Karachi: Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi paid tribute to renowned Urdu writer and humorist Mushtaq Ahmed Yousufi.

Event featured prominent figures including poetess Fatima Hasan, Shahid Rassam, Ambareen Haseeb Ambar and Hoori Noorani, who shared their thoughts on Yousufi’s literary legacy.  Notable poet Iftikhar Arif presided over ceremony via video link, while Shakeel Khan performed duties as moderator. Iftikhar Arif expressed his gratitude to President Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi Ahmed Shah for organising event in honour of Mushtaq Ahmad Yousufi. Arif mentioned his intention to write about these phases and praised Yousufi’s impeccable sense of dressing.  He recalled that he had often mentioned during Yousufi’s lifetime that he considered him among most popular prose writers in Urdu literature. Arif emphasised that Yousufi’s journey up to ‘Aab-e-Gum’ was unique.  Noon Meem Rashid and Mushtaq Ahmad Yosufi are treasures for Urdu prose writers.

Arif acknowledged that he had learned lot from Yousufi, noting that his humor was distinct from all others and said that he was punctual and honest individual.  Fatima Hasan shared fond memories of Yousufi. She recalled that Anwar Maqsood, Zehra Nigah and Ahmed Faraz, often went on picnics together when Yousufi was alive. She noted that Ahmed Shah established Josh Malihabadi Library with Yousufi’s collection of 10,000 books. Poet Dr. Ambareen Haseeb Ambar remarked that Mushtaq Ahmed Yousufi’s name would always remain alive, highlighting his immense passion for helping others to progress.  Hoori Noorani shared her experiences as publisher, stating that her journey began with Yousufi, though sadly, he passed away few years later. She recalled that when ‘Aab-e-Gum’ was about to be published. She noted that while initial publishing process involved traditional calligraphy, ‘Aab-e-Gum’ was first to be composed on computer. She credited Yousufi for her success as an editor. During event, Arts Council Karachi, Arts School Principal Shahid Rassam read paper based on memories of Mushtaq Ahmad Yousufi, celebrating indelible mark he left on Urdu literature.