PESHAWAR: Speakers at a literary function here on Thursday showered accolades of praise on senior Pashto poet Taskeen Manirwal and termed him harbinger of love, peace and humanism.

Da Khwendo Adabi Lakhkar (KHAL), a literary organisation of women literati, in collaboration with culture directorate, conducted the event at cultural hall that was attended by poets, writers, students and f ans of the guest poet.

Speakers highlighted various aspects of the poetry of Mr Manirwal and critically analysed his popular poetic pieces.

Kulsoomzeb, chief of KHAL, said that Taskeen Manirwal was a distinct voice among his contemporaries due to his unique style of expression. She said that such bards lived very close to nature and were always in search of borrowing images from its serene and beautiful atmosphere.

She said that Mr Manirwal was a restless soul, who had picked up small and often apparently insignificant aspects of rural life and painted them with an altogether different look. It not only surprised the readers but also created a stir among listeners when sung by singers, she added.`Poets like Taskeen Manirwal should focus on natural world and should craft images of romantic sensibilities.

Poets are not reporters. They are agents of change through their creative thoughts,` said Ms Kulsoomzeb.

Akbar Hoti, a young literary critic, said that Taskeen Manirwal composed master pieces and won the title of `romantic bard` mostly because of his creative talent. He said that his poetry was laden with musicality and rhythmical orchestration that not only brought out a complete picture but also magical impact.

Noorul Amin Yousafzai, however, regretted that genuine poets like Mr Manirwal were being cornered owing to their low profile. He said that despite being sidelined, such poets never lost their image among the audience.Taskeen Manirwal on the occasion said that his maiden Pashto poetry collection `Sa Khuklay Sehra Way` published years ago brought him into a limelight and garnered him a public f ame.

He said that romantic poetry was not a mental luxury as understood by many critics but an inward journey. He said that genuine poets didn`t struggle with images rather images descended on them.

Alamzeb Khan, chief of Pak Afghan People`s Forum (PAPF), Shahbaz Khan, the deputy director of culture, Aziz Manirwal, Comrade Anwarzeb and Nargis Ada also spokeontheoccasion.

Later, a Pashto mushaira was conducted in which poetic tributes were presented to the guest poet.Bureau Report