Two Pakistani legends honoured at SIBF

Two legendry personalities of Urdu literature from Pakistan, Anwar Maqsood, Ataul Haq Qasmi, attended a jammed packed poetry session at the Expo Center Sharjah and spread laughter and profound literary reflections among the Urdu lovers.

The session “Mehfil-e-Urdu” was the regular session as part of 44th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) and this year it coincided with the birth anniversary of iconic poet and thinker Allama Iqbal.

The poetry session was organised by Bazm-e-Urdu Dubai in collaboration with the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) and drew a crowd of Urdu enthusiasts from across the UAE.

The highlight of the evening was the felicitation of Pakistani literary legend and satirist, Anwar Maqsood.

He was presented with the “Josh-e-Urdu Award 2025” and received a standing ovation from the packed hall.

In his signature style, Maqsood captivated the audience by reading a fictional letter from Allama Iqbal.

The piece blended sharp, contemporary satire with poignant commentary, giving the audience both cause for laughter and a “moment of reflection” (lamha-e-fikriya).

The gathering also featured the revival of the “Mushaira Zinda Dilan” (Symposium of the Lively-Hearted), a humorous poetry session that brought together renowned poets from India and Pakistan.

Luminaries including Ata ul Haq Qasmi, Popular Meeruthi, Surender Sharma, and Inaam ul Haq Javed regaled the audience with their witty and satirical works.

Several other literary figures were also honoured for their contributions: Ata ul Haq Qasmi: The distinguished writer and humorist was awarded the “Josh-e-Urdu Award 2024.”

Dr. Sayeed Alam: A well-known writer, director and a theatre veteran received the “Alamdar-e-Urdu Award 2025” (Flagbearer of Urdu Award).

Chhabi Saxena Saba: A prominent Indian poet and singer was presented with the “Pasban-e-Urdu Award 2025” (Guardian of Urdu Award).

The event also saw the launch of Bazm-e-Urdu’s annual magazine and several new books published under its “Gosha-e-Kutub” (Book Corner) initiative.

Shakeel Ahmed Khan, President of Bazm-e-Urdu, thanked the SBA for its collaboration.

“Its purpose was not merely to provide entertainment,” he said about the event, “but also to familiarise the new generation with our cultural heritage and to bring excellent writers back into the limelight.”

Syed Tabish Zaidi, PR Secretary of the Bazm, noted the historical significance of the event.