ISLAMABAD  –  The 25th death anniversary of legendary Urdu poet Qateel Shifai was observed on Saturday with tributes paid from the literary circles who honoured his unforgettable contribution to poetry and his enduring place in Urdu literature. According to media reports, he rose to prominence under the pen name Qateel Shifai and became a symbol of literary excellence. With his unique style, emotional depth and powerful expression, Qateel Shifai captivated generations of poetry lovers. His poetic verses reflected human emotions, love and social realities, thus leaving an unforgettable mark on Urdu poetry. Throughout his illustrious career, he authored more than 20 collections of poetry and penned over 900 songs for more than 200 films, making him one of the most influential lyricists in the history of Urdu literature and cinema. In recognition of his outstanding literary services, Qateel Shifai was honoured with the Pride of Performance award in 1994. Qateel Shifai’ s poetic journey remains an enduring chapter in Urdu literature, with his verses continuing to inspire readers and artists across generations. His unmatched contribution to poetry and film songwriting has secured him place among the most respected literary figures of the Urdu world. He passed away in Lahore on this day in 2001, but his poetic legacy continues to live on.