PESHAWAR: The speakers at a function arranged here on Friday paid rich tribute to noted writer Zaitoon Banu (1938-2021) to mark her fourth death anniversary and termed her the ‘first lady’ of Pashto fiction.

They highlighted various aspects of life and works of the late writer known for her bold expression and immense contribution to the cause of women’s rights through powerful writings.

The literary event was arranged under auspices of Dosti Peshawar literature festival (DPLF) and Peshawrians literary society (PLS) here on Friday at main Hall of a local college. Speakers said Ms Bano had authored over dozen books and received about awards including President’s award of pride of performance as her contributions spanned over 50 years.

Prof Iftikhar Ahmad Khan in his opening remarks said Zaitoon Bano had served as teacher for over fourteen years at Peshawar Public School and College and made her students proud through her literary acumen.

Ms Bano’s affiliation with radio, TV and literary organisations made her a full-time writer and a guiding patron to motivate young women literati to contribute to the cause of community uplift, they observed.

The event was part of a series of such activities launched under the banner of 4th edition of literary festival by Dosti Peshawar Literature Festival (DPLF). Literati, intellectuals and research scholars attended the event and shared their insight on the literary services of Zaitoon Bano.

Prof Abasin Yousafzai, the keynote speaker, while dwelling upon the literary contributions of the late Zaitoon Bano said, Ms Bano being a versatile writer had changed the landscape of Pashto fiction especially it when came to giving a strong voice to women rights. He fought taboos and stereotypes through her purposeful stories and pinpointed social issues concerning women in a typical Pashtun society.

Prof Afsha Bano, daughter and chief of PLS, in her remarks stated her legendary mother and father named Taj Saeed both impacted Urdu, Hindko and Pashto literary traditions as their stories were inspired by the local ups and downs.

Ejaz Khan, representative of DPLF on the occasion said the main objective of such event was to motivate young students to volunteers their services for the society by learning from the experiences of writers and social activists .

Kalsoomzeb, president of Khwindy Adabi Lakhkar (KHAL), completed masters in Pashto and Urdu as a private candidate from University of Peshawar, Zaitoon Bano. She launched her writing career when she was in grade 9 and later earned fame and name as a prolific writer.

Bushra Farrukh, chief of Karwan-i-Hawwa in her paper pointed out that the stories of Ms Bano mirrored social injustices and oppression of women folk and all the characters were drawn from the unfortunate society she belonged to.

Samina Qadir and Prof Riaz Azam also spoke on the occasion.

Published in Dawn, February 15th, 2025