PESHAWAR: Poets and writers at a weekly session have highlighted salient features of Peshawar chapter of Halqa-i-Arbab-i-Zauq and praised its contribution to Urdu language and literature since its inception in early 60s in the provincial metropolis.

The weekly literary session of Peshawar chapter of Halqa-i-Arbab-i-Zauq was arranged at its main library hall here the other day. Poets, writers and literary critics attended the event to share their views with the participants.

Prof Syed Zubair Shah, who chaired the session, said that the literary forum groomed up a many poets and writers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the last several decades. He said that those writers produced quality literary pieces and enriched Urdu literature.

Speakers say KP writers contributed to almost all literary genres

He said that though literati were from various ethnic and linguistic backgrounds, yet they contributed to the national language and literature selflessly and open-mindedness. He said that writers of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa contributed to almost all literary genres of Urdu and motivated budding poets and fictionists to serve the national language with dedication.

The introductory remarks were followed by weekly session in which Prof Aasia Bibi presented for critical appreciation her short story titled ‘Helicopter’. The participants of the session brought under debate the story through different lens and credited the writer for her courage and vision.

Style, characterisation, plot and techniques used in the story were appreciated while some critics also pointed out faultiness in it. However, they termed it a valuable addition to Urdu short story tradition and advised the writer to continue producing such quality stuff.

Prof Fazal Kabir, secretary of Halqa-i-Arbab-i-Zauq stated in his short paper that Peshawar chapter of Halqa had evolved. He said that forerunners and mentors chiseled the raw talent of young writers and literary critics enabled them to earn a high repute among literary landscape of Pakistan.

“Peshawar chapter of Halqa-i-Arbab-i-Zauq has attained the status of spearheading a movement to promote Urdu literary tradition and quite a good number of literati turned up at our weekly session,” he claimed. He said that the number of poets and writers swelled up over the last few years owing to friendly environment at the weekly session.

Published in Dawn, August 19th, 2024