The Department of Urdu at Hazara University, Mansehra, organized a day-long conference in honour of renowned Urdu poet Ghulam Muhammad Kasir, where scholars, academics, poets, and literary figures paid rich tribute to his outstanding contributions to Urdu literature.
The conference was attended by members of the late poet’s family, including his son Imad Kasir and brother-in-law Khawar Ahmad, alongside professors, researchers, writers, and literary enthusiasts from across Pakistan.
The event comprised three sessions. Addressing the inaugural session, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Ikramullah Khan, Dean of the Faculty of Arts Prof. Dr. Shakir Ullah, and Chairman of the Department of Urdu Prof. Dr. Altaf Yousafzai highlighted the objectives and significance of the conference.
Paying glowing tribute to Ghulam Muhammad Kasir’s literary services, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Ikramullah Khan praised the Department of Urdu for organizing the event and congratulated Prof. Dr. Altaf Yousafzai and his team on their efforts.
“Poets never truly die; they continue to live in the hearts of people through their words and poetry,” the VC remarked, adding that Kasir’s remarkable literary work continues to inspire generations of readers.
Dean of the Faculty of Arts Prof. Dr. Shakir Ullah delivered a detailed presentation on the life and literary journey of Ghulam Muhammad Kasir. He said that the national poet began his literary career in the remote town of Paharpur in Dera Ismail Khan and gradually rose to international recognition through the strength of his poetry.
Born on September 4, 1944 in Paharpur, DI Khan, Kasir first gained national attention when legendary poet Ahmad Nadeem Qasmi introduced him through the prestigious literary journal Fanoon in 1977.
Thereafter, his poetic voice reached audiences far beyond his hometown through national mushairas and literary programmes on radio and television.
Welcoming the participants, Prof. Dr. Altaf Yousafzai highlighted the aims of the conference and shed light on Kasir’s literary legacy.
“What made Kasir Sahib unique was his ability to combine traditional poetic elegance with modern themes,” he said.