Karachi: The Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi’s Literary Committee – Fiction organized a tribute and Dostana Mushaira to honor Rashid Noor, a renowned U.S.-based journalist and poet, at the Haseena Moin Hall. The event celebrated Noor’s contributions to literature, drawing admirers and literary enthusiasts.
Ikhlaq Ahmad, Chairman of the Literary Committee – Fiction, attended as the chief guest, with acclaimed poet Shahabuddin Shahab presiding over the session. The evening was moderated by Khalid Moin and featured poetic offerings from Ambreen Haseeb Ambar, Rehana Rashid, Aqeel Abbas Jafri, Rehana Roohi, Rahman Nishat, Akhtar Saeedi, and Zahid Hussain Johari.
Akhtar Saeedi delivered a poetic tribute to Noor, highlighting his literary journey. Shahabuddin Shahab, in his presidential remarks, reflected on Noor’s symbolic poetry and its profound depth.
Chairman Ahmad praised Noor for his perseverance and deep connection to Pakistan despite residing in the U.S. Ambreen Haseeb Ambar emphasized Noor’s influence in rekindling the literary spirit of Karachi.
Rehana Rashid expressed her admiration for Noor’s sensitive work, while Aqeel Abbas Jafri noted Noor’s literary consistency amid his journalism career. Zahid Hussain Johari and Vice Chairperson Rehana Roohi also acknowledged Noor’s cultural ties and thanked Arts Council President Ahmed Shah for supporting literary endeavors.
Rashid Noor, in an emotional address, spoke of the nostalgic literary atmosphere and the guidance from literary giants. He highlighted the role of expatriate Pakistani poets in promoting Urdu literature globally.