A veteran Pakistani-American Urdu poet and scholar Mamoon Aiman was honored by Alami Urdu Markaz-Jeddah on Thursday.

The Urdu Markaz is known for organizing literary evenings for visiting Urdu poets, critics and scholars.

Aiman was praised for his mastery of Urdu Rubaiyat. His poetry was well-received by attendees.

Aiman, a naturalized American citizen, is an English teacher. He is famous in North America’s Urdu circles and a familiar literary figure on Pakistan Radio, BBC and Voice of America. He is in the Kingdom to perform Umrah. Aiman was born in Allahabad, India, in 1941 and migrated to Lahore, Pakistan, following the partition in 1947. He has been living in the United States for the last four decades and is engaged in writing Urdu poetry and prose.

The event began with the recitation of the Holy Qur’an by Fahad Ayyub Najmi while Mubashir Janjua presented a naat. Mohammad Bilal, principal, Pakistan International School-Jeddah, was the guest of honor. Abu Akif chaired the first session and Pakistani Vice Consul Welfare Syed Tahsimul Haq Haqqi chaired the poetry session. Syed Shahabuddin introduced the guests.

The other poets who presented their compositions included Muhammad Nawaz Janjua, Mohsin Alvi, Faisal Tufail, Mahtab Qadr, Nasir Burney, Zamurrad Saifee, Anwar Ansari, Athar Abbasi, Muhammad Mujahid Syed and Nayeem Bazidpuri.

Athar Abbasi, president of Alami Urdu Markaz-Jeddah, announced the establishment of a public library at the Pakistan International School-Jeddah. His initiative was welcomed by the community members and Pakistani consulate officials.

The officials assured Alami Urdu Markaz of their full support for this noble cause. Gifts were presented to Fahad Najmi and Mubashir Janjua by the Urdu Markaz. Mohsin Alvi compered the event.