Karachi
\nThe Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi organized a commemorative event at the Josh Malihabadi Library to mark the 87th birth anniversary of renowned poet Ubaidullah Aleem.
\nThe gathering was attended by President of the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, Muhammad Ahmed Shah, while the event was presided over by Prof. Sahar Ansari. Distinguished speakers included Ghazi Salahuddin, Javed Saba, and Wusatullah Khan. Veteran journalist Azhar Abbas captivated the audience with his unique recitation of Aleem\u2019s poetry and ghazals, earning enthusiastic applause from attendees.
\nA large number of poets, literary figures, and members of civil society were also present. The event was moderated by Shakeel Khan. On this occasion, a birthday cake was also cut in celebration of Ubaidullah Aleem\u2019s 87th birth anniversary.
\nThe ceremony commenced with a Show reel presentation highlighting the literary and artistic contributions of Ubaidullah Aleem, which was warmly appreciated by the audience.
\nIn his presidential address, Prof. Sahar Ansari remarked that although twenty-seven years have passed since Ubaidullah Aleem\u2019s departure, his memories and poetry remain alive and relevant.
\nHe particularly thanked Muhammad Ahmed Shah for consistently ensuring that the legacy of important literary personalities and historical events is preserved and introduced to younger generations.
\nHe noted that Aleem enjoyed immense popularity among young readers and listeners. \u201cHe was never a poet of subdued expression,\u201d Ansari said. \u201cHe articulated his emotions and convictions with remarkable intensity, which is why he remains one of the most significant and distinctive voices in Urdu poetry.
\nFuture generations will continue to draw inspiration from his work.\u201d He further observed that one of the tragedies of our society is the lack of adequate efforts to preserve the works of its writers and intellectuals.
\nSpeaking on the occasion, Muhammad Ahmed Shah said that love is the fundamental metaphor of poetry and that Ubaidullah Aleem\u2019s ghazals vividly reflect its many dimensions and emotional states.
\n\u201cBehind every ghazal lies a profound emotional experience or feeling,\u201d he said. \u201cAleem Sahib was an exceptionally kind and affectionate human being. Unfortunately, he never received the level of publication and recognition he truly deserved.\u201d
\nShah added that Ubaidullah Aleem is among those poets who should be celebrated and remembered continuously. \u201cHe was a poet of inspiration and emotional waves.
\nHe did not write poetry merely as an exercise in craftsmanship; whenever a surge of feeling arose within him, poetry would naturally flow from his being.\u201d
\nRenowned journalist, intellectual, and writer Ghazi Salahuddin stated that over the past decade, more work has been done in the field of visual arts than in literature.
\nHe emphasized the need to rediscover Ubaidullah Aleem and reassess his literary significance. \u201cAleem was among the few Urdu poets who built a unique bridge between tradition and modernity,\u201d he said.
\n\u201cHe was not merely a poet but a sensitive witness to his era. His poetry reflects the social and cultural experiences of Pakistan with remarkable depth. Our society needs poetry now more than ever.\u201d
\nJournalist and columnist Wusatullah Khan described Aleem as someone who lived poetry rather than merely writing it. \u201cPoetry was an inseparable part of his life,\u201d he said. \u201cWhenever he spoke, he offered fresh ideas, new perspectives, and original arguments.\u201d
\nKhan recalled the rich literary culture of Karachi in earlier decades, mentioning gatherings at the homes of Qarar Sahib, Saleem Ahmed, and Ubaidullah Aleem, where the doors were always open to writers, intellectuals, and visitors.
\n\u201cEven if someone arrived late at night, they would be welcomed with accommodation, food, and hospitality without question,\u201d he recalled. \u201cThis open-house culture survived until the 1980s but has gradually disappeared.\u201d He added that one of Aleem\u2019s greatest qualities was his generosity toward emerging writers, whom he encouraged and mentored with genuine affection.
\nWusatullah Khan also read out a letter written by Aleem\u2019s son, Umair Aleem. Poet Javed Saba remembered Ubaidullah Aleem as an engaging, straightforward, and principled individual.
\n\u201cHe was known for his honesty and clarity of expression,\u201d Saba said. \u201cParticularly when it came to poetry, he was deeply serious and uncompromising in his commitment to literary excellence.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Karachi The Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi organized a commemorative event at the Josh Malihabadi Library to mark the 87th birth anniversary of renowned poet Ubaidullah Aleem. The gathering was attended by President of the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, Muhammad Ahmed Shah, while the event was presided over by Prof. Sahar Ansari. Distinguished speakers […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":551136,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-551114","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-national"],"yoast_head":"\n