PESHAWAR, April 17: The significance of Urdu literature has not lessened in the rapidly turning materialistic world and has instead increased manifold to quench the emotional thirst of human beings.

These views were expressed by Prof Dr Qibla Ayaz, Dean Faculty of the Islamic Studies and Oriental Languages, here on Tuesday while inaugurating the three-day golden jubilee celebrations of the Urdu department, University of Peshawar.

Dr Qibla urged Urdu writers and poets to cater to the needs of the present-day world to face the challenges confronting the language. He said that literature being reflective of the contemporary trends of the era should always incorporate current fashions and requirements.

He said Urdu language was facing numerous challenges these days and only an effective strategy could counter it.

Earlier, Prof Dr Khatir Ghaznavi said that such was love for this language that he could not resist the offer of being the first student of the Urdu department despite his job as a producer in Radio Pakistan, Peshawar.

Urdu department head Dr Sabir Kalorvi said that all-out efforts had been made to preserve original beauty of the Urdu language, adding that youth of the country had all the potential to become great poets and writers.

Giving details about the steps being taken in this regard, he said Urdu magazine “Khayaban” would be made effective and its two new editions would be released on April 19.

He said the Urdu department library would be computerised and consultative centres would be set up for the private students of Urdu literature, adding that changes in Urdu texts would be made in accordance with the current needs.—APP