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Writers discuss rise of extremism in the country

By Zeb Azkar Hussain

Karachi

The recent literary gatherings in the city have had a common underlying theme – distress over the rising cases of extremism and increasing political scuffles causing divisiveness. 

One such meeting was held at the Arts Council. Three literary items were discussed in the meeting, each one talking about burden of living in the context of exploitation and terrorism. A story titled ‘Kaanch ki Botal’ presented by noted writer and novelist, Naseem Anjum, depicted the wave of terrorism. The story shows how a highly educated girl is trapped by terrorists and forced to carry out extremist activities.

A poem written by a senior poet, Yawar Amman, also condemned acts of terrorism and talked about the forces of destruction pitted against mankind. A ghazal presented by Wajih Saani highlighted the plight of human beings and the uncertainty of life.

Similarly, another gathering held by the literary organisation Darrak discussed an Urdu short story titled ‘Raat ko Koi Pehar Tha’ presented by Saira Ghulam Nabi. The name of the author, however, was not disclosed. The participants expressed mixed views about the story. Many felt the story was a unique experiment that discussed the social and political conditions of the country.

Then, the monthly literary sitting at the Goethe Institut discussed a short story titled ‘Qumar-khana-e-Ishq’ by Aneeqa Naz. Distinguished short story writer, A. Khayyam appreciated Naz’s effort, adding that it was a thought-provoking story that discussed the psychology of children. Shamim Manzar presented a poem by Doorus Grown translated from German. Asad Faiz, Nayyara Rehman, Najmul Hasan Rizvi, Kawish Abbasi and many others attended the sitting.

Meanwhile, a reception was also held at the Arts Council in honour of renowned poetess, Kishwar Naheed. The President of the function Mehmood Shaam, Dr Pirzada Qasim, Fehmida Riaz, Dr Fatima Hasan, Ahmed Shah, Khalid Moin and Haseeb Ambreen paid glowing tributes to the poetess for her work.

Finally, the meeting held by the Pakistan Writers Guild was also noteworthy. The meeting was in honour of writers. The Director General of the Academy, Zaheer Malik said that Academy of Letters would do anything to encourage literary activities. Professor Younus Sharrar, a poet, educationist and writer based in USA also attended the meeting and admired the steps taken by the Guild and Academy.

Another literary gathering was organised by the Pakistan Academy of Letters (Sindh) in honour of Prof Younus Sharrar at its Regional Office where papers on his work were presented.