Islamabad - The novel of Akhtar Raza Saleemi is an important milestone in the tradition of Urdu novel owing its content and craft. Writer and critic Dr Iqbal Afaqi expressed these views in the lunching ceremony of Saleemi’s maiden novel organized by ‘Inheraaf and Idara Adab o Saqafat.’ Renowned painter Wasi Haider sketched 1001 titles for this edition of the novel. Dr Iqbal Afaqi said that the quality of novel is the historical play at its apex between the fact and illusion. The remnants of human unconscious identify themselves in a different way.
Jamal Shah, distinguished painter and actor, was the special guest at the ceremony. Among other guests of honour was Prof Dr Muhammad Qasim Bughio, Chairman, Pakistan Academy of Letters and Malik Mehrban Ali, Political Advisor to the P.M, AJK. Muhammed Hameed Shahid, Dr Waheed Ahmed, Dr Salahud Din Darwesh, Dr Saeed Ahmed and Zia ul Mustaf Turk also expressed their views on the novel and its titles. Jamal Shah inaugurated the exhibition of the titles prior to the launching ceremony. Athar Zia, a renowned singer, vocalized the poem “Haro” that is also a part of the novel. Jamal Shah said that Wasi Haider has indeed done a unique and artistic task by sketching a different title for every book of the edition.
He further said that every titular painting has a typical impression that is of a profound dream and is in harmony with the content of novel. Prof Dr M Qasim Bughio, Chairman (PAL) said that it’s a deep pleasure to have Akhtar Raza Saleemi in PAL as he is always carrying on his creative explorations along with attending to his office, vigilantly.
Dr M Qasim Bughio said that a novel is the mirror of whole society, writing it is a demanding task and Saleemi has successfully accomplished it.
Malik Merhban Ali said that the poets, writers and artists are the most sensitive segment of the society. They represent society in their art as they observe it. The way Saleemi has seen and represented society in his novel is admirable.
Dr Waheed Ahmed said that it is an unconventional narrative by Saleemi. The author has raised such questions that are there in everyone’s mind but no one dares asking them.
Dr Salah ud Din Darwesh said that the plot of novel is compact and lively.
Dr Saeed Ahmed said that it’s the craft of Saleemi that enabled him to express the mystery and inwardness of life through the character of Zamaan.