BOOKS IN BRIEF

Published February 27, 2022

Views and Reviews
Ammar Ali Qureshi

This compilation of essays, book reviews and pen sketches, published in Pakistani newspapers over the past 15 years, covers a range of interests. The writings are divided into six sections: ‘Historical Perspectives on Punjab’, ‘Pakistan: Past and Present’, ‘Muslim World: Rainbows and Shadows’, ‘Governance and Economic Issues’, ‘Personalities and Memoirs’ and, lastly, ‘Thoughts and Afterthoughts’.

Karachi Ki Galiyaan
Nasreen Aslam Shah

An earlier work on the subject from the prolific author was Shehron Mein Shehr Karachi: Aik Mutaaliati Jaiza [A City Among Cities Karachi: A Survey of Studies]. This follow-up is a comprehensive listing of Karachi’s major and many minor streets and alleys, including such useful places as Generator Waali Gali [The Generator Alley] and Banarsi Gali, which is a hub of banarsi fabric sellers.

Tholly
Kuldeep Sharma

A novella set in the town of Setpur, India, this story will strike a chord with many in Pakistan as well. Fourteen-year-old Tholly is the youngest of four siblings belonging to a poverty-stricken farming family. When his father falls ill, Tholly must face the indifference and apathy of the medical staff at a government-run hospital, where the outcome of a cricket match is more important than caring for the sick.

The Language of Paradise
Kashaf Alvi

This journey through the experiences of a hearing-impaired person in a world pulsating with sound explores stigmas, stereotypes and discrimination. The author explains the difficulties in lip-reading (especially in the aftermath of face-masking) and non-universal sign languages and also gives pointers for the hearing as well as hearing-impaired on how to go past barriers and learn to communicate effectively.

Published in Dawn, Books & Authors, February 27th, 2022

Opinion

Editorial

‘Source of terror’
Updated 29 Mar, 2024

‘Source of terror’

It is clear that going after militant groups inside Afghanistan unilaterally presents its own set of difficulties.
Chipping in
29 Mar, 2024

Chipping in

FEDERAL infrastructure development schemes are located in the provinces. Most such projects — for instance,...
Toxic emitters
29 Mar, 2024

Toxic emitters

IT is concerning to note that dozens of industries have been violating environmental laws in and around Islamabad....
Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...