KARACHI, April 27: Teergi ke darmian, a collection of stories, by well-known writer Shakila Rafiq was launched on Tuesday with Dr Farman Fatehpuri in the chair. It was the authors’ seventh collection, including an interview of the legendary Asmat Chughtai. Among those who addressed the gathering at the launch included Prof Afaq Siddiqui, Prof Saher Ansari, Sarwer Javed and Parvin Javed.

As the function was held under the aegis of Daera-i-Adabo Saqafat and Dhaka Group of Institutions, Zafer Mohyuddin being among the hosts read out an introductory paper on the art of Ms Shakila and her contribution to literature.

Shakila’s first story collection was published in 1970. Her interview with Asmat Chughtai, spread over four hours “Asmat Aapa: Us ek sham ki guftago” was done in 1983. The literary piece was widely acclaimed by many senior writers like Jogindar Paal, Shamsur Rahman Farooqi and Dr Shanul Haq haqqi, who found it as an invaluable document.

Saher Ansari based his comments on this interview written with a unique flash-back technique, done comprehensively and informally and had no parallel in Urdu literature.

Earlier, Sarwer Javed reviewed the latest story collection quoting characters from the narratives which were fascinating and highly readable “She has kept the art of story telling alive,” Sarver Javed commented.

Afaq Siddiqi spoke on the writer’s collection “Aasman Taley” published in 2002, carrying the stories based on close observation of the Pakistani society and the changing scenario in the West. Her style in story writing was simple, informal and quite gripping, Prof Siddiqui observed.

Pervin Javed presented her poem in praise of Shakila Rafique, now based in Toronto (Canada) yet “close to our heart”, she said. Azfer Rizvi, president Bazm-i-Kahkashan, thanked the guests.—Hasan Abidi