BeYAD-e-Faiz

The Pakistan Maple Alliance organized this memorable event in Calgary under the leadership of Jamshaid Qureshi, Asif Anwer, and Syed Imtiaz Hussain, with generous support from sponsors, media partners, supporters, and dedicated volunteers. The event aimed to inspire critical thinking within the Pakistani-Canadian community and encourage advocacy for human rights and democratic values — ideals strongly reflected in the work of Faiz Ahmed Faiz.

The evening was a vibrant cultural and literary celebration attended enthusiastically by families from across the community. Shaista Rizvi and Shan Ali hosted the program as emcees. The audience watched a documentary highlighting Faiz’s life, vision, and enduring mission.

Intellectual discussions followed, featuring Iqbal Haider, Dr. Amir Jamal, Dr. Abdul Rehman, Tahor Alvi, and Asjad Bukhari, who spoke about Faiz’s deeply emotional poetry, his ishq-e-junoon, and his powerful message encouraging people to stand up for justice and human dignity.

The cultural segment included a soulful performance by Afghan Rubab player Hanifa Yousafi, along with Merajuddin Zada, Tehmina, Shaista, and Ruknuddin Sultani, who performed Sufi kalam and Faiz’s famous poem “Mere Dil Mere Musafir.”

Led by Ishita Singla, the Madhuban Performing Arts group Aafreen Ahmed, Pardeep Kumar, and Haiya Sitlani presented a graceful dance performance set to Faiz’s poems “Mujh Se Pehli Si Muhabbat” and “Hum Bhi Dekhenge,” beautifully transforming the atmosphere in the hall.

Legendary singer Jamal Raja then performed poetry by Faiz and Habib Jalib, captivating the audience with his powerful voice and emotional expression that left a mesmerizing impact.

The evening concluded with a Mushaira (poetry symposium) organized by Bazm e Adab society head, Amtal Mateen Khan Gazal, chaired by Abdul Basit Tahir, with chief guest Sugail Iqbal. Participating poets included Qarar, Shahid Pervaiz Jawad Gul, Rana Subhan, Ismaa Mansoor, and Anwer Sultan.

It was truly a fantastic night in Calgary one that the community will remember for years to come.

And Pakistan Maple Alliance is deeply thankful to Calgary Pakistani community for appreciating the start of such a literary and cultural evening.