Allama Iqbal remembered at Pakistan High Commission London

Pakistan High Commission London organized a Mushaira (poetic recital) to pay
tribute to great poet philosopher Allama Muhammad Iqbal on 8 May 2015. The event was held in collaboration with Urdu Markaz London. Besides remembering Allama Iqbal, the Mehfil-e-Mushaira was aimed to promote the literary culture of Pakistan as well as reinvigorating a sense of pride, belonging and hope in the Pakistani community living in the UK.Some of the prominent British Pakistani poets recited their popular poems and
received applause from the audience. Renowned scholar of Iqbaliat Professor
Muhammad Sharif Baqa delivered a talk on prophesies of Allama Iqbal reflecting on his vision and thought about the future developments in the world.Dr Javaid Sheikh, Chairman Urdu Markaz London gave an overview of the activities and role of Urdu Markaz in promoting Urdu language in the UK. Dr David Matthews, who is renowned a scholar of Urdu language, spoke on the poetry of Iqbal. Broadcaster and social activist Durdana Ansari OBE enthralled the audience by singing a poem of Allama Iqbal in her melodious voice.

H.E. Syed Ibne Abbas, Pakistan High Commissioner to the UK presided over the event. In his address, the High Commissioner appreciated the poets for their efforts and hard work in serving the national language and spreading the message of love for Pakistan, in the diaspora. He emphasized on the need of encouraging and promoting young Urdu poets who could introduce British Pakistani youth to their language and culture in a better way.

Deliberating upon the various dimensions of Iqbal`s poetry and philosophy, the
High Commissioner said that the teachings of Iqbal have been a great source of
inspiration for us and there was a need to spread his universal message of hope and human dignity in the world. Appreciating the role of Urdu Markaz London and its Chairman Dr Javaid Sheikh, the High Commissioner assured the Urdu Markaz of his cooperation in organizing such events in future. He said that the High Commission would continue to provide a platform for cultural events to engage our community in the UK.

The poets included Faizan Arif who conducted the Mushaira, Basir Kazmi, Seemi Barlas, Yashab Tamanna, Saleem Figgar, Shahbaz Khawaja, Saira Batool, Khaliq Majid, Dr Hilal Farid, Ehsan Shahid, Aisha Khalid, and Najma Usman.

Dr Israr Hussain, Minister (Consular Affairs) moderated the event. A large
number of Pakistani community and representatives of media attended the Mushaira and were served over a dinner.