PESHAWAR: Speakers at a function here the other day termed a newly-published travelogue a valuable addition to Urdu literature.

They said that such literary pieces would also help to promote local tourism as they gave deep insights to the sights and sounds through which a writer travelled. The book has been attributed to the four old maple trees that were swept by recent flash flood in Chitral.

The ceremony was arranged at Urdu department of Superior Science College in which the newly-published book titled ‘Khowab Nagar Mein Saat Din’ authored by Prof Syed Zubair Shah was launched. The Urdu travelogue is a vivid description of the linguistically rich Chitral valley and its people.

The event was organised under the auspices of BS Urdu students of the college to celebrate the creative strength of their teacher. It is the third book by the writer in Urdu. His earlier publications being collections of short stories have acclaimed widespread appreciation by literary critics.

Students, faculty members and fans of the writer attended the function. The book is a refined description of Chitral valley of a week-long visit by the writer. The participants of the event termed the travelogue a valuable addition to the treasure trove of Urdu literature. The book exploring the fairyland of Chitral valley would help to promote local tourism, they said.

Prof Raes Ahmad Mughal, head of Urdu department, chaired the event while Prof Ishaq Wardag was chief guest on the occasion. Addressing the gathering, they stated that Prof Zubair Shah had a master hand at storytelling in Urdu fiction and his newly-published travelogue was another masterpiece that would prove a ‘must read’ for readers.

Prof Qudratullah Khattak said the new title comprised 166 pages and carried concise information in a beautiful literary style creating an imagery that immediately caught attention of the readers.

Prof Ijaz Ahmad remarked that back flap of the book by Dr Inayatullah Faizi, also a resident of Chitral, had lent authenticity to the travelogue. “This travelogue has encompassed the cultural and historiography of Chitral valley,” he stated while quoting Mr Faizi. He added that the back flap served a stamp on the true description by the writer.

Prof Shams, Abdul Moeez, Mohammad Afaq, Bashrat Ali and Raheem Gul also spoke at the event.

Published in Dawn, November 10th, 2024