Arts Council of Pakistan Pays Tribute to Mushtaq Ahmed Yousufi

Iftikhar Arif highlighted two key phases in

Yousufi’s life—before and after the publication

of his seminal work “Aab-e-Gum.”

Culture Reporter

Karachi: The Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi hosted a tribute to celebrated Urdu writer and humorist Mushtaq Ahmed Yousufi at the Haseena Moin Hall. The event gathered notable figures from the literary world, including poetess Fatima Hasan, Shahid Rassam, Ambareen Haseeb Ambar, and Hoori Noorani, who reflected on Yousufi’s lasting impact on Urdu literature. The ceremony was presided over by prominent poet Iftikhar Arif, who joined via video link, while Shakeel Khan served as the moderator.

Iftikhar Arif Praises Yousufi’s Literary Legacy

Iftikhar Arif expressed his gratitude to the President of the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, Muhammad Ahmed Shah, for organizing the tribute to Mushtaq Ahmed Yousufi. He highlighted two key phases in Yousufi’s life—before and after the publication of his seminal work “Aab-e-Gum.” Arif praised Yousufi’s unmatched sense of style and reflected on their shared memories, describing Yousufi as one of the most admired prose writers in Urdu. He further noted the unique trajectory of Yousufi’s literary journey, acknowledging his influence on the Urdu prose genre.

Fond Memories and Lasting Connections

Poetess Fatima Hasan shared her personal memories of Yousufi, recalling their group outings with fellow literary figures like Anwar Maqsood, Zehra Nigah, and Ahmed Faraz. She emphasized the close familial bond she had with Yousufi and commended Muhammad Ahmed Shah for preserving Yousufi’s legacy through the establishment of the Josh Malihabadi Library, which houses Yousufi’s collection of 10,000 books. Hasan remarked that Yousufi’s presence continues to unite and inspire.

Ambareen Haseeb Ambar Reflects on Yousufi’s Enduring Humor

Poet Dr. Ambareen Haseeb Ambar emphasized Yousufi’s lasting legacy, particularly his passion for helping others succeed. She shared a memory of Yousufi modestly declining an interview, stating that interviews were for those who had achieved something new. Ambar highlighted Yousufi’s intrinsic humor and his remarkable ability to retain his wit and authenticity despite his declining health, leaving a lasting impression on all who met him.

Publisher Hoori Noorani Recalls Yousufi’s Precision

Hoori Noorani, who worked as a publisher for Yousufi, shared her experiences of collaborating with him on the publication of his iconic work “Aab-e-Gum.” She recalled his involvement in every detail, from proofreading to cover design, despite being based in London at the time. Noorani credited Yousufi’s high standards and meticulous approach for shaping her career as an editor.

Shahid Rassam Honors Yousufi’s Contributions to Urdu Literature

During the event, Shahid Rassam, Principal of the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi Arts School, read a paper that celebrated Mushtaq Ahmed Yousufi’s immense contributions to Urdu literature. He highlighted the indelible mark Yousufi left on the literary landscape, ensuring that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.