PESHAWAR: Speakers at a literary ceremony have termed newly-published books by a senior writer a beacon of light for feminine Pashto literature.

They said that the author of the books, Kalsoomzeb, contributed to cause of women in a bold and befitting manner by defying all odds.

Former governor Barrister Masood Kausar, intellectuals, research scholars and rights activists participated in the event. Women writers including Bushra Khatoon, Kalsoom Afzal Zaidavee, Farzana Rasool Sanam and Gul-i-Arab were also part of the event.

They said that KP women writers always remained active in contributing to literary traditions and left an indelible mark on the Pashtun women community by highlighting their pressing issues from domestic violence and right of inheritance to access to quality education and healthcare.

Speakers say author contributed to cause of women in bold manner

Kalsoomzeb, a fiction writer and president of Khwindey Adabi Lakhkar (KHAL), has brought out seven books on different topics both in Urdu and Pashto and acclaimed a widespread reputation among literary circles.

The launching ceremony of her newly-published books was arranged here under the auspices of Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) in its regional office where literati and scholars turned up in a large number and termed the literary works a precious asset for Pashto feminine literature.

The newly-published books include ‘Chand Gul, Za Swazam, Neemgarray, Penza Kerdaroona, Pukhtanay Malghlarey Part 1 and Part 2, and Da Mashoomanu Sandary Au Qeesai.

Senior progressive Pashto poet Rahmat Shah Sail was chief guest on the occasion while Prof Abaseen Yousafzai chaired the ceremony. Prof Aseer Mangal, Prof Fazal Rahim Marwat, Prof Noorul Amin Yousafzai and Rokhan Yousafzai also graced the occasion and shared their views on the newly-published books.

Addressing the event, Rahmat Shah Sail said that in a typical Pashtun society women writers enjoyed a limited space but despite an unfavourable environment they had been able to express themselves through their powerful writings whether folklore, fiction or poetry.

He said that Kalsoomzeb was one of the Pashtun women writers, who devoted their entire life to contribute to women’s cause and played a pivotal role in organising and mobilising KP women poets and writers during the last several years.

Zeba Afridi, Pashto poet, said that Kalsoomzeb educated and motivated young Pashtun women writers and research scholars to explore their creative strength by actively participating in literary, cultural and social activities. All her books recently published would help to ignite the spark of critical thinking and creativity among budding literati, she added.

Dr Roshan Kaleem, writer and social activist, commented that the works of Kalsoomzeb enjoyed a master hand on several literary genres of Pashto. She said that she was able to encourage women writers to use their talent on all available forums.

Poets including Fareshta Bahar, Saira Shams, Nageen Khan and Sajida Maqbool presented their poetic tribute to the author of the books under debate.

Published in Dawn, September 30th, 2024