Poets Inspire Social Justice, Harmony at Toba Tek Singh Festival

Faisalabad: (Abdul Majid) Vice Chairman Ideology Pakistan, President Pakistan Ex-Servicemen Society (PESS) and Chief Patron Pakistan Youth Parliament Lieutenant General (retd) Abdul Qayyum has said that poets are among the most fortunate people in society, who are endowed with creative minds and moral insight so that they can highlight the social issues facing humanity through their effective and thought-provoking poetry. He said that poetry has always played a decisive role in awakening collective consciousness, promoting justice and becoming the voice of the deprived classes.

He was addressing an international poetry festival held in Toba Tek Singh as the chief guest, in which eminent poets, writers, intellectuals, youth representatives and members of civil society from different parts of the country participated.

Lieutenant General (retd) Abdul Qayyum further said that protecting the rights of the poor and deprived classes, ensuring the security of minorities and promoting interfaith harmony are not a matter of political expediency or personal choice for Muslims but a divine command. He said that Islam teaches mercy, justice and respect for human dignity, and it is a religious duty to stand with the oppressed and promote harmony between different religions.

Appreciating the role of poets and literary figures, he said that poetry is a mirror of society, which reflects its injustices as well as its aspirations and hopes. He paid tribute to those poets who raise their bold voices against social inequality, intolerance and injustice and spread the message of peace, unity and mutual coexistence.

On this occasion, Lt. Gen. (retd) Abdul Qayyum also inaugurated a library in Toba Tek Singh, which has been established with the cooperation of Dr. Rauf and his talented sister Rehana Qamar, who lives in the US. He termed this academic project as a valuable step towards intellectual development, training of youth and social betterment.

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The newly-born library will serve as an important knowledge hub for youth, ex-servicemen, poets, writers and researchers, where they will have access to quality books, literary collections and educational resources. General Abdul Qayyum expressed hope that this library will play a significant role in promoting the habit of reading, critical thinking and creativity among the younger generation.

He appreciated the vision, passion and social services of Dr. Rauf and Rehan Qamar and said that such community-based and knowledge-based initiatives play a key role in nation-building. He urged philanthropists and professionals from within and abroad to invest in projects related to education, knowledge and intellectual development.

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At the end of the Mushaira, the poets delivered speeches on the themes of humanity, social justice, peace and cultural harmony, while the participants paid tribute to the organizers for organizing a purposeful, intellectual and high-level literary event.