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'Satire laced verses reflect courage of poet to tell truth'

A DUBAI-based poet, Amjad Iqbal Amjad, launched his first collection of Urdu and Punjabi verses, Sadaa-e-Dil (The call of the heart), in Dubai this week with a prominent Pakistani poet Mohsin Bhopali as the chief guest.

Gulnar Afreen, another noted Pakistani poet also flew in to attend the ceremony that was organised by the World Writers' Forum.

Mohsin, veteran poet and a stalwart of progressive poetry, described Amjad's works a true reflection of his feelings and emotions. “The love for his homeland, Pakistan, is at the centre of Ajmad's thoughts and a touch of satire and humour has increased his poetry’s appeal, attracting the heart of the listeners,” Mohsin said in his speech.

Gulnar said that she came to know Amjad at the forum's mushaira on April 26 this year in Dubai that was dedicated to the Indo-Pak friendship. Ajmad then told her about his intention to bring out his collection of poetry and things moved swiftly from there. She said Amjad is a sincere person who is quite popular among his relatives and friends. “Amjad’s poetry reflects keen observation and his choice of satire and humour to express his feelings shows courage. In fact, it is not easy to tell the truth, ” Gulnar said.

To make the ceremony bilingual, Skaikh Pervaiz, chairman of the forum, spoke in Punjabi about the book and Amjad's personality. Tahir Munir Tahir of the forum praised Amjad's efforts and expressed good wishes for his future. A poet Abdul Razzaq Sadaf had come from Doha for the launch.

Amjad says that he had been writing verses since his school days but did not get a chance to take his hobby seriously due to his involvement in business. But his friends and family encouraged him to publish his collection of poetry. That is why he has dedicated his book, which has been published from Karachi, to his wife and two sons.