PESHAWAR: A newly-published Pashto book titled ‘exploring post-war trauma and migration in the novels and short stories of noted Afghan author Naseer Ahmad Ahmadi’ has hit bookstalls and received widespread appreciation from literary circles.

Saidul Amin Ahsan Kheshgi has conducted an analytical study on the post-war trauma and subsequent mass migration found in the novels and short stories of celebrated Afghan fictionist, journalist and biographer from war torn Afghanistan Nasser Ahmad Ahmadi.

In this connection, recently a seminar was arranged under the auspices of political science department at University of Peshawar in its main auditorium with Dr Fazal Rahim Marat in the chair. Research scholars, students and faculty members attended the event. They said that such studies helped young graduates to understand political phenomenon in the region.

They said that the book triggered a spirit to develop a deep understanding of war economy in the light of human price in its regional dynamics and historical undertones.

Critics say author has done justice with analytical study

Nasser Ahmad Ahmadi was born in northern Afghanistan in 1972 and died of Covid-19 in 2019. He had written over a dozen novels and short stories. Most of his books were published in his lifetime. Saidul Amin Ahsan has explored the profound themes of trauma and migration in the stories of Mr Ahmadi spanned over four decades of conflict.

The study also provides authentic details about Pashto novels written in Afghanistan and brief comparison with fiction works in Persian, Arabic, Russian and other languages. Despite significant contributions, Mr Ahmadi remained dormant as no research study was conducted on his life and works.

According to literary critics, Saidul Amin filled this gap by bringing out an authentic and insightful psycho-analysis of the works of the visionary writer. It also invited the attention of many literary critics and commentators towards Mr Ahmadi’s immense literary services.

Prof Hamayun Masud says that this study stands as the first ever comprehensive research on the life and fiction works of the illustrious Afghan writer. The analytical study comprises twelve chapters each with deep insight referenced in authentic bibliographic details.

Prof Zubair Hasrat, another literary critic, in his comment on the flap remarks that Naseer Ahmad Ahmadi has done justice to narration of stories as most characters truly depict the brutal realities of war and the subsequent mass migration. “The personal experiences and empathy of for his fellow countrymen’s sufferings are vividly depicted in the stories by the author,” he comments.

Mr Hasrat says that Mr Saidul Amin Ahsan has befittingly brought out all the necessary details of the Afghan writer in his unique style. Another London-based literary critic Mohammad Akbar Kargar terms the analytical study on Mr Ahmadi a matchless treasure trove that compels readers to go through every single page.

Published in Dawn, May 21st, 2025