Kids discover Joys of Reading & Writing at Literary Fest

First-ever Children’s Literature Festival in Islamabad 

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Islamabad - Braving a burning sun and intense heat wave, hundreds of children arrived at the first-ever Islamabad Children's Literary Festival to celebrate the wonders of literature. Tales of remarkable characters and traditions, playful puppets, ancient art of pottery Making as well as films, music and theatre shows took the kids on an enchanting journey of knowledge.

Featuring various interactive readings, discussions and workshops by famous children’s authors and poets in addition to book launches, book fairs, creative writing and book-making, the first-day of the Literary Fest was a day packed with literature geared for kids from play-school to college level. The festival was also a chance to connect young readers and authors. Young ones were seen going from author to artist to illustrator, eager to learn the craft of storytelling and painting.

First Islamabad Literature Festival: City gleams with Intellectual Energy

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ISLAMABAD – Day one of the Islamabad Literature Festival (ILF) was an eventful day that brought numerous writers and readers together to celebrate literature in all its delightful forms. Though a literary fest in reality, but there was something for all ages, including book fair and book launches, discussions, readings, poetry recitals, theatre etcetera.

Capital city seemed to gleam with intellectual energy as First Islamabad Literary Festival, on Tuesday, gathered and celebrated authors writing in diverse languages, genres and traditions. Organized by Oxford University Press (OUP), the two-day festival will see 70 speakers and around 35 sessions at Margala Hotel in Islamabad.

Instilling a love for reading among Pakistanis was the basic idea behind the literary festival, said Ameena Saiyid, OUP Managing Director. Instead of a common system or syllabus, what we need is “teacher training, improving curriculum and providing children better quality books to encourage the reading habit” she said. Asif Farrukhi, co-founder of the literary festival, said that literature remains the medium to express the society's feelings and status.

Khayyam's anniversary - Celebrating Muslim heritage

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ISLAMABAD - A good number of people had a chance to learn about the ‘Renaissance Man’ of the Muslim world in an incredible surroundings that takes one back to the 11the century for it was the time of Omar Khayyam. The exquisite artworks by Irfan Qureshi, the delightful recital by Usman Qazi, and the outstanding mime act directed by Ms. Indu Mitha added charm to the event held at Gallery6 to pay tribute to Omar Khayyam on his 881st death anniversary.

Born in 1048 in Nishapur (a city in Iran), the poet we know today as Omar Khayyam contributed greatly to mathematics, astronomy, philosophy. The event started with brief video clips that enlightened Khayyam was also expert in the fields of mechanics, geography, music and Islamic theology that make him one of the prominent scholars of the Muslim world. It was Edward FitzGerald who introduced the poet of East in the West through translation of Khayyam's quatrains titled as ‘The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam’. His treasured verses were recited in Persian with English translation by Usman Qazi, clad in traditional gray shalwar kameez completed with headscarf, who charmed the audiences. 

Book Launch: ‘Wazir Khan Mosque Rediscovered’

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Book cover.

Islamabad – Pakistan’s treasured Wazir Khan Mosque has enchanted and inspired many by its mere magnificent look, but the latest comprehensive documentation on the Mosque is yet to charm the art lovers. The innovative book “Wazir Khan Mosque Rediscovered”, by Mamoona Khan was launched here on Friday at National Art Gallery in the presence of Dr. Samar Mubarakmand, Dr Shaukat Mahmood, Prof Jamila Zaidi and Dr. Kozue Kay Nagata, Representative of UNESCO. 

“It is for the first time that inscriptions bedecking the mosque are fully documented in this book including calligraphic styles, motifs, and designs with thorough analysis.” The book also focuses on the undercurrents of rhythm and orderliness, the hallmark of Muslim ornamental designs which lies in geometry, the epitome of which is Golden Ratio. “It highlights that Muslim artists did not limit themselves to the usual frame of decorating but keen observation deciphered the role of science as the guiding principle of the Muslim adornments” explained the author.

