Poetry recital Changez Sultan talks about literary, artistic ambitions

Sultan also requested PAL to publish an English anthology by Pakistani writers.

At a poetry recital held at the Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) on Tuesday, poet and artist, Raja Changez Sultan talked about his literary and artistic ambitions, according to a press release.

In his poem, “Shakarparian,” he focused on the annihilation of his native village. “I narrated a story of the deterioration of old culture and values of the region of Potohar. However, this village could be anywhere, inflicted by the process of decay in the name of urbanisation and development,” he said.

The former head of Pakistan National Council of the Arts urged young writers to initiate activities in the capital to gather English writers on a single platform and hold a series of literary meetings. He also requested PAL to publish an English anthology by Pakistani writers.



He recited a number of his poems and in the end, thanked PAL for giving him the opportunity to share his writings.

Prominent English and Urdu writers of the twin cities attended the recital. Shoaib Khaliq also rendered his translation of Raja Changez Sultan’s poem “Shakarparian” in Potohari language. PAL Chairman Abdul Hameed said the academy was working for the promotion of English literature and he planned to hold poetry recitals by English poets on a regular basis.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 4^th, 2013.