LAHORE: The Lahore Arts Council (LAC), Alhamra, in collaboration with the ECO Cultural Institute, Tehran, organised a literary evening titled “Beyond the Borders”, to honour internationally acclaimed Pakistani novelist, intellectual, TV host and travelogue writer Mustansar Hussain Tarar, celebrating his remarkable literary journey and enduring contribution to Urdu literature.
The gathering brought together prominent literary, academic and cultural figures from Pakistan, who were joined online by distinguished participants from Türkiye and Iran.
The proceedings opened with Dr Shaiesta Hassan, who presented an insightful introduction to Tarar, his literary journey, major works and distinctive place in Urdu literature.
Highlighting the originality of his travelogue writing and the breadth of his creative expression, she underscored the significance of his contribution to generations of readers. She also acknowledged the LAC Executive Director Muhammad Nawaz Gondal for facilitating the event.
In an engaging conversation with writer Dr Osama Siddique, Tarar reflected on his literary evolution, personal experiences, observations and creative process.
The discussion explored how his writing brings together human experience, cultural identity, social realities and the subtleties of everyday life, offering readers a deeper understanding of the places and people he encounters.
Tarar’s contribution to Urdu travelogue extends far beyond documenting journeys and destinations. Through his distinctive narrative voice, he transforms travel into an exploration of civilisations, human relationships, social attitudes, and the emotional connections that bind people to places.
His writings offer readers new ways of seeing the world while bringing the richness of diverse cultures and lived experiences into the Urdu literary imagination. His work has also continued to nurture a love of reading and literature across generations.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Mohammad Hassan, President of the ECO Cultural Institute, Tehran, paid tributes to Tarar’s literary achievements.
He emphasised that literature and culture are vital instruments for strengthening ties among societies, fostering mutual understanding, and celebrating the region’s shared cultural heritage. His remarks reinforced the importance of sustained intellectual and cultural exchange among countries with interconnected histories and traditions.
Adding an international dimension to the evening, Dr Sibel Bayram, Director of the International Office at Düzce University, Türkiye; Prof Dr Farzana Azam Lutfi of the University of Tehran, and Ahmad Shahryar, a poet and writer based in Tehran, shared their perspectives online.
They commended Tarar’s literary achievements, creative vision and standing in Urdu literature, while highlighting the role of literature and cultural dialogue in strengthening international academic and intellectual connections.
A recorded message from Prof Dr Safeer Awan was also screened, in which he reflected on Tarar’s personality and literary contributions.
The evening offered a thoughtful exploration of Tarar’s literary legacy, enabling the participants to revisit his creative work through diverse intellectual and cultural perspectives.
An exchange of commemorative souvenirs at the conclusion marked the occasion as a meaningful celebration of literary excellence and cross-cultural engagement.
Published in Dawn, October 13th, 2026
