Fahmida Riaz’s Daughter Turns Down Presidential Award
Fahmida Riaz's daughter, Veerta Ali Ujan, refused to accept the Presidential Award on her late mother's behalf in protest of all the injustice.
Fahmida Riaz’s daughter, Veerta Ali Ujan, refused to accept the Presidential Award on her late mother’s behalf in protest of all the injustice in the country.
In her Facebook post, Veerta Ali Ujan wrote that it would an insult to all the work Fahmida Riaz had done towards justice and equality, if she were to accept the Presidential Award.
Awards section contacting me about ammi's award investiture ceremony. . . .how can I accept an award for her work at…
Posted by Veerta Ali Ujan on Wednesday, September 2, 2020
When she was questioned further, Veerta stated:
“If my mother was alive today, she would not wish to be associated with any government award in the current climate of authoritarian intimidation of publications, writers and journalists. She would be crying over the state of Karachi and angry at the way blasphemy cases are being used as a blunt instrument to divide society.
“If anyone doubts this, they can read her poetry and prose. If the government wishes to award her, it should refrain from rewarding and encouraging injustice, exploitation and misogyny.”
Fahmida Riaz was known as a social critic who strongly resisted against the military rule of General Zia ul Haq and the execution of former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. She was one of the top Urdu poets of her time and is still remembered as a relentless fighter for justice for all. She passed away on November 21, 2018 at the age of 72.
Do you agree with Fahmida Riaz’s daughter in rejecting the Presidential Award on the behalf of her late mother? Let us know what you think in the comments!
To read about Sindh Government launching the Benazir Bhutto Mazdoor Card, click here.
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