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Top names at Urdu poetry session today

DUBAI - Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD) is organising an Urdu Mazahiya Mushaira at the Pakistan Sports and Recreation Club in Dubai today at 8.30pm.

Prominent poets Anwar Masood, Prof. Mohammad Taha Khan, Khalid Masood, Inamul Haq Javaid, Nasir Naqvi, Inayat Ali Khan, Zia-ul-Haq Qasmi, Athar Shah Khan (Mr Jaidi), and Sarfraz Mehmmod will take part in the humourous-satirical poetry session. Amanullah I. Larik, Consul-General of Pakistan, will be the chief guest.

Shafi Samana, PAD president, and Ejaz Malik, secretary of its social and cultural committee, accompanied by poets Mr Athar Khan and Mr Inayat addressed a Press conference at the club yesterday. Mr Ejaz said that more than 1,000 guests were expected at the Mushaira in which special arrangements have been made for the ladies to attend. The admission is by invitation.

Mr Athar and Mr Inayat took the opportunity to praise Dr Syed Azhar Ali Zaidi and late Saleem Jafri who had introduced Mazahiya (humourous) mushairas in the UAE in the 1980s.

"Mushairas are part of our culture and tradition, but they need better support and sponsorship," Mr Athar said.

He said that the low literacy rate back in Pakistan was a hurdle in the popularity of poetry and short stories since there was a communication gap between the poets/writers and the masses. The popularity of literature can be revived by increasing the level of education, he added.

Mr Inayat said that humour poetry was addressing the social and political issues and at the same time entertaining the people. Since the language of humour poetry was simple, it was better understood even among the less educated, he said.

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