Tributes paid to Balochi poet Syed Zahoor Shah Hashmi on 100th birth anniversary

GWADAR: National Party President Dr Malik Baloch and other speakers paid tribute to Balochi poet Syed Zahoor Shah Hashmi at an event held to mark his 100th birth anniversary, saying his poetry and literary contributions continue to offer guidance to the youth of Balochistan.

According to the speakers, Syed Zahoor Shah Hashmi was an institution in his own right and remained dedicated throughout his life to the promotion and development of the Balochi language. They said his role in Balochi literature extended beyond poetry and reflected a lifelong commitment to the language and its growth.

The speakers also highlighted that, besides being a poet, Hashmi was a linguist with command over Balochi, Urdu, Arabic, English and Persian. They said his scholarly and literary work had left a lasting mark on Balochi language and literature.

Event held in Gwadar

The anniversary programme was organised by Syed Hashmi Academy in collaboration with the RCD Council in Gwadar. A large number of students, poets, intellectuals, political leaders and other attendees from Karachi, Makran and Iran took part in the event.

The gathering focused on Hashmi’s literary services and his place in Balochi intellectual and cultural life. Speakers described his work as a source of inspiration for younger generations and said his contributions remained relevant for those seeking direction through literature and language.

The event was spread over two days and included a range of activities. These featured book launches, a tree-plantation campaign, a photo exhibition and a musical performance by the RSI band.

The participation of people from different areas, including Karachi, Makran and Iran, reflected the wider recognition of Hashmi’s contribution to Balochi literature. The programme brought together students, writers, thinkers and political figures to commemorate the poet’s centenary and acknowledge his services to language and culture.

Speakers at the event reiterated that Syed Zahoor Shah Hashmi’s poetry and other literary works continued to hold significance in Balochistan, particularly for young people. They said his life and work remained closely tied to the advancement of the Balochi language and to the literary heritage of the region.