By Aziz Khatri
KARACHI: The Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, has hosted the launch of Aaina-e-Tamsaal, the latest poetry collection by the renowned poet, writer and intellectual Gohar Azmi, at the Haseena Moin Hall, drawing together leading figures from Pakistan’s literary and academic circles.
The ceremony opened with the recitation of the Holy Quran and was presided over by the eminent educationist Dr Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui, with Dr Sarosh Hashmat Lodhi attending as chief guest. Prominent writers and critics, including Sohail Shafiq, Rizwan Siddiqui, Akhtar Saeedi, Tajdar Adil, Shair Ali Shair and Owais Adeeb Ansari, spoke at length about Azmi’s literary stature, intellectual depth and sustained contribution to Urdu poetry.
In his presidential address, Dr Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui said the evening was a tribute to Gohar Azmi as a symbol of truthfulness, integrity and principled living. He observed that at a time when corruption had become deeply entrenched in society, figures like Azmi represented a rare source of hope. He added that the poet’s greatest strength lay in the consistency of his writing and the continuity of thought that runs through his work.
Dr Sarosh Hashmat Lodhi noted that Gohar Azmi had authored 24 books over a span of 457 months, describing this as evidence of extraordinary dedication and tireless effort. He said Azmi’s poetry reflected his deep devotion to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and carried strong religious and moral values.
Owais Adeeb Ansari described Azmi as a man of action and firm principles, pointing out that 23 of his books were already in circulation, a testament to his intellectual depth and productivity. He congratulated the poet on the publication of Aaina-e-Tamsaal. Shair Ali Shair said Azmi had been writing with purpose and clarity for more than five decades, adding that his sustained effort was being widely appreciated by readers and literary circles alike.
Tajdar Adil highlighted Azmi’s ability to transform complex ideas into simple, accessible language, saying his poetry was not only an expression of personal thought but also carried the ethical and moral message of the sayings of the Holy Prophet (ﷺ). Rizwan Siddiqui remarked that Azmi truly deserved recognition as a poet, adding that had he not chosen poetry, he would have used his powerful oratory to reform society.
During the event, Sohail Shafiq recited selected verses from Aaina-e-Tamsaal, while Akhtar Saeedi presented a poem that drew warm appreciation from the audience. In his closing remarks, Gohar Azmi thanked the participants, reflected on his life and literary journey, and concluded the evening by reciting selected verses from his newly launched collection, leaving the audience deeply engaged.
