ISLAMABAD, Jul 28 (APP):National Language Promotion Department (NLPD), under the National Heritage and Culture Division, has hosted the launch ceremony of acclaimed poet Shakeel Khursheed's debut poetry collection'Yeh Mere Harf'. The event was held at Dr Ishtiaq Hussain Qureshi Hall, according to a press release issued on Tuesday. Renowned poet and intellectual Iftikhar Arif presided over the ceremony, while Director General NLPD Prof Dr Muhammad Saleem Mazhar and Vice Chancellor …
NLPD hosts launch of Shakeel Khursheed’s poetry collection ‘Yeh Mere Harf’
ISLAMABAD, Jul 28 (APP):National Language Promotion Department (NLPD), under the National Heritage and Culture Division, has hosted the launch ceremony of acclaimed poet Shakeel Khursheed’s debut poetry collection’Yeh Mere Harf’.
The event was held at Dr Ishtiaq Hussain Qureshi Hall, according to a press release issued on Tuesday.
Renowned poet and intellectual Iftikhar Arif presided over the ceremony, while Director General NLPD Prof Dr Muhammad Saleem Mazhar and Vice Chancellor of Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) Prof Dr Nasir Mahmood attended as chief guests.
The event brought together leading literary figures, including fiction writer and critic Muhammad Hameed Shahid, former Dean of AIOU Dr Abdul Aziz Sahir, poet Mamoon Tahir Rana, Chairman of the Urdu Department at AIOU Dr Arshad Mehmood Nashad, and young poet Farzand Ali Hashmi. The proceedings were conducted by Dr Mehnaz Anjum.
Welcoming the participants, NLPD Executive Director Dr Rashid Hameed said Shakeel Khursheed’s poetry reflected simplicity, elegance and emotional depth. He noted that the poet had produced remarkable literary work during his 26-year career in the Pakistan Air Force, describing his achievement as inspiring and commendable.
In his presidential address, Iftikhar Arif described a poet’s first book as “a first love”, saying Yeh Mere Harf reflected the author’s intellectual maturity, literary insight and command of language. He said such works enriched Urdu literature and inspired younger generations to appreciate quality writing.
Professor Dr Muhammad Saleem Mazhar said the collection presented a harmonious blend of thought, emotion and expression. He observed that individuals nurtured in a literary environment naturally expressed themselves through poetry, regardless of their professional background, adding that the NLPD would continue its efforts to promote the Urdu language and literature.
Professor Dr Nasir Mahmood termed the collection an impressive debut, saying Shakeel Khursheed had demonstrated poetic maturity and expressed his emotions with honesty and confidence.
Speaking on the occasion, Muhammad Hameed Shahid said the poet had effectively portrayed social emotions and human experiences, while Dr Abdul Aziz Sahir described the collection as evidence of literary dedication and creative excellence. He highlighted the poet’s innovative use of devotional themes and contemporary language in his verses.
Dr Arshad Mehmood Nashad said the collection successfully combined contemporary consciousness with literary aesthetics and would make a significant contribution to Urdu literature.
Mamoon Tahir Rana praised the simplicity, fluency and intellectual depth of the poetry, while Farzand Ali Hashmi said the book reflected the poet’s rich inner world rather than being merely a collection of verses.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Shakeel Khursheed recited selected poems from his collection and received an enthusiastic response from the audience.
A large number of writers, scholars and literature enthusiasts attended the event and described the publication as a welcome addition to contemporary Urdu literature.
