ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) on Wednesday held a panel discussion titled ‘75 Years of Urdu Criticism’. As many as 36 books were published in connection with the celebrations.

PAL Chairman Dr Yousuf Khushk, while speaking to participants, said the aim of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations under the academy was to preserve the literary history of Pakistan, adding that, “we have to take publishing series of books to the provincial level now”.

The programme was presided over by Dr Iqbal Afaqi and Dr Nasir Abbas was the chief guest. Mohammad Hafeez Khan was the guest of honour.

Dr Salahuddin Darwish, Dr Farrukh Nadeem, Dr Saeed Ahmed, Dr Ravish Nadeem, Dr Humaira Ashfaq, Dr Khurram Aleem and Dr Aamir Sohail expressed their views on the topic.

The proceedings were conducted by Qasim Yaqoob.

Dr Iqbal Afaqi said: “Our critics are actually the guardians of civilisation. Criticism brings out hidden and higher aspects; it is also related to civilisation, creativity and human ethics.”

Nasir Abbas Nayyar said the major part of the criticism till now was resistance.

“Hali, Shibli and Azad have also integrated local civilisation and culture with western criticism.

In this regard, Dr Wazir Agha and Jilani Kamran play an important role,” he said.

Dr Salahuddin Darwaish said criticism was meant to defend or oppose the text.

“We have criticism on the basis of likes and dislikes. This negativity needs to end,” he added.

Published in Dawn, August 11th, 2022