Pakistan Academy of Letters Hosts Event Showcasing Literary Solidarity with Palestine

Pakistan Academy of Letters Hosts Event Showcasing Literary Solidarity with Palestine

Islamabad, The Gulf Observer: The second event in the series of book-launches by the Pakistan Academy of Letters was centred on the theme “Pakistani Literature on Palestine”. The event took place on the afternoon of January 21. The session was presided over by Sardar Masood Khan, former President of AJ&K and ex-Ambassador, while the Chief Guest was the Palestinian Ambassador, H.E. Mr. Zuhair Darzaid. Dr. Najeeba Arif, Chairperson of the Pakistan Academy of Letters, delivered the welcome and introductory address. Guests of Honor included Professor Jalil Aali, Mr. Ali Akbar Abbas, and Prof. Dr. Ahmad Shuja Syed.

During the discussion on the Academy’s recent publications on Palestine, Mr. Hassan Manzar, the author of the Urdu novel ‘Habs’ shared his thoughts online. Dr. Asma Mansoor, the English translator of the novel ‘Habs’ (translated as Suffocation), not only spoke about her translation but emphasized the need for Eastern nations to promote their specific discourse of the publishing norms. She pointed out that current international publishing norms predominantly reflect the perspectives of colonial and imperial powers. Mr. Ahmed Hatib Siddiqui spoke about the Palestine number of Adabiat-e-Atfal, and Dr. Jamil Asghar Jami discussed the Palestine number of Adabiat. They also proposed translating these publications into English. The session was moderated by Mr. Mahboob Zafar. Participants of the Academy’s 10-day Young Writers’ Residency Program also attended the event.
Palestinian Ambassador H.E. Mr. Zuhair Darzaid expressed his deep appreciation for the solidarity shown by Pakistanis toward the Palestinian cause. He recalled the clear stance of Pakistan’s founder, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, on Palestine. He explained how, since 1948, the cries of the Palestinian people have largely been ignored by the world’s powerful nations. He praised the Pakistan Academy of Letters for its efforts to highlight the Palestinian cause through recent publications.

Former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and ex-Ambassador Sardar Masood Khan paid tribute to the resilience of the Palestinian people, who have stood firm against oppression like a solid wall. He condemned the violations of international laws in Palestine. Dr. Najeeba Arif, Chairperson, Pakistan Academy of Letters, remarked that calling the current situation in Palestine a “war” reflects moral bankruptcy; it is genocide and a dark chapter in human history. She highlighted that the Academy’s recent publications aim to convey the perspective of Pakistani writers on the Palestinian issue to the global community. This perspective, she noted, is unapologetic and unequivocal. She stressed that history will one day judge how steadfast writers stood with the oppressed.

Guests of honor, including Professor Jalil Aali, Mr. Ali Akbar Abbas, and Dr. Ahmad Shuja Syed, also saluted the courage and resilience of Palestinians and commended the Pakistan Academy of Letters for its publishing efforts.