Books in brief

Published March 20, 2016

Verses of a Lowly Fakir
Madho Lal Hussein

Translated from the Punjabi by Naveed Alam

The kafis selected for this anthology are some of Madho Lal Hussein’s best-loved ones. Sung and recited in public gatherings to this day, over 400 years after Hussein’s death, the verses of the Sufis are nothing if not timeless. This collection in English gives accessibility for those interested in Hussein’s spiritual writings, who would otherwise be unable to read them in the original Punjabi language.


Insurgency in Swat: Conflict Settlement and Peace Building

By Tabassum Majeed

An eyewitness to the spread of militancy in Swat, Tabassum Majeed’s account is further supported with quotes and references from local scholars and social activists as well as residents of the valley. This slim volume will help the reader understand the causes as well as impact of militancy in this hitherto peaceful area. Suggestions on gaining control over the menace are also included.


Angelic Appeals: Children’s Letters of Love and Inspiration to Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, 1939-48

By Dr Nadeem Shafiq Malik

The copies of the letters included in this book were collected by Dr Nadeem Shafiq Malik while he was conducting his research work for his PhD in history 20 years ago. Written in Urdu as well as in English, the letters included in this beautifully designed compilation offer a touching insight into the spirit of those times from a completely unusual viewpoint — that of children.

Opinion

Editorial

Controversial timing
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Controversial timing

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ML-1’s prospects
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High cost of living
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Regional response
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Regional response

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Cultural conservation
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Cultural conservation

THE Sindh government’s recent move to declare the Sayad Hashmi Reference Library as a protected heritage site is...