PESHAWAR: The first book of young Pashto writer Iman Hussain Kainat has attracted the attention of a wide range of literati and readers.

Published recently, the book titled ‘Lambay Pa Ayeena Kay’ (flames in the mirror) contains ghazals, poems and songs. However, the major portion of the book is consisted of ghazals.

Renowned artist Riffat Khattak has made the title of book while preface and comments on the book have been penned down by famous poet and former director of Radio Pakistan Laiqzada Laiq, reputed playwright and poet Nurual Bashar Naveed and Iman Hussain Kainat herself.

Being a mentor of the author, Nurul Bashar Naveed writes about her that she is one of those veiled Pashto women writers, who spend all their lives within the four walls of their houses.

However, her imagination is so strong and fertile that she can create a vast world for herself and her readers by using attractive similes, meaningful metaphors and appealing idioms in her poetry.

Being a keen observer, Iman Hussain Kainat has deeply studied the world scenario, situation of the region and condition of the people in the Pakhtun society. Nationalism, humanity, romance and Pakhtun culture are main topics of her poetry.

She has depicted the agonies, sufferings, happiness, dreams and sentiments of Pakhtuns, especially women, in her poetry. However, she is not prejudiced to ignore sufferings of humanity at the hand of usurpers in other parts of the world.

The readers will wonder to see the sublime thought and mature rendition of her fine sentiments in Kainat’s poetry and they might suspect that it is not her first poetry book. Her natural talent has gifted her maturity of thought and grip on different literary genres, which are usually gained by interaction with seniors writers and regular participation in literary sessions and gatherings.

Due to her powerful imagination, she never feels lonely despite being limited to the four walls of her house. Life for her is a continuous journey of struggle and she invites the whole universe to accompany her in this journey without losing her identity.

Zama Zama Sta Yadoona Rapsay Di
Somra Khkuli Awazoona Rapsay Di
Tanha Na Yam Armanoona Rapasay Di
Qataroona Qataroona Rapasay Di

(I continue to walk and your memories chase me
What melodious voices chase me?
I am not alone as my dreams accompany me
See they queue to chase me)

Besides glorifying the features of Pakhtun code of life, Kainat also uses symbols in her poetry to depict various shades of life and society.

Published in Dawn, July 25th, 2022