ISLAMABAD: The launch of a poetic collection titled “Teesra Qadam” by Nasira Zuberi was held on Sunday at Islamabad Literature Festival. 

Nasira, an acclaimed poetess and renowned journalist has so far written three poetry books including Shagoon, Kaanch Ka Charaagh and Teesra Qadam. 

Most of the family members of the Nasira including her husband Shahab Zuberi, the chief operating officer (CEO) of Business Recorder and Aaj TV, were present at the occasion. 

Speaking on the occasion, Nasira gave credit to her husband for motivating her to publish the new poetry book ‘Teesra Qadam’. “The little gap in publishing the new book was mainly due to household responsibilities as well as the tight journalistic schedule, but even then kept the poetess inside alive, which finally came to the fore today in shape of Teersar Qadam,” she added. 

She continued that the publication could not have been possible with the support of her husband Shahab Zuberi, who kept motivating her for publishing her new poetic collection. 

The full credit to Shahab Zuberi enthralled the audience who clapped for him which also brought a big smile on the face of Zuberi who was enjoying the gathering by sitting in the front row. The ceremony became further interesting when Hamid Shahid, who was of the panelists, gave credit to Nasira for not complaining about the men, who often become prey to female poets in their poetry. “You don’t find any complain against men throughout her [Nasira] poetry unlike other female poets which make her quite distinct from her other female counterparts,” he added. 

Nisra was also generous in giving full credit to her parents as well as the in-laws for encouraging her to spread peace and love through poetry, which according to the female poetess made it possible for her to launch her third poetic collection. Contrary to expectations, she came with an interesting remark about male dominance, and said ‘it is not necessary that only men do injustice with women, there are examples where men do injustice with men’. 

Mehboob Zafar, who was moderating the event, shed light on the achievements and contribution by Nasira to promote literature despite her tough job as a journalist. He said that continuing the poetry despite maintaining the family especially by a woman, is no less than a challenge, which Nasira accomplished so beautifully. 

On the onset of the event, Nasira read out some of verses from her new book, and received huge applause from the audience, which is testimony o0f her beautiful taste ion the poetry.