Being Faiz’s daughter

Muneeza Hashmi optimistic about Pakistan’s future, calls Imran Khan a leader of honesty and integrity

Muneeza Hashmi is a renowned television producer and broadcaster. She is the youngest daughter of the legendary Pakistani poet Faiz Ahmad Faiz and the writer of a newly launched book “Conversations with my father”.

What’s going on these days?

A lot of exciting stuff! I am working as a General Manager of International Relations with a renowned national television channel. Moreover, I am rendering my services as a Special Consultant for a Lahore-based private educational institute, Faiz Ghar and Alhamra Art Centre Lahore.

Tell us about your book, ‘Conversations with my father’?

This book is very close to my heart as it is based on the exchange of letters between me and my late father Faiz Ahmed Faiz. I could not respond to all his letters earlier as I think I was too young at that time, I have now complied and responded to all his letters and that’s what has made this book. I know that there have been thousands of books written on Faiz about his life as a philosopher, thinker, writer etc. but this is the only book which gives detailed insights into his personality as a father. I started writing it back in the Covid-19 outbreak, and it was launched as soon as it got completed on February 13, 2022.

Do you think that Faiz’s writings are given due importance in the Pakistani educational curriculum?

The Pakistani educational curriculum is a mess. “Barbaad gulistan karne ko bas aik hi ullu kafi tha, har shaakh pe ullu baitha hai, anjam-e-gulistan kya hoga” I think this verse fully explains what I want to tell. Dr Arfa Sayeda Zehra also stresses bringing about a revolution in the education sector in Pakistan. Faiz’s writings are unfortunately not part of the educational system because every individual with sensitive intellect, knowledge and intelligence does not fulfil the criterion to become a part of the publication of textbooks for the national educational curriculum (laughs).

Tell us about your fondest memories with Faiz Sahab?

He had written a poem for me entitled “Muneeza Hamari Beti Hai ” which I am still very proud of! We could not spend a lot of time with him because he was always occupied with bigger things to deal with. So, at that time we hardly read his poetry, and as a father, he too had little time to tell us about his writings. To everybody’s surprise, I started taking classes from one of my kindest friends Dr Arfa Sayeda Zehra to completely understand Faiz’s writings. His poetry is a combination of three different languages including Urdu, Persian and Arabic. He has also used Quranic verses as quotations and references in his writings. Therefore, I always say Faiz has been a difficult poet to understand. His writings surprise me even now!

Do you see the passion for learning and writing Urdu in our youth?

I think it is the responsibility of the elders of our families to teach youngsters about our heritage and culture. Urdu is not just a language; it is the name of our identity for it is our national language. As we know that the language associated with people and their way of expression is also very close to our hearts. So, I think it should be taught to our younger generation.

Unfortunately, because the popular medium of education is English, the importance of the Urdu language is decreasing but yes, there is still hope and a lot of work is still being done to promote, learn and understand Urdu. And of course, some youngsters are putting in extra effort and going the extra mile to learn and study it.

Faiz is considered to be a modern poet. Was he a liberal?

I think he had a very balanced personality in terms of being liberal and modest. My elder son Ali writes in his book that last night after which Faiz never returned home and finally got reunited with God, he had led prayer in a mosque. So, I think religion is the name of sincerity towards God and His Prophet (PBUH). When a connection is created with God and its strength is examined through challenges and various endeavours throughout life, a stage comes in life when one obtains spirituality. Let me tell you about my first visit to Masjid Alaqsa, upon which I felt being embraced by a supernatural body. I wish to visit Karbala once in my life. And I believe that all these respectable shrines and places make a huge impact in terms of connecting that wire of spirituality between you and the Supreme being!

Faiz’s poetry reflects the message of women’s empowerment. What is your take on current trends of feminism and woman empowerment?

Well, yes his poetry is a complete code of conduct not only for the privileged but also for marginalised, underprivileged and underpowered sects of society in my opinion. Once I and Salima were talking about women empowerment trends prevalent in the country and Faiz was asked about his hope for the country, to which he instantly said ‘women’ are the hope! His writings have always empowered women, and he was the man who always talked about their respect and dignity. He was a driving force behind our education. And I think, if he was alive he would have asked for the constitutional rights of every woman. So that women could independently live in their homeland without any fear whatsoever.

You have been knowing Imran Khan for a very long time. How is he as a person?

Imran Khan is a dedicated Pakistani. He is a great leader and a human being, in general. Two of his remarkable qualities that I, and of course, those who know him cannot deny are his integrity and honesty!

Are you optimistic about the future of Pakistan?

I would like to use one verse of Faiz’s poetry to describe it. “Dil na umeed to nahi, nakaam hi to hai. Lambi hai gham ki shaam par shaam hi to hai”. Just like the message of Faiz I never lose hope, yes! I am very optimistic about the future of my country.