ISLAMABAD : The Perveen Shakir Trust has launched As One Lamp Lights Another, a collection of Pakistani poetry in English by members of the family of renowned writer, editor and Pakistan Movement activist Sir Sheikh Abdul Qadir.
The book was unveiled at Islamabad Club, bringing together members of the Qadir family, writers, poets and cultural figures to celebrate a literary legacy that continues across generations.
Sir Sheikh Abdul Qadir, who edited the influential literary magazine Makhzan, is also remembered for writing the preface to Allama Iqbal’s Bang-e-Dara. Lady Abdul Qadir, meanwhile, played an important role in promoting women’s education and encouraging their participation in the social and economic life of Punjab.
The new volume brings together poetry by seven members of the extended Qadir family and has been compiled and edited by Basharat Qadir. It has been published by Shahid Awan of Emel Publications.
The contributors are Basharat Qadir, Asghar Qadir, Khurram Qadir, Rabia Qadir Zia, Ghazal Qadir, Mekyle Ali Qadir and Junaid Qadir.
Perveen Qadir Agha hosted the launch and, in her welcome address, reflected on the contributions of Sir Abdul Qadir and Lady Abdul Qadir to Urdu literature, education and society.
She praised members of the family for preserving their literary and cultural heritage and said the event marked the 25th book launch hosted by the Perveen Shakir Trust.
Former Director General of the Pakistan National Council of the Arts, artist and poet Raja Changez Sultan attended the event as chief guest.
He paid tribute to the Qadir family and said it was an honour to preside over an event celebrating a family with such a longstanding literary and cultural legacy.
Among those who spoke at the launch were Basharat Qadir, Asghar Qadir, Dr Sofia Hussain, Rukhsia Waqaas, Raa’na Seerat and Shabbir Ahmad.
The speakers reflected on different aspects of the family’s literary contribution and the significance of preserving its intellectual heritage through a new generation of writers.
The launch of As One Lamp Lights Another highlighted the continuity of a literary tradition rooted in the work of Sir Sheikh Abdul Qadir and carried forward by his descendants through poetry and cultural engagement.