PESHAWAR: The city of Peshawar has produced women writers and poets who have contributed to the enrichment of literature, and it is heartening to note that the works of these literati are increasingly receiving recognition.
Literary gatherings were arranged recently by various organisations to acknowledge the contributions of three women writers and to launch their publications in Urdu and Hindko.Three separate functions were organised in honour of a noted Urdu and Hindko writer and broadcaster from Peshawar, Aftab Iqbal Bano. The writer hails from the Sarki Gate locality and has been based in Canada for quite some time.
A retired Director News at Radio Pakistan, she has authored 13 books in Urdu and Hindko. Her latest Urdu travelogue, “Istanbul Se Gallipoli Tak,” along with another publication, “Qissa Khwani Kaa Qatl-e-Aam” (The Qissa Khwani Massacre), was launched in her native city.
The travelogue reflects her visit to Turkiye. The writer has a passion for travelling and documenting her experiences, which are being well received by readers.The first function was held at Rana Academy in Sikandarpura by Bazm-e-Bazar-e-Adab and The Sublime Organisation. Senior columnist Mushtaq Shabab presided over the event, while noted writer Bushra Farukh was the chief guest.
Moderated by Prof Malik Arshad Hussain Awan, an English, Urdu, and Hindko writer and poet, the event attracted participants from diverse fields, including writers, cultural activists, educationists, and medical professionals.
Speakers, including Mushtaq Shabab, Dr Khadim Ibraim, Aurangzeb Ahmad Awan, Kulsum Zeb, Ahmad Nadeem Awan, Waseem Shahid, Dr Ubaidullah, Dr Noor Hakeem, and Aftab Ahmad, praised Aftab Iqbal Bano for her literary contributions, particularly highlighting those reflecting her love for Peshawar, its culture, and the Hindko language.
The second gathering in her honour was held at the Chinese Cultural Centre, where Director Culture Department KP, Haleema Iqbal, and others acknowledged her literary efforts.Another woman writer acknowledged was Gul Arbab, an emerging Urdu and Hindko writer from the Nasirpur area of Peshawar. A literary and cultural organisation, Idara Farogh-e-Hindko, arranged a function to launch 12 of her Urdu and Hindko books, most of which were published by Gandhara Hindko Academy, Peshawar.
Senior Saraiki writer and columnist from Dera Ismail Khan, Nayyar Sarhadi, attended as the chief guest.Speakers - Kusum Zeb, Dr Saba Khan, Hina Arif, Prof Malik Arshad Hussain Awan, Dr Khadim Ibrahim, Dr Raj Muhammad Afridi, Arbab Shafiullah Jan, and Naz Parveen - commended the writer for her prose works in Urdu and Hindko. They appreciated her ability to portray human emotions effectively in her writings.
Faiza Shehzad was the third woman writer to be honoured. The Karwan-e-Hawa organisation, in collaboration with the Abaseen Arts Council, launched her satirical book, “Ab Main Bolun Ke Na Bolun” (Should I speak or remain silent?).
Haleema Iqbal, Director Culture, Government of KP, was the chief guest, while Prof Dr Ejaz Khattak, Mushtaq Shabab, and Bushra Farukh were the guests of honour.Aziz Ejaz, Mushtaq Shabab, Prof Aseer Mangal, Khwaja Yawer Naseer, Prof Dr Shaheen Umar, Rukhsana Nasir, Dr Zaigham Hassan, Fazal Kabir, veteran TV actor Najeebullah Anjum, and Naz Parveen spoke on the occasion.They admired the author for portraying everyday social characters and issues in a simple and engaging manner.
