A night of reverence and reflection: Aadaab International’s tribute to Sehba Akhtar
Kishwar Adeel Jafri, founder & chairman of Aadaab International, an organization devoted to promoting literature and the arts in Pakistan, together with Gul-e-Rana, President of the Peoples Cultural Wing Karachi, organized a seminar and Mushaira to honor the memory of the esteemed poet and scholar Sehba Akhtar. The event, held with great reverence, saw Senior Politician and President of PPP Sindh, Senator Nisar Khoro, grace the occasion as Chief Guest, while the respected scholar Abbas Rizvi presided over the ceremony. Distinguished figures such as Rafiuddin Raaz, Dr. Javed Manzar, and Prof. Shadab Ehsani attended as Guests of Honor, adding significance to this celebration of poetic and patriotic heritage.
The program comprised two thoughtfully curated sessions, hosted by the distinguished poets Salman Siddiqui and Misal Zehra, who engaged the audience with their keen insights and graceful moderation. Shahid Ali Shahid opened the event by reciting Quranic verses, setting a reflective tone, followed by Raza Haider Zaidi’s soulful rendition of a Naat written by Sehba Akhtar, showcasing the poet’s reverence and spiritual depth.
In his welcoming address, KishwarAdeel Jafri expressed heartfelt gratitude to the attendees and commended the support of Sehba Akhtar’s family-his son Azeem Akhtar and daughters, Dr. Samina Akhtar and Dr. Shehla Naqvi-in making the event possible. Jafri highlighted Aadaab International’s commitment to enriching Pakistan’s cultural landscape, sharing that the organization has been actively celebrating literature and arts through various events for over five years. He emphasized that the gathering was not only a tribute to Sehba Akhtar’s enduring legacy but also a testament to the timeless value of poetry and scholarship in Pakistani society.
In his address as Chief Guest, Nisar Khuhro expressed deep admiration for the dedication shown by Sehba Akhtar’s children in preserving and promoting their father’s remarkable legacy. He highlighted Sehba Akhtar’s role as a patriotic poet and voice for the common man, noting that his poetry resonated deeply with the sentiments and aspirations of everyday Pakistanis, which made him immensely popular across the nation. Khuhro applauded Aadaab International for its unwavering commitment to nurturing literature and keeping Sehba Akhtar’s memory alive. He also extended his gratitude to Gul-e-Rana for her instrumental support in organizing this memorable event and emphasized the People’s Cultural Wing’s pivotal role in promoting cultural activities across Sindh. Khuhro remarked that events like these are essential in honoring Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage and inspiring future generations to engage with the country’s literary treasures.
Prominent speakers, including Abbas Rizvi, Rafiuddin Raz, Dr. Javed Manzar, Prof. Shadab Ehsani, Gul-e-Rana, Dr. Samina Akhtar, Dr. Shehla Naqvi, Azeem Akhtar, and other distinguished guests, shared their reflections on various facets of Sehba Akhtar’s life and work, painting a vivid portrait of his immense contributions to Urdu literature and his profound love for Pakistan.
They spoke of his patriotic spirit, which permeated his poetry and endeared him to the people as a voice for the common man. The speakers traced his poetic journey, noting how he masterfully blended personal emotions with national pride, crafting a legacy that continues to serve as an inspiring landmark for aspiring poets. They remarked on his poetry’s timeless quality, which lies in its deep empathy and ability to capture both the joys and struggles of ordinary life, making Sehba Akhtar not only a beloved poet of the people but also an enduring influence in Pakistan’s literary heritage.
In the second half of the tribute, a lively and heartfelt Mushaira session was held in memory of Sehba Akhtar, presided over by Abbas Rizvi, with Rafiuddin Raz, a renowned poet, as the Chief Guest. Poets from various parts of Pakistan gathered to present their Kalam in homage to Sehba Akhtar. Among them were Abbas Rizvi, Rafiuddin Raz, Dr. Javed Manzar, Prof. Shadab Ehsani, Dr. Iqbal Pirzada, Akhtar Saeedi, Dr. Faheem Shanas Kazmi, Farhat Saeedi, Hijab Abbasi, Saleem Fouz, Salman Siddiqui, Sahartab Roomani, Kashif Hussain Ghair, Komal Joya, Dr. Habib-ur-Rehman Chohan, Naveed Sarosh, Kishwar Adeel Jafri, Meem Meem Mughal, Dilawar Ali Azar, Naheed Azmi, Waqar Ahmed Waqar, Zia Haider Zaidi, Andaleeb Siddiqui, Shahbaz Nayyer, Azhar Urooj, Yasmin Yas, Col. Shahid Ali, Kamran Siddiqui and Sarwar Chohan, each paying tribute through their poetry, weaving a tapestry of love and respect for the late poet’s legacy.
The five-hour event, meticulously organized and filled with poetic expressions, concluded with a sumptuous dinner, leaving the attendees with a sense of warmth and inspiration. This memorable gathering not only honored Sehba Akhtar’s contributions to Urdu literature but also brought together poets, scholars, and literary enthusiasts, fostering a renewed appreciation for Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage and the unifying power of art.
