Latest news with #PakistanAcademyofLetters
Express Tribune
20-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Renowned Urdu humorist remembered
A distinguished literary session was held under the auspices of the Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) in memory of the legendary Urdu writer, humourist, broadcaster and diplomat, Syed Ahmad Shah Patras Bokhari. The ceremony also marked the formal inauguration of PAL's newly renovated conference hall by Senator Irfan Siddiqui. The guests spoke about Patras Bokhari's legacy as well as the importance of literary institutions like PAL. The event took place at PAL's head office on Patras Bokhari Road, Islamabad, and was presided over by prominent scholar, writer and Senator Irfan Siddiqui, while the Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, graced the occasion as the chief guest. National Heritage and Culture Parliamentary Secretary Farah Naz Akbar and Secretary Asad Rehman Gilani, attended as guests of honour. This unique event comprised two especially notable segments. The first was a theatrical adaptation of Patras Bokhari's famous essay "Sowere Jo Kal Aankh Meri Khuli", performed artistically by Swaang Theatre, which received high praise from the audience. The performance so moved Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khichi that he announced a special reward for the troupe on the spot. The second highlight was an engaging dialogue session between Dr Farrukh Nadeem and Ayaz Bokhari, grandson of Patras Bokhari. The conversation offered valuable insights into Patras Bokhari's personality, his literary genius and diplomatic endeavours. Documentaries on Bokhari's distinguished life journey were also presented. Senator Irfan Siddiqui offered a comparative analysis of the literary contributions of Patras Bokhari and Farhatullah Baig in the field of Urdu satire and humour. He also shared memorable anecdotes from Bokhari's life and praised the Academy for organising such a meaningful event in his honour. He reassured the audience of the government's commitment to the preservation and support of literary institutions, especially PAL. In her welcome note, Chairperson of PAL Dr Najeeba Arif highlighted Bokhari's literary, intellectual and diplomatic achievements. She presented a comprehensive overview of his mastery of language, wit and depth of thought. She thanked the Secretary of National Heritage and Culture Division for releasing the necessary funds for the renovation of the conference hall and expressed special gratitude to Senator Irfan Siddiqui for his continued patronage of literary institutions like PAL. This session not only served as a tribute to Patras Bokhari but also played an important role in introducing the new generation to the refined tradition of Urdu humour writing. A large number of literary figures and members of Bokhari's family attended the event.
Express Tribune
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Urdu translation of Russian tales unveiled
The Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) hosted a prestigious book launch ceremony of the Urdu translation of Russian short stories titled 'Roos ki Muntakhib Kahanian' on Tuesday. The book has been recently published by Pakistan Academy of Letters. The book-launch was a significant milestone in fostering literary exchange and cultural ties between Pakistan and Russia. The ceremony was presided over by the eminent poet and scholar Iftikhar Arif. While the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Pakistan, Albert Khorev, was the chief guest. PAL Chairperson, Dr Najeeba Arif, delivered the welcome address, highlighting the importance of literary diplomacy and cultural dialogue. She expressed PAL's commitment to promoting global literature in Pakistani languages, stating that translations serve as bridges that connect readers across borders. She also proposed that an anthology of Pakistani short stories be translated into Russian language and be published by the Academy's counterpart in Russia. In his remarks, Ambassador Albert Khorev praised the initiative and emphasised the role of literature in building mutual understanding between nations.
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
27-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
New book honours artists displaced during Partition
ISLAMABAD: The launch ceremony of a book titled "Aasman Dar Aasman" by former Vice-Chancellor of Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), Dr Shahid Siddiqui was held the other day. The book narrates the stories of those artists from the subcontinent who were carried across borders by the waves of partition. It features the moments and events from the lives of 45 renowned personalities, vividly portrayed by the author. The event was attended by the Vice-Chancellor of Allama Iqbal Open University, Dr Nasir Mahmood, Chairperson of the Pakistan Academy of Letters, Dr Najiba Arif, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Dr Abdul Aziz Sahir, poet and columnist Haris Khalique and writer and journalist, Rauf Klasra, who shared their thoughts about the book. The speakers highlighted that the book was a profound collection of the region's social history and is adorned with the finest elements of art, poetry and literature. They emphasised that the pain of migration deeply impacted human lives, often leaving scars that last for generations. This anguish is profoundly reflected on every page of the book. The speakers noted that the partition was a political act as "the love for one's homeland endures, transcending distances and maintaining ties of affection between the two nations."
