The 4th death anniversary of Abeda Iqbal Azad, one of the popular poets, short story writer and columnist of Karachi is being commemorated on April 20, with review sessions and symposium undertaken by scholars and journalists under the auspices of different literary bodies. Karachi Press Club's literary committee will be holding a review session while literary forum Momaaslat-e-Asrar has chalked out a symposium to pay tribute to late Abeda Iqbal Azad for her fine work of literature.
Earlier, on April 5, Halqa-e-Arbab-e- Zauq observed the anniversary by organising a presentation session where Urdu literati read out Abeda's poetic works and prose write-ups and acknowledged her contribution towards Urdu literature and mainstream writing. Speakers at the occasion paid glowing tribute to Abeda Iqbal in what was termed as the scholars' ceremony consisting of a prayer and reading from Abeda's weighty works.
It is pertinent to note that every year Abeda's anniversary has been of literary circle's interest, but prayers on the day remained a quiet family and friends' affair - apart from the press and events to mark her anniversary, some even far away from Karachi. Abeda "s birth anniversary was celebrated on 4th of this month. If one is an ardent Abeda fan, he/she can visit the Facebook Fan Page entitled 'dedicated to Abeda Iqbal Azad.' The page is posting details of Abeda's life, journalistic works and her passion for poetry. Some rare poetic notes, hand written pieces that were left unpublished and her book cover page are also posted on the page.
Abeda Iqbal released her works in three different categories of literature that are short story, poetry and mainstream writings in the format of articles & columns as a journalist both in Urdu and English. Abeda started writing for newspapers at an early age. She struck prominence with her powerhouse creativity displayed in her book of poems, Aasman along with two popular columns Aaina and Chehre that were simultaneously being published in different local newspapers. Abeda Iqbal has gone by so very early at the height of her career. But her poetry and write-ups continue to hold remarkable relevance in today's society, with many of her well-known works written on Pakistan's politics and Karachi situation continue to resonate today. -PR