Staff Reporter
Peshawar: A dignified literary event was held yesterday at the Iran Culture House, featuring a mushaira in honor of the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with the launch of two books: “Rahbar-e-Shahid” by Toqeer Kharl and “Hisar-e-Ishq,” a travelogue of Iran by Tabinda Farukh.
The event was presided over by renowned writer Dr. Abaseen Yousafzai, while Consul General Ali Banafsha Khawaja attended as the chief guest. Senior poet Nargis Afroz Zaidi graced the occasion as guest of honor. The proceedings were skillfully conducted by Professor Malik Arshad Hussain.
The event began with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Jawad in a melodious voice, followed by a Persian naat presented by Tabinda Farukh, which captivated the audience. During the program, various video clips related to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei were also screened.
As host, Consul General Ali Banafsha Khawaja welcomed the guests and spoke about both books. He also recited poetry of the Supreme Leader in Persian along with Urdu translation, which was highly appreciated by the audience.
In the first phase of the event, the book “Rahbar-e-Shahid” by Toqeer Kharl was launched. On this occasion, Consul General Ali Banafsha Khawaja, Dr. Abaseen Yousafzai, Bushra Farukh, Nargis Afroz Zaidi, and Toqeer Kharl were present on stage. The author later introduced his book and discussed the motivation behind writing it.
A notable feature of the event was that poets intermittently presented their poetry, adding to the literary charm of the gathering.
In the second phase, Tabinda Farukh’s travelogue “Hisar-e-Ishq” was launched. On this occasion, Consul General Ali Banafsha Khawaja, Dr. Abaseen Yousafzai, Bushra Farukh, Nargis Afroz Zaidi, and Tabinda Farukh were present on stage.
During the event, Samina Rabab and Rubina Moeen spoke in detail about Tabinda Farukh’s personality and her book. Professor Malik Arshad Hussain also read out remarks from Sajjadah Nasheen Shah Qabool Auliya Justice Yahya Gilani, who could not attend due to ill health and had sent his written impressions. Later, Tabinda Farukh expressed her views.
In the mushaira segment, poets including Kulsoom Zaib, Muhammad Mohsin, Khadim Ibrahim, Rubab Mahi, Dr. Shahida Sardar, Samina Qadir, Nargis Afroz Zaidi, Bushra Farukh, Dr. Abaseen Yousafzai, and others presented their poetry.
On the occasion, Bushra Farukh presented a souvenir from the Karwan-e-Hawa Literary Forum to Consul General Ali Banafsha Khawaja. At the end of the event, Riaz Khan thanked all the guests.
The well-attended and dignified event concluded with tea being served to the guests.
