Shahzad Azhar’s Literary Odyssey Unveiled

News Desk

Islamabad: The literary and cultural organization ‘Zaviyah’ collaborated with the Academy of Letters, Pakistan to host a book launch event showcasing the compiled works of the late Shahzad Azhar, crafted by Dr Mehnaz Anjum and Farzand Ali Hashmi.

This anthology includes Shahzad Azhar’s unpublished poetry, critical essays, and translations of English poems. The ceremony took place at the Academy of Letters, Pakistan, Islamabad.

Iftikhar Arif chaired the ceremony, with Dr Waheed Ahmed and Dr Arshad Mahmood Nashad attending as the esteemed chief guests. During the event, Iftikhar Arif lauded Shahzad Azhar’s mastery of translation and profound literary insight.

He particularly praised Azhar’s translations of renowned poets like Ezra Pound, Pablo Neruda, and Aijaz Rahim, which displayed remarkable creativity, often resembling original compositions. Arif also commended Azhar’s critical essays for their insightful analysis of literature.

Dr Waheed Ahmed highlighted the fortune of Shahzad Azhar in having dedicated friends like Dr Mehnaz Anjum and Farzand Ali Hashmi, who meticulously compiled his works out of love and dedication. He characterized Azhar as a dynamic individual.

Similarly, Dr Arshad Mahmood Nashad portrayed Shahzad Azhar as a charismatic and beloved figure, emphasizing his impact on those around him. Nashad also praised Dr Mehnaz Anjum and Farzand Ali Hashmi for their diligent efforts in compiling the book.

Other speakers, including Dr Ravish Nadeem, Dr Humera Ashfaq, and Munir Fayyaz, also commended the book and Shahzad Azhar’s enduring legacy. Dr Ravish Nadeem emphasized the challenging nature of editing a book, highlighting the meticulous effort required in selecting and arranging its contents.

Dr. Humera Ashfaq remarked on the inherent purpose behind every book’s creation, asserting that this particular compilation stemmed from a foundation of love and duty.

Munir Fayyaz remarked that Shahzad Azhar’s ghazals within the book seamlessly continued his established body of work, underscoring his distinctive writing style.

Reflecting on Shahzad Azhar’s multifaceted talents, Dr Mehnaz Anjum hailed him as a consummate artist, praising the excellence evident in both his poetry and prose. 

She noted that his poetry served as a profound expression of his profound literary comprehension.

Farzand Ali Hashmi echoed these sentiments, describing Shahzad Azhar as a singular poet and writer whose compositions exhibited originality and creativity. Hashmi also suggested the potential for further exploration and research into Azhar’s extensive body of work.