Islamabad: Poets, writers, former colleagues, and members of the Parveen Shakir Trust (PST), led by Chairperson Mrs. Parveen Qadir Agha, gathered on Friday to observe the 31st death anniversary of renowned Pakistani poet Parveen Shakir, who passed away in a car accident on December 26, 1994.

Mourners offered Fateha at her grave in H-8 Graveyard and paid tribute to the late poet. A contingent of Pakistan Customs, led by Assistant Collector Shazra Saeed, also joined the ceremony and laid floral wreaths.

PST members, including Riffat Haider, Dr. Rubina Siddique, Salman Nabi, Muhammad Siddique, Majid Qureshi, and Anwar Jahangiri, along with numerous fans, shared memories of Parveen Shakir and celebrated her contributions to Urdu literature.

Mrs. Parveen Qadir Agha briefed the media on the PST's literary initiatives, highlighting the annual Aks-e-Khushbu Award, presented in Parveen Shakir's name to young writers, poets, and translators. She said the trust would continue to honor Shakir's legacy through events such as mushairas, seminars, literary dialogues, and the Aks-e-Khushbu Award. A literary event is scheduled for February 2026.

Salman Nabi noted that PST is expanding its activities both in Pakistan and abroad, citing last year's Parveen Shakir Festival in Canada and plans to organize a literary festival in Malaysia.

Assistant Collector Shazra Saeed called it an honor to pay tribute to Shakir, describing her as a voice of women's sensibilities. Her father, poet Rana Saeed Akhtar, recited her poetry and called her a role model for young generations, especially girls.

Fans pledged to continue spreading Parveen Shakir's message among the youth. Her poetry collections, including Khushbu, remain bestsellers and continue to inspire readers across generations.