جنگ کسی مسئلے کا حل نہیں، فیض کی نظم ’سپاہی کا مرثیہ‘ سنیے

جنگ کسی مسئلے کا حل نہیں۔ جنگ کا اختتام کسی کی فتح اور کسی کی شکست پر نہیں ہوتا۔ جس وقت ایک حکمران فتح…

Faiz Ahmed Faiz: A window to what could have been

Most of us recognize Faiz Ahmed Faiz for his immortal poetry. Few are aware that Faiz Ahmed Faiz was also a prolific prose writer…

The verse of freedom

In a powerful exploration of resistance poetry in indigenous languages, I discovered marginalized poets challenging mainstream Pakistani identity in moving verse.  Much has been…

Na Ganvao Navak-e-Neem Kash (your half drawn arrow)- Faiz

Junaid has sent another translation of Faiz rendered by a Toronto based poet – Anis Zuberi. This is a timeless ghazal, Na Ganvao Navak-e-Neem…

Intisaab- Faiz’s poem with translation

Intisaab by Faiz Ahmed Faiz Aaj ke naam Aur Aaj ke gham ke naam Aaj ka gham ke hai zindagi ke bhare gulistan se…

Remembering Faiz and his Culture Policy of early 1970s

Today is the 26th death anniversary of Faiz Ahmed Faiz whose life and works are national assets. Faiz was a torchbearer of the glorious…

This night bitten dawn

The triumph of a popular movement on March 16 has marked a new beginning. The retreat of an intransigent government and the wise response…

The words of others

My piece published in the Friday Times last week For decades, Pakistan’s poets and writers have defied conventions and the almighty establishment. Rooted in…

Dhaka by degrees

How poor are they who have not patience! What wound did ever heal but by degrees. -William Shakespeare I grew up in the post-East…

Faiz’s Shaam

Faiz’s poem Shaam with a translation by Agha Shahid Ali. Thanks to Junaid for the contribution. Iss tarha hai ke har ik perr koi…

Visiting Dhaka- “We are strangers now?”

The warmth of people and the magic of old Dhaka overwhelms you. Having said that, Dhaka is bursting on the seams with a gushing…