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KARACHI, Dec 13 (APP):A launching ceremony of the fourth edition of book “Aik Kahawat, Aik Kahani” written by writer Athar Iqbal was organized here at the Karachi Press Club, the other day.
Book published by Fareed Publisher, marking a major addition to contemporary children’s literature. The latest edition reinforces the book’s reputation as a unique and authoritative resource for introducing young readers to the correct and meaningful use of Urdu proverbs through compelling, story-based narratives.
Speaking on the occasion, senior journalist and Chairman Election Committee Karachi Press Club Dr. Tauseef Ahmed Khan said it was highly encouraging to see a government servant like Athar Iqbal maintaining a strong connection with writing. He noted that at a time when book culture is in decline, the creation of training-oriented books for children based on stories and proverbs is of great importance. He added that the book is not only beneficial for children but is equally engaging, useful and intellectually refreshing for adults.
Senior journalist and poet A.H. Khanzada said that Athar Iqbal has quietly accomplished a commendable task. He remarked that those who know how to keep a language alive—whether Urdu or Sindhi—can capture readers’ interest through the simple and easy use of words. He congratulated Athar Iqbal for nurturing literary tradition and generating reading interest through “Aik Kahawat, Aik Kahani.”
Senior journalist and President KUJ Tahir Hasan Khan said that the era of print media was gradually coming to an end, and in such times, creating interest in books among children is a significant achievement. Commenting on the book, senior journalist and social activist Hasan Imam Siddiqui said that Athar Iqbal has shown great courage by continuing book writing in an era of declining print media.
Lyricist, author and journalist Younus Hamdam, who came from New Jersey, USA, said that Athar Iqbal has rendered valuable service to Urdu literature by prioritizing children’s literature. He added that the book is being appreciated not only by children but also by adults, and its impact has even reached the United States, where he plans to work further on it.
Senior journalist, blogger and scholar Munawar Rajput termed the book a valuable addition to Urdu literature. He said the book teaches adults to be kind towards children while offering meaningful lessons for young readers. He appreciated writers’ efforts and described the work as equally useful for both age groups.
Addressing the ceremony, the author Athar Iqbal said that the purpose of writing the book was to inculcate moral awareness, positive behavior and social values among children through stories. He explained that the combination of stories and proverbs not only makes reading interesting for children but also helps guide them towards good decision-making and character building in practical life. He thanked his team, colleagues and readers for their encouragement.
The event was attended by a large number of personalities from journalism, education, literature, social sectors and the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation. Social and literary figure Shaista Bukhari, senior journalist and film/TV journalist Wasi Qureshi, former Director Deputy Mayor Secretariat KMC Razia Sultana, London-based newscaster and Naat reciter Syed Muhammad Iqbal, along with other speakers, praised the book’s usefulness, style and purpose. They said the book is not only important for children’s training and guidance but also an effective medium for transferring traditional wisdom to the younger generation.
At the end of the ceremony, participants interacted with the author, discussing his literary journey, upcoming books and the need for moral education in children’s curricula. The participants emphasized that such initiatives are commendable for the promotion of intellectual and literary activities in society.
Senior journalists Sabir Ali, Dr. Saeed Usmani, Rana Tahir, photojournalist Syed Athar Hussain, Sohail Sanghi, Aziz Sangu, Ahmed Hasan, Tahir Habib, renowned columnist, short story writer and author Rehan Mahmood Khan, Asif Ahmed Khan, Muhammad Zaman, Muhammad Aamir Siddiqui and others were also present.
The National Book Foundation — under the Federal Ministry of Education — had earlier recognized the book’s literary merit by selecting it twice, in 2000 and 2001, for its Children’s Literature Promotion Scheme competitions. The repeated recognition underscores the book’s significance in promoting high-quality Urdu learning materials for the youth.
Featuring 101 proverb-based stories across more than 300 pages, the book not only enriches children’s vocabulary but also serves as an essential guide for teachers, students, and adults wishing to strengthen their command of the national language.