ISLAMABAD: The 31st death anniversary of renowned Pakistani poet Parveen Shakir was observed on Friday, with poets, writers, former colleagues, and members of the Parveen Shakir Trust (PST) gathering to pay tribute to her life and literary legacy.
Parveen Shakir passed away on December 26, 1994, in a road accident.
Wreath-laying and prayers at H-8 graveyard
Participants gathered at Parveen Shakir’s grave in Islamabad’s H-8 graveyard, where they offered Fateha and laid floral wreaths. A contingent from Pakistan Customs, led by Assistant Collector Shazra Saeed, also attended the ceremony and placed a wreath at the grave.
Writers and colleagues recall Parveen Shakir
Members of the PST, including Riffat Haider, Dr Rubina Siddique, Salman Nabi, Muhammad Siddique, Majid Qureshi, and Anwar Jahangiri, along with readers and admirers, attended the gathering. Participants shared recollections of Parveen Shakir’s literary work and her professional life.
Trust outlines ongoing literary activities
Chairperson of the PST, Mrs Parveen Qadir Agha, briefed media representatives on the trust’s ongoing literary initiatives. She said the trust organizes events such as mushairas, seminars, literary dialogues, and awards to encourage young writers, poets, and translators. She added that another literary event under the trust’s banner is planned for February next year.
Overseas literary outreach highlighted
Speaking at the event, PST member Salman Nabi said the trust had expanded its activities beyond Pakistan. He noted that a Parveen Shakir Festival was held in Canada last year by the PST Canada chapter, and that preparations were underway for a literary event in Malaysia.
Poetry recitation and remarks on literary influence
Assistant Collector Shazra Saeed said it was an honour to participate in the wreath-laying ceremony. Her father, poet Rana Saeed Akhtar, recited selected verses of the poet during the gathering and spoke about her influence on younger readers.
Participants concluded the ceremony by reaffirming their commitment to promoting Parveen Shakir’s poetry among new generations. Her poetry collections, including Khushbu, continue to be widely read.
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