On the occasion of Defence Day, Najaf Ali Shah Bokhari, a well known poet and author brings out his first book of the present century on National patriotic poetry titled Sabz Hilali Parcham Apna that has been dedicated to the fearless soldiers of Pakistan.
This book gives poetic expression to the relentless services rendered by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the ‘Poet of the East’, Dr Muhammad Iqbal.
The poet pays homage to the martyrs of the War of 1965 like Major Aziz Bhatti, Major Shabbir Sharif, and those of Kargil such as Colonel Sher Khan.
He also expresses his poetic tribute to the sacrifices laid down by Kashmiri brethren and sisters, and the young martyrs of Army Public School Peshawar.
This is the first poetic attempt at patriotic expression of this century. Prior to it, Jamiluddin Aali’s contribution to national and patriotic poetry in the previous century was important. Besides the present publication, the poet has 9 books to his credit.
Published by Jamal Publishers Multan, the book contains comments and opinions of illustrious academic, literary and intellectual figures.
Hopefully, this attempt at national and patriotic poetry will meet appreciative response from literary circles.
Published in Daily Times, September 6th 2018.