ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) and the Pakistan Cultural Forum organised a special Independence Day Mushaira in Islamabad, bringing together leading poets, writers, intellectuals and literary enthusiasts to celebrate Pakistan’s cultural and literary heritage.
The gathering was presided over by renowned poet and intellectual Professor Jaleel Aali, while Dr Najiba Arif, Chairperson of the Pakistan Academy of Letters, attended as chief guest.
Speakers highlighted the role of poetry and literature in promoting patriotism, national unity, cultural identity and awareness among younger generations.
Literature’s Role in National Identity
Addressing the gathering, Pakistan Cultural Forum Chairman Zafar Bakhtawari said Pakistan’s identity is closely tied to the sacrifices and ideas that shaped the country’s creation.
He said poets and writers had played an important role during the Pakistan Movement, citing Allama Iqbal as the intellectual force behind the idea of Pakistan and Hafeez Jalandhari as the poet who gave the nation its national anthem.
Bakhtawari said literary voices continue to provide intellectual guidance to society and can help connect young people with Pakistan’s culture, national language and values.
He added that poetry and literature remain important tools for promoting patriotism, national cohesion and constructive thinking.
‘Freedom Is a Continuing Responsibility’
Presiding over the ceremony, Professor Jaleel Aali said Pakistan’s ideological foundations were deeply connected with poetry, particularly the thought of Allama Iqbal.
He said Iqbal’s poetry continues to inspire intellectual resistance and reflection across generations.
Aali said Pakistan had endured decades of political, social and economic challenges while maintaining its national identity, adding that independence should not be seen as a one-day celebration but as a continuing national responsibility.
He called for renewed focus on education, knowledge, peace and development in line with the principles associated with Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
Business Community Praised for Supporting Literature
Chief guest Dr Najiba Arif said industry and commerce are central to the national economy, but the business community’s engagement with literature and intellectual life was equally valuable.
She said the creation of Pakistan was tied to ideals of human rights, rule of law, justice and equal opportunity, and that literature and knowledge remain important means of advancing those goals.
Dr Arif also urged writers and poets to use their work to strengthen patriotism and national consciousness among younger generations.
ICCI Calls for Stronger Cultural Heritage
ICCI Acting President Irfan Chaudhry welcomed the participants and said culture and literature help preserve the spirit and identity of nations.
He said economic progress should be accompanied by efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s literary and cultural heritage.
Chaudhry added that Independence Day provides an opportunity to renew national commitment to building a prosperous, dignified and developed Pakistan.
Prominent Poets Present Their Work
The Mushaira featured poetry by several prominent literary figures, including Shakeel Jazib, Dr Junaid Azar, Professor Rashida Maheen Malik, Saeed Raja, Dr Shazia Akbar, Dr Mehnaz Anjum and Dr Rubab Tabassum.
Their poetry focused on love for the homeland, the meaning of freedom, national unity and hopes for Pakistan’s future, drawing warm appreciation from the audience.
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