PESHAWAR: Speakers at a ceremony here termed fiction works by writer and journalist Zeenat Iqbal Hakeemji a true mirror up to ground realities of society.

They were addressing a session on the third day of second edition of women literature festival at Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University (SBBWU). Several sessions were arranged at the festival wherein speakers brought under debate various aspects of women, their role, issues being faced them and their contribution to society.

Writers, faculty members of different departments of SBBWU, students and dignitaries attended the sessions. Stalls featuring books, traditional foods and attires were displayed at the festival. Guests from local universities in and around Peshawar also thronged the venue of the festival.

One special session was dedicated to fiction stories of a poet and columnist Zeenat Hakimjee in which her stories were displayed and narrated. The stories included ‘my friend and the tree, the magic of clean line, going after the trucks, life on the moon, from bad to good, the missing jewel, the dangerous escape, the silk cushion inn and the evil spell. The stories filled with strength of imagery and beautiful narrations have been written for children.

Visitors throng women literature festival on third day

Zeenat Hakimjee is the daughter of late journalist Ahmad Jivanjee. Having a rich educational background, her stories enriched English literature through her novel way of expression. The plots of most stories are engaging, igniting a spark of imaginative flight laden with novel experiences coupled with a refined narration.

Speakers said that Ms Hakimjee literary talents extended into the realms of poetry and storytelling where her words resonated with deep emotions and reflections on harsh realities of society.

Dr Zarmina Baloch, a keynote speaker, on the occasion stated that stories of Zeenat Hakimjee invited contemplation on challenges and complexities of contemporary society. “In a world, where written word has the power to inspire, challenge and provoke thought, Zeenat Iqbal Hakimjee stands as a beacon of creativity and compassion, using her talent to enrich lives with her stories and poems,” she said.

Aishma Khan, a student of English department at SBBWWU, told this scribe that she and her classmates attended the special session dedicated to stories of Zeenat Hakimjee and found the stories wonderful and heart-touching.

Published in Dawn, November 28th, 2024