KARACHI: Ashiq Minal Philisteen, a name derived from an Arabic verse — a study compiled in two volumes on Palestinian issue — was launched on Thursday at the PMA House. A special publication of the book series, ‘Dunya Zaad’, compiled and edited by Asif Farrukhi, it carries historical and political aspects of the Arabs’ valiant struggle, spread over more than sixty years in one part and the socio-cultural and literary pieces in the other, soaked in tears and blood exuding the courage and determination of the suffering people, traumatized men, women and children of Palestine.

Prof Jamal Naqvi surveyed the history and politics of the land usurped by Israel, a country amazingly with no borders, left to encroach upon the Arabs’ mainland.

Asif Farrukhi at the outset read out the editorial from the book, taking an entirely different approach to the issue, also presenting the opposite point of view, based on historical facts, rationales, unbiased and un-emotional approach, as emotional and irrational approach had spoiled even the right cause in the past, Kashmir being one example.

Later, the writers were invited to recite their verses and also prose pieces, original and translations, included in the book. Dr Aslam Farrukhi, Fehmeeda Riaz, Prof Saher Ansari, Anwer Ahsan Siddiqui, Humra Khaleeque, Zahida Hina, Tanvir Anjum and Afzaal Ahmed Syed read out their writings.

Anwer Ahsan introduced the two volumes, most valued and unique by all standards’ produced at a time when Palestine was a burning, literally burning, issue on the world forum. The deliberations were concluded with Faiz’s verses on Palestine, presented by noted poet Zohra Nigah. Harris Khaleeque did the compering. — Hasan Abidi