KARACHI, July 20: ‘Writers’ role in the world peace’ was the topic discussed at a forum of journalists, concerned citizens and writers on Tuesday evening under the aegis of Quarterly Kahkashan and Daira Adab-o-Saqafat. Dr Moin Qureshi, who presided over the forum, observed that the writers of our time were much lacking in spiritual strength and unity of purpose. First, they should get united for a cause, only then they will be able to bring peace in society.

Dr Syed Iqbal Mohsin, who was the chief guest of the evening, lamented over the attitude of the writers who callously ignored the tragic events of Dhaka fall and now bombing in Iraq. Writers with conscience in every period of history performed their role in creating social awareness and inspiring people for action which was found during the Pakistan movement in the subcontinent. It is sad that those emotions fizzled out in our time.

Ahfazur Rahman, a known journalist, read out a paper stressing on the role of writers to write for the people and to the benefit of humanity at large without any consideration.

Prof Mir Hamid Ali condemned the designs of the imperialist powers who were working all the time against Muslims. He observed that the Muslim world was passing through a critical phase of history and only their unity and farsightedness could save them.

Zafer Mohyuddin, in his introductory essay, said that globalization was nothing but a deceitful slogan of the colonial powers and it was the neo-colonialism which was exploiting the third world nations, making them even more poor and backward. He wanted the writers to define their role in those conditions.

Ain Seen Muslim and Rizwan Siddiqui opined that only a literary movement like the progressive writers movement of the last century could unite writers and let them work for peace.

Syed Azfer Rizvi praised the organizers for holding such a thought-provoking forum and thanked the guests.

The poets at the assembly were not lagging behind. Among those who urged the need of world peace included Javed Manzer, Iqbal Majeedi, Mohashir Mir, Zafer Mohammad Khan and Parvin Haider. —HA