By Syed Shams Uddin
It is indeed a moment of immense honor that the name of Zafar Viqar Taj stands included in the list of distinguished individuals set to receive national accolades on March 23 this year. Among these luminaries stands Waqar Taj, whose exceptional literary contributions have earned him the coveted Sitara-e-Imtiaz.
The Sitara-e-Imtiaz, Pakistan’s third-highest civilian award, is a distinction reserved for those who have demonstrated extraordinary excellence in fields that contribute significantly to national interests, cultural heritage, global peace, and the nation’s intellectual landscape. Zafar Waqar Taj’s recognition is not only a personal triumph but a monumental milestone for the literary heritage of Gilgit-Baltistan.
It becomes ascertainable that Zafar Waqar Taj’s poetic journey began in his student years, where his natural affinity for poetry flourished obviously under the tutelage of his esteemed father, Abdul Khaliq Taj, and a circle of intellectual mentors. This nurturing environment shaped him into a profound poet at a young age. His command of Urdu poetry led to the publication of two celebrated collections, Akaas and Anand, solidifying his stature in the literary world.
However, during his rise in Urdu poetry, the literary landscape for Shina—his mother tongue —was starkly different. Shina poetry had not yet found its due recognition; it was overshadowed by a tradition where songs were mere melodic compositions, devoid of deeper poetic substance. The vast potential of Shina as a language of refined literary expression remained unexplored. Consequently, many talented poets of the region gravitated towards Urdu, leaving their native tongue in a state of neglect.
At the peak of his acclaim in Urdu poetry, Zafar Waqar Taj made a bold and unexpected decision—he turned his creative focus to Shina poetry. It was a leap of faith, akin to reviving a forsaken art form, and it left many questioning his choice. Why would an established poet abandon a thriving career in Urdu for a language that the world had written off?
Yet, from the very first verse he penned in Shina, it became evident that he had embarked on a literary revolution. His poetry did not just capture attention—it ignited a renaissance. His words resonated with the people in a way never before witnessed. What followed was an unprecedented transformation of Shina poetry, elevating it from a disregarded art form to one of sophistication and depth.
Zafar Waqar Taj shattered the long-held belief that Shina lacked the capacity for profound poetic expression. Through his mastery of metaphor, allusion, and imagery, he expanded the literary boundaries of the language. He introduced poetic meters and forms that had previously been deemed unattainable in Shina. His command over multiple dialects of Shina ensured that his poetry resonated with every speaker, regardless of regional variations. His influence extended beyond Shina, inspiring poetic evolution across the linguistic spectrum of Gilgit-Baltistan.
His contribution did not stop at poetry. The renaissance of Shina poetry paved the way for a revival of Shina music. Once a diminishing art form, Shina music found new life through his compositions. His lyrical brilliance reinvigorated the genre to such an extent that major linguistic communities across Pakistan began adapting Shina melodies, a testament to the power of his creative genius.
Today, the Shina language stands proud, flourishing with renewed dignity and vigor. What was once on the verge of obscurity is now celebrated, its poetic and musical traditions restored to their rightful stature.
The Government of Pakistan’s decision to honor Zafar Waqar Taj with the Sitara-e-Imtiaz is not merely a recognition of his personal achievements—it is a moment of collective pride for the people of Gilgit-Baltistan. It serves as a powerful affirmation that the state acknowledges and values those who dedicate their lives to enriching Pakistan’s cultural and literary heritage. This accolade is a beacon of encouragement for future generations, inspiring them to cherish and elevate their native languages and traditions.
As Gilgit-Baltistan celebrates this historic recognition, the legacy of Zafar Waqar Taj stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, vision, and unwavering dedication to one’s roots. His name will forever be etched in the annals of literary history as the poet who breathed life into a forgotten language and gifted it the immortality it so richly deserved.
A window to Northern Areas-I, The Muslim dated July 4, 1997. By Syed Shamsuddin Most of our people even today seem quite oblivious of the geo-political position of Northern Areas while the exact historical background concerning Gilgit-Baltistan and where these must stand politically remains yet another subject of discussion. Not to speak of a layman, a person of the stature of Chief Executive of the country, once inquired whether the Northern Areas an integral part of the north west frontier province (NWFP). This happened when he rule the country in the aftermath of martial law. Yet another minister on Kashmir and Northern Areas, during the democratic government that followed, was pleased to tell a member of the northern areas council that he owed his minisitership not to them (Northern Areas people) but to the turbaned man of his constituency, standing at the door of his official chambers. There is infact, dearth of substantial historical evidence as to when exactly man ...
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