World Literacy Day marked in Islamabad

Promoting a Culture of Reading in Pakistan

Published in Pakistan Observer (9 Sept 2011)

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Islamabad - Literacy is, rightly termed as ‘a bridge from misery to hope’. It is the ultimate key to open the door to progress, self learning which enhance human competencies and also help to achieve many other rights. On International Literacy Day (September 8) - a day aimed at highlighting the significance of literacy to individuals, communities and societies, several programmes were in arranged by academicians.

Remembering a great Story teller - Ashfaq Ahmed -

Published in Pakistan Observer (8 Sept.2011)
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In this era of information technology, those old days are swiftly fading away, when children would restlessly wait for the time when their parents would tell them fascinating stories. Those stories used to be vital means of means of educating and entertaining the young generation. But regrettably, this primary activity of learning at home is losing its fame because of abandoning the habit of reading specially the Urdu literature including the great Urdu storytellers.

One of the finest storytellers of Urdu language was Ashfaq Ahmed (Aug 1925 -Sept. 2004), whose seventh death anniversary was observed with reverence on Wednesday. But the great story teller is still alive in the memories of many because of his enthralling tales with great morals which are often repeated by parents and grandparents as bedtime stories for the children.

Friends of Book gather at NLA

Published in Pakistan Observer (28 June, 2011)

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Islamabad - With the expansion of electronic media especially internet, people have parted away from books – which wise men described as ‘a man’s best friend’. And to see book-lovers gathered under one roof, and leafing through the pages of books, was certainly a pleasant scene witnessed on Monday morning at National Language Authority (NLA) of Islamabad.

To bring friends of books together, NLA organized a unique event titled ‘100 Books, 100 Guests’ which was a well-attended event. Students, scholars, literati and writers of the city gathered round at NLA to find their favourite books, because the books were available at a modest price to quench the thirst of knowledge lovers.

100 Books, 100 Guests

National Language Authority (NLA), Islamabad is organizing a special and unique event entitled as "100-Books and 100-Guests" on Monday, 27 June, at 11am at the NLA premises.

According to newly-appointed NLA Chairman, Dr. Anwaar Ahmad, the objective of this event is to encourage habit of book-reading in our society and offer a 50 per cent special discount to all the friends of books.

Mother Tongue Day marked in Islamabad

Seminar on Vanishing Languages of Pakistan highlighted that Mother Tongue is the best tool to impart Education

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ISLAMABAD: “We must glorify, preserve and develop our regional languages as it plays a vital role in the development of a country.” This message was highlighted at a seminar  to address the issues of preservation and development of regional languages on Mother Language Day (Feb. 21).

Linguistic experts noted that Pakistan is a multicultural and multi linguistic country, however if sustainable measures are not taken, the regional languages of the country will face extinction, endangering the pluralistic features of society eventually.

Preservation of Cultural Heritage stressed at National Conference

Published in Pakistan Observer (10 Feb. 2011)

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ISLAMABAD: Research scholars and experts at a conference stressed that cultural centers should be established countrywide to help document and project the country’s rich cultural heritage which faces extinction if appropriate measures are not taken. The two-day (Feb. 8-9) conference on ‘Safeguarding the intangible cultural heritage’ at Lok Virsa Library concluded on Wednesday with an aim to revive traditional art and culture “Pakistan should educate its young generation about arts & crafts to inculcate love and respect for the heritage” underlined the experts.

Federal minister for culture, science and technology Pir Aftab Shah Jilani was the chief guest on the second day of the conference while Moin ul Islam Bokhari, federal secretary culture was also present at the occasion.

In his address, the culture minister applauded Lok Virsa’s effort to “focus on neglected aspect of our magnificent cultural heritage that is threatened to vanish due to globalization, urbanization and revolutionized mass communication” endangering the pluralistic features of society ultimately. The minister said that in order to inculcate love for our culture “it is imperative for cultural sector to highlight significance of the intangible culture in the lives of the common masses”.

Conference on Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage

Published in Pakistan Observer (9 Feb. 2011)

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ISLAMABAD: In this era of globalization, with all its advantages, the poor craftsmen are the most vulnerable to having their traditions and skills ignored, leading to devaluation of Pakistan’s distinct culture and heritage.

This point was noted at a two-day national conference on “Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Pakistan” which opened at Lok Virsa’s heritage library on Tuesday.

