By FT Correspondent:
Abbottabad: A prestigious book launch and appreciation ceremony for two significant autobiographical works in the Hindko language—”Main Kaun Hoon” (Who Am I) by Hafiz Usman Khan and “Yadaan Di Kahanri” (The Story of Memories) by Malik Azeem Nashad Awan—was held in Abbottabad, highlighting the importance of promoting Hindko language and literature. The event was attended by prominent literary figures, writers, and literature enthusiasts associated with Hindko.
The ceremony commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Hafiz Jamshed, followed by a naat in praise of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) presented by Abdullah Awan. The event was chaired by Professor Mumtaz Haider, while Qazi Nasir Bakhtiar attended as the Chief Guest and Muhammad Akhtar Naeem as the Guest of Honour. It was organized under the patronage of Professor Malik Nasir Daud, with Dr. Qamar Zaman skillfully conducting the proceedings.
A unique feature of the event was that the stage secretary and all speakers delivered their speeches entirely in the Hindko language, giving the gathering an authentic Hindko literary atmosphere. Professor Malik Nasir Daud spoke about the promotion of the Hindko language, its script, literary standards, and future research directions, while offering valuable suggestions to the authors. Both writers also shared the background of their books, their literary journeys, and creative experiences with the audience.
Addressing the gathering, Qazi Nasir Bakhtiar, Professor Mumtaz Haider, and Muhammad Akhtar Naeem discussed the literary significance of autobiography as a genre, its artistic requirements, and its role in contemporary literature. Participants also exchanged views on the current state of Hindko literature, the challenges it faces, and the opportunities for its future development.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, commemorative shields were presented to Hafiz Usman Khan and Malik Azeem Nashad Awan in recognition of their outstanding contributions to Hindko literature. Copies of the books were also distributed among participants as gifts. Refreshments arranged by Faizan Hashmi and Hafiz Jamshed were appreciated by the attendees.
Among those present were Faizan Hashmi, Muhammad Zaheer, Emil Joseph, Muhammad Shafiq, Principal Muhammad Ikhlas, Muhammad Zeeshan, Muhammad Iftikhar, Muhammad Naseer, and several other distinguished literary personalities associated with Hindko. Although the gathering was modest in size, the rich literary discussions, intellectual exchange, and warm atmosphere made it a memorable and meaningful literary event. Dr. Qamar Zaman concluded the ceremony by thanking all participants for their presence and support.
