PESHAWAR: Literary figures, scholars and culture enthusiasts gathered in Khatir Ghaznavi Auditorium here on Sunday to launch Rakh Say Uthi Aurat (the woman who rose from the ashes), an evocative short story collection by promising young fictionist Maryam Khan from Malakand.

Jointly organised by Abasin Arts Council and Pakistan Writers Guild, the ceremony celebrated the book’s thematic exploration of female resilience, social struggles and emotional rebirth.

The collection depicts women facing personal betrayal and domestic hardship who reclaim their agency, embodying a phoenix rising renewed from its own ashes.

Speaking as chief guest, Vice-chancellor of Gandhara University Dr Ejaz Khan praised the young writer’s keen observation and remarkable mastery over Urdu language.

“Maryam Khan, hailing from Malakand, has given a powerful voice to unspoken realities,” he remarked.

He said that her characters were not passive victims of fate rather they evolved through their trials, confronted their circumstances and emerged with self-reliance.

“It is a vital contribution to contemporary fiction,” he added.

Guest of honour Prof Abaseen Yousafzai highlighted the social relevance of the newly-released work. “Literature acts as a mirror to society and this collection reflects both vulnerabilities and fortitude of women,” he said.

Offering a detailed literary evaluation, Bushra Farrukh lauded the author’s narrative control and linguistic depth. “She avoids unnecessary sensationalism, choosing instead to focus on the psychological transformation and quiet resolve of her protagonists,” she observed, emphasising how her regional background enriches her expressiveness.

Urdu poet Aziz Ejaz praised the literary craft. “The prose carries a poetic undertone, enriched by inspiring phrases that make the underlying grief and ultimate triumph feel deeply resonant,” he said.

Prof Malik Arshad Hussain talked the social impact of the book. “These narrative pieces serve as an essential commentary on unspoken domestic trials, illuminated by phrases of hope woven into every single story,” he added.

Urdu writer Faiza Shehzadi said that Maryam Khan painted her female protagonists not as tragic figures,

but as resilient architects of their own fate through dynamic dialogue and poignant expressions.

Prof Aseer Mangal highlighted the thematic strength of the book. “The collection succeeds because its message of rebirth transcends local boundaries. The inspirational phrases used in almost all the stories speak directly to universal human endurance, proving that a young voice from Malakand can command Urdu with exceptional precision,” he said.

The well-attended ceremony concluded with organisers expressing gratitude and pledging continued support for emerging regional authors.

Published in Dawn, August 3rd, 2026