Taking an initiative to promote the conservation and preservation of Pakistan’s cultural heritage, Lok virsa organized the conference which was attended by around 20 eminent cultural experts and intellectuals from all over Pakistan.

The conference was aimed at safeguarding the intangible culture of Pakistan’s folk and traditional heritage that are most endangered because of globalization, urbanization and technological advancement.

A rare book on letters of Faiz launched

Published in Pakistan Observer (22 Jan. 2011)
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Book cover.

ISLAMABAD: “The letter of Faiz Ahmed Faiz unveil his genuine feelings for the society as he continues to be the only poet after Allama Iqbal who is admired by the common people” said Iftikhar Arif, a poet and Chairman of National Language Authority (NLA).

He was speaking here on Saturday at the launch of a collection of letters written by Faiz Ahmed Faiz to Iftikhar Arif and edited by Dr Rashid Hameed held at Kuch Khaas, a cultural center in Islamabad. The book launch was arraneged by Kuch Khaas in collbaoration with Progressive Writer's Association.

Documentaries highlights Sufi poets' message of Peace

Published in Pakistan Observer (21 Jan. 2011)

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ISLAMABAD: A society shrouded with chaos and conflicts can turn over a new life through meditation and by practicing the message of tolerance, love, brotherhood – which is the message of the Sufis. This message was communicated through the three documentaries on Pakistani Sufi Poets, Shah Hussain, Bulleh Shah and Mian Muhammad Bukhsh, screened at Pakistan National Council of Arts, on Thursday. The documentaries are a massive project of Pakistan Academy of Letters (PLA) and were presented by its chairman Fakhar Zaman.

In his welcome speech, Fakhar Zaman stated that “the purpose of the production of the documentaries is to promote the Sufi Poets’ message of humanity, love and peace in the society and to portray the Pakistani nation as a peace-loving nation.” He also informed that PLA aims to project the real essence of our religion at international level.
Produced by Afzaal Shahid and directed by Farrukh Zaman, these documentaries will be subtitled in major languages of the world such as, English, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese and Arabic in addition to Urdu and then will be distributed by the Ministry of Culture to different countries of the world, Zaman informed.

The enlightening as well as melodious documentaries in high resolution were rich in symbolism and re-interpreted the message of three Sufis of Pakistan namely Shah Hussain, Bulleh Shah and Mian Muhammad Bukhsh who are truly known as the envoys of peace. Sufi poetry has a special place in national music, which has helped in promoting the message of Sufis in every age. From humble street-singers to renowned singers like the Sain Zahoor, Abida Parveen and Pathanay Khan, and rock band Junoon have integrated sufi poetry in their music.

Saadat Hasan Manto remembered

Published in Pakistan Observer (19 Jan. 2011)

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Islamabad - “Saadat Hasan will die one day, but ‘Manto’ will never die.” This line written by Manto himself has borne out Manto’s belief as his writings reign the Urdu literary world making him one of the greatest storytellers of South Asia.

Saadat Hasan Manto.

Pakistan’s great literary icon, Saadat Hassan Manto’s 56th death anniversary was observed on Tuesday.

Saadat Hasan Manto (1912-55) was a leading Urdu short-story writer of the twentieth century. His Urdu short stories especially ‘Bu’ (Odour), ‘Khol Do’ (Open It), ‘Thanda Gosht’ (Cold Meat), and his magnum opus, ‘Toba Tek Singh’.

“Brecht Theatre Festival” begins

Published in Pakistan Observer (15 Jan. 2011)
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ISLAMABAD: To pay homage to Bertolt Brecht (10 February 1898—14 August 1956), a German poet, playwright and theatre director, a play titled ‘Takey Da Tamasha’ was staged at Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) auditorium on Friday evening.

‘Takey Da Tamasha’ is part of “Brecht Theatre Festival” from 14th to 16th January, organized by PNCA in collaboration with Ajoka Theatre to introduce Brecht, an influential theatre practitioner of the 20th century who made significant contributions to dramaturgy and theatrical production.

The play ‘Takey Da Tamasha’ is part of three-day festival which marks 25 years of performing arts in Pakistan deals with themes of dictatorship, betrayal and corruption. The plays have been adapted by well-known dramatist, Shahid Nadeem and directed by founder Ajoka Theatre, Madiha Gohar.

