Islamabad:
A prominent literary session was held under the auspices of the Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) in memory of the legendary Urdu author, humorist, TV company and diplomat, Syed Ahmad Shah Patras Bokhari.
The ceremony also marked the formal inauguration of PAL’s newly renovated conference room by Senator Irfan Siddiqui. Guests talked about Patra’s Bokhari’s inheritance as well as the importance of literary institutions such as PAL.
The event took place at PAL’s headquarters on Patras Bokhari Road, Islamabad, and became chairman of the prominent scholar, author and Senator Irfan Siddiqui, while the federal minister of national heritage and culture, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, adorned the apartment as a main guest. National Heritage and Cultural Parliamentary Secretary Farah Naz Akbar and Secretary Asad Rehman Gilani participated as guests of honor.
This unique event included two especially notable segments. The first was a theater adaptation of Patras Bokhari’s famous essay “Sowers Jo Kal Aankh Meri Khuli”, performed artistically by the Swaang Theater, who received great praise from the audience. The performance thus moved federal minister Aurangzeb Khichi that he announced a special reward for the troop on the spot.
The second highlight was an engaging dialogue session between Dr. Farukh Nadeem and Ayaz Bokhari, grandson of Patras Bokhari. The conversation offered valuable insight into Patra’s Bokhari personality, his literary genius and diplomatic efforts. Documentaries about Bokhari’s prominent life journey were also presented.
Senator Irfan Siddiqui offered a comparative analysis of the literary contributions from Patra’s Bokhari and Farhatullah Baig in Urdu Satire and Humor. He also shared memorable anecdotes from Bokhari’s life and praised the academy for organizing such a meaningful event in his honor. He assured the audience on the government’s obligation to conservation and support from literary institutions, especially PAL.
In his welcome note, President of Pal Dr. Najeba Arif Bokhari’s literary, intellectual and diplomatic results. She presented a comprehensive overview of his mastery of language, width and thought depth. She thanked the Division Secretary of the National Heritage and Culture to release the necessary funds for renovating the conference hall and expressed special gratitude to Senator Irfan Siddiqui for his continued patronage of literary institutions such as PAL.
This session not only served as a tribute to Patra’s Bokhari, but also played an important role in the introduction of the new generation to the refined tradition of Urdu humor writing. A large number of literary numbers and members of Bokhari’s family participated in the event.
