LAHORE: A CAKE cutting ceremony was held here at SAFMA office on Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s centennial birthday anniversary to pay homage to the legendary poet of all times.

Saleema Hashmi, daughter of Faiz, Secretary General SAFMA Imtiaz Alam and famous writer Hameed Akhtar, cut a birthday cake in commemoration of Faiz Ahmed Faiz.

Imtiaz Alam, renowned scholar IA Rehman and Hameed Akhtar made speeches at the occasion. Speakers were of the view that at present, atmosphere of the country is highly immoral especially due to vibrant wave of terrorism. People are insecure only because of their view points are different to what Faiz tried to teach, they added.

They said that Faiz promoted freedom of expression and was a symbol of freedom. For SAFMA he is important because SAFMA is a journalists’ organization and has always been working for freedom of the press, they added. They pointed out that Faiz as being the first Editor of Pakistan Times had always struggled for freedom of press and speech. Faiz stood against imperialism, colonialism and advocated the independence of Pakistan’s foreign policy which has always been dominated by American influence, speakers added. IA Rehman while sharing his memories with Faiz said that Faiz was such a dedicated person that he called his life “work for the toiling masses”, and in working for the masses he fought against colonialism and when it became impossible to work in Pakistan. Faiz went to Beirut and worked for the Palestinian cause and till today they consider him as one of their national poets, Rehman added.

Folk singers Nida Faiz and shaukat Ali sung ghazals and songs of Faiz and amused the audience with their melodious vocals.
Source: The News
Date:2/15/2011