Amjad Hadi Yousafzai
PESHAWAR : The launch ceremony of “Pichhli Sadi Ke Aakhri Log… Waqt Ke Qeemti Khazanay” (The Last People of the Previous Century… Precious Treasures of Time), a research-based book by renowned author and artist Sidrat-ul-Muntaha, was held at the Mini Theatre of Nishtar Hall under the auspices of Abaseen Arts Council Peshawar. A large number of prominent literary, academic, journalistic and cultural figures attended the event and appreciated the book and the author’s scholarly and literary contributions.
The ceremony was presided over by Professor Dr. Ejaz Hassan Khan Khattak, President of Abaseen Arts Council and Vice Chancellor of Gandhara University Peshawar. Professor Dr. Aneela Anwar, Vice Chancellor of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University Peshawar, was the chief guest. Former Federal Secretary and senior bureaucrat Ejaz Rahim, Director General of the Iranian Cultural Centre Peshawar Dr. Hossein Chaqami, and Provincial Director of Culture Syed Muhammad Ali Shah attended as guests of honour. The proceedings were conducted by noted poet and literary adviser to Abaseen Arts Council, Aziz Ejaz.
The ceremony commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Qari Shahid Azam Al-Azhari, followed by the national anthem. Abaseen Arts Council Honorary Secretary Jahan Zeb Malik delivered the welcome address, highlighting the book’s subject, research significance and the author’s literary and creative endeavours.
Renowned poet and writer Professor Nasir Ali Syed, distinguished poet and playwright Mushtaq Ahmad Shabab, journalist and columnist Naz Parveen, poet Dr. Professor Izharullah Izhar, Dr. Roshan Kaleem, educationist Zahida Noor and Professor Sadaf Ambreen, among other literary figures, shared their views on the book and the author’s personality and achievements.
The speakers described the book as a valuable research and literary contribution that preserves the lives, services and memories of important personalities of the previous century. They observed that such publications play a significant role in passing on the invaluable human and intellectual heritage of the past to younger generations.
On the occasion, Naz Parveen also read out a special message from Ms. Shaheen Qureshi for the participants.
In her address, author Sidrat-ul-Muntaha spoke about the various stages of research, writing and publication of the book. She expressed gratitude to all those who had supported her throughout this academic and literary journey. She revealed that she had dedicated the book to her late mother, whose love and upbringing remain among the most precious assets of her life.
Special prayers were offered for the departed souls of Abdul Rauf Roheela, Dr. Nazir Tabassum, Shamim Fazal Khaliq and the author’s late mother. Detailed profiles of all four personalities are included in the book, reflecting the author’s commitment to preserving their lives and memories.
Sidrat-ul-Muntaha, who is also a talented artist, presented some of her own paintings to the chief guest and guests of honour. Jahan Zeb Malik also presented a special gift to Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University.
A large number of distinguished literary, academic and cultural personalities, poets, writers, artists, intellectuals, and men and women from different walks of life attended the ceremony.
The event served as a meaningful literary gathering, highlighting the importance of documenting the lives and contributions of eminent personalities of the past and introducing younger generations to their intellectual and cultural heritage.
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