Islamabad:
The Islamabad libraries department, in collaboration with the Sukhan Foundation, organized a distinguished launch of the book and the Symposium de poés on Saturday at the Islamabad public library to celebrate the release of the last collection of the famous Aqeel Abbas poet, Bar Qaab.
The ceremony began with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Muhammad Hammad, followed by a sincere naat of Ishrat Naseem. The event was chaired by the poet, fiction writer and scholar, Dr Waheed Ahmed. Senior literary personalities, including Rehman Hafez, Syed Shamsheer Hyder and Khizar Saleem Khokhar, honored the opportunity as guests of honor.
In his remarks, the literary critic Waqas Aziz congratulated Bar Qaab as a significant contribution to the Modern Ourdou Ghazal, while Usman Halim underlined his mythological nuances. The young criticism Hasan Jameel of Wah Cantt described Aqeel Abbas as “a poet of new traditions”, while the main poet Rehman Hafez has recognized his substantial impact on contemporary literature.
In his presidential speech, Dr. Waheed Ahmed praised the unique style of Aqeel Abbas, recognizing the Qaab bar as a refreshing and precious addition to the Modern Ghazal 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, Itifaq Butt, Waqas Aziz, Hasan Jameel, Syed Shamsheer Hyder, Rehman Hafez, Khizar Saleem Khokhar, Aqeel Abbas, Dr. Saleem Akhtar and Dr. Waheed Ahmed.
The director general of libraries, Sheikh Muhammad Arshad, expressed his gratitude to poets and participants, describing the evening as an inspiring literary celebration. “Such events will continue in the future, and my staff and I are determined to promote literature and culture,” he noted.
The program ended with warm applause, marking a memorable and historical celebration of poetry and literary heritage.
