Latest news with #NajeebaArif
Express Tribune
29-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Turkish envoy stresses cultural collaboration
Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye, Irfan Neziroglu, on Tuesday, expressed his appreciation for the strong literary, cultural, social, and political relations between Türkiye and Pakistan, emphasising the need to deepen these ties. He underscored the importance of renewed institutional partnerships, collaborative translation initiatives, and the organisation of joint literary and cultural events. Such efforts, he noted, won't only advance mutual literary interests and celebrate shared cultural heroes, but also strengthen people-to-people connections and mutual understanding between the two nations. The Turkish envoy uttered these words during a visit to the Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) where he held a meeting with its Chairperson, Dr Najeeba Arif. Also present were Dr Halil Toker — celebrated Turkish writer, translator, and intellectual, and Director of the Yunus Emre Institute in Pakistan — as well as PAL's Director General, Sultan Muhammad Nawaz Nasir. The meeting focused on fostering literary and cultural ties between Pakistan and Türkiye. Dr Najeeba briefed the ambassador on the Academy's initiatives, including the promotion of literature in Pakistani languages, welfare programmes for writers, its publication efforts, and literary translation projects with international partners. She also referenced the earlier Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Istanbul University and the Academy, and highlighted key publications that reflect longstanding literary collaboration. Notably, in 1991, PAL published a book on the eminent Turkish poet Yunus Emre. In 2022, as part of its acclaimed series Pakistani Adab ke Me'maar, the Academy published Dr Halil Toker: Shakhsiyat aur Funn. That same year, it also published Jadeed Turki Afsana, a collection translated into Urdu by Dr Halil Toker and Samina Toker. Dr Najeeba further shared that the Academy regularly features translations of Turkish literary works in its quarterly journal Adabiyat. Over the years, several Turkish writers have visited Pakistan and participated in international conferences organized by the Academy. Dr Najeeba Arif also commended the contributions of Turkish scholars to Urdu literature, particularly acknowledging the efforts of Dr Halil Toker, Dr Asuman Belen Özcan, and Dr Dawood Shahbaz. The meeting also included discussions on launching joint literary projects between PAL and the Yunus Emre Institute in the coming months. At the end of the meeting, Dr Najeeba Arif presented a selection of the Academy's publications to His Excellency Mr Irfan Neziroglu and Dr Halil Toker.
Express Tribune
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
'Art can help revive reading culture'
Students browse through a wide range of Urdu fiction and non-fiction titles looking for their next summer read at a stall at the Spring Festival held in NUML, Islamabad. PHOTO: ONLINE Promoting book culture through visual art is a creative and powerful way to revive the habit of reading among the younger generation, said the Pakistan Academy of Letters Chairperson, Dr Najeeba Arif. She was speaking at the closing ceremony of the painting exhibition organised by the Punjab Council of the Arts (PUCAR), Rawalpindi. The exhibition, themed distinguished culture of books, was attended by art lovers, students, and dignitaries. Dr Arif, the chief guest of the ceremony, lauded the efforts of the organisers and participating artist Muhammad Qasim. She said that the exhibition was a remarkable tribute to our society's literary and intellectual heritage. Punjab Arts Council Director, Sajjad Hussain, also addressed the ceremony and appreciated the artist Muhammad Qasim for his profound interpretations of the theme. The senior artist Muhammad Azeem Iqbal, Senior poet Farkhanda Shamim, Younis Roomi, Shami Chandia, and Shafique ur Rehman. Deputy Director Muhammad Shakoor and Assistant Director Waqar Ali were also present. The exhibition served as a meaningful platform to celebrate the intersection of visual art and literature, leaving a lasting impression on all attendees.
Express Tribune
13-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Timeless hymn's Urdu translation launched
ISLAMABAD: National Book Foundation (NBF) under the auspices of the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training hosted the book launch of renowned writer and poet Dr Najeeba Arif's latest literary endeavour, "Nawah e Kazima". The launch took place at the Ahmed Faraz Auditorium on Thursday. "Nawah e Kazima" is a meticulously crafted Urdu translation of the revered "Qaseeda Burda Shareef", a timeless and sacred poem that holds a distinguished place in the Islamic world. Dr Najeeba Arif who is also serving as Chairperson of Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Managing Director (MD) of the National Book Foundation (NBF) for publishing her book and organising its launching ceremony. She stated that she was deeply indebted to her mother's prayers, which have guided her throughout her journey. "I feel her presence with me in every moment, and I am grateful for the love and support she instilled in me." She said that "May Allah include us all among the lovers and followers of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and may we continue to draw inspiration from his teachings and legacy." NBF MD Murad Ali Mohmand said that it was an honour to publish Najeeba Arif's book. "Reading culture shall be promoted and it is moral responsibility of everyone to play his or her part in it," he said.
