https://twitter.com/home https://www.facebook.com/Shabbir.Hussain191By Shabbir Hussain
ISLAMABAD, July 1 (Alliance News): The legacy of Pakistan’s iconic poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz was celebrated in the United Kingdom as the British Council, in collaboration with the Faiz Foundation Trust, hosted a special Faiz Festival programme at the Bradford Literature Festival (BLF) 2025.
The event marked a cultural milestone in honouring Faiz’s timeless poetry and his message of justice, peace, and solidarity—bringing his words to a wider global audience.
Held in Bradford, a city known for its diverse cultural fabric and commitment to inclusive arts, the festival featured a series of events curated specially to reflect the spirit of Faiz.
This was the first time a dedicated Faiz Festival was presented as part of the renowned UK literary festival, with three sessions spotlighting the poet’s enduring relevance across literature, music, and visual arts.
Bridging Cultures Through Faiz
James Hampson, Country Director of the British Council Pakistan, highlighted the importance of the collaboration, stating, “We’re proud to provide an opportunity for people to hear more about Faiz Ahmed Faiz.
New collaborations, building on old connections between the UK and Pakistan, will showcase our shared cultural heritage.
Introducing established and emerging talent from Pakistan to British audiences is important to us, and we’re pleased to support Bradford 2025 – UK City of Culture.”
Moneeza Hashmi, a noted media expert and trustee of the Faiz Foundation Trust, echoed these sentiments.
“My father, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, has always been a poet beyond borders, speaking to the hearts of people across cultures and nations.
Now, through the Faiz Foundation, we’re taking his legacy across the world. His poetry is a message of love, resistance, and humanity, and it is a privilege to share it with new audiences.”
An Immersive Celebration of Faiz
The Faiz Festival segment of the Bradford Literature Festival featured three standout events.
The first was a moving evening of poetry and music, where Faiz’s grandchildren—renowned actors Adeel and Mira Hashmi—presented dramatic readings of his work.
Their performance was interwoven with live ghazals by the talented singer Priti Kaur, creating a powerful tribute to Faiz’s lyrical genius.
Another session featured a thought-provoking discussion between acclaimed artist and academic Salima Hashmi, broadcaster Moneeza Hashmi, and Professor Saeed Khan.
The panel explored the influence of Faiz’s poetry on generations of visual artists, reflecting on how his words have sparked creativity and protest across various mediums.
The third session drew global literary parallels, featuring a panel discussion on poetic resistance across borders.
The panel linked Faiz’s message with those of fellow poets of resistance—Pablo Neruda, Mahmoud Darwish, Nizar Qabbani, and Preti Taneja—emphasizing common themes of dignity, struggle, and the human spirit.
Qawwali and Culture Beyond Borders
Beyond the literary sessions, the audience was also treated to an electrifying performance by the Qawwali ensemble Najmuddin-Saifuddin Qawwal, who brought the mystical essence of Sufi poetry to the stage.
Their performance, steeped in spiritual tradition, resonated deeply with Faiz’s themes of love and transcendence.
The Faiz Festival collaboration is part of a broader British Council initiative within the arts programme of Bradford 2025 – UK City of Culture.
As part of this cultural celebration, Pakistani artist Meherunnisa Asad has also unveiled a new installation for the Wild Uplands project.
Her work, supported by the British Council, has already gained attention in the UK’s national media, further strengthening cultural ties between the two nations.
Promoting Cultural Exchange
Through the festival, the British Council reaffirmed its dedication to cultural diplomacy and artistic collaboration.
It continues to create platforms that connect audiences and artists across borders, fostering deeper understanding through creativity.
The partnership between the Faiz Foundation Trust and the Bradford Literature Festival served not just as a celebration of Faiz, but as a powerful reminder of the universal language of poetry and art.
Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s voice, rooted in resistance and compassion, found new resonance in the heart of the UK—proving yet again that true poetry knows no boundaries.
The events drew a significant crowd, including members of the South Asian diaspora, literature lovers, human rights advocates, and students. Many in the audience noted how Faiz’s poetry still speaks to the current global moment, echoing calls for justice and humanity.
Future of Faiz Festival in the UK
Encouraged by the response, the Faiz Foundation Trust expressed hope that the festival would become a recurring feature in the UK’s cultural calendar.
“Faiz belongs to the world,” said Moneeza Hashmi. “Wherever there is injustice or love, his poetry will always be relevant.”
The collaboration was not only a celebration of literature but also a bridge between two cultures, fostering a meaningful dialogue through the arts.
As Bradford continues its journey as the UK City of Culture, such international partnerships signal a future rich in cultural exchange, creativity, and shared heritage.
The Faiz Festival in Bradford was a reminder that art, music, and literature remain powerful tools in connecting hearts and minds across continents.
The poet who once wrote from exile now finds his words embraced globally, proof that Faiz’s message is not bound by geography, but timeless in its reach.
