Rawalpindi, The Punjab Arts Council, in collaboration with Bazm Ahl-e-Qalam Pakistan, recently held an appreciation ceremony for the famous poet Rifaat Waheed’s Punjabi poetry collection, “Soli Tangya Suraj.” The event, celebrating Waheed’s contribution to Punjabi literature, attracted numerous notable poets, critics, and literary figures.
According to Punjab Arts Council, the ceremony began with a recitation of the Holy Quran by senior producer PTV and poet Ali bin Aziz, followed by Hafiz Muhammad Jameel’s natiya kalam. Dr. Farhat Abbas, president of Bazm-e-Ahl-e-Qalam Pakistan, expressed gratitude to the attendees for their participation.
The literary event was presided over by prominent poet and critic Dr. Nisar Tarabi. Notable poets such as Safdar Wamiq, Mr. Naseem Sahar, and Ali Ahmed Gujrati, visiting from Gujarat, were the chief guests. Eminent critic and poet Jamil Yusuf attended as the guest of honor.
The participants acclaimed “Soli Tangya Suraj” for its fresh passion, imagination, language, and style. The poetry collection was recognized as a significant representation of Punjab’s cultural tradition and societal essence. It was hailed as a notable addition to the Punjabi poetic tradition, creatively and intellectually enriching the genre.
Numerous prominent poets of the country, including Ali Shaar Bangash, Nayar Sarhadhi, Shehbaz Chauhan, Professor Khalilur Rehman, Mazhar Shahzad Khan, and Muhammad Akbar Niazi, discussed Rifaat Waheed’s poetry and personality during the ceremony. Mubasher Saleem recited a poem written about the poetess.
In recognition of her scholarly and literary contributions, Rifaat Waheed was awarded the Ahlul Qalam Award by Bazm Ahl-e-Qalam Pakistan. The event, attended by many notable writers, artists, and officials from literary organizations in the twin cities, celebrated Waheed’s unique status as the creator of two influential Punjabi poetry collections and her national fame.