Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi Celebrates the Birthdays of Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui and Mahmood Sham with “Tum Jeeo Hazaro Saal Poetry Dialogue” Event

Under the auspices of the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, a splendid event titled “Tum Jeeo Hazaro Saal… Poetry Dialogue” was held to commemorate the birthday celebrations of shining stars in literature, Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui and Mahmood Sham.

The event took place at the Haseena Moin Hall. Remarkable personalities including the Provincial Minister of Information, Minority Affairs, Social Protection, and President of Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, Muhammad Ahmed Shah, along with Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui, Mahmood Sham, Khalid Moeen, and Shama Afroz, expressed their thoughts. President Muhammad Ahmed Shah personally cut the birthday cake for Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui and Mahmood Sham, adding a festive touch to the gathering.

A large number of personalities with connections to literature and arts participated in the event, while the duties of Moderator were fulfilled by Hina Ambreen. During the event, the Provincial Minister of Information, Minority Affairs, Social Protection, and President Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi Muhammad Ahmed Shah, remarked that Pirzada Qasim and Mahmood Sham play vital roles in the welfare and ethical values of society. He emphasized that the Arts Council is an institution for writers and poets, recalling his university days when he used to roam around the university at night, engaging in intellectual discussions.

He mentioned how people around him were inspired by the ideas of Shaukat Siddiqui, reflecting a new perspective in their conversations. He noted the ease brought about by mobile technology nowadays, but mostly trash is available on social media. I firmly believe that as long as I breathe, I hold onto a thread of hope, and that hope resides in all of you.

You’ve always been my steadfast companions, rallying behind me through thick and thin. While a politician or a police officer may find solace in shortcuts, a creative soul thrives outside those confines. We have the power to innovate beyond limits. He emphasized the distinction between being famous and being credible in the field of art.

Renowned journalist and writer Mahmood Sham expressed gratitude to the Arts Council for celebrating their birthdays and providing an opportunity to listen to young poets. He acknowledged the significant role played by Ahmed Shah in the development of the Arts Council, stressing the enduring relevance of poetry in every era, regardless of democracy, martial law, or the era of Government. He noted that while he has witnessed many crises in his journalistic career, nowadays the crisis of ethics is more prominent.
Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui, while speaking, expressed his honor at Mahmood Sham’s presence, recognizing him as a senior figure.

He appreciated the transformational programs initiated by the Arts Council, which showcase Pakistani culture globally. Ahmed Shah has played a significant role in this. Khalid Moin said that Professor Dr Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui possesses deep charisma, sensitivity, and grace in his personality.

After achieving prominence, people usually hold him in high esteem, but Pirzada Qasim has maintained his familial dignity. His poetry resonates with melody, characterized by lengthy verses that are not easily maintained with rhythm. Shama Afroz remarked during the conversation that exemplary personalities of our era are present here today. She said Mahmood Sham, as a poet, critic, analyst, columnist, and knowledgeable observer of the present era, has portrayed the social and political conditions of this country in a very eloquent manner. He has also translated works of European poets.

The situations of the East and the West, the partition of India, and various significant events are depicted philosophically in his poetry. A journalist’s novel is distinct from those of other novelists because a journalist’s novel guides readers through critical perspectives. At the event, Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui, Mahmood Sham, Khalid Moin, Shama Afroz, and other young poets recited poems, which were highly appreciated by the audience