KARACHI: The Ambassador of France to Pakistan, Nicolas Galey, on Thursday afternoon presented distinguished writer and journalist Bina Shah with the insignia of Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Letters at the Alliance Francaise.

Speaking on the occasion to highlight Ms Shah’s accomplishments, Mr Galey said that after acquiring higher education from the US, she came back to Karachi and showed tremendous passion for literature by publishing no less than two collections of short stories and five novels, among which there’s the bestseller Slum Child published in 2011 and A Season for Martyrs in 2014. She is also a columnist for major national and international newspapers.

The ambassador said Ms Shah’s feminist commitment and roots in the city of Karachi described so well in her books, her internationally recognised literary career and dedication to the French language and culture were some of the reasons for honouring her. Ms Shah’s writings highlight major social issues that are important to understand the beautiful country of Pakistan. He also lauded her commitment to girl education and women’s rights, particularly with reference to those displaced in the recent tragic floods.

Ms Shah began her speech by thanking the ambassador, the consul general of France in Karachi and the staff at the Alliance Francaise. She told the audience which comprised a select group of people that she started learning French at the age of 12, went to the US for studies and carried on learning. She returned in 1995 and ever since the Alliance Francaise has been home to her. Her love for the French language continues – a language that very few speak because we have no historical ties to France “except for its beauty, except for the principles and values that France represents.”

She said France is a place where anything’s possible and where literature is respected. This year’s winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature, Anne Ernaux, is a French writer. “I was inspired by her when she said it’s not only an honour but a responsibility. That’s how I feel. I promise that I will carry it [insignia] with the respect that it deserves, I promise to work to bring the two cultures [French and Pakistani] together. I’ve always felt that cultural diplomacy is the way that countries build bridges.”

Ms Shah hoped that France and Pakistan will strengthen their ties in the cultural connection. In the end she pointed out that it’s not easy being a writer and an artist in the world.

Published in Dawn, October 14th, 2022