat in honor of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), recited by Gul Afreen Sahiba. Ms. Shahida Urfi and Muhammad Sajid Qureshi shared their thoughts on the occasion of Independence Day. The Director of the Arts Council also attended the event and expressed good wishes for the country and nation. He reiterated the Arts Council's commitment to supporting the literary community in every possible way.

On this occasion, an honorary shield was presented to Ali Asghar Samar, the founder and president of Bazm-e-Ahbab-e-Qalam Pakistan, in recognition of his more than fifty years of literary services. In the second phase of the program Mushaira began with the host, Muhammad Akbar Niazi, presenting his poetry, followed by recitations from Zeeshan Mehruvi, Professor Waheeda Malik, Zahoor Ahmed Naqi, Ali Asghar Samar, Naveed Kahut, Nusrat Yab Nusrat, Syed Mazhar Masood, Ittifaq Butt, Nasir Abbas Chaudhry, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Dr. Aziz Faisal, Abdul Qadir Taban, Hassan Abbas Raza, Ali Ahmed Qamar, and Naseem Sehar, who all recited poems related to freedom. Afterward, the esteemed guests on stage recited their poetry and shared their thoughts. The founder and president of Bazm-e-Ahbab-e-Qalam Pakistan expressed his gratitude to all the guests at the end. The event was attended by prominent intellectual and literary figures from the twin cities, as well as students and people from various walks of life.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan