CANBERRA: Urdu lovers in the Australian capital city Canberra spent an evening with the visiting poets of Pakistani Urdu literati recently.

Organized by Bazm-e-Adab Canberra, the mushaira (poetic gathering) enthralled the Urdu lovers of both Pakistan and India.

Pakistan’s noted poet, satirist and columnist Ataul Haq Qasmi was the chief guest, with Saud Usmani and Uzair Ahmed accompanying him.

Qasmi stole the show by captivating audience with his poetry. He kept listeners completely engaged with his charming style of narrating his life experiences and showing his mastery in the choice of words.

High Commissioner of Pakistan Abdul Malik Abdullah was the guest of honor.

Other dignitaries included Asima Rabbani, deputy high commissioner of Pakistan; Brig. Mohammed Asghar, defense attache of Pakistan; Ali Khurram, president Pakistan Association of Canberra, and Hasib Khan, former president of Indian Association of Canberra.

Presence of the adabi parwanay (literary moths) was a testimony that Urdu is not just limited to the borders of the subcontinent.

Australian poets who recited their poetry included Noshi Gilani, Saeed Khan, Shabbir Haider, Ateeq Siddiqui, Mohammed Ali and Zeeshan Haider. The latter also conducted the proceedings of the evening.

The Pakistan high commissioner hosted a lunch the following day at his residence in the honor of visiting guests and members of Bazm-e-Adab Canberra.

Poets like Saeed Khan and Noshi Gilani of the Urdu Academy Australia organized several such mushairas and presentations in cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra during the two-week long visit of the poets from Pakistan.