A Night of Reverence and Reflection: Adab International’s Tribute to Sahiba Akhtar
Kishwar Adeel Jafri, founder and chairman of Aadaab International, an organization dedicated to promoting literature and arts in Pakistan, in collaboration with Gul Rana, head of Karachi’s popular culture wing, organized a symposium and march to honor the memory of esteemed poet and writer Sohba Akhtar. The event, which was held with great reverence, witnessed the presence of prominent politician and Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party in Sindh, Senator Nisar Khuru, on the occasion as the chief guest, while respected scholar Abbas Rizvi presided over the event. Eminent personalities like Rafiuddin Raz, Dr. Javed Manzoor, and Professor Shadab Ehsani attended as guests of honour, adding importance to this celebration of poetic and national heritage.
The program consisted of two carefully curated sessions, hosted by distinguished poets Salman Siddiqui and Musal Zahra, who engaged the audience with their insightful insights and gentle moderation. Shaheed Ali Shaheed opened the event by reciting Qur’anic verses, setting a meditative tone, followed by Raza Haider Zaidi’s vibrant rendition of a text by Shahba Akhtar, displaying the poet’s reverence and spiritual depth.
In his welcome address, Kishwar Adil Jafri expressed his deep gratitude to the attendees and lauded the support of Shehba Akhtar’s family – his son Azeem Akhtar and daughters Dr Samina Akhtar and Dr Shehla Naqvi – in making the event possible. Jafri highlighted Aadaab International’s commitment to enriching Pakistan’s cultural landscape, explaining that the organization has been actively celebrating literature and arts through various events for more than five years. He stressed that this gathering was not just a tribute to Sahba Akhtar’s lasting legacy, but was also a testimony to the eternal value of poetry and science in Pakistani society.
Speaking as the chief guest, Nisar Kohro expressed his deep admiration for the dedication shown by Shahba Akhtar’s sons in preserving and promoting their father’s wonderful legacy. He highlighted Sahba Akhtar’s role as a national poet and voice for the common man, noting that his poetry resonated deeply with the sentiments and aspirations of ordinary Pakistanis, making him immensely popular across the country. Kohro lauded Aadaab International for its unwavering commitment to nurturing literature and keeping the memory of Shahba Akhtar alive. He also expressed his gratitude to Gul E Rana for her instrumental support in organizing this memorable event and emphasized the pivotal role of the People’s Cultural Wing in promoting cultural activities across Sindh. Kohro noted that such events are essential to honor Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage and inspire future generations to engage with the country’s literary treasures.
Eminent speakers, including Abbas Rizvi, Rafiuddin Raz, Dr. Javed Manzoor, Professor Shadab Ehsani, Gul Rana, Dr. Samina Akhtar, Dr. Shehla Naqvi, Azim Akhtar, and other distinguished guests, shared their thoughts on various aspects. The Life and Work of Shahba Akhtar, paints a vivid picture of his immense contributions to Urdu literature and his deep love for Pakistan.
They talked about his patriotic spirit that permeated his poetry and made him popular with people as a voice for the common man. Speakers traced his poetic journey, noting how he masterfully blended personal feelings with national pride, crafting a legacy that continues to serve as an inspiring landmark for aspiring poets. They pointed out the timeless quality of his poetry, which lies in its deep compassion and ability to capture the joys and struggles of ordinary life, making Shahba Akhtar not only a beloved poet of the people, but also a lasting influence in Pakistan’s literary heritage.
In the second half of the tribute, a lively and heartfelt mushaira session was held in memory of Sahba Akhtar, chaired by Abbas Rizvi, in the presence of the famous poet Rafiuddin Raz, as the chief guest. Poets from across Pakistan came together to offer their words in honor of Sahiba Akhtar. Among them were Abbas Rizvi, Rafi’uddin Raz, Dr. Javed Manzar, Professor. Shadab Ehsani, Dr. Iqbal Pirzada, Akhtar Saeedi, Dr. Fahim Shinas Kazemi, Farhat Saeedi, Hijab Abbasi, Salim Fawz, Salman Siddiqui, Sahartab Romani, Kashif Hussain Gir, Komal Joya, Dr. Habibur Rahman Chauhan, Naveed Sarosh, Kishwar Adeel Jafri, Meem Meem Mughal, Dilawar Ali Azar, Nahid Azmi, Waqar Ahmed Waqar, Zia Haider Zaidi, Andaleeb Siddiqui, Shehbaz Nair, Azhar Urooj, Yasmin Yas, Colonel. Shahid Ali, Kamran Siddiqui and Sarwar Chauhan each pay tribute through their poetry and weave a tapestry of love and respect for the legacy of the late poet.
The five-hour event, meticulously organized and full of poetic expressions, concluded with a sumptuous dinner, leaving attendees feeling warm and inspired. This memorable gathering not only honored Sahba Akhtar’s contributions to Urdu literature, but also brought together poets, scholars and literary enthusiasts, fostering a renewed appreciation for Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage and the unifying power of art.