By our correspondent
KARACHI: A literary milestone unfolded in Karachi on Friday with the launch of the English-language novel Before the Sirens Came, written by Syeda Munsifa Zahra, set against the backdrop of the hardships faced by the Palestinian people.
The event was organized by PENTA Plus Publishers, a subsidiary of the Pakistan Associations of Research Scholars (PARS), at the Josh Malihabadi Library Hall in the Pakistan Arts Council. The ceremony was presided over by the renowned scholar, writer, and poet Professor Sahar Ansari.
Special guest Professor Dr Sajid Hussain, a researcher, dramatist, documentary producer, novelist, and senior professor of mass communication, also attended. Hosting duties were carried out by the prominent children’s author and documentary producer Saleem Mughal. The novel, written by the thirteen-year-old prodigy Syeda Munsifa Zahra, spans 320 pages and impressed attendees with its literary maturity.
Scholars, authors, and educators present included Dr Fatima Hassan, Advocate Faiz Mahmood Khan Darani, poet and writer Fahim Shanas Kazmi, Professor Shahab Tahzeeb from NED University, education specialist Aram Sohail, children’s author and Express Magazine editor Usman Jamei, and Dr Saber Abu Maryam.
During her speech, Munsifa Zahra gave a moving account of the suffering endured by Palestinians, leaving many in the audience visibly emotional. Saleem Mughal praised her remarkable talent, noting it was difficult to decide whether she was more accomplished as a writer or a speaker. All attendees lauded her courage and literary skill, while also commending her parents, Dr Zawar Hussain Zaidi and Professor Farina Zulfi, for nurturing such exceptional talent.
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