'I will write poetry that promotes peace in the country'; Afkar Alvi signs affidavit

Renowned poet Afkar Hussain Alvi has signed an affidavit stating that he will not recite poetry that defames national institutions or causes discord in the country.

According to the affidavit associated with Afkar Alvi on social media, he has said, “I will write poetry that promotes peace in the country.”

“I solemnly declare that I have never recited any poem that defames any institution. If my poetry is being quoted against any institution, I have no connection or association with it.”

The poet clarified that he has no affiliation with any political party. 

Alvi further wrote: “I solemnly declare that I have deleted all my videos. If any video is uploaded from my account, action may be taken against me.”

Afkar Alvi is known critical poetry towards national institutions, and he also addresses social issues through his poetry.

This comes days after famous satirist and writer Anwar Maqsood apologised for his recent controversial remarks about navy officers.

Speaking at the Aalami Urdu Conference at the Arts Council of Pakistan in Karachi on Sunday, Maqsood said, “I can’t even imagine joking about our martyrs. Their sacrifices are the reason the country exists, and I am alive today.”

Poet Afkar Alvi's alleged signing of an affidavit by force received strong condemnation from the social media users.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) official social media account on X (formerly Twitter) accused the Pakistani authority of forcing the poet to sign an affidavit, noting, “After silencing journalists, social media activists, lawyers, politicians, and even bureaucrats, poets are now also being harassed and coerced into silence. Pakistani poet Afkar Alvi was forced by the authorities to sign an affidavit banning him from reciting his own poems, which were critical of the state. He was also compelled to remove his videos from social media.”

Another social media user wrote, “Pakistan poet Afkar Alvi forced to sign affidavit banning recital of own poems deemed ‘critical of state departments.’ Videos deleted from social media. The poet hails from Bhakkar, a small city in South Punjab.”

A Netizen critically stated, “If Maloko doesn't sing, Afkar Alvi doesn't recite poetry, Anwar Maqsood doesn't write humor, and Krispy Kreme doesn't make donuts, will the nation's opinion change? If the public doesn't protest, social media doesn't raise questions, the media doesn't show Khan's pictures, and the courts don't deliver justice. Will the country progress from this?”

One social media user stated that it was unfortunate to restrict the poet from reciting progressive poetry.