PESHAWAR: A literary event arranged here on Sunday under the umbrella of Halqa Arbab-i-Zauq once again proved why the forum remains one of the most vibrant intellectual spaces in the city of flowers.

In a session marked by poetic sensibility and sharp critical insight, Dr Syed Zubair Shah presented his latest short story “Aakhri Tharrha” under the chairmanship of Prof Khalid Sohail Malik. Mr Shah is author of fiction books namely “Khuhuf Kay Katbay”, “Yekhbasta Dehleez” and “Khwab Nigar May Saath Din”.

The session opened with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Mohammad Tariq Khattak, followed by approval of the previous meeting’s minutes. Mr Shah’s story unfolded as a layered narrative blending personal tales with broader civilisation concerns, prompting rich discussion. Participants urged writers and poets to craft topics with modern sensibilities.

They described the work as a dual narrative -- one rooted in realistic storytelling through Noor Kaka and the other on a symbolic plane featuring a child born without a heart or mind -- a haunting metaphor for a generation rich in information but impoverished in emotion amid digital excess.

Masroor Hussain, joint secretary of Halqa, noted how the two strands complemented each other. “Noor Kaka’s story belongs to the realm of narrative, while the birth of the heartless child belongs to the domain of symbol,” he observed.

He highlighted the contrast between advertising psychology and harsh reality, underlining a generation that could articulate everything yet felt nothing deeply.

The story triggered discussion on pressing themes like erosion of cultural values, the widening generation gap, media freedom, digitalisation and state’s apparent lack of policy response.

Qudratullah Khattak linked it to institutional indifference, while young writer Muaz Ali called it the authentic voice of Generation Z.

Fazl Subhan saw it as a fine example of intersexuality, detecting echoes of Ghulam Abbas and Ashraf Sabohi. He placed the work in the framework of social and eco-dystopia, appreciating Shah’s shift to a more contemporary idiom.

Fazl Kabir situated it within 21st century postmodern fiction, drawing parallels with Akhtar Raza Saleemi’s novel Jandar. He reflected on generational conflict, noting how each age built its moral universe only for the next to appear misfit and ethically alien.

Tahir Mahmood praised the story’s structural coherence, evoking Krishan Chander while Dr Ijaz Ahmed lauded its ghazal-like suggestiveness. Aasif Barkhiya interpreted the central image as the final remnant of civilisation.

Fareedullah, Maryam Hanif, Osama Ghafar, Nadeemur Rahman, Saheeb Khan, Razvi Rahman and others also attended the session.

In his presidential remarks, Prof Khalid Sohail Malik expressed delight at the energetic participation of younger voices. He called the story a personal ‘treat’ and urged multiple readings. He also urged literati to consistently highlight modern day social issues through their creative works.

In an age of fleeting digital consumption, Halqa Arbab-i-Zauq continues to uphold serious literary engagement. Zubair Shah’s story reaffirms that Peshawar’s literary spirit remains resilient while reminding writers of their responsibility to address contemporary social realities.

Published in Dawn, May 4th, 2026