ISLAMABAD: Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) has launched a documentary on the life and literary work of legendary poet Ahmad Faraz, on the occasion of his birthday. The 20-minutes long documentary highlights various aspects of Faraz’s spirited personality and his poetic contribution in focusing on human values and the causes of depression. The ceremony was largely attended by literary figures and fans of the revolutionary poet. Professor Fateha Muhamad, Iftikhar Arif, journalist Hamid Mir, Major (retd) Amir. The poet’s sons Senator Syed Shibli Faraz and Sadi Faraz were also present on the occasion. AIOU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Shahid Siddiqui spoke on the occasion and paid rich tribute to Faraz. He said that the university had fulfilled their responsibility of preparing a befitting documentary on the life and work of the great poet. The documentary was jointly produced by the university’s department of Urdu and the AIOU Institute of Educational Technology. The documentary, titled ‘Faraz-i-Ead Saz’, also contained his TV interviews through which he elaborated his dreams and imagination for a better society that he portrayed in his ‘Ghazals and poetic verses. It also consisted of comments on his poetic life by his brother Masood Kasur, his son Shibili Faraz, Fateha Muhammad Malik and Kiswar Naheed. The speakers congratulated Dr Shahid Sididqui and his team for producing an inspiring documentary on Faraz. While eulogizing Faraz’s courageous and revolutionary thoughts, they said that he stood boldly against the dictatorial regime and went through imprisonment for speaking the truth. Faraz was also widely appreciated for his sense of humour and presentation of poetry in a romantic way. Dr Shahid Siddiqui further said that the university will soon release a research-based special edition on the poetic work of Ahmad Faraz.