Islamabad:
The Islamabad Libraries Department, in collaboration with the Sukhan Foundation, organized a distinguished book release and a poetry symposium in the Islamabad Public Library to celebrate the launch of the latest collection of the renowned poet Aqeel Abbas, Bar Qaab.
The ceremony began with the recitation of the Sacred Koran of Muhammad Hammad, followed by a sincere Naat by Ishrat Naseem. The event was chaired by the dear poet, fiction writer and scholar, Dr. Waheed Ahmed. Senior literary figures, including Rehman Hafeez, Syed Shamsheer Hyder and Khizar Salem Khokhar, adorned the occasion as honor guests.
In his comments, literary critic Waqas Aziz praised Bar Qaab as a significant contribution to Modern Ghazal Urdu, while Usman Halim emphasized his mythological nuances. The young critic Hasan Jameel of Wah Cantt described Aqeel Abbas as “a poet of new traditions”, while Senior Poet Rehman Hafeez recognized his substantial impact on contemporary literature.
In his presidential speech, Dr. Waheed Ahmed praised the unique allusive style of Aqeel Abbas, recognizing Bar Qaab as a refreshing and valuable addition to Ghazal’s modern scene.
The Second Session, moderated by poet and BroadCaster Muhammad Ali Niaz, featured recitations by A Range of prominent poets, including tahir khan, Saad Majeed, Hasan Ibn Saqi, Fakhar Kafayat, Bismil Hashmi, Aamir Qureshi, Aamir Dhaddi Rajput, Hina Qureshi, Ittifaq Butt, Waqas Aziz, Hasan Jameel, Syed Shamsheer Hyder, Rehman Hafeez, Khizar Salem Khokhar, Aqeel Abbas, Dr. Salem Akhtar and Dr. Waheed Ahmed.
The general director of the libraries, Sheikh Muhammad Arshad, expressed his gratitude to poets and participants, describing the night as an inspiring literary celebration. “Such events will continue in the future, and my staff and I remain committed to the promotion of literature and culture,” he said.
The program concluded with warm applause, marking a memorable and historical celebration of poetry and literary heritage.
