PESHAWAR: Speakers at an event here the other day paid glowing tributes to former heads of Pakistan Writers Guild for their contribution to regional languages leading to development of deep understanding among poets, writers and research scholars.

They said that linguistic diversity was beauty of Pakistan and there should be no gap among the regional languages and writers.

Urdu poet Aziz Ejaz, who chaired the event, said that former provincial heads of Pakistan Writers Guild served their respective languages and inspired several generations of literati through vision and commitment.

He said that noted writers like Ahmad Tufail, Prof Dawar Khan Daud, Sheen Shuakat, Sabir Hussain Imdad, Farooq Ahmad Jan Babar Azad and Sardar Khan Fana were the shining stars, who would always be remembered for their selfless services.

Services of former heads of Pakistan Writers Guild acknowledged

Pakistan Writers Guild was founded on January 29, 1959, in Karachi under the chairmanship of Maulvi Abdul Haq.

The main objective of the association was to protect the rights of writers as almost all notable writers. Several literary awards were launched under the auspices of Pakistan Writers Guild.

The event was organised under the auspices of the Peshawar chapter of Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL), in its main hall. Poets, writers and intellectuals attended the event in a large number.

Speakers on the occasion pointed out that former heads of Pakistan Writers Guild created a friendly environment with a purpose to promote and protect all languages being spoken in the country.

Faridoon Khan, who was chief guest on the occasion, said that there should be no gap among regional languages and writers at large. He added that linguistic diversity was beauty of the country.

Prof Aseer Mangal, the provincial chief of Pakistan Writers Guild, said that services of former heads of the guild should be duly acknowledged because they paved the way for literati to develop brotherly relations at national level.

“Pakistan Writers Guild is still functional. It encourages poets and writers across the country by conferring them with awards on their best books every year. Even today we need national unity for keeping up our diversity and cultures,” he said.

Senior writer Bushra Farrukh said that KP literati contributed to national cause through their writings and also former heads of the guild played a pivotal role in shaping the outlook of literati.

Mohammad Ali Khattak, on behalf of PAL, thanked all the participants, saying his organisation would continue remembering services of late mentors of the country.

Prof Gulzar Jalal Yousafzai, Sher Wali Orakzai, Prof Aslam Taseer, Zahir Shah Khattak, Kalsoom Zeb, Prof Zafarullah Bakhshali and Haji Faqir Hussain Masroor also addressed the event.

Published in Dawn, October 20th, 2023