Minhaj Barna: poetry in motion
Minhaj Barna, who is regarded as among the pioneers of the Karachi Union of Journalists (KUJ) and the Pakistan Federation of Union of Journalists (PFUJ), now has an Urdu poetry book to his credit. The collection, titled Marssiya Chauthay Sutoon ka describes the tragedy of those who face with a dictatorship in their country. Although, the poetry was written during the Zia regime exposing the true face of the dictatorship, it is no doubt eye-opening and one can relate to it even now. The collection was published by Rakataab Publications this month with the cover illustration is by the renowned artist Anwer Sami which shows the tragic state of affairs of the fourth estate of the society. Barna, in his long poem (musaduss) titled ‘Marssiya chauthry sutoon ka’ has painted the real picture of the Zia regime, when the press and judiciary were forced to work under the chief martial law administrator General Ziaul Haq. Barna, who could not publish his poems at the time and was engaged in organising the journalist fraternity, now chose to publish his collection. The journalists, writers, lawyers and political workers faced victimization at the hands of the regime. In fact, back then the judiciary was forced to give its verdict in favour of the then regime, Also, death penalty was announced for the detained Chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Zulfikar Ali (ZA) Bhutto who was ousted from the government by the then dictator.
During the same regime, many other people – especially political opponents of the then regime – were also hanged, but representatives continued their struggle and finally the rulers had to hold elections. Barna also depicts in his poetry the subsequent rigging that took place during the promised elections. For instance, the poem ‘Referendum-nama’ discusses the referendum held in the Zia era and targets slogans such as ‘mandate for five years’ as well as the religious slogans exploited by Ziaul Haq. Another poem titled ‘Referendum’ paints a picture of the Musharraf regime and targets the ‘questioner’ wondering about the validity of the Musharraf era. The poem advises the ruler not ask questions about the position of self but instead about the plight of the people and the status of the international funding agencies and amendments in the constitution. The poem laments the plight of the judiciary in the Zia regime, but the present situation is more regrettable as the irony is that the judges are bound to take an oath under the Provisional Constitution Order (PCO).
A great deal can be written about Barna’s poetry but one thing is very clear – Minhaj Barna is quite bold and courageous in expressing his thoughts, and depicting the true conditions of the society.
Source: The News
Date:11/28/2007
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