Remembering revolutionary poet Ahmad Faraz on his 12th death anniversary

Nation remembers the revolutionary poet Ahmad Faraz and father of Senator Shibli Faraz on his 12th death anniversary today (Tuesday).

Syed Ahmad Ali Shah popularly known as Ahmad Faraz was born in Kohat on 12th January 1931. He was a recognized national poet, who published thirteen collections of poetry and earned large public acclaim.

He was also awarded Hilal-e-Imtiaz by the government of Pakistan. Faraz has been compared with Faiz Ahmad Faiz, holds a unique position as one of the best poets of current times, with a fine but simple style of writing, which can be understood by common people.

The legendary poet wrote extensively on romantic themes but he also used poetry as an instrument for political resistance. He raised his voice against the military dictatorship of Zia-ul-Haq and was arrested for it.

Moreover, Faraz went into self-imposed exile for six years and wrote Muhasira, a satirical piece on the dictator’s rule.

After his death, Ahmad Faraz became the target of a nationwide scandal where distasteful specimens of poetry were credited to his name and sent through text messages.

One of the reasons for this public humiliation was his statement that while Muhammad Iqbal had one book to his name, he had thirteen. That instigated a backlash from the extremists.

It is also possible that since popularity is a double-edged sword, Faraz’s fame also became the stimulus for his humiliation.

His poetry was also adapted for musical compositions. His ghazal Ranjish was sung by Mehdi Hassan and gained popularity.

Faraz passed away from kidney failure on 25th August 2008. He is survived by the legacy of his poetry.