World | Pakistan
Leading Urdu poet Faraz laid to rest
One of the greatest Urdu poets Ahmad Faraz, who died on Monday, was buried here yesterday. However, the funeral of the renowned poet and literary figure was overshadowed by the intense political activity in the capital. Hundreds of people from different walks of lives attended his funeral.
- By Ashfaq Ahmed, Chief Reporter
- Published: 23:43 August 26, 2008
Islamabad: One of the greatest Urdu poets Ahmad Faraz, who died on Monday, was buried here yesterday. However, the funeral of the renowned poet and literary figure was overshadowed by the intense political activity in the capital. Hundreds of people from different walks of lives attended his funeral.
Faraz, 78, leaves behind a widow and three sons. He died after prolonged illness since his return from US last month, where he had suffered a kidney failure and had been put on dialysis.
Against dictatorship
Faraz was a progressive poet and always stood against military dictatorship in the country. He was a passionate and popular voice for democratic change.
He held a masters degrees in Urdu and Persian and had started his career as a script writer on Radio Pakistan. He was also a teacher and was founder Director of Academy of Letters in 1976.
His poetry was rich in romance and progressive ideas and he always talked about people's rights.
"Faraz was the greatest contemporary Urdu poet and his death is a irreparable loss to Urdu literature," Iftikhar Arif, director of Academy of Letters, said. He also served as Chairman of the National Book Foundation.
Bold stance
Due to his progressive approach and bold stance, he was forced to go into self-imposed exile for three years during the rule of General Zia-ul-Haq.
"Apart from being a great poet, he was a great father and always gave us the right to have independent opinion," Shibly Faraz, the late poet's son, said.
He also gave his full support to the lawyers movement for the restoration of judiciary.
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