KARACHI: Poets and writers cannot be confined to geographical or linguistic boundaries because they are ambassador oflove and peace and a collective literary asset of humanity.

This was stated by Sindh Minister for Culture, Tourism and Antiquities Syed Sardar Ali Shah while talking to the media at the National Museum after inauguration of a 15-day special exhibition of relics and belongings of the national poet, Dr Allama Mohammed Iqbal, on the occasion of his birth anniversary.

`It is my keen interest that as Iqbal day is celebrated here in Sindh, likewise someday Shah Latif day will be celebrated in other provinces of the country.

The minister said writers, poets, artists and all literary souls could not be confined to geographical or linguistic boundaries but they were the fountains of inspiration for all humans around the world.

`We have confined AllamaIqbal to only one arena of politics who dreamt of Pakistan as elaborated in his 1930 address, but where did the great poet of Persian language Dr Muhammad Iqbal gone, who was the creator of such a beautiful and mesmerising verses in not only in Urdu, but also in Persian.

He lamented that there was no or less research work done on Iqbal especially on his Persian poetry, and one should come forward and examine his Javed Nama and Zarb-i-Kaleem to know better how tall literary soul his was indeed.

Responding to a question bymedia, Syed Sardar Shah said that people loved Iqbal, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Baba Bulleh Shah, Khushal Khan Khattak, Ahmed Faraz and Mirza Ghalib.

`We have been celebrating their days here with the same enthusiasm as we do for our Shah Latif and Sachal Sarmast.

He expressed the hope that soon the day would come when Shah Latif day would be celebrated in Peshawar, Shaikh Ayaz day at Sahiwal, and day of Ustad Bukhari would be celebrated in Faisalabad. He said this was the only way to createandstrengthenthecordialand amiable bond between the provinces, because these writers were the ambassador of peace and love for all nations.

Mr Shah further said that the main objective of organising this special exhibition was to educate and inspire younger generation regarding the works of Iqbal, so that they could take some inspiration from his towering personality, and this would enhance their creative faculties of mind.

`We are living in times of chaos, extremism, terrorism and despair, and only such writers spread hope, and inspire and ignite our souls to carry on our struggle for a better world.

At the exhibition organised by the cultural department, besides handwritten letters of Allama Iqbal, there was a display of vast collection of articles which remained in daily use of the great poet including his chair, umbrella, stick, turban, black gown, books, 1st edition of his poetic works and numerous photographs depicting his personal, social and political life.