Adil Najam
Aitizaz Ahsan, flaws and all, has become the voice of the moment. The voice of a generation. This voice, which has become my voice and, maybe, yours speaks more passionately in the idiom of poetry than in the idiom of prose. It speaks most passionately in this poem – Kal, Aaj and Kal – that reflects his thoughts on current issues after his recent release.
Listen for yourself. And listen again. It is worth pondering upon. Worth thinking about.
Aik muhazzab quom ko, daikho, khod hum nay badnaam kiya hai
Part II here:
There are so many thoughts, so many lines, so many ideas, so many metaphors here that I would love to comment upon. But poetry is better listened than dissected. So listen, friends. And ponder yourself. Share your thoughts. But even if you choose not to, please, do think.
Note: Thanks to the various readers – 6 and counting – who have alerted me to this.
After ghostwriting a dictator’s memoirs, Altaf Gauhar was definitely in need of Hidayat… :)
Too bad not much of it rubbed off on his son, who continued the family’s illustrious legacy of penning awe-inspiring prose for their masters…
Thought provoking message for not only Pakistanis but also for all humanity.
Thank you Aitzaz Ahsan
If Allah is given Hidyat he can get hidayatother wise none. Altaf Gohar Chief Editor of Daily Dawn Karchi , while he in prison during Z.A. Bhutto he translate Tafheem ul quran written by (mulana Abul Aala maudoodi) after that he was a different man and he mentioned that ayyame asseri changed his life and thinking. Now same thing here with Aitazaz Hassan and his poetry might be changed his life and could be a potential for Pakistan. May Allah give us taufique for good deeds. Jamal Ahmed
Every Pakistani dreams of this day!
This uncertainty will not last long but successful nations have treaded this path before attaining a status of recognition.
We have to grow as a nation, not as military, mullas, rich , poor, blackmailers, whiners, hoarders, profiteers or usurpers.
Beleive in Pakistan and be a Pakistani!
I wonder whether The Great (Retired) Jackboot condones the Quislings League’s new electoral alliance with none other than the banned sectarian terrorists of the Sipah-e-Sahaba…
http://www.bbc.co.uk/urdu/elections08/story/2008/02/080216_ssp_pmlq_alliance_ns.shtml
Wow Aitizaz is Brilliant
ITS title should be bazaban-i Aitizaz Ahsan Shame on you Perviaz Mushraff
Wonderful poem! I am wondering if anyone has the text or if Ahsan Saahab has released a facsimile of the poem in his handwriting.
I second the call for the poem to be set to visuals (a la “yes we can”) and would be even cooler if someone would sing it as well!
Great poetry! We need more people like Aitizaz in politics. People who have a bit of idealism, compassion and humanity along with intellect — and men who don’t have to dye their hair to try to look young.