10 October 2004	Sunday	24 Shaban 1425

KARACHI, Oct 9: Popular writer and politician Mrs Bushra Rahman was the chief guest at the Arts Council on Friday.

Humorist Mushtaq Ahmad Yusafi presided over the function and spoke highly about the feminist writer, Bushra, of a different mould as seen in her novels, a bold and daring woman, free in her thoughts and actions, showing resistance and raising voice of protest where she felt it necessary.

Bushra Rehman is known as a popular writer of digest magazines, author of around 25 collections of short stories, novels, travelogues, and as newspaper columnist. A member of the Punjab assembly and the National Assembly, she is considered a seasoned politician.

Those who read papers eulogizing the noted guest, included Dr Peerzada Qasim, Ms Fatima Hasan, Ms Anjum Ansar, Naqqash Kazemi and Ms Khushbakht Shujaat, vice-president of the Arts Council, who also heads the Idara-i-Qalam Dost and was host of the evening. Ms Salman Beg, who was conducting the event, was no less eloquent in her complements for the guest.

Fatima Hasan found in Bushra "an extra-ordinary person", and analyzed some of her short stories, bearing "feminist consciousness". She also quoted from Ms Bushra's writings to prove her point.

Dr Peerzada Qasim said Bushra Rahman was a creative writer of great merit and a master of narrative.

Bushra Rahman, speaking on the occasion, said she felt that she was committed to write for the 'daughters of Pakistan' and that a writer was the spokesman of his or her time. Emphasizing the role of mothers in education of their daughters, she advised young girls to pay utmost respect to their parents. She further said that her novel, 'Lagan' was meant for the young brides and girls of marriageable age, which was appreciated by a large number of readers in and outside the country.

Bushra Rehman admired the Karachiites for their literary taste and social conduct.

Mr Yusafi, through his article, along with some excerpts from his earlier essays, entertained the gathering in a thought-provoking way as usual. He lauded the writer, especially for her travelogues.-HA