Literary Circle marks 26 years with launch of two major works -

By: Our Correspondent

KOHAT: Abasin Adbi Tolana Kohat marked its 26th anniversary with a prestigious literary ceremony at Madina Public School and College, featuring the formal launch of two significant literary works by prominent writers.
The event saw the unveiling of “Fikr,” a Pashto poetry collection by renowned poet and writer Ishraq Khattak, and “Masoom Guldasta,” an Urdu prose collection by noted author Syed Masoom Shah Masoom. The ceremony attracted a large gathering of noted literary figures from across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Peshawar, Nowshera, Swabi, Hangu, Karak, Khyber and Kohat, as well as guests from Islamabad, Attock and Jand, highlighting the event’s broad literary significance.
Proceedings began with the recitation from the Holy Quran by Maulana Abdul Aleem Al-Hikimi, followed by soulful Naat recitations by Muhammad Rokhan Nasir and Ibrahim Mazloom Yar.
The event was held in two sessions. The first session was presided over by Islamabad-based poet and intellectual Iqbal Hussain Afkaar while Naseem Mandokhel, Chairman of the Islamabad-based literary organization “Naway Zwand”, attended as chief guest. Irshad Afridi, Regional Director Information Kohat was the host of the function. Both authors, Syed Masoom Shah Masoom and Ishraq Khattak, were present on stage, while the proceedings were conducted by Ghulam Sher Afridi.
Welcoming the guests, Pehlwan Shah Siawal, Chairman of the Tolana, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to promoting literature through regular literary activities. Feroz Sadiq, President of the organization, reviewed the forum’s 25 years of literary contributions, emphasizing that its mission transcends linguistic divisions. He also announced the forthcoming publication of the organization’s second multilingual literary compendium, featuring Urdu, Pashto, Hindko and English.
The books were formally launched by Saadat Sehar and Professor Dr. Aslam Taseer along with other dignitaries while the authors were felicitated with floral garlands. Scholarly papers on “Fikar” were presented by Ghulam Sher Afridi and Professor Aziz Qureshi, who termed the collection a valuable addition to Pashto literature. Mazhar Salam Mazhar presented a critical review of “Masoom Guldasta.” Several speakers praised the intellectual depth, creative expression and distinct style of both authors. Dr. Nawab Ashraf presented a poetic tribute in honor of the writers.
Addressing the gathering, chief guest Naseem Mandokhail lauded Abasin Tolana Kohat for its sustained and effective role in promoting language and literature. In his presidential remarks, Iqbal Hussain Afkaar congratulated the authors and urged poets to translate Pashto literature into Urdu, English and other languages to reach wider audiences.
The second session featured a grand open mushaira presided over by Professor Dr. Aslam Taseer. Prominent poets including Javed Ehsaas (Bannu), Wisal Khalil (Nowshera), Tayyabullah (Islamabad) and Sultan Bandiwan (Karak) participated, while Gul Sahib Khan Afridi served as the moderator. More than 80 poets presented their work and received enthusiastic applause.
The ceremony concluded with a collective prayer for departed poets led by Maulana Abdul Haleem Al-Hikimi. The organizers thanked all the participants and reaffirmed their resolve to continue promoting literature, encouraging new creative works and supporting emerging writers through ongoing literary initiatives.