SOME theatre practitioners and critics believe that our region has not produced quality playwrights. Without engaging in this debate, it would be unjust not to recognise the talent of one person belonging to the realm of stage. On Nov 10, 1975, it was reported that the Governor of Sindh, Begum Ra’ana Liaquat Ali Khan had exhorted the writers and artists of the country to fulfil their national responsibility and accomplish the mission of Khwaja Moinuddin. In her presidential address at a meeting held to observe the fourth death anniversary of the playwright (Nov 9) at the Pakistan National Centre in Bahadurabad, she said the late Khwaja sahib showed the way to create national consciousness through his art. The governor paid tribute to the dramatist for his honest, dedicated and meaningful efforts in pointing out the problems that society was faced with. “He always focused, satirically, on social evils and projected the ideology of Pakistan in his plays. His dramas Taleem-i-Balighan, Naya Nishan, Mirza Ghalib Bunder Road Per and Lal Qila Se Lalhukhet proved that they were not mere entertainment but a means of expressing serious thoughts.”

Mohammad Yousuf, a film, TV and stage actor — discovered by Khwaja sahib — in his speech said the best way to pay tribute to the playwright was to set up a ‘national theatre,’ which the dramatist passionately advocated for.

Creative individuals became the topic of discussion on Nov 12, again, when the Provincial Minister for Power and Irrigation, Dur Muhammad Usto called upon young writers and poets to work dedicatedly for the solidarity and integrity of Pakistan. Speaking at the launch of the book Malumat He Malumat by Zaki Ahmad Zaki, he said enlightened people could play a vital role in moulding the opinion of the new generation.

In a similar vein (of publishing books), on Nov 15, a book titled Economic History of the Region Constituting Pakistan from 1825 to 1974: An Analytical Study by Dr Azimusshan Haider was launched in the city. Provincial Information Minister Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani, who was the chief guest at the launch, said the publication would help policymakers to frame development plans in light of the correct [fiscal] background. He pointed out that the book elucidated the economic transformation that took place in the area which now constituted Pakistan. It analysed development in the fields of agriculture, industry and communications between 1825 to 1974, apart from underlining the conceptual changes that had been introduced systematically into the economic sphere after 1971.

From economy to geopolitics. On Nov 11, according to a press statement published in Dawn, the then Senator Kamal Azfar, addressing a public meeting at Vanthali Hall held to observe Junagadh Day, said the Junagadh issue was very much alive, and the government of Pakistan would take appropriate action at appropriate time. “The people of Junagadh were fully entitled to all the legitimate rights. Till such a time as Junagadh was not freed from Indian occupation, the people of Junagadh would not find themselves alone in their struggle,” he added.

Published in Dawn, November 11th, 2025