TAXILA: Samina Tabassum, a Pakistani born Canadian writer, poet and travel autobiographer narrated excerpts from her book on Sunday about how rural women of Pakistan fight against all odds for their survival from denial of equal rights to an education, harassment at public places, domestic violence and exploitation from family to society and in some cases, the state itself.

The evening was arranged by Pakistan Youth League in collaboration with Pakistan National Circle and literary organisation Qandeel at Pakistan Ordnance Factories guest house on Sunday for the launch of her 13th book in Pakistan.

She said despite the fact that she belongs to Punjab, inspired by rich culture and traditions like gallantry and hospitality, she wrote two books about Pakhtuns including Humaray Pushtono ki Sarzamin.

She said that after the sad demise of her younger brother Lt Farrukh Tipu Shaheed, she was spiritually empowered to write about the sacrifices of the Pakistani armed forces and write two books which include interviews of military personnel.

Samina Tabassum says she has tried to show real picture of Pakistani society, remove misconceptions

Prominent writer and travel autobiographer Mohammad Toufeeq presided over the event while other speakers included prominent educationist Muneera Hashmi, president of Private Schools Management Association Prof Attaur Rehman Chaudhry, senior vice president (Rawalpindi Chamber of Small Industries) Naeem Ashraf, Pakistan Youth League President Aabid Hussain, General Secretary Javaid Mirza, Pakistan National Circle President Mateen Aslam, poetess Shafqat Hayat and president of Qandeel Alamuddin. In their speeches, they highlighted the significance and purity of the words of Ms Tabassum.

In her address, she said that it is high time that progressive writers in their life and work must side with those who provide an honest testimony of the times instead of supporting the oppressor, especially in the prevailing socio-economic and political situation in the country.

She said that as she belongs to this soil, most of her work revolved around the country, adding that through her books, she tried to show the real picture of Pakistani society and remove misconceptions about it, especially about the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

She added that being an educationist, she contributed for the country by establishing charity schools in various parts of KP, especially former frontier regions.

She said that she has special love in her heart for Wah garrison where she was born and grew up.

Published in Dawn, January 9th, 2023