Poetry recital: On flights of lyrical wisdom - The Express Tribune

Noted poets presen­t some food for the soul. Iftikhar Arif recites poetry at the mushaira that took place at NUML on Monday. PHOTO: THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE

ISLAMABAD: 

To give vent to poets and poetry enthusiasts, a Mehfil-e-Mushaira (poetry recital) was organised at the National University of Modern Languages (NUML) here on Monday.

The initiative was taken by renowned poet and writer Iftikhar Arif who recently joined the Department of Urdu Language and Literature Department of the university, to engage local talent in creative activities.

Over 24 poets of Urdu and Punjabi languages recited their poetry and ghazals receiving plaudit from the audience, mostly young enthusiasts. The Mushaira was presided over by noted humorous poet Anwar Masood and Dr Tauseef Tabassum and Shabnam Shakeel. Prof Anwar Masood mesmerised the audience with his satirical poetry convulsing them with verses based on common themes. “Aaj ki khabrain” “Nak jai mathay utay hunda”, “Pani (water)” “Medicine kay side effects”, “Wapda” and the all-time hit “Bunian” had the audience roaring with laughter and offering standing ovation.

Earlier Dr Abid Sial presented his poems which was applauded by the audience chanting “wah, wah” (plaudit) and “mukarar, mukarar” (again and again). Next up, Ali Ahmed Qamar recited his poem. Manzar Naqvi earned applause from young students and faculty members on his “Aksar sach ko jhooth bana jata hai baaz auqat, Banda thukar kha jata hai baaz auqat”.  Jalil Aali’s soft and romantic poem “Idher bhi tuo usay ik din uthani han nigahain, Humay bhi tuo kabhi honay ka hai ehsas hona” was also no less than a treat for the young at heart.

Shabnam Shakeel’s poem “Dukh ka muntar pari hui hun, Mangurbat man bari hui hun; Is man waqt hi zaia huo ga, Jin baton manpari hui hun” was also applauded by the audience. Dr Ahsan Akbar recited his famous poetry “Daabi pod kamaddi”.

Iftikhar Arif also recited some popular poems on the demand of audience. Besides, Samina Siddiqui, Fehmeeda Tabassum, Ali Akbar Natiq, Aftab Zia, Shafiq Asif, Nusrat Masood, Arshad Mehmood Noshad, Arshad Mairaj, Anjum Khaleeq, Khawar Ijaz and others recited their poetry.

Speaking on the occasion, NUML Rector Maj Gen (retd) Masood Hasan said, “It is an honour for the university that such a galaxy of poets have gathered here. He said that this event is a great opportunity for the students and faculty members to learn from literary stalwarts. He presented shields to the poets.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 22nd, 2012.

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Bhoja aircraft banned for general flights - Pakistan Observer

Islamabad?The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on Tuesday banned Bhoja Air Lines planes for general flights after finding some of the planes unfit to fly.

CAA had started inspection of passenger aircrafts operated by private airlines earlier on Monday after the fatal crash in Islamabad.

According to a private television channel, Airworthiness Instructor CAA cancelled the Airworthiness Certificate for 2 flights of Bhoja Airlines bound for Islamabad via Lahore from Karachi.

? During inspection?, Instructor said, ? Planes were found unfit for general flights both domestic and international. They are grounded until clearance and obtainment of Airworthiness Certificate?.

He further added that objections were raised on the constituent parts of Bhoja Airlines planes including Landing Gear and Doors during inspection.

Planes carrying national flag of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) had already obtained airworthiness certificate from CAA.

Captain Mujahid al Islam, head of the team probing Bhoja Airline?s airliner crash, has said that the investigation into the tragic incident could take three months.

While talking to media at the crash site in Hussainabad on Tuesday he said several evidences of the incident have been sealed, adding that work to remove the remains would be begun within two days.

It is pertinent to mention here that a nine-member team is investigating the issue. The number of the team can be raised if needed.

A team of insurance company has also reached Pakistan which would provide compensation to the affected families after investigative report is finalised.

Meanwhile the Punjab Chief Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif said on Tuesday that there should be an independent judicial commission for investigation into Bhoja air liner crash, which took lives of 127 passengers and crew members.

Addressing the laptop distributing ceremony to the female students who showed outstanding academic performances in Allama Iqbal Government Girls College, he said ?I see a ray of hope and enthusiasm among students and hope the students will change the future of Pakistan?. He added that the students can save Pakistan from Ali Baba and forty thieves who are hell bent in looting the country.

The chief minister further said that 127 people lost their precious lives in the ill-fated air crash and the government was bound to set up an independent judicial commission for investigation in the tragic incident.

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