KARACHI, Dec 8: Essayist Akhtar Hamed Khan was the guest of the evening held in his honour at the Irteqa Adabi Forum on Sunday. Author of his biographical volume “meri nakaam zindagi”, Mr Khan read out an essay from it. It was written about the late Prof Karrar Hussain. Known for his sketches written on many important persons, including his own elder brother, the renowned Akhtar Hameed Khan, Akhtar Hamed said, he had worked with Karrar Saheb for several years and closely watched the changes coming into his life — a firebrand bold and outspoken young man and a ‘Khaksaar’ who would turn down the highest award with disdain. Sadly in his declining age, he was a different person, “an old man because of his shattered idealism,” serving the people of his own sect, he added.

Akhtar Hamed Khan had a long career of serving the people along with Akhtar Hameed Khan and Prof Karrar Husain. The latter was also his guide who taught him how to write good prose and the senior Khan at the Orangi Pilot Project found him a good assistant and an advisor although the former ever cared about advices.

Akhtar Hamed Khan has many books to his credit, his prose is simple and racy. In his sketches, he tries to be accurate, close to reality, with no malice or prejudice for anyone. Payam-i- Quraan Majeed, a book on Seerat, Chan Buzurg and Aena are his noteworthy books.

Ali Haider Malik admired his prose as the writer has a peculiar style of creating a landscape, like a good novelist.

Shafeeq Ahmad Shafeeq read out a paper on Akhtar Hamed’s sketches. He, however, differed for the remarks the writer had made about the Progressive Writers Movement.

Prof Afaq Siddiqui, presided over the meeting. Admiring Mr Khan for his judicious and pleasing nature, he said he was writing a book on him.

Among others who took part in the conversation included Hasan Abid, Noor Mohammad Shaikh and Wahid Bashir. At the outset, Jamal Naqi presented an introductory paper on the life and works of Akhtar Hamed Khan.—HA