ISLAMABAD, Jan 26: Paying tributes to Maulana Salahuddin and Dr Syed Abdullah for their distinctive work in the Urdu literature, chairman Pakistan Academy of Letters said here on Saturday that the duo had enriched the literature by their criticism and creativity.

Briefing on the recently published books of the series of “Pakistani Adab Ke Memar”, “Maulana Salahuddin: Life and Works” by Dr Anwar Sadeed and “Dr Syed Abdullah: Life and Works” by Dr Robina Shaheen, academy chairman Iftikhar Arif said Maulana Salahuddin occupies a prominent place as an established editor of literature. The series of monthly “Adabi Duniya” under the editorship of the Maulana testify to his standing, he added.

He has done a lot of work in the field of literature, editorial writings criticism, writings and translation and his style of poetry is also distinct, Mr Arif said. The Maulana’s association with the Progressive Writers Movement and Halqa-i- Arbab-i-Zauq spanned over a long period of time. He will always be remembered in the history of Urdu literature, he added.

The academy chairman said Dr Anwar Sadeed had rendered a great service by writing the book on the personality and art of Maulana Salahuddin in the series of “Makers of Pakistani Literature”. This book will be helpful in introducing, appreciating and explaining his works, he said.

Dr Syed Abdullah was an epoch making teacher, researcher and critic on Urdu language and literature, Mr Arif said adding his many publications were not only useful for the students of Urdu language and literature but also their scholarly worth was well-known.