PESHAWAR: The students and teachers of Islamia College University showered accolades of praise on senior Pashto writer Zaitoon Bano for her meritorious literary contributions.

She is the recipient of President’s Pride of Performance and numerous local awards. Her literary services are spread over five decades. The event was conducted under the auspices of Pashto department of ICU at Khyber Union Hall here on Tuesday.

Speakers presented papers on the life and works of Ms Bano and praised her for her bold expressions. The noted fiction writer spoke at length on different phases of her literary career and later answered questions of the participants. She also read out her pieces for the students. Large number of students, teachers and fans attended the function.

Speakers shed light on different phases of Zaitoon Bano’s literary life

Speaking on the occasion, Ms Bano said that Pakhtun women had talent and courage to express themselves but still needed space and opportunities to play their effective role in family life. She said that situation of Pakhtun women had been improved over the years due to education and overall environment.

However, she regretted that women were still under social pressure and were barred from participating in important family decisions. “Pakhtun males have to empower their women so that they could nurse an enlightened generation. Women have great strength and it should be exploited to generate social benefit,” she observed.

Saba Gul, a final year student from Mardan, said that Ms Bano was fountain of perpetual inspiration for Pakhtun women writers. “I read her stories long ago but never met her in my life. Her old age has not dented her creative thoughts. She is still vibrant and we expect a few more wonderful tales from her,” she said.

Noorul Amin Yousafzai in his paper pointed out that Ms Bano had instilled a new spirit among women writers to speak out their hearts and minds without any fear. He said that her stories were a true depiction of Pakhtun women’s miserable position and beleaguered social status.

He said that she had drawn her characters from real life, some of them being her firsthand experiences. “Ms Bano is the best story teller and enjoys mastery over the art of weaving a powerful plot,” said Mr Yousafzai.

Chairing the event, Prof Abaseen Yousafzai highlighted salient features of Ms Bano’s personality and her writings. He said that Pashto fiction had been blessed with many talented writers and Ms. Bano was one of them. He said that she devoted her entire life to Pashto literature.

Prof Abaseen said that she had entered the arena of Pashto fiction when women education in a typical society was considered no more than a sin. “Ms Bano paved the way for women writers to give vent to their issues. She lit the candle of hope and her unflinching efforts bore fruits,” he added.

Prof Zar Mohammad Sangar, another research scholar, said that Ms Bano had authored around 15 books in Pashto and Urdu and most of her stories had been dramatised for radio, stage and television.

He said that she had influenced a generation of Pakhtun women writers through writings, which served as kaleidoscope of real life issues. “Her women characters are expressive and never hide facts. They break the status quo and always want to get heard,” he added.

Zaryab Yousafzai, a young scholar, presented an analytical treaty on plots of Ms Bano. He said that she had portrayed a Pakhtun society in which women enjoyed respect along with their social responsibilities. He said that Pashto fiction would always capitalise on her rich and creative tales.

Later, students and teachers of ICU presented a souvenir and a shawl as token of honour to Zaitoon Bano.

Published in Dawn, April 19th, 2017