MINGORA: Writers and intellectuals from across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa here on Sunday lauded the book authored by Dr Sher Mohammad Khan and termed it a guideline for the young generation.

They were speaking at the launching ceremony of “In Pursuit of Knowledge: A Pakhtun’s life, from East to West”. The ceremony was organised by Swat Adabi Sanga. Prince Miangul Adnan Aurangzeb presided over the ceremony and renowned educationist Dr Farooq Swati was chief guest on the occasion.

Noted poet Rehmat Shah Sayel, Prof Bakht Zada Danish, former minister Wajid Ali Khan, Advocate Sher Mohmamad, Fazal Mahmood Rokhan, Attaullah Jan, Attaur Rehman Atta and Roohul Amin Nayab also attended the ceremony.

Former MNA and member of Swat royal family Miangul Adnan Aurangzeb lauded the author’s style. “The book is so original that the childhood narration reminds me of my childhood. The real life of early Swat state can be seen in every sentence of the book for which I appreciate him,” he said.

Prof Farooq Swati said that it was not a mere autobiography but an account of the shortcomings and drawbacks of the society. “There is no artificiality in the writings of the author. He does not conceal his weaknesses,” he said. He added that young generation should learn from the book.

Advocate Sher Mohammad said that the book was a reflection of the author’s life. Tasdiq Iabal Babu said that it was a wonderland and a romantic travel of the life of the author with incidents and experiences from around the world.

“The author paints pictures of all the incidents, smaller and bigger of his life with sharing of history, knowledge, cultural norms and way of life of Swati Pakhtuns. He narrates many terms of Pashto language which he explains in English for the understanding of English readers,” said Prof Subhani Johar.

On the occasion, Neelam Chattan was given an award for her struggle for human rights.

Published in Dawn, November 20th, 2017