NOWSHERA: Awami National Party general secretary Mian Iftikhar Hussain has urged writers, intellectuals and poets to depict the real image of the nation so that the coming generations could be aware of the history.

“We have to bring out books which not only keep Pashto language alive but also keep the young generation aware of the sacrifices rendered by Pakhtun leaders,” he said while addressing a gathering organised by the Ajmal Khattak Addabi Jirga, Khairabad, in connection with the launching ceremony of four books here on Saturday night. The gathering was presided over by Prof Aseer Mengel of government degree college, Nowshera.

The books included “La Attocka tre Khattaka” (from Attock to Khattak) written by Haroonur Rasheed Khattak; “Baba-i-Aman Bacha Khan” written by Haroonur Rasheed Khattak; “Ya Pekhawara Pa Ta Sa Shawi Di” written by Shoaib Khattak; and “Paloseen Badoona” by Fazlur Rehman Fitrat. Poets Shamshad Ali Shamshad, Khan Bahar Gulshen, Jan Yousafzai, Gul Sattar Ihsas and others participated in the special poetry sessions.

The ANP leader asked the writers to keep touch with own nation for guidance of people as Pakhtun nation was passing through a critical phase. “Pakhtun nation is in a situation of war since long while other nations of the world have been enjoying peaceful atmosphere for centuries,” he said.

Mr Hussain said that the intellectuals, writers and poets should highlight the history of Pakhtun nation and keep themselves in touch with geographic condition of area to guide the people.

“We have to be proud of the leaders and heroes of Pakhtun area as their sacrifices are not less than any other heroes of world,” he said.

On this occasion, Prof Irfan Khattak, Prof Ibrahim Izhar, Prof Hamayun Hamdard and Prof Aseer Mengel presented their research papers and critically analysed the books.

Published in Dawn, November 29th , 2014