By Aziz Khatri
KARACHI: The Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi hosted the launch of young writer Ali Haider’s award-winning travelogue, “Kachura aur Wadi-e-Soq ki Dastaan”, at the Josh Malihabadi Library. The event drew prominent literary and social figures who spoke on the book’s literary significance.
Renowned writer Ibn-e-Aas praised Haider, noting that despite being his first travelogue, he exhibited the skills of a seasoned author. He said the book reflected the writer’s passion for reading and writing, and provided insightful observations about the regions visited. He added that the travelogue vividly captured landscapes, mountains, and the emotional experiences of the journey, making it both informative and engaging.
Tahira Nasir highlighted the importance of promoting Urdu beyond books and into daily life, commending Haider’s literary talent and encouraging him to explore fiction writing in the future, citing the strong imagery and word choice in his work.
Faizuddin Ahmed, one of Haider’s teachers, praised his observational depth and storytelling ability, noting that although his academic background is largely in English, Haider demonstrates remarkable literary skill.
Speaking at the event, Ali Haider said his mother, a reader of Mirza Ghalib, inspired his love for poetry. He explained that he initially wrote in English but later adapted his work into Urdu, crediting his family and teachers for their support. He emphasised the challenge of capturing nature’s essence in words and expressed his commitment to contributing to Urdu literature in the future.
