By Aziz Khatri
KARACHI: The Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi hosted the launch of renowned poet Ahmed Imtiaz’s poetry collection ‘Wehm-O-GumaaN Hone Se Pehle’ on Tuesday. The event, which garnered notable attention from literary enthusiasts, was chaired by Abbas Rizvi, with poetess Shahida Hasan serving as the chief guest. A distinguished panel of speakers, including Nasir Shamsi, Zahid Hussain Johri, Ahmed Shakeel, and Rukhsana Saba, also graced the occasion, while Shahabuddin Shahab moderated the event.
In his address, Abbas Rizvi praised the poetry collection, stating, “I had heard many of Ahmed Imtiaz’s verses before, but seeing them in print brings immense joy. ‘Wehm-O-GumaaN Hone Se Pehle’ is truly deserving of congratulations.” He drew comparisons between Imtiaz’s work and that of literary giant like Jigar Moradabadi, noting that Ahmed Imtiaz occupies a crucial place in the literary tradition of poets who articulate their pain through verse.
Ahmed Imtiaz, in his humble address, reflected on his journey as a poet. “I never felt like a great poet,” he confessed. “But Rukhsana Saba made me realize my worth. I never even imagined publishing a book. Some people are born into light and travel their lives in it, while I was born into darkness. I was born during the partition era, amidst violence and bloodshed. I don’t know where my inclination for poetry came from, but I had an immense love for reading books.” The event concluded on a high note, celebrating the release of Wehm-O-GumaaN Hone Se Pehle and recognizing Ahmed Imtiaz’s deep and emotional contribution to Urdu poetry.
The chief guest, Shahida Hasan, offered her insights into Imtiaz’s work, describing him as a poet of great sensitivity. She remarked, “When words pass through pain, grief, and tears, such poetry is born. He has encapsulated his life’s experiences and memories into this book. As readers, it feels as though the poet is conversing with himself—a profound yet difficult task.” She further commended Imtiaz’s ability to confront the harsh realities of life with poetry that exudes sadness and solitude but never despair.
Zahid Hussain Johri offered a metaphor, comparing the book to a building that comes to life when a reader engages with it, illustrating how the work gains vibrancy through the act of reading. Nasir Shamsi emphasized the psychological depth of Imtiaz’s poetry, highlighting its emotional complexity as one of its defining features. Ahmed Shakeel lauded Imtiaz as one of the great poets of the contemporary era, noting that his poetry centers on sorrow and introspection.
Rukhsana Saba, a respected literary figure, added that Wehm-O-GumaaN Hone Se Pehle is a significant contribution to Urdu literature. She explained that reading Imtiaz’s work evokes a mix of emotions and often touches on themes such as human suffering, love, and relationships. “Imtiaz has presented the concept of self and the universe in a unique, poetic manner,” she said.
