LAHOR E: The single-day Jalib Jamhoori Mela witnessed a big turnout at the Cosmopolitan Club, Lawrence Garden, here on Sunday.

The venue was decorated with big flexes bearing portraits of people`s poet, late Habib Jalib, and red flags reflecting his struggle for a progressive revolution, while the stage had a backdrop inscribed with his verses.

There were book stalls offering books on subsidised price. The festival began with the recital of Jalib`s poetry by his daughter Tahira Jalib, Hasnain Jamil Afridi, Ammar Ali Jan of Haqoog-i-Khalg Party (HKP) and others.

Speakers, on the occasion, underlined the need for reviving the spirit of Jalib`s thought process. Muzamil Khan Kakar from HKP talked about problems being faced by students, while Amna Chaudhry highlighted issues faced by women.

Comrade Sunil, Abu Zara Madhu and Awais Qarni also spoke on the occasion. The festival also featured a Mushaira (poetical sitting), where a number of poets recited their poetry.

There were was a classical dance performance by renowned dancer Sheema Kirmani, besides musical and theatrical performances by different artistes.

Traditional dances featuring Pashto, Baloch, Saraiki, Sindhi, and Punjabi performances were also presented. Staff Reporter