Sindh Chief Minister, Syed Qaim Ali Shah inaugurating Faiz centenary celebrations 2011 Friday recalled Faiz tenure and paid tribute to him for his struggle for the sanctity of humanity.

He said he would strive for establishment of Faiz Chair in Sindh University & Karachi University.

Faiz work would be translated into Sindhi language and would prove to be an asset, he added.

Sindh Culture Minister, Ms Sassui Palejo raised slogan of Jeeay Bhutto & Jeeay Faiz while addressing the opening session of Faiz Centenary Celebrations at Sindh CM's House.

Faiz is not just a name of poet but an aspiration to those who dare step onto the valley of thorns for a better society that would harbour delicacy and respect to human values.

"It moves my heart to pronounce Faiz's name because it was him who had awaken us from slumber and guided us through for a society that lays its basis on humanity." Faiz was a poet of humanity, peace and his universal message gained momentum in corridors of power.

Sindh Government pioneered recognition of Faiz's universal message and decided to translate his poetry into Sindhi language, she observed.

Late Z A Bhutto had already acknowledged and admired Faiz in his life while Bhutto's successors maintained that tradition.

Now, PPP especially Sindh CM showed great inclination for introducing giant decisions in order to compliment Faiz and expand his thoughts, she added.

I.A Rehman, President Anjuman Tarraqi Pasand Musannafeen (Association of Progressive Writers) mentioned multi-dimensional aspects of Faiz's poetry, work, struggle for establishment of true democratic society.

Faiz just wanted that high values of human should be promoted, propagated and respected.

He urged Sindh CM to establish Faiz Chair in Universities of Sindh & Karachi and include Faiz's introductory lessons in curricula of primary school.

Faiz is actually Faiz-e-Jariya and its is not a stagnant water but as fresh as flowing water of a stream so it should continue to expand and should not be confined to geographical boundaries.

Faiz's movement is being rejuvenated across the world and special programs held in India, Pakistan, USA, Europe, he added.

PPP Sindh General Secretary Taj Haider said Faiz was arrested on pretext of a conspiracy, termed as "Pindi Sazish" along with his companions.

However, those who had sent Faiz and his companion up the river were actual traitors.

Faiz and company wanted to see Pakistan a welfare state and those who placed them behind bars wanted to see Pakistan as state of administration.

Indian intellect Dr Ali Jawaid said some sections of society try to impose idea there is conflict between different civilisations.

"We do not accept that idea and believe civilisations never collided against other but always attracted each other with love and harmony." He urged Faiz's message could only be promoted if it is implemented in letter and spirit, as Faiz was a poet of humanity and peace.

Zafarullah Poshni said "we should respect our intellectuals and once we start doing this then we start respecting our country.

It is normal perception about bureaucracy that it does not entertain literature.

When it comes to Faiz, bureaucracy is very much familiar to Faiz and they have respect for him."

The CM presented special shields to Faiz 13 companions who spent much of their time in prison with him.

These were received by their families, as they had already passed away.

Zafarullah Poshni received his special shield.

Those awarded special shields were Captain Zafarullah Poshni (Retd), Major General M Akbar Khan (Retd), Major General Nazeer Ahmed (Retd), Brigadier M Siddiq Khan (Retd), Brigadier Lateef Khan (Retd), Lieutenant Colonel Ziauddin (Retd), Lieutenant Colonel Niaz M.

Arbab (Retd), Major Ishaq (Retd), Colonel Aslam Khan (Retd), Sajjad Zaheer, M Hussain Ata, Hussain Shaheed Sohrawardi, Rahat Saeed, I A Rehman & Hameed Akhtar.