KARACHI: The Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi organised a commemorative event titled “In Memory of Fehmida Riaz” to mark the 80th birth anniversary of the renowned poet, writer and public intellectual.
Held at the Josh Malihabadi Library, the event brought together prominent poets, writers, scholars, students and admirers of Fehmida Riaz to celebrate her literary contributions, intellectual courage and commitment to freedom of expression.
Distinguished poet Zehra Nigah presided over the ceremony, while Arts Council President Mohammad Ahmed Shah attended as the chief guest. Dr Fatima Hasan, Murtaza Solangi, Fazil Jameeli and Dr Ambareen Haseeb Ambar were among the speakers.
Zehra Nigah Praises Fehmida Riaz’s Literary Legacy
In her presidential address, Zehra Nigah said Fehmida Riaz possessed a rare ability to transform personal and collective suffering into poetry that deeply resonated with readers.
She said Riaz’s collected works retained creative strength from beginning to end and represented cultural awareness, human compassion and intellectual dignity.
Nigah described Fehmida Riaz as a guiding light for a new generation of women poets, adding that her literary legacy would continue to inspire future generations.
Ahmed Shah Remembers a Fearless Voice
Speaking at the event, Mohammad Ahmed Shah described Fehmida Riaz as one of the most courageous and uncompromising literary voices of her time.
He said she never surrendered to regressive social traditions or authoritarian pressure and consistently spoke against injustice and oppression.
Referring to her celebrated poem, “Tum Apni Karni Kar Guzro,” Shah said Riaz lived according to the principles expressed in her poetry.
He added that remembering Fehmida Riaz was also a way of remembering an era of political repression and the voices of resistance that challenged it.
Murtaza Solangi Shares Personal Memory
Senior journalist and presidential spokesperson Murtaza Solangi shared a personal account of his first meeting with Fehmida Riaz.
He recalled arriving in Karachi with poet and fiction writer Ayaz Abro during a period of financial hardship. When they visited Riaz at her office, she welcomed them warmly, arranged food, offered financial assistance and encouraged them.
Solangi said Fehmida Riaz was not only an exceptional poet but also a compassionate, generous and deeply humane person.
Speakers Highlight Poetry of Love, Freedom and Resistance
Poet and senior journalist Fazil Jameeli said Riaz’s poetry gave voice to love, freedom, resistance and the complexities of human emotion.
He said her association with the Progressive Writers’ Movement broadened her intellectual outlook and brought strong social and political consciousness to her work.
Jameeli added that Riaz introduced a new dimension to the portrayal of women’s identity, consciousness and inner experiences in Urdu poetry. Her engagement with Persian literature and writers including Forugh Farrokhzad and Maulana Rumi also expanded her creative vision, he said.
Dr Fatima Hasan described Fehmida Riaz as a progressive and courageous writer who used literature as a powerful instrument for social awareness and intellectual awakening.
She said Riaz remained a strong advocate for women’s rights, social justice and freedom of thought through both her literary work and public activism.
Dr Ambareen Haseeb Ambar said Riaz explored questions of women’s existence, identity, body and spirit with courage and literary grace.
She added that her work also addressed wider political, social and intellectual issues, while combining Sindhi cultural traditions and indigenous vocabulary with a universal humanistic outlook.
The event concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony marking Fehmida Riaz’s 80th birth anniversary.
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