KARACHI: Three travelogues by writer Qamar Ali Abbasi was launched in a local hotel on Saturday.
The writer, who has been staying in New York since the close of the last century, had come all the way to Karachi to get the books launched by Lt-Gen Moinuddin Haider (retd) (the minister of the interior) who, as per earlier schedule, could not somehow reach New York. Author of around a dozen travel pieces, Abbasi earned the General’s admiration for promoting Pakistan’s culture in foreign lands.
Sahilon Ka Safer is an account of the author’s travel to Brazil. The other book, Naso Hara Hai, is a narrative of the Bahamas, a famous pleasure spot. The third book, Turkey Mein Abbasi, is abut his visit to historical sites of the country and about the Turkish society. Among those who read papers or spoke on the merits of the travelogues included Mahmood Shaam, who was also the chief guest, Dr Moin Qureshi and Dost Mohammed Faizi, a known political activist. But the main speakers, who had accompanied Mr Abbasi in his visit to Karachi from New York, were Masroor Javed and Bashir Qamer. The latter is a known broadcaster in New York running his channels — Pakistan Zindabad and Kashmir Zindabad — for the Pakistanis for the past eight years. Mr Javed and Mr Qamer, it was told, were quite popular in social circles known for promoting Pakistan’s cultural values and for bringing compatriots together.
Gen Haider in his speech admired both of them and expressed the hope that Pakistan’s image in the USA would improve further. The climate of dismay was over and the countrymen over there were taking much interest in improving the lot of their country.
He advised the writer to visit the northern areas of Pakistan also and write about the picturesque Kaghan, Swat and other places. This would promote domestic tourism.
Mahmood Shaam in his loving remarks about the writer was also critical when he remarked: “Enough is enough. Now he should start writing ‘something worthwhile.”
Mr Faizi was all praise for the author and his books “which provide joviality and optimism to the common people.” Abbasi should be made an ambassador-at-large, Faizi said.
Dr Moin Qureshi was satirical as ever, a permanent commentator at Abbasi’s book launching. He enthralled the audience with his humorous remarks, quoting from the books.
Journalist Ilyas Shakir admired the author for his fluent prose but, at the same time, advised him not to indulge too much in self-praise.
Mian Zahid Husain was first to speak, and he briefly introduced the writer and his earlier publications.
Abbasi was last to speak. He thanked the readers of his books.
Rasheed Umer Thanvi, of an advertising firm, distributed awards to the guests working for Urdu and Pakistan in the USA and other places.
Broadcaster and TV artist Neelofer Abbasi did the compering.—Hasan Abidi