Remembering Amjad Sabri, the marvelous

Karachi

The Arts Council of Pakistan, to pay tribute to slain Qawwal Amjad Sabri and his marvelous achievements, held a condolence reference at its main auditorium on Friday attended by people from all walks of the life.

“My tongue still trembles when I use the term Shaheed [martyr] for Amjad as it’s hard to come to terms with the fact that he is no longer with us,” said Iqbal Lateef, a famous television producer.

“Who knew he will leave us so soon,” he added.

“This is indeed unfortunate for the Pakistani nation, especially for the citizens of Karachi, to bear the loss of Amjad. He has left us in endless agony. Amjad was a great representative of Qawwali not only in South Asia but in the West too. His dedication for this specific art can never be ignored in history,” said Lateef with tears in his eyes. “Amjad was not only a friend, but like a son to me.”

Arshad Mehmood, a renowned actor and musician, said June 22 was certainly an unfortunate day in the history of Pakistan when target killers snatched Amjad away from us.

“Not only are the people from showbiz are heartbroken but every peaceful Pakistani is shattered,” he added.

Mehmood paid tribute to Amjad by quoting Allama Iqbal’s “Aag khaa rahi hai aulad-e-Ibrahim ko”.

A famous naat, “Jab waqt-e-naza aye’, recited by Amjad, was played in intervals at the reference.

Amjad Fareed Sabri was a living example of modesty and simplicity. He never bothered himself with the luxuries of life and had won the hearts of many.

Alia Imam, a renowned intellectual, said Amjad’s essence could never be murdered. “Light overcomes darkness and Amjad was the light of a new generation,” she added. “After a struggle of 17 years, Amjad had made Qawawli famous among youth and it was his triumph.”

Sarwat Sabri, Amjad’s elder brother, said he was 10 years younger than him and more like a son to him.

“Amjad was an obedient brother and his passion towards Qawwali cannot be expressed in words,” he added.

After the condolence speeches, candles were lit by the audience outside the auditorium. “I don’t see the arrival of a Qawwal like Amjad for a long time to come,” said an attendee.