Karachi, 12 Oct 2023: The Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi hosted a book launch at Haseena Moin Hall, celebrating the release of Dr. Taqi Abidi’s latest work, “Baqiyat-e-Iqbal”. Distinguished attendees, including the President of the Arts Council, Muhammad Ahmed Shah, and noted literary figures Dr. Fatima Hassan and Syed Abid Rizvi, contributed their insights and expressed appreciation for Dr. Abidi’s extensive contributions to literature and culture, emphasizing the connectivity of literature that transcends boundaries, and the deep, impactful explorations present in the book.

Syed Abid Rizvi, while presiding over the event, highlighted the universality and borderlessness of literary figures and their works, reflecting upon Iqbal’s significance as a poet and expressing gratitude towards Dr. Taqi for the comprehensive exploration in the book. He emphasized the notion that the literary realm is boundless and free from the need for visas or other forms of boundary delineation.

Muhammad Ahmed Shah, providing reflections at the event, highlighted Dr. Taqi’s longstanding dedication to culture, expressed through the publication of seventy books. Shah affirmed the emotional and intellectual depth of the book, underscoring the presence of heartfelt and cerebral content in Dr. Taqi’s latest publication, while also acknowledging the author’s cherished status within their community and hearts.

Dr. Fatima Hassan celebrated Dr. Taqi’s humility and scholarly discipline, illustrating his refusal to allow ego to permeate interpersonal interactions and noting his consistent research and previous publications regarding Iqbal. She commended the author’s ability to intertwine the examination of art and personality in understanding an artist, extending congratulations on the book’s launch.

The author, Dr. Taqi Abidi, reflected upon the vibrant spirit of the Arts Council, expressing his gratitude and recognizing Ahmed Shah’s literary and linguistic advocacies. He acknowledged the eight-year journey towards completing the 700-page book, underscoring the authorial responsibility of identifying era-relevant content and expressing appreciation for the robust and spirited dialogue initiated by the Arts Council.

The gathering, moderated by Shakil Khan, offered a collective acknowledgment of the intricate, thoughtful exploration provided in “Baqiyat-e-Iqbal,” and celebrated the connectivity and unbounded nature of the literary world, as encapsulated in Dr. Taqi’s work.