‘Takey ka Tamasha’ is an adaptation of the play, ‘Three Penny Opera’ which was first performed in 1991. The play ‘Three penny Opera’ which has been translated into 18 languages and performed more than 10000 times on European stage, is a musical by German dramatist Bertolt Brecht who was forced to leave Germany by the rise of Hitler in 1933. The play was first staged in 1928 in Berlin.

The next scheduled play ‘Chaak Chakkar’ is an adaptation of ‘The Caucasian Chalk Circle’ while
‘Bala King’ is an adaptation of ‘The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui’.

Book on Faiz Ahmed Faiz launched

‘Faiz Ahmed Faiz -Muntakhib Mazameen’(Selected essays on Faiz)

Published in Pakistan Observer (14 Jan. 2011)
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ISLAMABAD: In these times of chaos and intolerance, Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s writings can help the individuals to realize our real identity in order to emerge as a tolerant, peaceful nation. This was the message of the scholars speaking at the launch of the first book on Faiz Ahmed Faiz, titled “Faiz Saddi: Muntakhib Mazameen” (Selected essays on Faiz) on Thursday at National Language Authority (NLA).

Young Pakistanis launch ‘The Re-Volt’ magazine

Published in Pakistan Observer (9 Jan. 2011)

Cover of 'The Re-Volt magazine'.

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ISLAMABAD: In the backdrop of hopelessness and distress, a group of young Pakistanis have risen to give new hope to the nation by launching a publication titled ‘The Re-Volt’ in Islamabad on Saturday.

The first of its kind magazine, run by youth on voluntarily basis was launched by ‘Pakistan First’ think-tank which aims to promote the ideology of Pakistan, the thinking of Iqbal and the legacy of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in every Pakistani.

Speaking at the launching ceremony, Amaan Tareen, Director of Media of Pakistan First said that “The Re-Volt magazine endeavours to become the voice of the common Pakistani citizens.”

The chief guest of the event, Masood Sharif Khattak said “no country can dream to be a developed or civilized society unless its political system meets the demand of the people” and urged to the young listeners that “the time has come for the silent majority to step forward and raise their voices.” He hoped that the magazine would become the voice of the patriotic and motivated youth of Pakistan.

In his aspiring speech at the occasion, Faisal Awan, Senior Editor of the magazine pledged that “The Re-Volt aspires to contribute towards laying foundation of a strong Pakistani society whose core values will be honesty, justice, compassion, integrity and dignity.”

Tareen briefed the audience that Pakistan First also runs an online radio ‘Watan’ and a think tank to revive the ideology of Pakistan among young generation. Pakistan First is an independent organization, founded by Ali Khan which intends to provide opportunities and a platform for youth to voice their concerns.

Art and Nature in harmony

Book launch, exhibition of sculptures

Published in Pakistan Observer (Dec. 23, 2010)

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Book cover.

Artist and writer Fauzia Minallah’s new book ‘Chitarkari and Banyans – The Pursuit of Identity’ highlights the need to preserve our natural environment and to promote national art and culture. In her book, Fauzia bring to light the fading art of slate engraving or ‘Chitarkari’ and also emphasized on the preservation of old banyan trees in the capital city which is under serious threat now.

“I have childhood memories of playing in the cemeteries of my parents’ village Sirikot in the Gangar hills, in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. By 1990 it was at the verge of extinction but I helped craftsmen find new market for this craft by designing different furniture items and promoted its respect among the villagers,” she said explaining her profound interest in environment. Survival of the rich folk heritage was her mission, said the author.

Book on Militancy launched

Published in Pakistan Observer (14 Nov. 2010)

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Islamabad — Journalist Zahid Hussain says, Lal Masjid tragedy triggered the wave of suicide bombing and terrorism in Pakistan and the death of Ghazi Abdul Rashid has not helped end terrorism in the country.

He was speaking at the launching ceremony of his book titled “The Relentless Rise of Islamic Militants in Pakistan: The Scorpion’s Tail” on Saturday. He said that that Lal Masjid operation had inspired him to write a book to unfold the realities behind series of terrorism acts in Pakistan.