ISLAMABAD, June 29: “Reality can seem like an illusion, illusion can become a reality,” Tehmina Durrani told her eclectic audience of artists and ambassadors at the Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) on Saturday.

“In difficult times, for those living in war and conflict, it can become a challenge to be happy when bloodshed becomes the norm.” The renowned author and activist launched her fourth book Happy Things in Sorrow Times this Saturday.

Ms Durrani’s book, a mix of fantasy and fable, explores the uncertainty of war and the innocence it robs of those who become used to experiencing brutality and violence.

Her protagonist is a dreamy young girl, growing up in a country razed by brutal invasions, where tanks and guerillas patrol the streets and the sounds of bomb and bullet fire keeps her awake through the night.

“After 35 years of war in Afghanistan, by the time a child ages 12, he has considerably aged,” affirmed Ahmed Rashid, an avid writer and expert on regional conflict.

“While the Russians did not win the war, it was quite clear for the Afghans that they did not either.”

As Doha talks continue in an attempt to lobby with the Taliban to lay down arms so the US and Nato forces can hand control to Afghan National Army and exist over a decade of gruesome violence, the fate of the country remains elusive.

“It moved me that Durrani’s latest book is a powerful statement for peace and for saving millions of children from the wages of war. What she said is just as applicable beyond Afghanistan, to our own conflict and places like Palestine where women are primary victims of violence,” stated former ambassador to the US Maleeha Lodhi.

Critics of the peace-process are uncertain whether the Doha rounds will be successful in brokering security and stability for Afghanistan’s stakeholders.

Ms Durrani passionately urged world leaders, who are on the debating table, to take decisions which lead to hopeful outcomes.

“For an artist, despite the small space awarded by peace, it remains important to inspire the young that change is possible,” singer Shahzad Roy added.

Tehmina Durrani did not dwell into cold statistics, hard facts and complexities. Her writing had a pensive and wistful quality, perhaps like her protagonist, who speaks out against the cruelty of her times, with a tender defiance.

“Her speech came from the heart. I loved it and I can’t wait to read the book,” declared Bilal Lakhani, publisher of a newspaper.

Through her work Ms Durrani has campaigned for women’s equality, exposed the hypocritical lives of feudal overlords and political clerics, critiqued the failure of the state to improve the lot of its citizens, and mobilised awareness about horrific crimes against women.