Allama Iqbal Day celebration in Toronto

First International Poetry Recitation to Commemorate Allama Iqbal Day,Poet of the East

First international Mushaira to commemorate the birthday of Allama Dr Muhammad Iqbal was held in Toronto on April 27, 2014 at Toronto Plaza Hotel. It was organized by Mr Nafees Zakaria, Consul General of Pakistan in Toronto with Zakiyya Ghazal of Azhar International. It was presided over by Dr Pirzada Qasim, an noted writer and intellectual from Pakistan. Two prominent poets from also graced this occasion with their presence, eminent journalist Mahmood Sham and outstanding column writer, journalist, poet, author, dramatist Amjad Islam Amjad. It was attended by close to 500 people.

The consul general of India Mr Misra also attended and gave a wonderful speech which was continuously applauded by the audience. Three poets from New York and local Canadian poets like Nuzhat Siddiqui and Ashfar Hussain, also recited their poetry. The poetry recitation show was stolen by a poet from New York whose sarcastic poetry on the political situation in Pakistan was hailed by one and all continuously.

The event was very well organized. Thanks to Mr Rehan Chaudhry Virk and his team at the Toronto Plaza Hotel for making this successful at this grand scale. The Consul General of Pakistan Nafees Zakaria also deserves for his vision, magnanimity and professionalism above and beyond his diplomatic responsibilities.

Media Coverage

The entire event was covered by local Pakistani media: Moeen and Irfan Siddiqui (RAWAL TV), Asian Television Network, Mrs Sameena Ahmad (Adaab TV, OMNI), Naseeurddin (CanPak Voice), Nadeem Ansari (Columist Urdu Post), The Muslim Times & many more.

Allama Iqbal Day Mushaira stage

Amjad Islam Amjad, an pre-eminent writer from Pakistan with Mahmood Sham, brilliant poet and journalist

Zakaria Virk, Editor TMT Canada  Mahmood Sham and Amjad Islam Amjad at the Iqbal Day Mushaira, Toronto April 2014