Special issue of ‘Adbiyat’ launched

The issue features work of prominent writers.

A special issue of “Adbiyat”, featuring the poetry of Ameer Hamza Khan Shinwari, Sheikh Ayaz, Meer Gul Khan Naseer and Ahmad Rahi, was launched here on Sunday.

Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) Chairperson Fakhar Zaman said these poets are the hallmark of poetry in Pakistan and symbols of national spirit. The title of the journal is “Four Important Poets of Pakistani Languages: Sheikh Awaz, Meer Gul Khan Naseer, Ameer Hamza Khan Shirnwari and Ahmad Rafi.”

Zaman said the main purpose of the special issue is to promote progressive thinking, and peace in society through the works of these poets. “Certainly a special issue of this journal will be useful for common readers besides those who want to learn poetry,” he added. He said the 456-page issue costs Rs200.

He said the issue contains the writings of well-known literary figures including Afzal Touseef, Naseer Mirza, Adal Somro, Zulfiqar Hali Poto, Aseer Abdul Qadir Shahwani, Yousuf Gichki, Shah Muhammad Marri, Agha Gul, Waheed Zaheer, Dr Ali Dost Baloch, Taha Khan, Dr Muhammad Azam, Dawar Khan Daud, Dr Raaj Wali Shah, Syed Tahir Bukhari, Ahmed Paracha, Aseer Mangal, Aslam Raheel Mirza, Aizaz Ahmed Azar, Dr Nasir Rana, Shakir Kandaan, Akhlaq Atif, Humaira Ahmed Rahi and many other writers.

He added a section of the journal contains exclusive interviews with these writers, while the next issue of Adbiyaat will feature special writings for young children. “This issue will contain several Urdu writings as well as international literature for children,” he remarked.

He said PAL is planning to compile a special issue on the life and work of Ustaad Daman.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 27^th, 2011.