KARACHI: Speakers shed light on life and work of distinguished short story writer Naseem Kharal at an event organised on the occasion of his 44th death anniversary at the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi on Thursday evening.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and his predecessor Syed Qaim Ali Shah were special guests at the event, which was presided over by renowned writer Ghulam Nabi Mughal.

Murad Ali Shah lauded the contribution to the world of literature of the late Naseem Kharal. Mentioning some of the short stories he’s read, Mr Shah said the author through his tales highlights the mentality of his characters, arguing to date we haven’t come out of that zehniat.

Referring to the culture minister’s intentions of publishing Mr Kharal’s complete works soon, the chief minister claimed the publishing of the book would pass on the rich culture of Sindhi literature to our coming generations. He then briefly addressed the audience in Urdu on the prevailing turbulent political situation in the province, underlining the fact that Sindh is a land of Sufis which for centuries has accepted with open arms anyone who has come to it.

Murad says Naseem Kharal chair to be set up at Khairpur University

The chief minister, after seeking permission from Qaim Ali Shah, made a few announcements the foremost of which was that a Naseem Kharal chair will be instituted at Khairpur University.

Qaim Ali Shah praised Mr Kharal as a writer in his unique style and told the attendees a couple of socially relevant stories related to the personality for whom everyone had gathered at the council.

Mr Mughal went down memory lane about his association with the late writer and spoke about the importance of setting up a translation bureau, as had been suggested by a speaker before the chief guests.

Earlier, DIG-South Sharjeel Kharal, who is the nephew of Naseem Kharal, said he recently started taking a deep interest in the personality and literature produced by the writer, which would continue to grow. “My late uncle was born into a land owning family in Khairpur district. After doing his bachelor of art and bachelor of law, he married his first cousin in 1959. His interest in literature began while studying with his uncle who happened to be my grandfather and his would-be father-in-law, at that time a sitting justice in the judiciary.

“What was perfunctory during his high school days developed into a full-blooded passion for writing during his final year in college. That passion enriched Sindhi literature with a considerable number of short stories. Apart from some critical and satirical articles, he also wrote semi-humorous columns for a periodical which he edited for some time. Two collections of his short stories — Shabnam Shabnam Kanwal Kanwal and Chotihoon Dar — were published in his lifetime while his third collection Dummy came out posthumously in 1984.

“As a story writer he comes across as a fine craftsman… His prose is straightforward without being poignant. He doesn’t push around words,” said Sharjeel Kharal after which he spoke about the author’s personality.

Arts Council president Ahmed Shah emphasising the importance of creative individuals said it’s the writers who build nations. Even after 44 years of his passing, Naseem Kharal and his work are alive, he added.

Education and Culture Minister Syed Sardar Shah likened Naseem Kharal to a dream. He said his department will publish the writer’s complete works and establish a translation bureau.

Mumtaz Bukhari, Ibrahim Kharal, Shabnam Gul, Mukhtiar Malik, Faisal Dara Shikoh (the author’s son) and Naeem Kharal (the writer’s brother) also spoke. Naseer Mirza moderated the programme, which was arranged by the culture department.

Published in Dawn, July 16th, 2022